I actually think it was quite smart given how it's panned out. Had he been naff, low risk. It's not like a loan where the player was returning to their club. Had we given Forshaw a 2.5 year or even 1.5 year contract, it'd be (rightly) said to be poor business. With Yuri, we've essentially had a trial period before committing.

I'm pretty sure these days it's standard to have promotion/relegation clauses so salaries would probably change accordingly in either scenario

Unfortunately I think to most that would just come across as 'shit fanbase' 'stadium too big for them' etc. something more explicit and large would be needed to capture attention. Banners would probably be removed. Perhaps a group going, front row of the JW with a letter on each t shirt spelling "Waggott out" or Suhail or Venkys etc.

Have we had a shot on target or chance of note in the second half? Can't recall one and that is shocking when a goal down and against one of the teams towards the bottom. Add that to the performances since Swansea, the new year spiral is well and truly in bloom.

Disagree. He's given the ball away repeatedly and been petulant trying to get it back. Unfortunately he doesn't suit the rest of the team. Might do well in a team that dominates possession and keeps pressure on the opposition.

I fully agree that next season would be the one to try some sort of 'gimmick' to give ST sales a shot in the arm. But I also recognise there is a commercial aspect and the LT report highlights the cost across the division, which will encompass a broad range of local economics. It's a difficult balance for the club

Interesting article in the LT on ST prices across the division. Rovers pretty much have the cheapest or one of the cheapest offerings in each category. It doesn't take away from a missed opportunity re the anniversary year, but the conclusion I get is football at this level, like many concerts, is pricing a lot of working class people out

Suppose the only positive this year is getting them on sale early, compared to previous years. Might give them time to re-think the pricing when sales plunge. So little imagination to the pricing or anniversary, merely being used as the basis of their marketing. Shame.

If they want to play on the anniversary, whilst having a commercial eye, go with £150 concessions and £187.50 for adults

Trying to be constructive about recent games, it's evident both Carter and Hyam play much better with someone more senior alongside them. The difference Batth makes especially to Hyam is night and day. Was also very telling today that I didn't hear a single player shouting. Maybe he was exceptionally loud but I remember when Paul Robinson was in goal you heard him from first to last whistle, organising the team even if we had possession

Admittedly it was earlier. However after today, if I were you I would keep my account unable to buy tickets.

5/10.

Not left ewood so early before. Acd makes markanday look like Messi

I had no issue buying online. Contact the club (during the week) and they should be able to look into it.

On Saturday I hope he reverts to 433. Trav, Tronstad and Buckley in the middle. Gueye with Ohashi and Dennis narrow. Sod playing the ball up, dribbling - lump it into the box and get to the second balls for 90 mins. It'll be a damn sight more threatening than the last 3 games.

Awful. No cohesion and no effort. For 1.5 games we've been outplayed and out fought by teams fighting for their place in the league. We don't have the intensity of a side trying to push for the top 6.

I'm not signed up to it but the headline is interviews being conducted in London

Kevin MacDonald as coach.

Nixon saying Richie Wellens has joined the short list

Curious as to why we refuse to name Derby? Can slightly understand it with the first statement if there is some confidentiality clause in contracts, but given he's gone, are they just being spiteful by not naming them?

Criticism of Gally is fully understandable but not hard working? Surely not. He ran himself into the ground, he just wasn't a good goal scorer.

That was a well needed reminder that for all the sh!t which can be going on at manager, board and owner level, the lads who pull on the shirt can still make the biggest difference. And for some stick aimed at Lowe earlier in the day - the guy has a 100% win rate, I believe?! Good on him and the staff who took the team. Can't have been an easy couple of days.

You say that but look what had happened to performances without Travis and Tronstad. Brittain is in the running for player of the season, JRC barely looks to be in any sort of running when he's at right back. Whether or not Eustace would want them at Derby is another matter.

Someone on Facebook has challenged me on the investment stance. Says we have spent £5m due to the wages of the players we have brought in and that until we sold Wharton and Szmods, we were strictly limited to paying £10k a week. Tried to highlight Gally, Trav, Szmods, Kaminski were likely on more than that, but this is how some fans view the club. Bring in £35m+ in fees, and this is the best we should expect to go out.