Smallwood.

[AmericanRover]

All this "Chinese whisper" stuff is what we don't get here in the states, but it does shed some light on some of the ins and outs of the team. I thought Travis was doing well, then nothing. Shame.

I like Smallwood a lot, gives his best every game. But, maybe his best might not be good enough the higher up we go? How come Rothwell isn't playing? Perhaps some player rotations would be good? Oh well, that's why I'm not a manager!

[AucklandRover]

All this "Chinese whisper" stuff is what we don't get here in the states, but it does shed some light on some of the ins and outs of the team. I thought Travis was doing well, then nothing. Shame.

I like Smallwood a lot, gives his best every game. But, maybe his best might not be good enough the higher up we go? How come Rothwell isn't playing? Perhaps some player rotations would be good? Oh well, that's why I'm not a manager!

AR - Rothwell is just a matter of time, but he needs to force his way past the regulars - as do all the other newcomers.
I think there is a danger of "the other side of the hill being greener" in all this, though. Some people are saying Rothwell SHOULD be playing because he's more skilful and creative than the current midfielders. It's probably true, but I'm cautious about the idea that he would automatically improve the team. For instance, how would he have stood up to that Derby first-half onslaught?
Mowbray is a smart operator. To some extent, he's playing the two groups (old and new) against each other - a kind of challenge.
Of course, if Rothwell comes in and doesn't impress, some fans will forget they called for his inclusion and call it bad judgement on Mowbray's part. (Do you read the Lancashire Telegraph Rovers section, AR? There are some real weirdos contributing there! Have a look.)

[champs95]

AR - Rothwell is just a matter of time, but he needs to force his way past the regulars - as do all the other newcomers.
I think there is a danger of "the other side of the hill being greener" in all this, though. Some people are saying Rothwell SHOULD be playing because he's more skilful and creative than the current midfielders. It's probably true, but I'm cautious about the idea that he would automatically improve the team. For instance, how would he have stood up to that Derby first-half onslaught?
Mowbray is a smart operator. To some extent, he's playing the two groups (old and new) against each other - a kind of challenge.
Of course, if Rothwell comes in and doesn't impress, some fans will forget they called for his inclusion and call it bad judgement on Mowbray's part. (Do you read the Lancashire Telegraph Rovers section, AR? There are some real weirdos contributing there! Have a look.)

That's the thing really, in a way I almost give up posting my own thoughts on team selection, as something so clear to me, isn't always the case.
I simply don't see what Conway could bring to our first team? I know for a fact he is a fantastic pro, and very well liked in the dressing room. A huge part of why we have a fantastic team spirit. But a player, I am so confused why he is played, over players like Rothwell, Reed etc who are clearly miles better. But we keep getting results, so you really cant sit there and question it too much?

I agree with Auks, TM is playing a clever game, making the new players play themselves into the side. This creates real completion. The team spirit is immense, and that is something that will give us an advantage in some games. In a tough league, where you play twice a week, all that is needed.
I cant fathom what Conway brings to us, but I am not picking the side. Its very very easy for me to sit here not making any decisions, being critical. I don't have all the facts, nor do I see training everyday.

[AucklandRover]

I think with Bennett not fully fit, TM saw Conway as the closest thing to a natural replacement. He has always been better on the left, however, so it was a bit puzzling. To be honest, I thought Conway should have moved over, with Bennett slipping in to his normal position, and Palmer - who was bypassed in the first half-hour - the one to be taken off.
As you say, though, I am not the manager!