Auks, I've been having a think about this.
I don't think Travis will go out. If you notice, he played Tues. And is featuring in games now. He is very much more of the first team. While he's a real prospect. Let's try see it from TM's pov.
He played him the other night. He did very well. He gave their goal away. I've seen most of Smallwoods games since he came to Ewood live. Not once has he cost us a goal. And it's Smallwood position he is vying for. Not Evans. For me he is our most important player. And the reason we aren't conceeding goals.
Smallwood ultimately will lose his place, as the pace is just too fast for him. Yesterday, while playing well, it also passed him by. I thought the same last week. But the guy simply won't let us down. Travis is still very raw. Good, but raw. Sent off last season, cost us a goal the other night. Now, he needs to play more, to stop making those mistakes. But he isn't a starter yet. Next season, he will first name on the team sheet. It's all about good management. When to play these lads.


And still worth remembering this. On the pitch at the end of the Millwall game we had Raya, Nyambe, Travis, Lenihan all from our own academy on the pitch. All as good as anyone in this league. How many other clubs have so many home grown players in their first team? Doing as well as we are.

I just find that is barley mentioned, when discussing these things. We aren't exactly holding players back.

The reason I firmly believe we are going to sign Brereton is Mowbray thinks he's easily a £25m striker we are getting for a bargin at only £9m and 19. Imagine our forward line? And options? Mouth-watering is the word!!!