Hound,
I admit my opinions are based on my recent research and from that I rate O'Brien as one hell of a tyrant. I would like to see the board stand up and get a good deal for the club but that remains to be seen.

I will probably take a philosophical approach and just accept what will be will be just as Donaldo said “there is little we can do”. I would be happy with the regime as it stands and living within our means but I think things are going to change with a total commitment for the big time if he takes over. We still have 7 days before its back to normal, its going to be one hell of a season and a new chapter in the history of Donny opens. Will it be good or bad I certainly don't know.

Tomorrow will be a new dawn!!!

The Mirror seems to think we already have Given for the new season on loan then why is he not training with the team?
The article goes on to say that Steven Ireland is on his way as well. It makes sense to take them on loan but is it accurate reporting?

It won't be long now just 7 days before we will definitely find out what is happening.

Wellens was training at Cantley Park yesterday

According to the Free Press Online, the owners met yesterday to consider revised terms from the Irish consortium and apparently a decision is imminent. They (the Free Press) believe that if the deal is agreed, that a number of signings will happen quickly, including Wellens, Billy, Given (Loan) and Ireland (Loan). How reliable this information is remains to be seen.

I think we have all learnt to be a little sceptical with newspaper reports!

I think there is a distinction to be made between the local press and the national popular daily papers. Local journalists are closer to their sources and to their readers and I do not think that they gain anything by inventing stories, so they are generally more reliable. So this latest report is probably worth taking seriously.

What is slightly disturbing is the reference to “takeover negotiations” which compares with the description earlier in the article of “investment deal” which is more consistent with previous reports.

A “takeover” would be very worrying.

If I was investing £20m in Rovers I think I would want control. Hence it's likely to be a takeover in that sense. What the make up of the new board will be we will have to wait and see if some or all of the existing ones stay including JR. Bongani Khumalo, centre back, on trial this Saturday against Bradford

Young Dicky says on the BBC that he has not asked Villa about Ireland's availability.

Paul Goodwin says the agreement is close but may not be settled till middle of next week.

Sounds like one director, Bramall?, holding things up. If its a bad decision for the club well done Mr Bramall.

Bit late to bring in players then isn't it, 3 days before season starts. if transfers are suspended till things are finalised, then some players may go the way MVOTO did. 4 still left to sign, bet they do if nobody comes in for them, just like Keegan.

Pity the directors cannot give us this information themselves. PD has never referred to the negotiations and the OS interviewer never presses him on anything.

Question:"How is the recruitment of a new goalkeeper going?" Answer: "It's going really well." No further questions... How ridiculous!

He then tells Radio Sheffield that they are interested in Given which must have been ongoing when he spoke to the OS. Having established that he asked Southampton about Sharp two weeks ago and with only a week before the new season starts, no one thinks to ask him why he has not followed it up, what was their response etc.

These people may have a job of interviewer, but obviously they do not have any desire to actually get proper answers to their questions.

It's not their fault Donaldo, if PD has been told what he can say then that is all he can say.

We have a situation in Milwaukee at the moment with our "Star Man", having been suspended for 65 games( to the end of the season) for taking performance enhancing drugs.

There are about 20 other players to be investigated as well and therefore he (Ryan Braun), has been told he cannot make any statements, apologies etc until he is told he can.

Different scenario perhaps, but the same outcome, you can ask, but I won't say anything.

Been away a week and nothing has changed at DRFC

Welcome back, ionly, I will phone you shortly, I will be home soon.