IT was bleakly ironic that, as the chants for Owen Coyle to voluntarily undo all ties with the club grew in volume, one of his substitutes Hope Akpan fed another- Marvin Emnes - and Rovers had a late, perhaps undeserved in this occasion, winner.

You'd think that Coyle would have finally been vindicated, were it not for the plain evidence that this was merely a case of him finally doing his job and it was 10,000 supposedly know-nowt fans who had been shown to be justified.

A few media sources - some borderline 'click-bait' - firstly linked Connor Mahoney with a loan move to Barnsley, then post-window, a permanent transfer for a nominal fee when he is out of contract in the summer.

Any hopes that Rovers have for the future lies with making quality footballers out of the raw youth we possess. That is only going to happen if the likes of Ryan Nyambe, Darragh Lenihan and Mahoney are given sufficient match time.

If I had Connor Mahoney's ear I would remind him that he should choose to stay as he'll far outlast Mr Coyle.

The main reason new contracts aren't being offered yet is perhaps because the next manager may not want some of those contending for new deals.

The persistent rumours that some young players aren't being played as they may ask for a larger wage once they convince all that they are first-team material, or because they may be due a new contract, may now be put to bed as surely Mahoney will play at least a cameo role until the end of the season. His half-hour proved that his dead-ball skills are excellent, his vision of passing was admirable, his maturity on the ball betrayed his years and if he can't defend too brilliantly yet; well he's not alone in that side.

If a crucial victory is to be attained at Rotherham then players who can change games must be introduced pre-emptively not as a reactionary measure.

The drive of Charlie Mulgrew, matched with speed and impetus on both wings should create enough chances to win the game.

A loss must mean the end for Coyle.