So in my opinion, as it stands, we have a stronger starting eleven than this time last season.

If previous seasons tell us anything, it isn't necessarily the subs in a fully fit squad that are the problem, it's when we hit the Christmas flurry of fixtures and we lose a few to injury. The current squad is nowhere near the depth required to keep this up over a season. However, if VI can get them up to the right sort of fitness levels it may work for the first few months at least.

Absolute crock - has cost him a PL job I think.

He said that we are open to another centre back without committing to saying we will get one, mentioning priorities. We really do need one. Carter is unfortunately a sick note who cant be relied upon.

I like Wharton a lot, but Id be really surprised if he can hold down a place. So injury prone, and as others have said , hes one of those defenders who has a regular unforced error in him without the pace to recover. Shame as he is good in the air, has a decent left foot and is Rovers through and through. Hope he proves me wrong.

Matchplay starts this weekend at Blackpool. Littler obviously red hot favourite but should be competitive all the way through, with it being the top 16 in the world and then the next top 16 from the pro tour over the last 12 months. Everyone here on achieved merit over a long period.

They are only words and ultimately it’s a results business and will be judged on the pitch but Vals interviews to date have been excellent l. Open honest and to the point

I find Dubois is a hard guy to like. He is just character-less. Not too fussed who wins tbh.

Anyone regularly watch the U21s and able to say how close or not Atcheson is from being able to cover on the bench or for a few games?

Red and black again. There’s a whole palette out there.

Thought Wharton was excellent today- great to see him back! Travis & Trondstadt are a great duo and need keeping together. Cantwell looks sharper. Hedges was Hedges.. Toth looked good. Kargbo needs a longer contract. How big Gueye! Looks double the size of everyone on the pitch!

Not just our approach to the game, which worked very well, but our academy clearly has a lot to give to Ismael and the senior squad. Something to be proud of as a Rovers supporter.

1 nil Goal here

Feeling very encouraged by what I've read on this forum today. Excited for the season now.

Lads a liability, we need another CB that's for sure.

Can the team sustain that effort with a max of 5 subs though?

Ah I see Carters cramp wasn't cramp.

Thought he was very good today. Confidently came claimed a cross (caught the bloody thing as well) early in the second half, which Pears would have flapped/tried to punch. Also thought that save from the cross-shot was excellent as well.

I came onto the message board hoping to see the final score Rovers V Everton...................Have the club banned the revealing of the score ............ Why no mention just loads of weird comments ?

We had a halved away kit 2 seasons ago didn't we?

True, and especially in terms of sell-on value, you're absolutely correct.

Not entirely certain, and correct me if I'm wrong. Didn't you say "it's time for him to step up"? That doesn't sound like you suggested he's ready for the first team at all. More like a demand!

For anyone who has seen both friendlies so far it's clear that Ismael has a plan and it appears the players have generally bought into it. High intensity pressing from a fit, athletic team is what we can expect I think (and this is something Ismael has spoken openly about) which is reminiscent of Tomasson's style with perhaps not as much unnecessary passing. I enjoyed todays match and we counted eight Academy graduates playing by the end. Cantwell stood out for me and looked a different player with a pre season behind him. There were lots of other good performances too although primarily this was about fitness and sharpness. I know these are only friendlies but some of my fears have been allayed and hopefully the other signings will improve us and maybe another addition or two to give us more depth.