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Bellingham can change a game though a must for me. Thought they were very organised a d systematic last night against a better 'non contender' Just have to do it against the big teams. Madueke was brilliant last night, must be nice to watch a player like him week in week out

Am I right in saying there’s no excuses for Ismael not to do well. He’s said this team is better than last season

I would be amazed if it did, he hasn't had one training session at Rovers yet Pressing triggers are hugely important to Ismael, which are difficult (if not impossible) to teach in a day or 2 Cameo off the bench for Gudjohnsen this weekend, and integrate him properly over the next week, rather than "hanging him out to dry" (like Henriksson on his debut)

Always interesting in these circumstances where big names like Saka and Bellingham have been out - do they come straight back in when fit or do Morgan Rodgers and Maduke keep their place? Tells you a lot about the manager. I think every manager we have had in the last 30 years would go back to the big names. I reckon Tuchel might be different. Good in Anderson and Wharton we have two technical central midfielders coming through. Havent had one since Carrick (apart from the odd appearance by the likes of Harry Winks who was nowhere good enough) and its really shown. The big gap england has imo compared to other top nations is we just never have that clever dominating hub player like Kroos, Xavi, Pirlo etc. Not saying either will be as good, but at least we have some options in that area rather than playing two physical players like we were with Henderson, Connor Gallagher and Phillips. Rice is such a good foil for a technical player too, covers all the ground and gets forward. Bellingham is a bit of an issue for me - hes the quintessential big name, but doesn't seem to work at all with Kane, and has had few good games for England. Would we have played so well with him in? Personally I doubt it.

So it was a complete and utter waste of time asking that question then wasn’t it. You don’t necessarily qualify as a fan just by following a Facebook page or a Twitter account. The issue is the club have made putting out surveys on these platforms their entire “engagement” strategy and are dodging all the recommend and mandated forums for fans to ask meaningful questions of ownership and senior management. The questions “selected” weren’t even close to middle of the road.

Well Gudjonen exciting - first real positive of the season. I think that goal will propel him straight into the starting lineup. Id revise my team to Toth Alebiouso. Carter. Wharton. Riberio Tronstad. Cantwell Ohashi. Morishita. Hedges Gudjonsen If Carter is fit, Cantwell can play deeper, and Gudjonsen and Morishita follow through on their promise then it might actually be a decent team. Lots of ifs! But at least something to stimulate a bit of hope.

Saw the highlights this morning, looks like we played very well. I think we've got some very good players, but compared to the very top nations, I think we're slightly behind them. I really rate Guehi, but I would agree that Konsa, whilst a very good player, isn't world class. We've got real depth in some positions, but not as much in others, so it would take us over-achieving and having a favourable draw to go the distance at the next World Cup. But, that's absolutely achievable and can be done.

Damian Rice - The Animals Were Gone

The most interesting thing from the video I think was that Ismael is totally on board with the clear out. He said we have four central defenders, which is enough. He included Miller, who he said is thee perfect modern centre back (has he ever played more than a couple of games in a 2?) and even when questioned on the injuries of Wharton and Carter still thought we had enough. I would think most people would disagree with him but if it goes wrong it is on him now and if he claims he is happy with that and the squad I will judge him on what he does with it. I would have initially given him more leeway and understanding but not now. I'm not surprised Rudy allowed and answered the question on the training ground atmosphere as I think he wants to get ahead of it and quash the rumours but I was surprised he went into specifics like denying the arm covering thing. Of course it is just an in house puff piece but I thought those two things were interesting.

@Herbie6590 Many thanks for your help. @USABlue Let me know what you think pal.

C’mon, no-one should answer that, it’s like saying which of your kids you prefer! Like it or not, the views prevalent on here are not held by the majority of Rovers fans: the Facebook crowd are at the other end of the spectrum and the majority are neither, but they are all Rovers fans. Following live commentary on an Indian court case can hardly be described as mainstream. The questions were always going to be middle of the road.

And why is left-back a concern. Livramento Lewis-skelly and Lewis hall have all been excellent options at left-back over the last year

I think we've got the best options we've had in years

They arent top class. Guehi is the better of the 2, but hes not a top class defender. Konsa is a good Premier League player. Left back is possibly the biggest concern. Ultimately they werent tested too much against a very defensive Serbian side. Wharton has played 1 international friendly. We know he has potentiala nd ability but he has to prove that he is "made for international football." Anderson has more to prove too. And left wing. Grealish has been out in the cold for years, has started well at Everton but its 2 games. Gordon very hit and miss for me. Madueke better on the right. The problem is, you always will say that England players are better than they are. Obviously we do have some very good players, and ultimately its subjective. But I think the current set of England players is down a level from previous tournaments due to key defensive players aging/being past their best and out in the cold, and there are imbalances. Wouldnt have us as a serious contender to win it personally.

Owen also eventually stated in the fans forum fiasco that he didn’t believe it was possible to become a sustainable club and remain in the Championship. Not sure he’s 100% “aligned”.

It’s even worse than that. All 3 of them refused to answer one of the incredible soft ball questions - they wouldn’t commit to which signing they were most excited by. Although Ismael did trot out the Scott Wharton is like a new signing cobblers.

I sent a question in under the name ‘Tony Vukes’ which was an anagram of ‘Venkys Out’. I was hoping they would read the whole name out, but instead they just said it was from ‘Tony’ 🤣 I asked an easy question as I thought it would be easier to get the anagram out there 🤣 So I’m presuming the other questions were genuinely sent through the form as they answered my question.

Ghuei and konsa are quality. Anderson and Wharton are both made for international football. Grealish Gordon and possibly madueke on the left with saka on the right. I don't understand why you don't think konsa and ghuei are top class. Ghuei could have any club in Europe in the summer

Very good performance that tonight, credit where credit is due. Onwards and Upwards.

Recently had a vasectomy. Still felt some discomfort around two weeks later, Doctor checked me out and everything is fine. But I need underwear with better ball support, as the tenderness is when the bag decides to be a little loose rather than tightened up. Anyone had experience of this and what type is best? I currently just wear boxers, whatever was cheapest in TK Maxx, I’m not fussy. But wondered if anyone had suggestions. Make as many ball jokes as you like!

The body language from Ismael and Owen when discussing “an uncomfortable environment in training ground”

Ismael (and I'm assuming gestede) is claiming that the squad is better than last season, where we finished 7th. A decent press would be hitting him with this quote quite regularly, let's see if he's allowed to get away with it. As for the rest, it was a fan re-education piece presented as fan engagement. I'm at a real low in my engagement with the club. Rudy and suhail (trying to go back in the shadows) have reduced me to withdrawing ant financial support for the club.

Defence, left wing, holding midfield. Question marks across all those positions, both in terms of quality and who will play. Tonight was an excellent performance against a limited side, we blew them away, but its important to not get too carried away, same as on the flip side where we call for a change of manager after scraping past minnows in Andorra. We will learn very little from such a poor group in which weve essentially already qualified.

I thought he was doing a sponsored silence for the first 20 minutes 🤣

Surely 😉