Oh lord, BigDogg, the Trappatoni years...jesus! Anyhow, when when Rovers Ireland tweeted about this my initial reaction was positive. Didn't realise how he was pushing the hill in years though. Makes sense considering he has been around forever. With the caveat of the summer thus far 'as long as he isn't the only bit of business or representative of incomings generally', I wouldn't be entirely against it. Good pro, wise head, doesn't keel over and whimper in adversity. Yeah, bit of that might be alright. Hope he has a map of England in his house so he can find Brockhall for his medical in the event that things get moving.

Ha! Totally. But it wasn't as easy to make a cat-joke about that. As for the Downing rumour: As always I'd be willing to wait and see how he panned out before gorging myself on shock, horror, and outrage, but he really isn't a hugely inspirational name to be linked with.

And he is certainly a bit of a pussy when it comes to crosses and corners.

Different spelling aside, let's just pretend this is a rumour.

It was time. Good for us and a good lad so it seems but time to move on.

Richard Witschge ! Nah - gotta echo the other guys and say Bellamy. That was one hot season. Imagine how mahy he might have gotten if he didn't pick up those injuries? In our memories he was a mainstay in that side but just had a quick look at wikipedia where it states he only made 27 (!) appearances. Pure class for Rovers though. Very good player.

Joining the queue to get egg on my face, but yes. I think it would be a huge error of judgement on Spurs' part if Kane were to start.

Thin Lizzy - Thunder and Lightning

Given how your Americanised spelling of 'defence' caused such a farrago, I am styrrggking to imagine what is going to happen with this monstrosity.

At this point of the (almost) close season, I am willing to look at this retained list as a sign of pragmatism from the management. we don't know what terms Conway, Leutweiler, or Rodwell have been offered. Who is to say the 'talks' will end with fresh contracts? That said - the rousing interview given to BBC Lancs has the potential to fester in a steaming heap if it isn't followed up with decisive action in the market. It is far too early to call at this point in time, but I do recall similar brave words turning to ash during the last summer window.

Yeah, it is clear that a lot of effort goes into the running and maintenance of this place. It has become part of my daily internet ritual since discovering it in 2011. Cheers to all involved. ?

Same here. I have a huge affection for the great mid 90s Ajax side. would love to see their current lot lift the trophy.

Just reading the last few pages. Is it fair to say that a lot of you think we'll have no trouble holding onto Dack this summer? I still have the feeling that his situation will comprise the lion's share of drama in the coming months.

His apparent inability to sleep would prove problematic over the course of a season.

Could you imagine Dickov doing that? I would love to see some hardy, bolshy lads signed up over the summer and spread throughout the team.

You forgot 'ffs'. It's 'Trust Tony, FFS'!

As long as it wasn't out the back garden with her in her knickers this board will be safe to read for a little while more.

Absolutely correct. They've been what seemed to be the right track before, and then...damn. Sobering post there, Mattyblue.

Marquis is my dream boy! ? I think, you, me and ChrisPrice'sBaldspot have been banging that drum for a long time!

Marquis! ? Nah...I'd be thrilled with Starman and Gallagher. But if BA is in...whew!

Rovers ruin Christmas. I travel home once a year. Spent the 26th at my brother's house. Lovely food, lovely family...the works. He's a lifelong Leeds fan. Sickening.

I'd imagine effective coaching, a coherent system, and a settled club behind the scenes helped enormously. He never had the chance to show his best at Rovers. Hardly anyone flourished in that era.

Wake me up before he go go!

"He who fights with Chaddys should be careful lest he thereby become a Chaddy. And if thou gaze long into a Chaddy, the Chaddy will also gaze into thee". Graeme Souness - Beyond Good and Evil, 1886.

Dunno about nativity, but the loose marking on Saturday was certainly an early Christmas gift.