Well, shortly after he left Ewood, rovers fans were treated to watching possibly the best attacking team ever to grace Ewood park, certainly in living memory. That side was unbelievably good at times, beating the likes of a great spurs side 7-2 at home and an excellent West Ham team team 8-2 away from home.

In fairness I can see where you are coming from, but I was sure that the best attacking side was prior to this date. Was it not from the era of the early to mid 1950s.

In fairness we were playing in the old Division Two, but you still have to be able to perform at a high level to record our biggest victory (9-0 vs Middlesbrough) along with other notable scalps 8-3 vs Bristol Rovers, 7-2 vs Doncaster. It was our own inconsistancy that cost us promotion on a few seasons, but who will be able to forget the attacking players who made it into the Ewood folklore Tommy Briggs, Eddie Crossan, Bryan Douglas, Eddie Quigley who during 1954-55 season the team scored over 100 league goals.

In the other ear you suggested of course we had players on top of their game with Andy McEvoy, Fred Pickering and Mike England notching up a huge tally of goals and ensured Spurs and West Ham to heavy defeats in the 1963 season but again another inconsistant run, especially at the end of the season ensured that a higher position was reached.

When the team did actually did get relegated, 5 years later, the biggest problem was the Polio epidemic that swept through Blackburn, leaving the club stranded at the bottom of the first division and facing a relegation battle from the first fixture.

So I'm not convinced that his stories about the training not being up to scratch were true. Having said that, the average fitness of a Pro football player in those days, was a mile behind what it is now - but that was at every club, not just Rovers.

Thats more than a fair fact that the Polio epidemic that broke out in Blackburn had a huge affect on the team causing a few games to be postponed and had to be played at a later date during the season and possibly the main reason why the club got relegated.

However as you said you weren't convinced about the stories about training and the fact that it was the same story with the rest of the clubs. In fairness a lot of clubs would have had to train on parks with money not available, but I would find it hard to believe that they would have limited the team to just two training sessions a week.

This is of course just one side to the story, but it was to do with his opinion that he had to move on, but still had fond memories of the club. He never lowered himself and to belittle the club when he left and continued to give 100% to whatever club he played for.

- - -

Apologies for getting a tad defensive here, but I'm only going on what my opinions are and also on what I believe to be true in my own mind. At the end of the day this was here to dedicate this thread to a former Rover and hopefully this is what has been done.

RIP Doog.

Did it ever come out why he did it?

I managed to take a look over his autobiography which was published in 1975 era. He stated that he still got answered that question 10 years since the final (and possibly until even this year i would expect) and he can't give an explanation as to why he timed it as he did. He added that he got injured in the game prior to the final and maybe shouldn't have played and admitted this had an affect on his game.

He did state that when he joined Blackburn, he then started to become the outspoken character and rebelled against decisions that he didn't agree to. However, as I've stated before he became increasingly unhappy during the latter time at Ewood, especially as the club were training part-time on two evenings a week. These sessions were basically only laps around the park and the players had to work off the cuff and instinct on all matchdays, as they didn't go through any of this.

He just felt to be a full-time professional it just wasn't up to his standards the way he viewed the way the club was run. In his own opinion there were men in charge who shouldn't have been and the club went through two managers during his two and a half year spell and knew the club were soon going to find themselves facing relegation if these people were in charge.

He never went into any names, but the club unfortunately did get relegated to Division Two during the 1965-66 season. 'Doog' moved to Villa and failed to settle in and made it a succession of an approximate two seasons with his first three clubs and matched that with moves to Peterborough and Leicester, but still managed to average out with a goal every two games.

He then moved to Wolves in 1967 at the age of 29 and stayed with them as a player for over eight seasons scoring 123 goals in 323 appearances, helping the midlands club clinch promotion from the Second Division in his first season.

I for one an truly saddened to hear the passing of Derek Dougan. He was a true legend to the world of soccer and I'm really proud of his achievements as a player.

He played an important role in the history of Blackburn Rovers and his goals helped Rovers to the final of the FA Cup and also ensured that we never got relegated when we were dicing with danger, with many people stating that we were concentrating on the great cup run at this time.

On Monday morning 'Doog' suffered a massive heart-attack and attempts to resuscitate the former Northern Ireland International failed before the ambulance crew arrived. I attended a 25th anniversary for the members of Northern Irelands World Cup squad from 1982 that evening and a silence was held for the popular player. In attendance were Noel Brotherston's parents as they were part of the VIP party along with Billy Bingham, Gerry Armstrong, Norman Whiteside and John McClelland amongst others, with them all speaking highly of him.

In the end of Derek's time at Blackburn he became unhappy at the club and how it was run. He has stated that training was basically laps around the park and the club seemed to be hugely disorganised. He then wanted to leave and asking for it on the eve of the final certainly didn't do anyone any favours. Not getting into any arguments, but loosing it certainly can't be blamed on one single person who got us there at the end of the day.

Condolences to his sons Alexander and Nicholas, his partner Merlyn Humphries and the rest of his family circle. Football has lot a genuine character and a super football and I will remember the fond memories of the player and person he was. RIP 'Doog'.

As for me, no respect for the bloke.

If you possess comments like these, it's best keeping them to yourself as a mark of respect to someone who gave 100% to the club. I for one will respect the dead especially 'Doog'. He was one of us and it was brace in the semi's against Sheffield Wednesday that secured our passage in the final.

At the moment, my main acts that I want to see are:

• Snow Patrol

• Razorlight

• The Fratellis

• Mundy

Anyone seen any of these?

I will probably be shot, but heres the main ones who I've seen already.

• Robbie Williams (absolute class act and true entertainer) x3 occasions

• Brian Adams x2 occasions

• Top Loader

• Stereophonics

• Ocean Colour Scene

• Mel C (yes, but she was very good all those years ago)

• Beautiful South

• Ash

• Doves

• Eagle Eye Cherry

• Macy Gray

• Moby

• Nickelback

• Counting Crows

• The Charlatans

• Kelly Osborne (support act who was the worst I've ever seen)

I too remember! I logged on to teletext (my god, was it that long ago?!) and the banner headline was "Blackburn to sign top British Defender". My immediate thought was Campbell and if you had asked me to name 20 "top British defenders", Dailly wouldn't even have crossed my mind!

I remember that day as well.

Walking down from school I tried to convince my mates that Rovers had pulled off a decent enough coup. Like we paid £5million and it will show his worth.

I knew I hadn't a leg to stand on and was getting ribbed for that comment big time. Was going to give him the benefit of the doubt, but brutal signing!!

MH will do want is best for the club, and to date he has done a very very good job, so relax fellow members have a great summer and leave it in MH hands

I'm with Des on this one, so relax lads and ladettes.

As American mentioned, a dozen or so of us sat round a table in Sam Platt's after the game

Thanks for the invite!!

Must have been the booze : Warnock had a terrible game.

The tablets in the 'Oakside Nursing Home' must have ruined your sight man.

Best get out while you maybe have a wee bit of sense left, even if it's nonsense.

Former Academy player Pete McCann has moved from Glentoran to Lisburn Distillery in the Irish League.

He wasn't getting enough games with the Glens, so he's now playing for Distillery, who are still just inside the top half of the Carnegie Irish Premier League. Peter is now currently studying Sports Science at Bangor.

Jimmy Corbett has just signed for Folkstone Invicta and is working part-time in Boots by London Bridge.

Looks more like a drunken Brickie to me!!

Is that a bottle of Buckie he has?

Well done Bentley and Derbyshire.....two Rovers lads who did England proud today.

Absolutely superb.

Great stuff to mark the New Wembley!! Lets hope they'll be back there in the next 2 months!!!

Discontent in the Whammers dressing room.... here's Lucash's take on it

Rift?..... What Rift?

I saw the interview with him on Sky Sports.

He's still hopeful of staying up but it will be a tough ask and basically said that they find themselves in this position because of inexperience. He said it's up to ol' fellas like him to bring the younger players on. Like sorry Lucas, but what the feck have you basically achieved in your life. In fairness you gave us five good seasons, but it's not as if you're a world beater or someone that a younger player can look upon you as an icon.

The yellow-bellies in Sky Sports, didn't have the guts to ask him was he there for the long haul. Would have been nice to see his reaction to that one. Good luck in the El' Championship next season.

but has anyone been watching Pongolle's performances in Spain? He's driving spanish defenses mad!

Let him stay there. Never really cut it for me as a striker.

However, back on track with Shabani, then I would love to see him stay. His market value would be around £2-3 million and that would be a good piece of business. He initially hit the scene pretty well, but went through a moment of playing in the wilderness. He has a decent enough understanding with Benni and think he's a fecking brilliant replacement for Shefki. He's a good target man with a cute eye for goal.

However, I still feel we've yet to see Mr Roberts kick into full action this season and believe you me, he will do it soon enough. Would love to see him start against the likes of West Ham, Watford and Charlton. We've some big games coming up and we now need to improve vastly on our goal difference as it could end up costing us a place.

I would love that in a frame hanging in my house nect to my 94-95 shirt signed by Flowers, Hendry, Gallagher and Super Atko

Cocker, the top is alright with the signature, but not the best.

I feel that if the top was signed by the entire or vast majority of the team who won promotion from the 'Division 1' or indeed the 'Worthington Cup' team then it would be more valuable with memories close to the heart. I've got a nice wee one signed by the squad with their 1st year back in the 'Premiership' and also another one from the Worthington Cup side, which includes the lapels on the sleeves as well as the embroidery on the chest.

So back to the story, where is Matty at the moment? Is he training with the w***y wanderers still?

I don't think it was for purely financial reasons. OK, it was a free transfer and he's probably on low wages but, I think that Rovers gave him a genuine chance to get his career back on track with us and if it didnt work out (as it hasn't) then yeah, loan him out. We don't loose either way and the guy gets a fair crack of the whip.

Good luck to Franny and maybe a Championship team is more suited to him. He just doesn't offer enough at the top level.

I'm in agreement Mancs.

No way did Rovers' sign him to cash in on him. Hughes has played with him upfront at Everton and knew his potential and was probably hopeful of getting him back on track. I still think he can do and perhaps provide the same level of service as 'Shefki the Farmer', but could me more composed in front of goal.

Good to see Jeffers done well.

Can be a useful enough substitute, but as a few of you have said maybe Garner may be ahead of him in the pecking order next season. If Jeffers on loan for the season or is it just a month???

As far as I'm aware, I think that Matty is training with Bolton, but has not been issued with a Senior Squad number.

Surely it shouldn't be that hard to get a club for a player of his calibre. Certainly at the worst he would be a top Division 1 player.

Sorry he also signed on 31st January 2007.

I still get annoyed about that and the Gerald Ashby decision to send off Berg for tackling Lee Sharpe in the corresponding fixture. At least Grabbi had a few good moments - the equaliser v Liverpool, the cross for Yorke's goal at Bolton and I think he scored a good un v Everton. Clutching at straws here!

I agree Manc Rover.

In fairness he did end up costing us a few points and a heck of a lot of money, but he always tried to give his all. When chatting to Shorty one day, he said he was a very talented player, but way down on confidence. He had a lethal shot on him as well. Never forget another effort in the Everton game that cannoned off the bar.

Let's not forget his 2nd goal for the club.

A delightful finish inside the box. I remember going mad in a bar when he scored. Thought he had turned the corner for us!!

And his header against the Scousers. Truely delighteful with only a few minutes remaining.

CURRENT TIMES:-

As Florida reported Ciccio hasn't managed a start for Arezzo, but with further insight into their player profiles, then neither have any of their player for that matter.

Done a quick check and found that he's wearing squad number 5 and definitely hasn't started any of their games. Arezzo are currently languishing bottom of the league scoring 20 goals in 25 games.

eddie/groo

unlike someone else who won silverware.........

hughes wont be tapped by utd they will go INTERNATIONAL and Big name for sure...but I remember when we signed him we were all resigned to losing him to utd if he did good tho.

Well Mr Souness was also a success in my own honest opinion.

It would be great for United to go International and look elsewhere, but they will be making a 'hughes' mistake. At the end of teh day he also has experience on the International front as both a player and manager. He brough Wlaes from the doledrums and left them with an exciting future, only for John Toshack to feck things up for them.

I was actually surprised over Christmas to talk to some United fans who didn't even consider Hughes to be in the running. They thought he wasn't nearly a big enough name and that when Ferguson goes that it is most likely that a foreign manager will be brought in.

Eddie, this was the case with me about a year ago when several Utd fans said he was too inexperienced.

This is Hughes' main ambition to move to Old Trafford. He's done a fantastic job with the limitations he has. He's brought Gamst, Tugay, Bentley and Benni onto levels we wouldn't really have expected. The signings in Nelsen, Bellamy, Savage and Bentley were amongst the best buys in the Premiership.

My feeling is, that he has done all that he can do with Rovers. An average crowd of approx. 21,000, a top 6 placing in the league, x2 semi-finals. I think he is starting to bang his head against the brick wall with the injuries, over-priced players and our brilliant run that came to an end against rock-bottom Watford.

I would really loathe the day that Mr Hughes' leaves our beloved Ewood Park, but will never forget the work he has done for us. Not only did he play an important role for us winning promotion to the Premiership and helping us win the Worthington Cup with his role in midfield. Mr Hughes ia a very intelligent and astute manager, who seems to be a great motivator for all the lads who work under him, I feel he's gone at the end of next season.

A legend, who has graced both the pitch and sidelines of Ewood.

Current realistic captain standing as of 25/01/07

1. Brad Friedel

(currently available)

2. Tugay

(close to full fitness)

3. David Dunn

(close to full fitness)

4. Ryan Nelsen

(available in about 1-2 weeks after returning from injury)

5. Andy Todd

(available in about 1-2 weeks after returning from injury)

- - - - - - - - - - - -

Andre Ooijer

(out for remainder of the season)

Steven Reid

(out for remainder of the season)

Robbie Savage

(out for remainder of the season)

One of my favourites, if not my favourite.

When you are on the topic of past players being booed.

I was disgusted that Alan Shearer was booed by quite a large minority when we defeated Newcastle 5-2 that day and also when Shearer went on to score his 300th and 301st career goals that day. After all he done for us, I was really disappointed by this.

In fairness if it was a small minority that you could barely hear you would get over it, but for it to come from all four sides of the stadium was very, very sad. A true professional who done a hell of a lot for Rovers was a disgrace that day.

Garner goes on loan.

Fantastic news for the lad.

Was planning to get a Reserves game at some stage this season, but haven't had the chance and have to settle for U18's vs Bolton in February. Would love for this move to work out for him and would be ideal for him to experience and hopefully prove in his own mind that he's too good for Division 1.

Carlisle are pushing for a promotion place to the Championship and also have former Rovers' keeper Anthony Williams in between the sticks. Good luck and hopefully you'll do the same as Gally and Derbyshire done last season.

I may be wrong but imo warnock is a poorer player than Neill and more injury prone.

I think Warnock is equal in terms of defending ability.

Very resolute in tackle, but lacks a slight wee bit of experience and communication but that wil only come with age. Going forward Warnock is very promising, but would say that Lucas excells with this attribute. In fairness Warnock seems to be more injury prone and I stuggle to name an injury when Lucas spent more than 3 weeks on the sidelines.

I think the only real substantial period of time away, was when the club allowed him extra leave after returning from the World Cup. As biased as it seems, I would like to see Baird sign as a replacement to right back. He can also slide into centre-half and as a anchor man in midfield very successfully. Mark my words, if we don't sign him then you will see him progress onto another club in 2 years and become a highly-rated defender in the Premisership (if he avoids injury).

Hey Brownine, not sure if we can trust you on this one considering your recent rack record.

Agreed.

Some things you have to take with a pinch of salt.