This situation is going to test MH's man-management skills! He will be doing a bit of straight talking no doubt. At the start of the season, Mr Roversmum said, with disappointment, that he had hoped the squad would return looking fitter, however, it seemed that they had regressed rather than progressed. I'm disappointed about the Cup, without doubt, but at least MH is now aware of what he has to do without risking inferior squad players in a Premier match. In a way it was quite shocking, each and every one of those players is capable of so much more. This squad have never been really fit and pacy, they have some serious work ahead of them and some of them aren't going to like it much.

There is already a football in the community programme which includes asian children and the schools. I don't know why people keep going on about Rovers getting out into the schools - they already do so and on quite a wide area. The truth is, Rovers do a lot of stuff to encourage children that those of us with older children/grown up children don't get to hear about, but bear in mind it doesn't mean that it isn't happening.

Bellamy at Ewood? Obnoxious injury prone little twerp. No thank you.

Met an old guy, former season ticket holder, in the supermarket today. Asked why he didn't renew his ticket, two reasons: 1. Souness 2. Lives in Chorley and finds it difficult to get to evening matches (not able to drive). Although Souness is gone, No. 2 still applies, and he isn't likely to renew. Sadly our car is already full with a waiting list!

Jim, I was just about to say the same. Many people go to football for entertainment and to get away from the tedium and stress of their daily lives. Following Rovers has all too frequently added to stress levels and enough is enough for some.

I'm beginning to think that when talking about football, nobody knows what they are talking about........

interesting points, tcjj. The Times article - wasn't written by Rodney Marsh, was it? Anyway, who cares? We got the points, if that's the way they want to see it let them get on with it. Just some hack trying to show off no doubt.

Not that it makes much difference but Mr Roversmum and I are going. (booked tickets last week so are part of the 4000...) Hope the woman who sits behind me doesn't go as she does nothing but moan. Female version of Victor Meldrew Looking forward to seeing who MH wheels out. Still trying to persuade Mr Roversmum that a trip to Blackpool tomorrow night will do him good

From Rovertime 18th Sept: taken from the Press Conference on Thursday AESF - I wouldn't dream of sending you to bed early without your hot milky drink and a (motherly) hug

I like the two Mark's attitude. They both paid close attention to the game rather than going into huddles as Murray, Boersma and Saunders (the three wise monkeys) used to do, and I am sure that they will bring out the best in our players. I feel that they will encourage the players to play to their strengths but do their homework about forthcoming opponents (I seem to remember Souey saying he wasn't interested in the homework bit). Rather than ranting at the referee, Mark H just calmly indicated to him when he felt a decision wasn't right. I also feel that they will address weaknesses and install the confidence that the players need. We spoke to Jon Stead as he was leaving, what a pleasant lad he is, obviously disappointed that he isn't scoring but I tried to reassure him and got told off for being too 'motherly' with him!

As he did for us when he came. He'll soon be back to his old self, don't worry. Wait until the wife starts laying down the law about something. Didn't you just love the fight yesterday?

We noticed they were all out warming down pronto after the match. We're usually amongst the last to leave (so Mr Roversmum doesn't get mown down in the rush!) and haven't seen them come out so soon (if at all) for some time.

Lady Luck .......?

He didn't say that on Monday. He was asked about it at the Press Conference and said it was something he said a while ago when he didn't have any plans to leave Wales at that time.........

Isn't that the whole squad anyway except those who are injured

I watched that 'game' too, with great delight. It was one of the worst matches of 'football' I have ever seen. Newcastle got lucky and scored a couple of goals but were so pathetic and the looks on Souness/Murray/Deano's faces (and a few of the fans) - complete disbelief at how bad they were - were brilliant. I was disappointed there was only one fight though, was hopeful of more. Shame Rovers couldn't have got it together on Saturday. Still, there's always Boxing Day

Well, it seems as if we've turned everyone over in the last 70+ pages and we're still none the wiser. The only thing that is evident is that you can't please everyone. I'm going to sit back and wait for the board to make the decision and then stand back for the flack (whichever poor s*d it is that gets the job) before they've even started. Regarding the 'grudge' towards Rovers, it does seem to be getting worse lately. There are a lot of people who still hate us for winning the Premiership. We just have to keep on being the 'proper human beings' (where have I heard that before? ) that we are I can feel myself getting in the Millwall mode 'Everyone hates us and we don't care...' I suppose in one way it's better people talking about the club rather than just ignoring us! And if I hear much more about Souness and the barcodes from the press I'm going to lose it big time....... Thank God he's gone.

Goodness, 1864, so glad you and son are okay. A nasty experience. I felt the same, and wrote this

The commentators have reported Flitcfort missing during the first half, except of course for scoring an own goal and getting a yellow card. Why is this waster playing? Now Jon Douglas is playing. Stuff of nightmares. GGGGGGGRRRRRRR! Well, Souness is having the last laugh. It's his team, barring Flitcroft who is mostly missing anyway. I'm going off to hurl crockery at the kitchen wall. If the cats have got any sense they'll be off out of the house for now instead of mythering around their food bowls. Burnley are winning too; and Swindon Town are losing. AAAAAAAAAAARRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRGGGGGGGGGGGGHHHHHHHHHH

As Stephen Carr's backside will be playing, I think Gresko should be in the starting lineup

Isn't life grand?

Did he say whether he had called us ? In which case he wouldn't be expecting 'them' to call,would he? And he might well have called just to see without actually applying at the time. Now I've got myself confused I shall be glad when this is all sorted out - and no doubt Jim will. It must be very hard on him not knowing what to moan about.

Gally was injured a couple of weeks ago. He was limping quite badly when he came out to do the half-time draw at the ManU match.

In a word!

It says he contacted a player. I suspect it to be Barry Ferguson Now, see, if he came to Rovers Amo would be first out of the door - and I'd have to take down the rather nice picture of him I've got on the wall..... It's a definite no for Advocaat from me There is sense in that, thenodrog. Hughes is seen as the dream manager by many, but has he in fact enough experience? I like the idea of him, but I'm not convinced of the reality. Dream on, Deano. I've had little faith in you since a couple of years ago when you were supposed to be the Strikers' Coach - need I say more? No, I don't think so. He had his chance Don't think he'd be motivated enough. Sturrock? Oh well, if you don't ask.etc.......... Coleman - now you're talking! As someone said earlier, whoever it is will be vilified by some members of BRFCS before he's even set foot in the place. I'll leave the decision to JW and the Board. I'm sure they have the necessary nous to ask the right questions and get the right answers. I'm off. Places to go, people to see..... See you all later