Didn't Beecher shut down the direct London to Huncoat express service?

I'm not, I didn't mention them as a favourite at all but that doesn't make them 'dark horses' in any way if we sticking to that tired and overused cliche. Mexico reaching the quarter finals for example would be no surprise at all, for some of the real minnows to do so would be a shock. Mexico to go further then that would suggest a surprise though I admit. EDIT - I meant to say that they were in the first seeds rather than being favourites, which may explain the mixup. I don't mean dark horses to win, more as to surprise a few people and become a story.

Where are the other Mill Hills that means our Mill Hill has to have (lancs) after it?

Who do you think may be the 'dark horses' this tournament? Oh and no the Czech Republic and the Netherlands don't count... Or even Mexico, as one of the eight seeded teams, for that matter I reckon...Tunisia. African champions, the only one of the African big guns to make it here and with World Cup experience. Not only that but their group is average. Spain are likely to win it yet the Ukraine are not a good team. Many seem to be blinded by Shevchenko...despite coming through a difficult group they were God-awful for the second half of it. Anyway...Tunisia to cause an upset. Any other long shots you reckon may surprise us all?

Think you are overexaggerting just a shedload there Eddie - we weren't in danger of joining a relegation scrap.

Which isn't Dickov's fault, he is a decent striker, just not what you'd ever want as your Number 1 striker. What the hell happened to Souness at the end of his time with us? Madness. Cole out and Dickov in was the worst decision of the lot and it had plenty of opposition in that regard.

In that order? You've missed 'whoever is playing Souness that week" off your list.

If Johnson goes for 8.5million as suggested there will likely be money to be spent. Not like at Newcastle but a heck of a lot by Championship standards.

Torres is overrated imo and Raul hasn't had a good season. Villa has been knocking in the goals for Valencia and they may end up relying on him.

Apparently our former manager has confirmed he is interested in joining Crystal Palace. Souey sets sights on Palace " Former Newcastle boss Graeme Souness has confirmed his interest in the vacant manager's post at Crystal Palace. "I have a lot of time for Simon Jordan and what he is doing at Crystal Palace," said Souness. "We get on. "It is certainly something I would be interested in. "I'm ready for another challenge and Palace is something that appeals should it arise." Souness will reportedly hold talks with the Championship club upon his return from a holiday in America."

Dickov wasn't crap, he did ok for us. There's nothing wrong having him as one of the strikers, the problem was he ended up being our main striker last year. That wasn't his fault.

'Fans are crying "foul!" after two top refs were seen cheering Arsenal in the Champions League. We can blow the whistle on Andy D'Urso and Barry Knight after they were pictured with Gunners fans in the stands at last week's final against Barcelona. The pair have both refereed Arsenal games in the past - but footie chiefs claim their actions have not compromised their impartiality' - The Sun.

Since leaving us... Andy Cole - 2004/2005 - Fulham - League games 31 games - 12 goals ( gpg - 0.39) 2005/2006 - Man City - League games - 22 games - 9 goals ( gpg - 0.41). So Cole has definitely performed much better in the last two seasons regarding goals than Dickov. However, Cole was (apparently as it stands to reason for what was a regular England international when we bought him) on 60k a week when with us and cost 8million for the transfer fee. I doubt Dickov was on a third of what Cole was and cost 150,000. Dickov repesented better value for money but meant we were always going to be struggling while he was our best striker. Not his fault though, that is the fault of our previous manager. Starting a Premiership season with Stead and Dickov as our first choice front two - best not to think back kids, it'll give you nightmares.

We'll also be seeded higher than both Tottenham and West Ham as despite not doing so well in europe we've at least qualified twice in the last five years. Also there should be a good crowd for our first home game...hopefully to spur the boys onto the group stages. Free Euro Game for loyal fans

I hereby nominate the said candidate, ozziejones, to be the next LET Rovers fan on RoverAllview or whatever crappy pun they decide to use referring to BRFC.

Ever since Arsenal scored they've been hanging on. Barca have been the best team by far and Arsenal should have been to down to nine men - Eboue's stomach high tackle would usually be a straight red more often than a yellow.

Except their manager, fellow nationals, fans etc etc etc

Why didn't he just quick sharpish get his picture taken with an Arsenal top on as well? Or, being a linesman, is he utterly unable to spot the obvious?

Oh. That was disappointing...had a romantic vision of a fleet of them that had to close because of losing all his money in a poker game or something.

There also used to be a John's Cut Price behind The Orchard WMC at Seven Trees, near Bastwell. How many did shops did he have?

Well done Jason. Just wondering if these means the column is finishing for good?

I've got a feeling this will be Italy's year. They are apparently still fuming (even now) about the manner of their exit in 2002. Quality players throughout the squad, Totti will be back after a long layoff and should be in prime form by the time the tournament comes around. They also have a tough group which can actually work well for sides as they have to raise their game early and that can be easier than coasting through an easy group then having suddenly to be faced with quality opposition. Of course, I'm often wrong and the safest option would be Brazil. The Czech Republic can't be classed as dark horses anymore you are right bellamy11 but also I'm not sure Mexico can after their showing in the Confederates Cup last year, besides they are one of the eight seeded teams. They always seem to fall at the second round however. For more of a long shot, I think Tunisia may do well.

Yep it's just round the corner from the small bridge that goes to Mill Hill pub.

Good to see you will be continuing next season Bob, a nice roundup to a highly satisfying campaign for Rovers.