I hope you're not being serious Gregg? We may be struggling but we're not even a quarter way through the season. Predicting a Rovers win I see. Now I know you're not serious?

Lots of reasons why we're not winning games but maybe the biggest one is that we just aren’t physically strong enough to compete with other teams. OK we play some neat passing football and create chances but when it comes to the crunch we are too easily outmuscled by stronger players. Players who aren’t afraid to take a booking either when it matters. I’ve watched the first Swansea goal and Lenihan just wasn’t strong enough to hold off Cabango. Disregarding Nyambe who is a bit of a beast, how many players can we put in the same category? Not Evans, Holtby, Trybull, Elliott, Dolan or Armstrong. Gallagher who is probably the biggest player in the squad is a pussy cat and too easily knocked off the ball. We’ve lost Graham who could mix it up a bit and even Smallwood who could get stuck in. I’m not even sure that Barry Douglas adds that physical strength to the back line. Rankin Costello is a decent footballer but not what I would call a beast. We have missed Johnson who does give us a bit more physical presence. If we have a one slot left in the squad and there are any big players available Who are out of contract then maybe we need to fit one in.

So which of the 15 goalkeepers we seem to have on the books WAS ready to play for the first team?

It seems that this season the Red Button is no longer available for Sky subscribers on the Virgin TV platform.

I understand that and you must somehow feel shortchanged but that was a club policy decision taking into account the unprecedented circumstances it found itself in. All season ticket holders found themselves in the same boat and maybe felt somewhat aggrieved that they had paid for something they didn’t get. Personally I was happy with the iFollow option as an alternative and know others who felt the same. Sometimes you just can’t look at the financial angle but I understand that some may choose to do so. This season I’ve taken the decision to again buy a season ticket but certainly don’t advocate that everyone should do the same. Personally it suits me to have games on iFollow as I won’t be attending Ewood for some time. I’ve also bought Match passes for several away games.

Waggot stole your season ticket money? What, because we weren’t allowed to watch games in stadiums due to a world wide pandemic?

We need to be patient as I recall from our previous game in July they are a different team in the second half. I’m sure they will be happy to soak up any early pressure and then come at us. I don’t want another game where we have 65% possession and 17 shots but no points. A hard fought 1-0 win will do me and failing that a 0-0 draw will be OK

Is that because of the price boycott or just lack of enthusiasm. Be interesting to see what kind of virtual viewing figures For Rovers matches? Particularly how many are going for the match pass rather than those with season passes.

Buckley was no worse than most of the rest v Forest. He’s a talented player and will come good but I wouldn’t use him as a replacement for Johnson who has more physical presence.

I hope I’m wrong but given the number of players missing and new ones still to settle in I can’t see anything but a Watford win. Best we can hope for is to shut up shop and squeeze out a draw. We need to keep the young Pedro quiet as he looks quite a threat. They also have Sarr who’s deadline day transfer to Palace fell through. All in all they look quite strong both defensively and up front. Hopefully by Saturday we will be in a better position squad wise but much depends on those still isolating being available.

Get your money on a Rovers win?

Good job so many season ticket holders renewed. Without them this would not have been possible?

Of course it’s about being desperate for cash. Most EFL clubs are unlikely to survive if this crisis continues much longer. Putting Premier League politics to one side, if it means that EFL clubs get a much larger slice of the financial cake then surely that should be welcomed. The question to be asked is what will need to be given up? Loss of the Carabao Cup? Not sure how much income that brings in but it’s obviously not a priority for a lot of clubs. Loss of the Community Shield? Who really cares? The biggie is the tinkering with Championship promotion places. If it means less chance of getting into the Premier League then obviously that’s a concern. But also a concern would be putting some sort of financial constraint on clubs linked to income. Rovers would have a problem there.

It’s a very good thread and clearly there is a mistaken perception that our fans are somehow different to others in being quick to criticise. Ignoring the last paragraph, I agree that Rovers may actually benefit from reduced match income but that assumes that Venkys are going to make up the difference. A dangerous assumption. They will have financial pressures like everyone else. To say that the team will somehow not be as impacted by support from the stands as the bigger clubs is contrary to what TM has just said. The lack of fans “sucking the ball in” surely impacts all clubs.

There will always be individuals who are quick to voice their criticism of players but I think it’s dangerous to generalise as something that is specific to Ewood when it isn’t in my experience. On the contrary, Rovers fans are usually very supportive of young players and only want them to do well. I don’t hear much in the way of personal abuse if they don’t.

A frustrating afternoon for sure but not the worst result. a lot of possession without an end product. I have to say that Buckley really impressed me when he came on. Some of his passing was superb and he just looks so comfortable on the ball. He is going to be a real asset in my opinion.

Well it won’t be long before Dyche is managing an EFL club so he needs to be careful what he wishes for!

I think these are strange and scary times for everyone and there is nothing wrong in trying to grasp a bit of normality even if it’s irrational. Clearly, if this crisis continues for years the traditional football model will need to change significantly as clubs will not be able to survive. The blind loyalty of fans can only be relied upon so far but without fans in stadiums and relying on TV coverage the Income will just not support the ridiculous levels of spend that professional football requires. Maybe the Premier League will continue but unless some of their riches are shared around it doesn’t look good for clubs in the lower leagues.

Someone at the club is reading this board. The only problem being is that unless the club offer something more enticing they aren’t going to increase sales significantly.

Yes that’s precisely why I renewed. I’m shielding so my only option is iFollow which the club have agreed to for home games. A small refund for games behind closed doors and I’m OK with that. I think they need to extend the deadline to accommodate any fans in a similar position as this was not previously communicated. COYB

Just bought mine. Guaranteed my seat for next season in the Premier League. ? in the meantime will need to rely on iFollow

Let’s hope that you don’t have to watch all matches on iFollow Barry. I’m renewing my ticket tomorrow but don’t expect to be having a half time meet up for some time

Hopefully the number of iFollow passes will increase significantly in line with Rovers good start to the season.

I hardly think that you can compare non league football with the Championship. You have made your decision not to buy a season ticket, fair enough. Not missed going to Ewood? Well I bloody well have as have probably most Rovers fans. I would love to be there on Saturday urging the lads on to a convincing win. The club is between a rock and a hard place. They need the income but can’t offer a suitable product. Fans also are torn between loyalty to the club, simple economics and self preservation. This is the same at all levels. I agree that all clubs need help and hopefully something will be sorted so that very few go to the wall but inevitably some will. I don’t want Rovers to end up amongst them but if it happens so be it.

I’m currently recovering from major surgery so will be shielding and therefore not able attend matches whilst infection rates are high. I know others who are also unwilling to attend for similar reasons. I have contacted the club several times stating that I would be happy to renew my season ticket if iFollow was an option to attending but to date have not received a definitive answer. It seems that the club are missing out on renewals from a significant number of fans because they are assuming that most are actually wanting to attend matches when in reality many, more vulnerable folk, are not comfortable in doing so.