I always used to look forward to any game at ewood park, even the minor cup games - anything. These last couple of seasons, for the first time in my life, it got to be a chore. I know I've been slated on here for this, but all the talk from Souness about survival being the only important thing and that cup competitions can only hamper that survival, really does get to people. It's been repeated over and over again for 2/3 years now and it get's through to people. It get's into the mindset of fans, players and everyone at the club. It becomes very difficult to be positive about anything. How wonderful to hear Hughes saying that we're about to embark on an adventure. It will take a long time but hopefully this kind of approach will push the players that little bit harder and give them and the fans, something to target, something worthwhile to aim for. Even to win a cup. There's been a lot of suggestions as to why attendances have fallen for the past couple of seasons, but the truth is it's because of the complete lack of ambition to do anything but to do the same again. Thank god Souey's gone. I hope he tries to tell the Geordies that cup competitions aren't important, but I don't think he's brave enough to tell them, that. Anyway, I am looking forward to this game. It should be very interesting, in it's own way.

Strikers are the biggest problem for us. We may have quite a few of them, bit I'm not convinced any of them are up to prem standard.

Sorry for the delay in the voting for the left back - I've been away. Any way - the result for the greatest ever right back: Bob crompton won it with 78 votes - 49% of the vote. Second came Henning Berg with 16.5%, then third was Keith Newton with 13.38%. So the first two voted in are Brad Friedel and Bob Crompton. Now for the left back. I've put forward almost all those nominated by yourselves. One or two notes made by some of you in favour of these players: Fergie Suter-- Link to the history section Bill Eckersley--Al's recollections Walter Crook--Troopers choice Graeme Le Saux--Dr Rich's choice Keith Newton-- Jim's view As for my opinion, there are only three real candidates for this position- Newton, Le Saux and Eckersley. Keith newton was a fabulous player, no doubt about that. Real class and as Jim says, held down a regular position in a superb England side. However, sorry Jim, Newton was primarily a right back, so I can't go along with that, as much as it pains me. Le Saux, was one of the best left backs to play for us, no doubt about that either. I never saw Bill Eckersley play but I do remember people telling me exactly how good he was. Someone commented that Tom Finney said he was the best full back he ever played against, You don't get a better recommendation than that. One final thought. What we are looking for is the "Greatest" left back. When Graeme Le Saux left this club, he left it with a lot of acrimony - I was on Ewood when Bill Eckersley's family spread his ashes on the pitch at the blackburn end. No contest, Bill Eckersley every time.

All of a sudden, everyone wants Emerton coming inside. I'm sure, prior to yesterday, everyone was crying out for him to go round the outside

1 Why shouldn't they? If they don't want to manage a side in the prem, where's the ambition, unless of course, they only want Wenger, Fergy or Mourinho's job. 2 So you rate them, do you? I don't.

Nothing's guaranteed, but he's probably first choice, at the moment. If he's interviewed and fits the bill, I can't see us talking to anyone else. Could be wrong though, 'cos really, I don't have a clue. [first to admit it]

If the stories that rovers are about to ask permission to speak to Dowie are true, then surely that means that he is the first choice. That's what happened with Kidd, we asked permission, got it and offered him the job. This all seems to me, if true, to rule out a move for Hughes.

Out of interest - exactly how did he do well at Oldham? Not saying he didn't, just asking.

Maybe we're all getting a bit sidelined with this mark Hughes business. the LET did say that the people the board had wanted to apply, had. Then it went on to say that Strachan had applied.

A workmate of Baz, has said he has had a text from rovers, to say that Mark Hughes has been appointed Manager. It might be a wind-up, don't know.

I'd have Mike England too, or Matt Woods, but I respect those who would argue the case for Colin Hendry. No thanks Sherwood, Brownie. I remember Mike England playing right half as an 18 year old, what a fantastic player. It will be difficult to get him chosen though, the vast majority haven't seen or heard anything about him. IMO, the best of the lot. 92er - I'll leave the case for forbes and Cowell up to you.

True bob, very true. BTW, don't forget Portsmouth.

Hmmm, got to agree with Berg/Newton comments - especially in a poll for the right back. Absolutely no comparison. Still - as long as the best man wins, we might finish up with something worthwhile. As for rigging the vote - Theno, REALLY! If we did what you suggest, Jim'll elect the entire team on his own.

BTW, what's a very focussed short list?

I'm not 100% sure about Hughes. It's a totally different job managing an international side, than it is a club side. Just look at Peter Taylor with the under 21s. Hopeless as a club manager. Take the international experience away from Hughes and what is left? A popular guy, who maybe could attract players with his reputation. As for his coaching, man management or player selection/tactical qualities - totally unproven. Thing is, name any candidate and there's a reason why we shouldn't choose him. I do think though, that if we get it wrong, it could cost us dearly this season.

Amoruso's suspended, Gally, Thomo and Todd all out injured.

I feel a bit better after reading this

No disrespect LDRover, but not absolutely set in stone, then?

Can someone remind me again - how do we know three current prem managers have applied for the job?

From today's telegraph: In total, he has taken charge of 70 first team games, winning 27 and losing 20.

There's a man I wouldn't mind. If he's good enough for Fergie, he's good enough for me.

Or you can read similar info in the media watch forum.

John Brown?

Very interesting point Jim Royle. I would say yes. Seeing as they own the club, I suppose in theory, they could make the appointment entirely on their own. I reckon though, that they will only need to ratify any new managerial appointment. I stand to be corrected though. Philipl?

Sorry philipl, we are definately not allowed to cut and paste entire articles. We have had many complaints in the past from offended parties. The agreed way is to allow the cut and pasting of a small section of the article and then either put a credit to the article source, or preferably put in a link. As for the times, looks like you'll have to pay. Sorry.