I have a book called save the riverside stand by Peter White with some excellent old Photographs of Ewood and players. Since you posted this, I have been looking all over the place for it with a view to sending it to you. Unfortunately, I can’t find it anywhere including spending some time in the loft, freezing my bollocks off, resulting in Mrs 4000 holes giving said bollocks a good kicking for making the whole house cold. When the weather improves or gets warmer, I will have another look.

Dear Tony. Rearrange this well known phrase or saying ”at straws clutching”

Sorry to hear about the passing of George Sharples. He didn’t score many goals from his position at wing half but one I do remember was against Preston. I think it was a mid week match. Rovers went 3 up in first half hour, the Preston defence where terrible but the goal George scored was at the Darwen end from a corner. The Nob end defence allowed George the longest run to get his head on the ball which bullited into the net. I swear he started that run in Shadsworth. RIP George, happy memories.

Totally forgot about George Jones but just looked up his record and he scored 14 in 39 appearances for us. That was at a time we where in free fall on our way to 2nd division. At the moment I would take that from Brereton or Gallagher

I hear what you say, but it didn’t do Liverpool any harm when Dalglish took over. Just saying.

In 1963/64 season we topped the league around Christmas time, no mean feat for a team of our stature. Minimum wage not long gone and Everton came calling for Pickering offering big money at the time, possibly world record transfer and presumably good significantly better wages than we could afford. We replaced Pickering with a lad (Martin Britt) from West Ham reserves, needless to say it didn’t work out. Soon after Mike England was put at centre forward, arguably the best centre half in the country, reason being there was no alternative because there was an adequate centre half in the reserves (Dick Mulvaney). Not long after Spurs came calling for England. The rest is history. That is from memory which I admit is not what it used to be, but I am sure some of our other posters on here will put you and me right. Hope that may be of use?

It was a tragedy we lost that match to Oxford. In my opinion we would have gone on to win the cup. We were a far better team than either Preston or West Ham the finalists and if I remember correctly it took Preston umpteen attempts to get past Bolton FFS. Still?

Since Mowbray arrived, defensive recruitment has been terrible. Strange for an ex defender.

Hi Darren. Somewhat off topic so apologies. I was reading an article earlier today and was reminded of something you quoted earlier in the thread, the 1928 cup final. The article was about Alfred Wainwright who was/is famous for writing books about walks or rambles in the Lake District. During one of his walks, he was joined by a reporter or colleague and on a beautiful day and as they were taking in the view as they were taking a rest, the reporter asked Wainwright if he was able to which piece of land would he take home with him? The reporter was expecting the answer striding edge or some such famous place in the lakes but was totally surprised when Wainwright answered the centre spot from Ewood park. Wainwright also mentioned that the finest team that he had ever seen was the Rovers side of 1928, hence me thinking about what you had said. I was wondering if your dad via your grandad could remember or said anything about this? Anyone reading the thread expecting to find out which manager we would have liked to have played under, many apologies.

The way he has been playing recently Jim, it would have been his presence in the box. He has become a real handful and I think it would have created opportunities nearer the goal. I accept that he is not a natural goal scorer but that is not the full story.

We missed Brereton last night. Would have made a hell of a difference.

Thought we played ok but never really looked like scoring. Defence ok but lost a goal to a bit of ping pong, can happen. With this defence, a least my heart is not in my mouth every time the opposition attack. learn and then onward to next match.

Let’s hope they can give your dad and me for that matter a cheer when they have sorted Bristol city out later. From where I live, Bristol is the easiest place to get to, so a little bit disappointed that I can’t go. However it’s on sky. I would have given you a thumbs up on your comments but can’t work out how to do it on the new site. Minor detail however. keep safe.

Give your dad my very best regards, he sounds like a very interesting chap. Hope he is keeping well through all this mess

I think Jack was still manager in 1966, not sure. He then went on to manage Sheffield Wednesday? before he came back as our bucket and sponge man. I know he took over from Dally Duncan in 1960. During his time, the team and particularly the players I mentioned where known as Marshall’s misfits. Maybe your dad can remember.

Lest we forget, Darren. Jack Marshall converted Fred Pickering from a run of the mill full back to centre forward who went on to play for England. He converted Andy McEvoy from a rather uninspiring wing half to one of the most prolific poachers and goal scorers that there has been at our club. There are others, I am sure that Tomphil, or Tyrone can fill you in. Granted, even Jack would have had his work well and truly cut out with me.

Jack Marshall

Cannot underestimate that result

Very slowly I am becoming optimistic. With predominantly right footed players playing on the right and predominantly left footed players playing on the left. It’s like a whole new world, long may it continue.

Fair comment

Agree with you about the Keeper, he acts as a sweeper which allows the defence to defend 4 or 5 metres further forward which makes a hell of a difference. Last night for the Millwall goal, Ayala was pulled out of position and I don’t think he was match fit but he had to cover for the full back which is a position I am still concerned about on both flanks. Hope Douglas can stay fit because we will need him certainly over the next few weeks.

Preston are a very poor team but they are extremely physical. I am therefore absolutely delighted that we stood up to them and it was excellent that we kept a clean sheet. Cannot underestimate that.

For once I think Mowbray has got this decision right. Nobbers are bully’s and maybe coming on for last 20 mins or so will suit him.

He certainly did look very embarrassed but not as embarrassed as me when I saw David Dunn on a certain advert. Still embarrassed to even think about it now.

Yes I agree. If TK had been in goal, I believe that it would have pushed the defenders to defend 5 or 6 yards further forward. That makes a hell of a difference.