joey_big_nose

Id be furious if we were playing at Ipswich 1-0 up with an extra man, and this situation occured, and it would have been incredibly unfair. But as its our own lack of drainage is fundamentally the issue i can't complain too much. Whats very weird about it is the root cause (Ewood parks lack of drainage) has no reference in the guidelines. If they are redrawing the guidelines i can easily see that in future instead of a replay the home side may forfeit all the points if they cant provide a fit playing surface. That would seem the logical thing to do. Every other game in Yorkshire and the Northwest managed to complete despite similar levels of rain.

Thought Miller was really good. No sign of being uncomfortable in a back four at all. Against Ipswich and Watford we looked really well drilled defensively with Mori tucking in when we were off the ball making a back five. Gave the opposition wingers absolutely nothing. Then when we were in possession Mori got forward and gave us options. Miller like Carter seemed to be able to drive out from the back too. Have to say Ismael has a good tactical awareness where all the players know where to be in any given situation.

Same team again I think after one and 8/9ths really solid performances. TGH coming in for Tavares against Ipswich which I guess was enforced by an injury seems to have further improved us.

I agree everything you say.. on cantwell I agree he should look to play deeper. Hes got real quality on the ball, seems much more motivated and stuck in this year, and an engine. But not the pace or strength to really worry a back line. Would like him to move back into midfield so Ohashi, Mori, Hedges and Gudjonsen can play as the four forwards. That said thought TGH was good, and Tronstad impeccable, so no rush to do it.

I agree but its not that linear... We thought we were going to be in the relegation conversation last year but finished seventh. I dont think anyone thought we were stronger 12 months ago after selling Szmodics and Wharton. If the question is are we stronger or weaker its within the range of possibility that we are as good, a real stretch that we are better but possible. We just have to wait and see. That said I still want Venkys out obviously, and to have an engaged owner come in, but separate from their lack of support the recruitment team and the manager could have worked miracles again.

Like everyone I expected the worst with the massive turnover but still to see any real discernable deterioration compared to last year. Obviously could change when injuries come in etc. But balanced against that we are yet to see much of Gudjonsen and Baradji. Toth alone is a massive upgrade on Pears, and TGH was very decent today. Really like Mori and Alebiouso, McCloughlin.

A big pump that pumps the water somewhere other than the river seems a good idea.

The latter unfortunately I think

The reff stopped the game when the ball completely stopped in a puddle of water. I can see why he did it. But then i have seen matches (including at Ewood in recent years) where they just keep going.

I guess a key factor will be if any other north west / Yorkshire clubs with 3pm kickoffs have their games called off... If its just us it looks really bad.

On the plus side we looked really good all game, and Id be very surprised if we are in the conversation for relegation.

Yes though I supoose Ipswich have an argument that our drainage should be better. That weve got previous on it wont help us.

Hes beaten his man 3 times, wom everything in the air, covered the back well defensively and put a couple of dangerous balls in. Yes he doesnt have the sensational first touch of Brittain but for me in the round I am as happy with him in the team as i was with Brittain.

Id say on balance we've been the better team, but not enough for a goal. Similar story right through Mowbray, JDT, Eustace and now Ismael - lots of good work in the middle third but we struggle with the final pass. Much prefer TGH to Tavares, Toth seems on Kaminskis sort of level + totally trustworthy, Alebiouso every bit as good as Brittain. Miller has done well. Just lack cutting edge. Feels like icelandic conditions for an icelandic player.

Not till Jan sadly. Playing well at Donny by all accounts

It sows some dedication to having a right footed centreback to play him ahead of McCloughlin. CB is such a positioning dependent role.. not having experience there and with your partner can be a big challenge. Seen lots of players who are not used to it get lost at sea.

Have to say the number 1 up from Darwen is excellent, really quiet, no traffic till close to the ground, keeps you out of the rain. Will do again! Darwen centre good for pre match pubs too.

Yes - I think youd get good odds that Wharton and Carter between them wont play as many games as Hyam did last season. We could end up like a few years ago under Mowbray where we were forced to play 343 with full backs as wide cbs to get to a full XI. Im sure we will see a lot of Pickering/Riberio/Alebiouso playing wide cbs when we are in the midst of 3 games a week. If it works fine as we have enough options in that setup. But if it does why isnt it our preferred lineup now?

Sorry loads of logistics questions today... Anyone know how hard it is to get an Uber after the game and wheres a good place to meet one avoiding post match traffic? Thanks!

I suppose it makes sense given their records. That said if they are on reduced availability even when fit surely we need another centre back? Also if Wharton is starting I guess that means we are benching McCloughlin who has - his sending off aside - been very good. Puts us in the weird position of starting Miller ahead of two proven centrebacks even though they are available. Hope Miller shows us his quality.

Anyone know of its reliable to get the number 1 bus up from Darwen to Ewood around 2.30 for the game? Wife has the car today... I guess could be risky with crowds/traffic? (Also how can the train line be so close to ewood but the two nearest stops are an hour walk in one direction and 40 mins in the other??)

The forecast is that it is quite moderate for most of the day, but then starts hammering it down during the game. I agree the game should probably go ahead as there wont be enough time for it to build up.

One more question - can we buy on the day to see how the weather develops? Ive noticed the forecasts seem increasingly pessimistic in recent years and then it turns out a bit better. I checked the website and it doesn't say https://www.rovers.co.uk/news/2025/september/17/ticket-news--rovers-v-ipswich-town/

I wonder if in this day and age the clubs should be able to move the game by a day if the weather looks truely horrific and give everyone a better chance of seeing it. Could be better to move it to Sunday especially with away fans travelling 8+ hours. But i guess a logistical nightmare rearranging staff,police etc.

What's the policy if it gets called off? Full refund or do you just get a ticket for the rearranged game?