Just voted and didn't see the scores on the doors before I did either, which makes it even more interesting that Jimmy Forrest is now in the lead!

What a painful thread. For Newcastle to finish below us they most likely will have to be relegated. "What price Rovers to stay up?" is the only question I'm interested in regarding where we finish.

I was about to post the same sentiments. I'm sure Tony would still want to be involved in some coaching capacity. Plus remember that he'll get a nice pay off from the club - personally I'd love to retire in my mid 50s! Aside from the inexcusable way in which the news was broken to Parkes, the most shocking thing I find about this story how some posters have forgotten/failed to grasp that there's only one certainty in football - whether it's playing or managing - someday you will be shown the door. Now the club MUST arrange a testimonial.

It may come as shock to some people but it's the nature of football that when a new manager comes in changes are made to the backroom staff. Whether this story is true or not, no one has an automatic right to a backroom job simply because of who they are. If Tony has left then I thank him for all his service to the club and wish him well.

Is this a question from the Oliver Stone school of revisionism?

Apparently my copy from Gameplay is in the post and should arrive at work tomorrow morning, with any luck...

I have never looked forward to purchasing ANYTHING as much in my life as this game.

Agreed. The imbalance in terms of treatment of supporters today today was disgraceful. Took my back to the City game in 2000 with their contingent in 'core-pratt' hospitality. We got hammered that day too.

I like my head the shape it is. Bryan Douglas.

You're must be new to this Rovers lark then.

So our manager, new to top flight club management, gets a narrow 1-0 victory from a poor side with a (to date) failing striker's first goal of the season. But enough of Brian Kidd's first game in charge. Well done Hughesy! It's going to be a long hard season.

Err....."cant spell" (sic) needs an apostrophe and if he "dont* (sic) make no sense", what sense does he make? * should be don't

Are we now in some inverse parallel dimension, like in the movies?

What does the extra 'C' stand for in 'BRFCC'?

I'm pleased with the appointment of Mark Hughes, though I must point out that (at the time) I was pleased with the appointment of Brian Kidd.

Ian Rush??!!

Especially in Australia, Dave - it's vile (except at an Irish pub in Paddington whose name escapes me)

It's great to know we also have a fanbase in Russia. Is this your site?

Just bought the excellent 10th Anniversary 'Definately Maybe' DVD. You can say what you like about any of their other albums, their image, their attitude etc. but their debut is pure class.

As was our capture of Roy Keane several years ago.

Please provide a link to your source.

Or Peter Reid, JW's preferred choice to take over in 2000.

So what you're saying is that if you were a Blackburn Rovers player and Ian Dowie was appointed manager, you'd want switch allegiences to Newcastle United. You must have had some pretty itchy feet then in the summer of '99.

Out of Hughes and Dowie, I'd take Dowie any day. He may be 'up and coming' at club level, but how would you rather have it - another 'big name' failure looking for another chance to ressurrect his career? Dowie is an articulte and modern manager who has worked wonders at both Oldham and Palace. With the greatest respect, what has Hughes achieved at club level in a coaching and management capacity? Less than Brian Kidd.....