I sincerely hope that he recovers the form that he once showed. He is the only one of the three shining lights left (Duff and Dunn being the others) that made me feel that anything other than mid-table beckoned for Rovers when we got promoted. Stead and Jansen (as he was before his injury) would provide quite a combination - both skill and endevour. Rather than hitting him while he is down - lets all keep our fingers crossed that he recovers fully to display the god given talent that he once had.

With a gate of less than 8K I wouldn't imagine that there was anywhere near 4k rovers fans - though a good and noisy following none the less. A very disappointing game - on this performance a struggle for both Rovers and PNE this season. Though, as agreed by the friends that went with me, we did feel that certain players (Ferguson imparticular) were only getting back into their stride, very rarely making a tackle. It looked every inch a pre-season friendly to build up fitness - though Amo and Nissa's performances do demonstrate the need to play Matteo in mid-field to provide extra cover. On the evidence from Saturday, I am amazed that we haven't let in a goal yet - we definitely would have conceeded to a premiership team if we played as we did on Saturday. Hopefully this is just a fitness exercise, and the eventual team will show more composure on the ball. BTW I thought that Yorke actually worked hard - but too often his passes were backwards, and what pace he once had he seems to have lost - better off-load now and bring someone else in

Does anyone know (or have an idea) if any fee was involved with the Cole transfer (seen either undisclosed or free in the press). And whether we had to pay him off (as he was due a loyality bonus at the end of the season). Thanks P.S. Sorry - I have been away for a while - and don't have time to go through all the related threads.

I would guess that Flitty is one of a number of players that, if somebody offered the right price, would be sold. As has been said by a number of people on this thread - he has been a fantastic servant for the club, and shown loyality. A mutual pay day for him and Rovers £750K - £1M, would be of great benefit to both parties. Then use the money to invest in somebody a wee bit younger

How true, I don't know, but I have seen numerous reports saying that he was dropped at Real as he had refused to sign a new contract. Makes sense to me - why play a player who is definitely leaving, when you have somebody to take his place. I am fairly optmistic that Souey may have pulled off a bit of a coup - after all, only a few months ago Southampton were prepared to pay £1.5m for a 31 year old

There is no smoke and mirrors with De Pedro - though a potentially good piece of business - he didn't cost anything (other than the usual wages, signing on fees etc). So the story from Souey still stands - we have no money Now sign Butt, and the smoke and mirrors scenario would come into play. Though Williams says to expect potentially one more new face (presumably Matteo) - which again wouldn't help with the conspiracy theory that we have money, but just don't want people to know we have

I think we underestimate the talent in our team. The French are out and out favourites - but thinking of the key positions there isn't a lot in it - who would you prefer Beckham / Pires Gerrard / Viera Lampard / Makalele James / Barthez The only place we are sadly lacking is Henry and Zidane - to match these players we need Owen to have a better first touch than he has shown so far, and Rooney to play as well as all the hype around him. There is very little between most of the top sides - and all it takes (as Denmark have shown in the past) is for your key players to be on form, a little luck, and no injuries. You never know

Strange this - they supposedly don't want him to leave, but are upset that Rovers have pulled out. I think there are other forces at work - maybe the player himself wants to leave ? If you remember when Berg left us for United, it was all done on the qt and Berg did the honourable thing by Rovers by not going to the press - though letting his feelings known to the board that he wanted to go. Unlike other clubs we do offer him an almost guarantee of playing the first few matches of the season (though he will obviously have to prove his worth). It is obvious from some of the reports attributed to him that playing regularly is very important to him - and he has recognised that Rovers don't have a natural player for his position. I get the feeling that this one isn't dead yet

To an extent I would agree about the age thing with Dickov (though I do beleive that he is a good short term signing, while Stead and Gallagher pick up more experience). But for a central defender, surely Short demonstrates that experience is vital at Premieship level - and Matteo brings loads of experience. He is also potential cover for the defensive midfield position. Provided we don't break the bank for him (either wages or fee) - I think that this is another excellent deal. Get Pedersen and we will have had a good close season (though probably not as spectacular as some people would like)

BTW - if half of the managers in the premiership were after Dickov why is he such a bad signing. Maybe some high profile foreign signing - say for example an Italian World Cup midfield player called Baggio would be more to peoples liking If nothing else surely Stead, Gray, Friedal etc have shown that GS does get it right sometimes. I have a feeling that this one will be one of his better buys - couldn't be any worse than an Italian world cup midfielder could it

Exactly right Den. To my mind the correct definition is that (thanks to Jack Walker) we are a big club competing in the most attractive League in the world situated in a small town. The other JW seems to have done a fantastic job of brainwashing people into thinking that we've no right to expect to see anything other than the very mundane when exactly the opposite should be the case. We're currently in probably the most attractive League in the world as far as attracting talent goes and by definition only a very limited amount of players can play for the top three or four clubs. Makes you wonder why so many people are predicting a further slump in season ticket sales, at a time when the club has done everything to encourage increased support. It may be the most attractive league - but as a player do you go to Rovers - who consistently fail to fill the ground, or Southampton, Birmingham, Charlton, Man City, Tottenham, Everton - all clubs roughly on a par or below Rovers but regularly sell out.

We can't ignore the fact that Stead may be found out a little next season - so a willing experienced hardworking striker to play alongside Cole while Stead and Gallagher continue their education for £100k. For me it's an absolute steal - and like Gray could turn out to be an inspirational signing. Look on the bright side - he is more effective than Yorke

I was hugely disappointed by Emerton - mainly after seeing promising games pre and early season. However, I don't think he was as bad as some people on this site are making out. Ultimately, next season he will start as a Rovers player and everybody should be fully behind him. Has anybody stopped to think about his performances, without judging them by the huge weight of expectation that was placed on him when he signed.

Rover6 - do you actually watch Rovers ? If I am not mistaken Tugay has been playing as the attacking midfield player - trying to give a creative link between our three defensive midfield players (thats Flitcroft, Andreson and Douglas btw) and our front two (Cole and Stead).

Alright - I will reword - Souness gave Dunn his chance to shine Dunn was too arrogant to take the advice of one of the best midfield players of his generation. Strange that the position that Tugay currently operates in would have been ideal for Dunn. The truth of the matter is that Dunn jumped ship as soon as things weren't going his way. Look at Johanson this season, played well whenever called upon, and more often than not subsequently dropped to the bench - though I am not convinced he will be here next season, he hasn't gone to the press to moan about his treatment. Dunn threw away every Rovers fans dream - what a waste

I'll throw something into this debate - David Dunn. How does his loyality to Rovers match that of Smith ? Many will say that he stuck by Rovers when we got relegated - I would say that Dunn didn't have much choice at the time nobody from the Prem would have bought him. Whichever way you look at it Souness made Dunn - as he gave him the platform on which to perform. When Souness tried to make him work harded and become the "complete" midfield player - Dunn threw his dummy out. At his first opportunity Dunn was on his way (from the club he loved). Smith has had to put up with the club trying to repeatedly sell him against his wishes, and all the package that has come with a club in decline. Did he go for his first big pay day (and the clubs after Smith ware bigger than Birmingham) - no he stuck by the club he supported, and worked even harded. I hope some of the players like Gallagher etc show the same commitment to Rovers in the future, as Smith has to Leeds

I have heard lots of complaints about Souness's buying policy - but lets look it with realistic eyes :- Centre half - yes we all agree we need one, but he did buy Amo (not a favourite of mine, but has been good in the last two matches) and Babbel. For a club of our limited budget what do you expect ? Also, who could have predicted that rather than progressing into a quality Premiership defender (as we all hoped) Taylor would actually go backwards (to the extent that I actually agreed with his sale to Birmingham Rovers - something I would never have thought imaginable). Left Wing - we started the season with two options, Thompson and Reid. I agree with most people on this message board that we have lacked balance this season. But Thompson was a star for Coventry playing left wing (something that I am sure was on GS mind) and Reid had played in that position for Millwall. Also, in a more confident team (and playing better himself) Gresko has the athletic ability to join the attack to provide balance. Then you need to look at who was actually available - for me Reid from Forest was by far the best candidate - but £6m for a player untried at Premiership level Ultimately good left wingers cost a fortune (I think Chelsea got Duff on the cheap) - and even if we had the money who could he have reasonably bought to replace Duff ?

BUT - we are still outside the bottom three. THERE - are still about 7 teams that could go down (along with Rovers). A miserable day - yes, end of the world - no. Time and time again Rovers have surprised us this season - usually surprise that they can play so badly, but also surprise results pulling out wins when even the most dedicated of fans thought it wasn't possible. The only good thing that could come out of Sunday - is that the players actually wake up to the fact that they are in a relegation dog fight. Too often this season, they seem to have put the effort in for the odd match - just to keep themselves out of the bottom three. A while ago Souness said that maybe we would need to drop in the bottom three to make the players realise the predicament we are in. If yesterdays match proves nothing more than a wake up call - then it will be a silver lining to a b****y big dark cloud.

You can blame tactics, the manager etc. - but ultimately it is down to the players. With the exception of Duff (and to a lesser extent Dunn) these are the players that got us into sixth position. I still beleive that our alround team is better than the current position - it is time for them to pull their fingers out and starting putting in some effort - if not for the manager, then the club, - if not for the club then their pride, and if not for their pride, for their next contract - because if this carries on, their next contract won't be with Rovers because we won't be able to afford it in the 1st Div !!!!

Ferguson will prove to be the best central midfield player that Rovers have had for a long time. I have great confidence that he will justify Souness' faith in him

For those of you without the benefit of hindsight - which players that Souness has bought would you not have bought ? I question the Amo signing, and possibly Reid (as we already had two decent right sided midfield players). But other than that(and not buying a Duff replacement) I have agreed with his signings at the time they were made. In fact, how many supporters have questioned the Friedal and Gray purchases (even though both free transfers) before they set foot on the pitch. The point I am making is that (without hindsight) it is difficult to question the players he has bought. Unlike £5m Dailly, £4.5m Ward, £7.5m Davies and on and on............... Give the guy a break - especially as Rovers would struggle to get somebody in with his profile etc. We are no longer in the days of Uncle Jack - staying in the premiership each season is being successful for a club the size of Rovers - beyond that is a bonus