So you don't think it was a second yellow - even when Carter got booked for similar foul ?

The referee sunk us - every 50/50 and even 60/40 went there way. What was even worse was the lack of a second yellow - and then Carter gets yellow for similar foul

Why is the ref not wearing a striped shirt ?

Worked until City scored. I just hope JDT was watching. Getting beat by City is no shame - but there was a few pointers to how to play Burnley in that game. Granted we don't have a Haaland - but 1-0 will do for me.

Healthy position is debatable - losing Rothwell, Lenihan and Nyambe - with a lob sided squad that he had really failed to address in the years he was with us.

Always of the opinion that going down to 10 men so late in the game isn't necessarily a huge disadvantage in their position - especially when they were going gung ho for an equaliser.

Carroll's height and physical presence worries me - he never really realised his potential - but on his day, with the right service - he can be difficult to mark. For certain our full backs will have to work hard to stop crosses into the box.

Overall deserved to lose - but yet another Championship match decided by turning points - had Jagielka played Gallagher would have been able to out sprint him when put through, if the referee had spotted a very clear hand ball we would have gone in 2-1 at half time (appreciate they should have had a penalty, but they scrored shortly after anyway), if the referee had yellow carded them for persistent fouling some of our moves might not have broken down like they did. Of course you can flip that around, and say Stoke could have scored rather than hitting the bar, Pears soap hands would have dropped to one of their players rather than ours Overall I think we had too many players a little off the pace last night - and this against a Stoke side obviously in a bit of a purple patch of form. Also, I think O'Neill had analysed our tactics - and to be honest part of the reason for the loss was losing the tactical battle

I don't think he has ever played as well - but every time he has looked like becoming a regular first team player he has got injured.

April is going to be a monster month - 8 fixtures, two of which are local derbies (possibly 9 if we get to FA Cup Semis). Can't see us keep up the intensity of the last few matches. We are definitely going to need some luck on the injury front.

Our only hope is that it isn't on Sky - we are nearly always poor when we are on Sky 🙂

Must admit - better than City away.

Gotta say some of the comments in the document are damning - total lack of planning across the board. Big question - who is responsible - Waggott, Broughton, Club Secretary ? It could be seen as a series of unfortunate events - but to me it is a total lack of planning and leadership. Personally, IMO Waggott has to shoulder the ultimate responsibility - he is in overall control.

If Nixon is right - and the league questioned whether we would buy if relegated - the EFL really need to look at themselves. If that is true - they really haven't won as most fair minded people would say it was a ridiculous request.

I agree we need full disclosure - but heads rolling will depend on circumstances.

Though a brilliant performance - I do think we need to keep in context. Beat Sheffield and then maybe we can dream. But I do fear recent exertions with a thread bare squad may be exposed against a physical team like them.

I am hoping for Fleetwood in the next round 😉

As we await the outcome - I must not be the only one thinking - these things rarely go in Rovers favour 😩

All depends on who spending the money - we allowed Kean to waste our parachute payments.

Pick up yet more injuries due the number of matches - and we could be out of the play off race. I think we have to trust JDT and the medical team.

I always think of equal interest is play leading to an assist - i.e. indirect assist. e.g. the cross field ball from JRC to Thomas opened up the Blackpool defence - but the assist would go to Thomas. Both Buckley and Morton play the deep lying midfield player, whereas Wharton played further forward. In no way is it an opinion on any of the players - but stats only tell part of the story - e.g. on our expected goal ration we would be bottom of the table :-)

Would that be Premier League rather than EFL - be interesting to see what they do. I thought the only potential exception was goal keeper ?

In the first team - Wharton had an unbelievable match against Blackpool followed by ok or even poor performances. O'Brien did it consistently for Huddersfield over a season. Not saying Wharton can't be that player - but IMO hasn't done it consistently yet.

I first heard it on Buffy the Vampire Slayer 🤣

It is amazing how much slower he is than prior to his injury. Though we did see the same with Shearer - who was actually quite quick prior to his first ACL injury. However it is good to see he hasn't lost his goal scoring ability. Hopefully his overall game will continue to improve as he continues to adapt his game.