Second that about Evans and Smallwood, who I noticed were doing their bit for the cause in defence, blocking shots, chasing down etc.

The manner in which he mugged off Jagielka for the 3rd was sublime! Certainly doesn't look out of place at this level and this was a very competitive friendly.

Potentially to put him in the shop window or an opportunity to see the goods before committing to a sale? He may/may not be in TM's thinking, but if other options are no longer viable, he is probably available, within our budget and already has a good affinity with the squad.

I guess that explains why he was roundly booed by some when his name was announced at kick off. Thought it strange at the time.

Didn't see it that way myself, but he did work hard and I agree that he tried to make things happen. Don't see him as a starter just yet, but I admit I have seen very little of him. I liked what I saw today, so he should be there or thereabouts for the match day squad against Ipswich, so wouldn't expect him to be loaned out. I didn't see any stand out players, but I also thought Davenport looked quite lively operating in a deep role in front of the back 4.

Second that. Was at the game and Bell looked handy going forward. Davenport and Rothwell showed occasional nice touches, but Rothwell missed a sitter in front of goal when the initial shot was not deemed to have crossed the line and came out to him from about 5 yards out and he blasted over. Is quite apparant that we were lacking any real cutting edge up front, with Samuel in the first and Nuttall in the second putting in a lot of graft, but with little reward. A useful work out and I think Travis was the only starter to play the whole game. Was busy throughout and caught the eye for that reason.

Completely off topic but I was there at the Oval and he was absolutely unplayable. Took 9 wickets if I remember correctly in their second innings. Devon never had a problem with pace, but his radar often played up, resulting in him not being as affective as he otherwise could have been. I think you're correct referencing the bouncers he received as he was hit a couple of times when batting. Unfortunately for the South Africans, that, together with some unpleasant sledging really wound him up, but rather than put him off his game, he came out and bowled like his life depended on it. They couldn't handle his raw pace and accuracy on the day. Truly memorable stuff!

So essentially any new centre back would have to be willing to be third choice (minimum), albeit with a very realistic chance of getting a run, based on Lenihan's and Mulgrew's injury records and potential drop in form. Any thoughts on what older prem pro would want that gig, especially on a vastly reduced salary (which would otherwise 'compensate' for their lack of game time). We've been stung too many times in recent years, so whilst I certainly like the idea of the older pro in defence, finding the right one will be a challenge.

I tend to agree with you too, but he is a talisman and I can't see him playing anywhere but at the back from now on. Do you think that would help or hinder his, the new old pro or DL's roles in the team? DL is certainly versatile, but does he see his future at centre half and not midfield?

In both promotion seasons to the premiership we had experience at the back in the form of Kevin Moran (34-ish) and Henning Berg, Craig Short (similar) respectively. Wouldn't be opposed to seeing someone of that ilk in the first team - prepared to run through a brick wall for the cause, but I would expect this to be Charlie's role.

Hope this guy turns out to be our League 1 version of The Axe - limited ability but effective when used in the right formation and tactics. Not convinced he will prove to be a first team starter, but could be good impact sub, especially when looking to close out a game (assuming we have the lead!).

Last place I expected any pre-match banter with the opposition was at today's antenatal class with the wife. When asked by the facilitator what special item of clothing we had bought the baby, this one dad-to-be said "An Arsenal football shirt". I don't know if it was the 20 or so pregnant women all going "Aaaah" in unison or the pre-match tension but I couldn't help myself and replied "Yeah, but that's not as good as the Rovers babygrow I've got". I suppose I should have realised that the audience weren't really interested in, or understood the significance of my response, but from that moment on I lost all interest in learning about natural child birth and spent the rest of the session exchanging glares with the other guy. Suffice to say the wife was a bit disappointed with my attitude and even told me to stop being immature and to grow up! I just hope he's not brought before me for sentencing.............

Simple. Buy a ticket and go watch. simple but have you seen where the lad lives!? Malta! that would be loyal, and a half! Chopperhopper - philipl lives in Malta, not Rover6! Rover6's precise wherabouts are unknown, which contrasts interestingly with his views on the club, players etc.

Thinking about this one has given me a headache. Too many names, reputations, disappointments etc. to conjure with. Have to agree with Speeeeeeedie tho', Livo didn't do too bad a job for us and went on to become an absolute legend at Grimsby. Played every position on the park and once scored a goal with his arse.

He doesnt do it all at once.He will prob do it over a year or something.Like Dave says ,im sure he will fit it in no problems and do his training and keep his nightlife If all he received was 100 Community Punishment and a £10k fine then he must have had a damn good barrister. He was over twice the legal limit and attempted to outrun the Police. Whilst these aggravating factors may explain why he was sentenced at Crown Court as opposed to Magistrates, the actual sentence is way too lenient in my opinion (drink drive in Magistrates carries a maximum 6 months custodial sentence, hence the decision to remit it to Crown Court). The fact that he didn't kill anyone, be it pedestrian or other road user was down to good luck and nothing else. Incidentally, he will probably be credited with 7 hours for each full day he works - divide that into 100hours and you're left with the actual number of days he will be 'punished'. The Order will terminate on completion of the 100 hours. Couldn't agree more with you more Eddie

John Connelly, a member of England's World Cup-winning squad in 1966, joined Rovers from ManU in 1968 (I think). Was Keith Newton in the '66 squad and still a Rovers player at the time?

Can I assume Jim that the reference to "f*****" isn't that he's French then?! Surprised that Atkinson didn't prefix his crude and inexcusable (allegedly) reference to Desailly's ethnicity with some xenophobic faux pas myself.

Beat me to it Scotty!

Radio 5 reporting Leeds have confirmed they are prepared to sell Alan Smith. Decision taken in light of players' refusal to accept 35% pay deferral and the need to find the estimated £5 million to keep the club operating to the end of the season. Inference is Smith (and any other Leeds player for that matter) is very much available on the cheap.