Normally losing.. I wouldn't call winning half your games so far that. Bringing pace and energy on against tired legs is, has and will be a tactic employed at all levels, forever. Genuine rationale for it. Why do you think HC has stood out so much in his cameos? Defending from the front is something the teams we've failed to beat have done masterfully, and whilst I'm convinced that Conway and Bennett can protect our fullbacks (also described today as the "worst" fullbacks ever at Ewood), I'm not sure on HC or Dack. Whilst this is division 3 BB, you've still got to utilise game management, if we get done at a set piece because HC or anyone else for that matter leaves their man, you need to set up a goal to break even. Id start HC for Bennett after Shrewsbury, but I'd also be aware that Bennett isn't going to change the game from the bench if asked too! It's not quite as "brain dead" of a decision that many rovers fans are making out.

You've asked for it now, you gave Jason Lowe some credit...!

I'm sure sacrificing time spent developing defensive shape for example, for a one touch and shoot warm up/exercises could potentially limit our chances of keeping clean sheets, and therefore winning? I agree that attackers should defend, and some are brilliant at it - Jordan Rhodes was particularly able front post on defensive corners.

It's different if you put it like that, but still I'd expect them to be working more on passing, tackling, fitness, team shape, positioning, reading the game, set piece positions and keeping a high work rate. Full backs are dynamic positions, I'll grant you that - but the priorities for them in training shouldn't include finishing in my very amateur opinion.

In your humble opinion TS, I think differently.

Not really, I just don't need to go any further on this topic, it's very much like the Rhodes one; impossible to get any objectivity. Hijacking what should be a very positive "King of Ewood" thread on the back of JLs debut just about sums that up.

Lost me at this part, and it highlights the main point I made.

Err, I think Jason was well established in the first team (2013) when kinder came to manage the academy. Plus, I don't think many of you have spotted the irony that we are talking about a player in a higher league? It's also ONE GAME.. you'd have to be pretty obsessed with the lad to be searching out comments and quotes so early on. He's moved on, maybe a few of you should? I always rated Jason as a versatile defensive player, either in front of the back four or as a full back. I'm made up for us signing Smallwood who seems much more adventurous but it's early days and a much lower level. Jason would've probably been more likely to reach his potential if he hadn't been involved in some of the worst performing, organised and assembled Rovers teams for years. He was probably pushed ahead of his station like Adam Henley, Jake Kean et al, but I felt he had the necessary energy, work rate and mentality to be a good player. Good luck to him.

Did you read my post?

It's a bit of an important season to be bedding in so many, I can understand the league experience argument, but you don't get that experience without a chance! Overall, I probably agree and can see why some (including myself) get frustrated seeing us sign Harper, Hart and Downing, when we've already got Tomlinson, Doyle and Wharton. At least Hart is of a decent age and on a permanent transfer. With Nyambe, Lenihan and Raya still very green, another 2/3 young players in the starting 11, which could be bullied in this league.

Don't get me wrong, I "pity" dingles

Holy moley, it's a football game. Much more important things in life, and if you can't take the winding up after the trophies, cup runs, players, European excersions and unbeaten runs we've had over them, what can you take!? This fixture spices up football, it makes it interesting and for once it's a nice distraction from the league, we are the under dogs and they have a lot more to lose. Life's too short for hating people for choice of club they support. Mental.

Excitement....!

I thought it was quite funny tbh, Maybe I interpreted it differently because I'm not sure what you're getting at.

Lost me mate sorry! Long day

Why?

Someone has to replace his previous target of abuse

Get the Smallwood out?

He hasn't even kicked a ball. It's one thing to have different expectations, it's another to be completely unreasonable.

Going off that, I say good signing. Important to see him play though, in a system that works! Positive to see us getting players in positions we require also. From the brief read, he seems like the type of player who will quickly become some fans new scapegoat! Does the unfashionable things well, wears his heart on his sleeve etc - but doesn't weigh in with goals, assists or pass forward as often. So will probably be my new favourite player ?

Certainly is! I'm assuming we call him Richard?

Saying he should potentially take the advice of TM or being not "overly" bothered (in the scheme of things) that he's leaving is not "demonising" and I think that'll be 95% of rovers fans responses. Bigger problems at hand. I certainly rate Conway, Cairney, Marshall, King and even Kazim Kazim all better at going forward than him since Hoilett also.

Despite the "Nixon pinch of salt" factor, any sensible accountant would say; cut and run or invest to return part of total investment. Who's betting they ignore "expert" advice in favour of ignorance again?

I'd put Mahoney in the Hoilett leaving category. I'm actually more sad about losing Jason Lowe than Connor. In a normal scenario though, we wouldn't be discussing losing potential players for nothing as the average!