I probably wouldn't say Brad, as he had one spectacular season, but the others have been good, not great. Interesting fact I heard last season: Flowers has given up more Premiership goals than any other keeper.

And you're getting as bad as Jan, Jim and Mr. 6... Hey, he put out the wrong squad in the first half. He had his reasons for doing it (W. Brom weak in the attack down the left), and it didn't work. The only harm done wasn't because of the formation, it was because of a dodgy wall. At the half, he realized the formation wasn't giving us the offensive results we wanted, so he was smart enough to admit he had been wrong and changed it. It worked. Just remember, if not for such a dodgy wall, more people would be praising how he made the right changes at the half. Of course others would be moaning no matter what, even had we won 3-0, including all those listed above.

West Brom is not as bad as they were a couple years back, and considering our home form of last season and our history against the "lesser" teams in the last few seasons, a draw is not the end all. Also, if you look at the opening match of last season, Portsmouth beat Villa, and the season didn't end too bad for Villa.

If you read some of what Souness has said, he also said that he would like to see us essentially safe after the first half of the season, so we can concentrate on a push from there and not be like last season, where there is desperation at the end.

Why you should invest the max in your youth squad (tonight's youth pull): Ryan Pulliam (39018531) 17 years, passable form, healthy A sympathetic guy who is calm and upright. Has disastrous experience and wretched leadership abilities. Nationality: USA Total Skill Index (TSI): 1 320 Wage: 747 US$/week Stamina: poor Goaltending: disastrous Playmaking: passable Passing: poor Winger: poor Defending: excellent Scoring: inadequate Set Pieces: poor Could make a fortune with the guy if I decide to sell him. Also tempted to go back to training wingers to build up his winger skill, since his defending can't get higher (it can't right?).

3-0 us, Yorke x2, Ferguson

Even after the Owen thing, I'm going to resist the temptation to edit my previous post...

1. Liverpool 2. Arsenal 3. Chelsea 4. Birmingham City 5. Manchester United 6. Rovers 7. Aston Villa 8. Spurs 9. Man City 10. Southampton 11. Fulham 12. Newcastle 13. 'Boro 14. Portsmouth 15. Charlton 16. Everton 17. West Brom 18. Bolton 19. Norwich 20. Crystal Pal My theory about Liverpool is that Houllier gone is worth at least 20 more points. Probably will be wrong, but I have a feeling... I think United is a couple injuries away from an off season, and the couple injuries seem to be coming. Then again, I'm sure I'm wrong about everything.

Leeds' problem was not him playing there as much as him being their best defender and playing there. Guess what? He's not our best defender. (oh, and do you EVER sleep LC?)

Will someone tell me what is wrong with starting Matteo in midfield? Has he been bad? Have we been leaking goals like a seive with him there?

Oh so they DO agree with me. Nice to know I'm right. No I don't know anything about spread betting- I don't bet. I'm not stupid and actually realise that bookies rig things so that they win, which most punters (mainly men I'm afraid) can't get into their thick noddles Actually, no, bookies rig things so that the bets will even out and they will take a 10% cut no matter who wins or loses... Oh, but you're so much smarter than the rest of us Poodle Tip: Brush your poodles hair every couple of days so it doesn't knot up.

As long as you get on the right train...

Wonder if Jim was complaining when we signed Gray last season, as we already had Gresko doing a decent job at left back at the time (considering the lack of cover he was getting).

Also, if you have more than 10, you might not get training for the week. I think the tension caused is probably by the personality of the player. I've had that happen a couple of times.

How many do you have total?

Was talking to an ex-pat over here this weekend and he was saying he remembers going to Ewood a couple times in the 70s with crowds of about 5,000. Says Rovers are lucky to be able to get 20,000 with the area population and number of other clubs not too far away.

Wouldn't be suprised to see: Brad Neill Matteo Amo Gray Emerton Thompson Ferguson DePedro Stead Yorke at home and: Brad Neill Amo Moore Gray Matteo Emerton Thompson Ferguson DePedro Stead on the road.

I was reading people complaining that attendance figures are much lower this season, causing less people to spend money on players. They figure best to wait until next season, when hattrick should fix the formula. I'm getting near the even money point, after a couple of big purchases to help the team be more competitive. The good news is my 2nd best winger is coming back from injury this week, leaving me able to sell a winger or 2. My 5th best has a TSI of about 660, so definitely a position I'm strong in right now.

Just remember Sam, go for the slow progression and that should pay off better. I don't expect to go up for another season or two, at least, but I am slowly building my club with good younger players whom I can train and either sell on, or use effectively. Have back to back matches coming up with #2 in the conference, and don't want to get killed and have my support go back down. What is the best formation to use against 3-5-2? His forwards are only 2* while his midfield and central defense are 3*.

Looking for a match this week? Challenge me American Rovers, id# 222528.

How much did Lofty used to cost?

Which is why you aren't a premiership manager.

Then again you wanted Sturrock, and he's not exactly burning up the Prem.

I'd say the same thing about Cole the last 2 seasons.

Yeah, 4 solid veteran central defenders and a promising youngster versus 2 promising youngsters, one veteran who everyone says is relegation fodder and one player who everyone keeps hoping year after year will get his form back. I'm with Philly on this one.