I've sat in all parts of the ground over the years save Darwin End upper, though these days it's pretty much always one of two places - unless I get given a ticket. It all depends who I go with. To be honest as long as it's not right at the front at one of the ends, i've found the views to be pretty good from most other seats. If it's with mates it's Blackburn End lower tier towards the back. If it's with my Dad (who posts on here as Montfort) it's Jack Walker Upper towards the Darwin End. Have to say that whilst the Jack Walker is a lot quieter the view is fantastic, and there have been a fair few occassions when the atmosphere's been cracking up there. Fulham 1st season in Prem at the end of the season for one, hammering the dingles in the cup for another. Beating Chelsea to get into europe and when we beat Sheff Weds in the league cup semi also spring to mind. Biggest prob with Jack Walker stand imo is infiltrating opposing fans though rovers seemed to have toughened up on this.

Much as I loath the guy he seems to be doing well in the transfer market. Anyone who can get 5 million for heskey after the woeful season he's had and from the position of a relegated club has to be a decent dealer in the transfer market and can negotiate my next contract for me. Equally Pennant's fee is fairly impressive too. Actually Bruce isn't that bad in the transfer market he just seems to jinx players. It's a player management problem, the players' talent isn't much of an issue - they've got it they just start playing badly when he's managing them. I've never seen so many player's form shoots down when he gets them.

When Bellamy left I thought it was time for a bit of transfer magic from Hughes, who didn't disappoint when we agreed a 3 million fee for Mido (or thereabouts). When Mido decided he didn't want to come I thought the bargain season was over - but Hughes has done it again in with a rediculously low fee (2.5 million) for Benni. Not my first choice truth be told, as I feel he'll need more time to adjust than Mido or Bellers if we still had him. But he is a class act no doubt about it and if he can adjust quickly then he could well be the premiership signing of the season. And Hughes has a habit of bringing out the best in players - so am optimistic. Regarding the debate as to is our attack stronger I'm in the yes camp. Niether Roberts or McCarthy is as devestating as Bellamy, but overall the attack is much stronger. Dickov imo is beginning to fade and Roberts as a replacement is much better. McCarthy is a class act and imo from the odd bit i've seen and what I've heard is not streets behind Bellamy. So overall on paper the attack is stronger in terms of ability. The options are much greater - Roberts provides speed and power, Benni that bit of trickery and clinical finishing, and we've still got Kuqi who's physical and as subtle as a brick - which is ideal agaist certain teams (e.g Boro, City.) In addition to which niether are our striking options resting on some dodgy hamstrings. Loosing either Benni or Roberts to injury, we've still a lot more of a threat up front than we did when Bellamy was out last season. Great move by rovers who also must have a fair bit in left in the transfer kitty, well for us anyway. Still time for Hughes to unearth a world class left back and a right mid.

I know it's a squad game and all that but with the amount of top quality players they have I can't see how Chelsea can keep them all happy. Yeah, money is a factor but they'd be on megabucks anywhere and will all want to play regularly, something Chelsea cannot guarentee. Looking at the centre mid situation at chelsea for example how on earth can they accomodate Essien Makelele, Lampard and Ballack, unless they play 3 in the middle which means either a wide player or a striker is dropped and I can't see any of the numerous players they have in those positions being happy about being rested either. As for the coaching thing agree with eddie to an extent but also there are a lot of coaches who would mess up even with a squad like chelseas. Sadly we seem to have had a fair few of them over the years...

Gutted we went out, this was the best squad (or would have been if picked properly) for some time, and this was our best chance at success. Listening to the game (as was at a friend's wedding) I thought when down to 10 men we were excellent - giving rise to the question why don't we often play like that. Sven got found out throughout the tournament - being proved right only in Hargreaves' ability. Lampard and Gerrard together has never really worked and with Lampard's poor form Sven had the perfect excuse to drop him but didn't. His squad selection - with Jenas and Walcott cost the team badly - neither was ever going to feature and thus we wasted 2 places. Rooney as sole striker was a daft idea too, even if he'd been 100% fit. Gutted that it took until down to 10 men to find the real pride, passion and ability that should accompany playing for england. As for practicing penalties, if that's what we're like when we've practiced - i'm somewhat worried. Agree that it's a technical thing - if you it it firmly enough and far enough into the corner it the keeper won't get it. As for Ronaldo - the wink says it all - absolutely disgraceful. Methinks he's trying to get a move to Madrid. The wink shows his intent and should be punished for it, not that the rest of the portugese are much better. Fifa has to act or it'll turn more people from the game.

Good signing imo. Assuming Dickov/Pongolle was our second striker Roberts is a vast improvement on that. The guy has experience and a nice mix of pace and power, although without the finess of Bellers. He's had a storming season with Wigan, and looked a handful on most of the occassions I've seen him. IF we get in a top class 1st striker (which I think we will) then Roberts IS a step forward for rovers, even as a number 2 striker because he is better than Pongolle and Dickov. If we don't get a top class striker in and Roberts is Bellamy's replacement I would be disappointed, as although good he isn't brilliant like Bellamy. However I doubt very much that this is the case. Personally I think we'll have a better front 2 overall come next season, although whether Jeffers can replace Dickov/Pongolle effectively as a 3rd striker is questionable imo. If we got rid of Kuqi and maybe one of youngsters and brought in 2 new top class strikers then I'd be very happy but I believe that is unrealistic and not going to happen. I'd much rather have Bentley up front as an option (his best position is in the hole)than Jeffers and get in a new right winger, but maybe Hughes has plans to mould Bentley into a right winger. Either way it'll be interesting to see - there's a lot more transfer activity to come from rovers this close season - and only then will we see our new players intended roles.

My first thoughts on hearing this was 'Blimey has the sun gone to Hughes' head'? He hasn't done anything in years and if charlton - a team much inferior to us - don't want him why the hell do we? Looking at it in context, especially with Roberts signing the same day the deal doesn't look quite as bad, although still a gamble. In context, rovers ideally needed two strikers prior to Bellamy leaving, three now he left. Regardless of the quality of players deals take time, and players cost money, both of which are limited for Hughes and rovers. In Jeffers rovers get the squad striker position sorted out quickly, and from what I've heard, cheaply. Considering the monetary aspect; Heskey was a possible 3rd choice striker, although better than Jeffers, is not good business at the cost of several million and £15k plus a week. With the deal being wrapped up quickly rovers can concentrate on getting in one/two top class forwards - deals which will take a lot more time and effort. In this sense too the signing of Jeffers frees up much more of rovers resources. Looking at what Hughes has done with players of limited talent like Kuqi, you have to hope he can get something out of Jeffers; and judgement calls on the like of Stead and Jansen have proved the manager's tactical accumen. Nevertheless I'm still highly sceptical - the guy couldn't even hack it at Rangers. Hopefully Hughes will prove me wrong but the nagging thought is as he was available earlier why didn't Hughes go for him then?

I would it would be a hollow victory. It'd take the shine off winning and contrary to belief the whole footballing world would flag it up. What's Maradona remembered for primarily - cheat or football genius - I reckon with most people it's the former. And like Gerrard it'd make a mockery of his talents. Agree. That's one of the reasons why beating manure is so sweet because the cheeting bar-stewards seem to have the referee on their side.

I was also suprised that the kit wasn't on sale after the game but then that would have been a good marketing combination by Lonsdale which is obviously a bit beyond them. After the game we went in the store only for it to be shut by 5.30. This to me was a hideously wasted opportunity by lonsdale/rovers. Now at the time of closing there were loads of people in, and for the next half hour or so they were still turning people away, as the queues inside were dealt with. Surely if they'd have kept open till 6.30 or even 6 a lot more stuff could have been sold as well as retaining the goodwill of the majority of supporters they had turfed out (a few people around me were rather put out at being prevented from having a look round and kicked out into the rain.) I appreciate that normally 5.30 may be quieter but with many fans staying on to applaud the team, delaying the closing time by half an hour or so would have been a logical idea. The worst example of customer service that day was one lad who had brought some shorts but the cashier hadn't taken the tag off the shorts. Though there were still queues and clearly would be for some time, the supervisor wouldn't let the guy in to get the tag off - which would have taken all of 30 seconds. This kind of behaviour to me is not only impolite but is daming to both lonsdale and rovers reputation. We don't have a fan base large enough to alienate them.

My word you couldn't make it up if you tried. What's the point of half measures - if Bruce wanted to retain any credability he should have named and shamed the players and shown them the door, thus showing them who's boss (well for now anyway .) This half-hearted measure just puts Brum in an even worse light and adds yet more gloom and doom for the supporters. What kind of message is it to start crying "the players won't play for us, but it's ok we'll protect them but we want everyone to know how hard done by we are". Every manager, no matter how good they are will have the odd fall-out with players (although some seem to make a habit of it). How it is dealt with it is what makes the manager successful. The only other refusal to play I can think of is Viduka for John Barnes at Celtic. I can think of a fair few players sulking when dropped/subbed etc. but that at least shows they actually want to play. Refusing to play at all is rater rare in my book and shows how troubled the brum camp is. It should also be noted that that small club rovers are seeming to do ok with firebrands such as Bellamy Todd & Savage.

Very surprised about Walcott. Never been seen and never played premiership - 'nuff said. What a slap in the face for all those players who've had a great season and got no reward. Incidently I wouldn't have had Bent, despite his good form, I'd have gone for Defoe who I think is a more talented player. Either way they're both proven and proven is what you need for a world cup, where the margin for error is minimal. (Unlike say a friendly or even a qualifier where there's anopther chance to put things right.) If he was a viable option, why didn't the pundits mention him, why hasn't Sven seen him play, why hasn't he been tried in a friendly. I'm sorry but if he's not good enough to play some role at Arsenal then he shouldn't be in the england team. The whole squad however is somewhat flawed, as others have stated. Hargreaves I understand - he's our defensive midfield option - but no back up target man, an unfit rooney allowed but not King who has qustion marks over his fitness, and Jenas is enough to make the staunchest england fan feel somewhat less optimistic. Hopefully we'll be proved wrong though - we've seen unknown talents work before, for example Stead keeping rovers up a couple of years back. Hopefully Walcotts confidence will be the same, but with a lack of striking support I fear there may be too much pressure on his shoulders.

Upon hearing the teams, with our weakened side against what can't be far off City's first XI I was a tad worried that we were going to loose it. I was wrong. City were shocking, whilst rovers were ... decent. Let's be honest it wasn't a great performance. But I'm not worried - there were a fair few players out and when we were down to 10 men we defended excellently. I'd be much more worried if i were a city fan - they played their best team, at times against 9 men - but the most offensive thing in a city shirt was their fans' attack on the police at the end. Raitings: Brad: 8 Little to do, but an excellent save in 1st half. I've noticed he's excellent at wasting time too. Mokoena - taken off too early to rate. Gray: 8 One of his better games. Didn't notice him or cringe once at any inept defending - a very solid performance. Zurab: 9 excellent defensively and took his goal very well - Man of the Match. Neill: 8 Great apart from he's too indisciplined to be a centre back - he dribbles the ball too far and doesn't always know when to get rid. This caused him his booking as he kept posession too long, got caught in possession and made ammends by fouling their player. Tugay: 7 Stupid sending off. No complaints about that, very late and the studs were blatently up. The ball was on the half way line to boot so it was pretty pointless. Otherwise ran the show fairly efficiently when rovers had the ball. Savage: 8 Never stops running - enthusiasm personified you'd have thought it was a cup final from the effort he put in. Peter: 8 By no means the finished article but showed a lot of promise. Some nice touches, a few decent crosses and a good work rate. Bentley: 7 Disappointing, he's not the answer to the right wing. Decent but plays very narrow. Quite a few misplaced passes. Dickov: 6 Ineffective but tireless. Kuqi: 9 He may struggle against top teams but this was his type of game. Worried the defence throughout, took his goal well, and worked tirelessly. subs Emerton: 7 His beautiful cross for the 2nd goal showed why rovers have persisted with him and was a glimpse of what might have been. Prior to that he saw what was, and it was pretty shocking- falling over, poor marking, poor passes and control. Improved and defended solidly after the assist though. Pongolle 8: Worked very hard though clearly not a midfielder, and even caused a bit of trouble to the city defence. Bit worried when he whipped off his shorts though. Gally: 7 Didn't get much of a run out but some promising passes from him. Overall we never really got hold of the game. In the first half city had most of the possession as rovers struggled to assert themselves on the game. However somehow we found ourselves 1-0 up due to James howler (Sven shouldn't touch him with a bargepole). 2nd half was more of the same, rovers not really getting to grips with the game, and City dithering away their possession and dominance in an unthreatening manner. As it was city dithered rovers scored an excellent breakaway goal and it was 2-0. The most frustrating thing was a vintage rovers performance could've seen us take them to the cleaners, rather than the comfortable stroll it was (but hey it was the last game of the season with 6th place and europe guarenteed so fairly understandable). The sending off seemed to serve rovers better as it cut out the complacency that had been prevailent in the team up until then. The defending seemed much more solid, the tackles were going in harder, possession was kept better and rovers stepped it up a gear. If city looked to emulate rovers and likewise step it up a gear they failed miserably. Even with 9 men (due to a bloodied Kuqi) city didn't look like scoring and rovers comfortably cruised to a win. The positives - without playing anywhere near our best our much depleated team comfortably saw off premiership opposition. Oh, and we're in europe and the team got the send off they deserved. The negatives - it was against City, who redefined shocking, so we can't get carried away. A city supporting mate of mines reckon relegation is on the cards next season. Still that's Psycho's problem not mine. All in all a good end of season game, in what has been a remarkably excellent season - especially at fortress ewood. Oh, and did I mention we're in europe?

Yep. It'll just be a straight swap. Rovers have technically got the league cup winners uefa cup place.

Sven is highly likely to stick with his old favourites even if they are half crocked. Worryingly we could have a fair few of the squad not up to match sharpness. All of the below will have less than half a dozen games to get back to the highest standards, something that could cost us dearly. Those injured are: Bridge, A. Cole, King, Campbell, Owen - worryingly this includes our lead striker and both left backs, something that may be the chink in our otherwise impressive defence. With Rooney likely to be missing having our only other world class striker, who will be relied on even more, off the pace isn't too encouraging. If Rooney makes it, which I doubt, but may happen with Sven's favouritism then we can add a 6th play who will be short of match practice. Then you can factor in Wright-Phillips. Ok the guy hasn't been injured but he hasn't had too many competitive games, something which is likely to mean that his match sharpness will be lower. Even excluding Rooney 6 out of a squad of 23 who there will be question marks over isn't the best news ever. Squad: GK Robinson, James (shudder) Green. (I'd have taken Martyn but he won't be fit.) Defenders Neville, Carragher, Ferdinand, Terry, King (if fit), A. Cole, Bridge, Dawson Midfileders Beckham, Lennon, Carrick, Gerrard, Lampard, J. Cole, Downing, Nolan Strikers Owen, Beattie, Defoe, Bent

Id like to see gally given a chance next to Bellamy and Peter on the left rather than MGP Me too. Although liked Pongolle's attitude vs Chelsea. However since Gally is ours and if he can do it as one of the 4 strikers then it'd make sense to check on him as he'd potentially save us a transfer fee. Might also be tempted to have a look at Gresko lb if Hughes is considering giving him another deal. Right back is a bit of a problem but Moko played fairly well against Chelsea so it may be worth giving him a bit more practice in defence (either at cb or rb) rather than someone who looks likely to leave e.g. emerton or amoruso. 1-0 rovers who are still over excited (not to mention knackered) about qualifying for europe. Bellamy to score - who else.

So let's get this straight - two decent cup runs, and a league cup now qualifies a manager for what should be one of the most prestigious jobs in the footballing world. And such success came at a huge cost to boot. I'm sorry but even Souness' record is better than McLaren's - and he spent less in achieving it. Clearly McLaren isn't the best manager for the job be the criteria requiring the manager to be english, british or from anywhere in the world. The appointment is a joke. This is the England Manager job we are talking about - not the barcodes. When has striving for mediocracy been an aim for England? The English job should go to a proven top manager and no one can say McLaren is that - distinctly average at best. Have to say my enthusiasm towards english football has dimmed somewhat on hearing this news. Still as people point out he won't be in the job for long.

What a night, fantastic atmosphere, even better result. Other than rovers fans I don't think anyone was giving us a chance of winning - but what do they know. Truth be told I was expecting a draw but rovers as always under Hughes managed to exceed my expectations. Fantastic. Watching the Charlton game I wasn't entirely sure how good rovers were and how much of it was a woeful Charlton side. Tonight showed how good we can be. And for all those who moan about a weakened team - 9 international's who'd walk into any team in the country isn't bad going. First half my only disappointment was us going in only 1-0 up. The work ethic even for Blackburn was astounding, Chelsea for the most part were contained in a very effective manner and we missed several golden opportunities to score. How Bentley's header missed or why MGP didn't shoot (lack of confidence perhaps?) will remain a mystery but Savage and Reid came up with the goods. Fantastic free kick by Sav and Reidy as usual was putting himself where it counts. Also notable this half was the enthusiasm from Pongolle - something that he seems to have been lacking. Second half was a lot more tense. For all the penalty controversy I thought a lot of decisions especially in the early part of the second half went against rovers. lots of tackles were given as fouls, the linesman seemed to forget what offside was and Chelsea were doing a rediculous amount of diving. Reid showed why he isn't a right back and struggled with Duffer, but then many would. Having said that many right backs would struggle with Duff and with help Reid just about contained him. On the left flank Gray seemed to strugle for pace (as usual) against SWP but doggedly stuck to his task and just about seemed to come out on top. As for Pedersen though going forward he wasn't great his tracking back and helping out Gray was fantastic - far better than Bentley who imo is not really suited to a right mid role. Mokoena when he came on did ok in my book. Again he got in a few good tackles, put Duff off his stride and his distribution was good. Considering this is not his natural position I thought he did rather well. As for the centre backs - magnificent. I worried how they'd do without the strong leadership of Todd or Nelson but Zurab and Neill were fantastic. Zurab dribbling past Crespo was class and despite the occassional wander up field when he forgot he was a centre back Neill looked very acomplished in the centre. The last 5/10 minutes I thought we rallied fantastically. The atmosphere throughout the ground was fantastic and rovers began to venture forward again. Peter looked to have a particularly nice touch and the tiredness which seemed to nearly overwhealm us halfway through the second half seemed to be shrugged off, as players and fans alike realised that we were going to do it. Man of the Match for me was Savage who never stopped running, more than matched a very tough midfield, and created the goal. He seemed to be the epitomy of dedication and enthusiasm and answered any questions to why Hughes was so eager to bruing the lad to rovers. And so we're in europe again. The performance epitomised everything about rovers under Hughes; some nice touches of class built on the foundations of bucket loads of commitment, hard work and endevour. I'm really looking forward to see where Hughes and co take rovers next.

Both teams really need this one - added in the bad feeling ebtween the two clubs and this is going to be a cracker. I predict at least 7 yellow cards and possibly a red. For me there's a few interesting battles: Tielby vs Bellamy Bruce is spouting on about how well Tielby's done in recent weeks and been the catalyst of their (relatively speaking) decent run of form. He'll have the unenviable job of marking our welsh wizard Bellamy as Taylor could be outmuscled by a paper bag. He's quite nippy for a centre back but I've a feeling that Bellers will be a bit too quick for Teilby and lead rovers on to victory. Pennant vs Gray IMO our weak link in our team. Pennant's fast and Gray isn't to put it bluntly and if Brum are to create anything it's most likely to come down their right flank. MGP will ahve to be tracking back and give Gray a lot of protection methinks to keep the youngster quiet. Butt/whoever else is playing the hardman role in midfield vs Savage It's going to be a real battle proper blood and thunder type encounter and whoever dominates the midfield will probably dictate the tempo and should win the game. Robbie will be desparate to play well vs Brum (indeed my only worry is he tries too hard a la thompson) and Brum will be desparate to see that he doesn't. Therefore my team would be: Brad Neill Todd Nelsen Gray Emerton Savage Reid MGP Bellamy Dickov subs: Tugay, Mokoena, Kuqi, Bentley Enks A few players who've 1st team chances been discussed recently are Dickov, Bentley and Zurab. I'd have the latter two out and Dickov in. Why? Dickov against Taylor will be great (so long as we don't do any stupid long balls to him) Tiny really doesn't like in your face attackers and they don't get much more in your face than Dickov! I'd be a tad worried about the power that Heskey and Sutton could bring and as Zurab isn't too comfortable with these kind of players I'd bring back Todd who likes a good scrap. As for Bentley imo he's been disappointing on the wing and Emerton would be more solid for what is likely to be a frantic midfield scrap. Added to which Emo normally plays well when recalled and I've a feeling he's playing for his future and thus motivated would put in a blinder. I'd love to see Tugs come on for a good 20 mins (more if their midfield is tamed) as I've a feeling he could pick out some very promising passes in the gaps that Brum will definatley leave. Thinking it should be a rovers win, and a good one at that, but I've got a naging feeling in the back of my mind that Savage will get sent off and we crash to our second successive loss. It's going for europe that's making me very nervous.

All this evening out theroy is absolute rubbish. If you're a small team you win a few and loose a lot - and against the big teams you won't win any. When was the last time a smaller club got a cotraversial decision their way against one of the top four? Our two pieces of luck this season have hardly been excessive - any ref would've struggled to see MGPs handball - and at the Wigan game we'd already had a legit goal ruled for offside. When compaired with the absolutely blatent offside of todays game, or Savage's second yellow against Boro to cite another example, you can see how rovers have really been screwed over by the refs. Ok Liverpool had the better chances, but our defence and keeper were equal to them, (Cisse looked fast but a shocking finisher and a wuss to boot) and rovers can justifiably feel agreeved not to have got a point. OK we weren't at our best or created much, but Liverpool scarcely tried to attack in the second half which made it all the more difficult to create something - especially when coming up against the best centre back combo in the premiership. I'm confident that if it had been 0-0 we'd have had that bit more space and as we were playing some decent stuff could have done liverpool some damage. As it was we were up against it and not at our creative best - even with Tugs staying on next season (we really missed him today) looking for a bit more creativity isn't a bad idea. Also another top quality striker is needed although having said that I thoight Dickov did ok in difficult circumstances. I'm beginning to get a bit nervous about 6th place. If Bolton win against wba which they should and will imo, then it really becomes a lot tighter with little room for slip ups. Ok we're still favourites to get it but we can still be overtaken. A couple more bad results and we could be in real trouble. Having said that even though we weren't at our best if we perform at this level against Brum we should have too much for them. I think 3 pts would settle everyone involved with rovers (including the players) nerves down and set us on the way to europe.

If a place in europe is riding on the City game I reckon its a certainty that we'll have a large crowd.

Head says a narow loss, heart says rovers to bounce back in style (if you can bounce back from a couple of draws) and win. Probably a third successive draw on the cards then and everyone to continue humming and hawing if we're in dream land or the pits of dispair. Maybe being messed about with when we're actually going to play them will fire Sparkey and the lads up. If we're to win we've got to stifle their midfield - everyone knows its dangerous - so a Reid Savage partnership should be the order of the day. Perhaps we should recall Todd if he's fit - we've not been defending too well of late. We may have too if Gray's injured and if IMO I feel a back line of Zurab, Todd, Nelsen, Neill is as good a back line as we've got (the only problem being it limits Neill's chances to go forward.) Not too sure what to do about the right mid problem either - we solve the left one so we create one on the right, typical rovers. I'd probably favour Bentley still - if the bugger could cross he'd be great there - as he can't he's limited on the right. In fact I'd probably put Emerton on the right as defensively he'll help stifle the Liverpool midfield and put Bentley up front. This negates the Dickov/Kuqi problem. I'm a huge fan of Kuqi but I don't fancy his chances against Carragher or Hyppia. And Bentley should put in some nice throughballs for Bellamy. Added to which with Bentley taking a berkamp-esque role it'd mean that we'd be able to stop us being overrun in midfield. I've a feeling Liverpool will play a 4-5-1 / 4-3-3 with two wide forwards. By having Bentley in the hole he'll be able to drop back if neccessary to stop us getting outnmbered in the midfield. Therefore: Brad Zurab Todd Nelsen Neill Savage Reid Emerton MGP Bentley Bellamy subs: Enks, Tugs, Mokoena, Kuqi, Dickov 1-1 Bellamy scoring for us, Gerrard for them

To be honest 4th was always going to be a tall order. We just don't have the quality in the squad to change things round if our players aren't performing. Not sure why we're slumping at the moment - maybe our high-energy game is taking its toll, maybe it's nerves because of the prospect of europe. 4th place was probably lost when we lost to Everton and West Brom, infinately easier games then a Pompey side on the up and what was a decent performance by Wigan. What strikes me most is that we need ALL our players to play to the best of their ability for us to win games. We just don't have enough quality to carry a couple of players let alone 3 or more. Nor can we really sub them for equally talented performers. However the squad is looking a lot better than it was and we've come a long way from last season. Hopefully a couple of quality additions and we'd be able to take it up to the next level. We should still get 6th mind as Bolton's form of late hasn't been good, and the pressure will be on them too. At this stage of the season all teams are going to drop points unexpectedly and Bolton will be no different. The Brum game showed that. If we can get one win I'm sure he confidence will be back there'll be a bit more energy in the players and that'll propel us forward till the end of the season. We really are a confidence team. Look at how well we played after scoring against Wigan. No more of that long ball rubbish but some pretty slick football. This'll be all the more pronounced if we win against a big team (Chelsea or Liverpool not brum.) For me the squad looks something like this: Top class on their day as good as anyone: Brad, Nelsen, Todd, Bellamy, Tugs, Reid, Savage, Neill, MGP, Zurab? Heck of a lot of potential if it were more regular they'd be in the above: Bentley, Pongolle, possibly Peter Not matchwinners but you're ok with seeing one or two on the team sheet. Any more and we could be in trouble. Good squad players. Gray, Enks (as 2nd keeper) Emerton, Dickov, Kuqi (as sub vs lower teams), Mokoena (as DM) Gally Allways feel worried when see their name on the teamsheet Matteo, Amoruso, Douglas when returns, Gresko Kuqi (against decent teams) was: Flitty, Tommo, Jansen anyone else I've not mentioned. Mokoena in defence, anyone else I've not mentioned. For a team challenging for europe there aren't enough players in the Top Class or Heck of a lot of Potential, and excessive amounts in the worried whenever they play. Really there should only be 1/2 donkeys in the squad at most. Hughes is beginning to cull the latter category which is reassuring but it still takes time to rebuild a squad. What we need are imo more heck of a lot of potential players as top quality players are hard to find and pretty expensive. This and a culling of the worried whenever they play would make a whole lot of difference to the rovers team next season and 4th would not be out of the question then.

Totally agree. This isn't as clear cut as it seems - Wigan have some good forwards and we'll need to be on top of our game to keep them quite. Rovers are more than capable of winning but Wigan are capable of spoiling the party. Don't really rate Pongolle but I reckon Hughes will start with him as his pace could be a bit much for De Zuew & Henchoz. Not seen us loose yet this season - reckon it'll continue with a 2-1 win to the rovers Bellamy & MGP.

Great result for the massive club. When you look at the talent they have in their squad they should be nowhere near the position they're in, even allowing for injuries. With the games they've got coming up you wouldn't want to be Brum at the moment. IF they go down they'll loose a lot of players; can see Forsell, Heskey, Dunn, Pennant, Upson, Melchiot, Izzet, Sutton, Jarioski spring to mind for starters, which will leave them in big trouble.

Think people are so worried because the situation is almost too easy. In some ways I'm more gutted by Savage missing this one as he's one of the few players I'd be certain would get stuck in 100% regardless of the opposition. For Sunderland to have any chance of winning they've got to try and rough us up. That's why I'd go for Mokena and Reid in the middle to counter this and let Bentley and MGP play havoc down the wings. Defence Todd should come in to counter Kyle's physical presence. Up front Dickov and Bellamy. This is in part as Pongolle in my oppinion is not very good, but also because this is Dickov's type of game. A jittery defence against Dickov will hopefully result in lots of errors for Rovers to capitalise on. As soon as we get the second Bellamy should come off to make sure his hamstrings stay ok. Team: Friedel, Neill, Gray, Todd, Nelsen, Bentley, Mokoena, Reid, MGP, Dickov, Bellamy subs: Zurab, Kuqi, Tugay (if fit) Pongolle and Enks. Going for 2-1 Rovers Pedersen and Bellamy the scorers.