Another historic event in the history of BRFC - the first penalty for over a year - I'll have to get to more away games! Even the novelty of actually getting a penalty (and scoring) however, doesn't paper over what was to me a disappointing game. Until the penalty Rovers were poor to mediocre. The defence and midfield looked ok without being great, but up front we really looked poor. Stead had one half decent chance but there was little else created in a dour 45 minutes, capped off by letting in a fairly soft goal to City. The second half seemed equally stagnant until a beautiful through ball saw Dickov one on one with the keeper when Mills sent Dickov tumbling. With Mills sent off Rovers clearly looked a class above and started to show some decent attacking play. Passes were accutrately made, chances were created and Dickov should have got the winner from a Matt Jansen knock down. What fustrated me though was with City down to 10 men there was a lack of players running at City, especially down the left flank where neither Reid nor McEveley wanted to get forward despite acres of space. This was really fustrating as with another winger to terrorize a streched City we'd have definately won. As it was despite our reluctance to attack down the left in the last fifteen minutes we still should have won. But that's Rovers for you. We won't get many better chances to win away from home. Brad - a couple of decent saves but didn't have that much to do. McEveley - to me he lacks the pace to be a full back. The number of times he got beaten was worrying - even taking into account he was against SWP - and didn't offer much going forward. Fairly solid when not being run at though but I don't think he's the answer to our left back problem. Neil - the guy looked good in the air and strong in the tackle A couple of silly fouls but otherwise a commanding performance. Pity he can't pass the ball to a Rovers player. Nissa - best defender of the lot. Will get better with age and a good partner, and showed plenty of talent today. Todd - one moment when Anelka got the better of him and perhaps fortunate only to get booked for the subsequent foul. Otherwise coped with Anelka fialry well. Tugay - tried, the odd nice pass but didn't boss the midfield. Ferguson - slogged his guts out but again didn't dominate the middle of the pitch. Emerton - fairly electric for most of game though much more effcent on the right then the left against Mills. Reid - the guy isn't a winger. With Mills sent off and no one in the right back position still struggled to get forward. And cannot cross to save his life. Dickov - worked tirelessly and deserved his goal though created little else. Stead - not his best performance, doesn't work well with Dickov. subs Jansen - didn't really get stuck in but won a few headers, one of which Dickov should have converted. Our most promising partnership with Boothroyd out. Tommo - added a bit of urgency to the midfiled and had a nice shot at goal. Overall, City aren't a good team, they were no better than us. Afterwards felt disappointed to be coming away with a draw from a game we should have won. Having said that after an unispiring 60 - 70 minutes at any point before the penalty and sending off I'd have gladly taken a draw. Rovers however don't look to have enough in attack, but at least the rest of the team seems a bit more settled, especially the defence.

For me defensively Amoruso and Peacock. To the untrained eye their physical approach might seem impressive but you could guarentee they would make the mistake that cost Rovers the game. No pace, no positional sense, a complete and utter lack of concentration. Wonder what it is with long haired centre backs at Ewood. (Nissa might prove to be the exception.) Of all the goalies I've seen Fettis has to be the worst. I cannnot remember a single one-on-one with him involved that didn't end in a goal. Up front, lard arse Davies. Poor attitude, no pace, little skill and was dropped after 2 games during his spell at Rovers. His goal scoring and genreal contribution was appalling and he would have been a bad signing on a free transfer; for £7m he was a disaster. What got me, was never once did he look bothered. To me Grabbi got a couple of goals and assists for us, and had some technical ability and Ward bad as he was nabbed a few goals for us so can't be considered our worst player. Indeed for lesser amounts I'm not sure either of their names would be mentioned as frequently. Looking back Egil was far from the worst ever Rovers player.

Can't see how anybody can argue with that, unless Short is back from injury which I dont think he is. The only question mark is over Thompson who, although he had a good game in the reserves this week, combined with Barry in the middle could leave us very lightweight defensively. Still, when the other options are Tugay and Flitcroft I say give him a go! Feeling reasonably confident, provided everybody can stay on the pitch. 2-1 Rovers Agree entirely with these sentiments, which is why I'd swap Tommo and Reid's position round as it would mean Tommo isn't in as much as a physical battle and both he and Bazza can get forward. Don't think the Stead Dickov partnership works that well but what other combinations are there? Optimistic about this one, City don't cope well against organised teams and the last couple of games have seen a more professional Rovers. We should come back with a point if not all three. First away game for me this season. Is any of the MB members meeting up in any pubs before the game?

Absolutely spot on. During the first Souness years another family member who had previuously no knowledge of football took their first interest in the game and became hooked on Rovers. Quite understandable really; the team had character and charisma about it. You always had a fair idea of what the team would be and where each player would be played. They were our team, and they played attractive football. Many of the players had a history with the club whilst the new players were easily integrated as there wasn't wholesale changes. It was hard not to get sweapt up by the optimism, excitment and character of the club. Those were some of the best footballing memories (along with winning the Prem) and for that I'm greatful for Souness. Compair that to the last 18 months, average players, bland characters, and constant chopping and changing the team. You didn't know who would play or where, and you felt as if very few players belonged to the club. The idenitity of the team went and along with it the quality and attracive football. IMO it would be very hard for a person to get involved and identify with the Rovers team during the last months of Souness reign. Had Souness never reached the dizzying hights of 6th and Europe and a league cup final would we be as dissapointed? Probably not. But to get to these hights and fall so spectacularly is criminal. From finsihing 6th to becoming relegation candiates is arguably one of the largest declines in football. My gripe with Souness if for letting something so good, go so bad so quickly.

If Emerton's doing ok on the left maybe try Gally at right mid. He seems more likely to be able to run at defenders and have some pace when compaired to Reid. Not sure whether he'd be defensive enough though.

Same team as last time, same tactics (bar first ten minutes and dodgy free kicks) and Rovers should win. Norwich often leave themselves vulnerable at the back so we need Tugay or maybe Djorkaeff to be on top of their passing game to hurt Norwich. I'd like to see Stead in for Dickov but otherwise wouldn't change the team. I think Reid's better at centre mid but we need one of our better passers to occupy the second centre mid slot. Really hope Matteo doesn't play if fit, I'm not sure what Hughes sees in him. It's already been said loads of times but Rovers CANNOT afford to loose this game. However after our last performance I'm quietly confident about this one.

One of the last teams you want to be facing after two 4-0 drubbings is an in form Liverpool side. Hughes has got a huge job in trying to get the players fired up and installing a bit of confidence in the side. I've thought long and hard about what the best 11 would be, and the options don't look great. The best I reckon we can hope for (assuming Tommo is out) is Brad Neill, Nissa, Short, Grey Emerton Reid Ferguson Gresko Jansen Boothroyd At the back I've gone for Short and Nissa as IMO when Nissa's played he has done well (albeit he hasn't played often.) Also when Short and Todd play together, last season they had a nasty tendancy to back off too much (Portsmouth home Liverpool away). With Nissa being a bit more pacier and Short's experience hopefully the defence won't back off so much. The full backs don't have much competition. Besides both, especially Grey can perform well, although their performance is often linked to how badly the centre backs are playing. Hopefully a more stable centre of the defence should see the full backs pick up their form a bit. In midfield Ferguson and Emo, our best outfield players pick themselves. Needless to say Emo should be played on the right. I'd choose Reid as Barry's central mid partner as he can fulfil a more defensive roll and can get stuck in, whilst still having a bit of pace. Again my thinking for playing Gresko is similar in that it will give a bit more protection for tge back through another player who doesn't mind getting stuck in. I'd consider Djorkaeff (sp) and Pederson too lightweight for this kind of encounter. Up front Matty and Boothroyd. Matty may only so glimpses of what he once was, but that's a lot more than what any other striker has shown recently. Jansen has a lot to play for is good in the air and again will work hard for the team. Boothroyd deserves his chance, I think he might have a bit of power and pace. Certainly a bit more physical presence up front would be welcome. Also he's scored in the Italian league, reputedly the hardest to score in and played as a lone striker (apparently.) This would indicate that he'd be best suited to feeding off the scraps our strikers are getting. With the right game plan and attitude we're capable of a draw. But a lot will depend on how often we switch off in defence. I can see it being like Charlton where we switch off at vital moments despite a decent performance. If this is the case (which it's likely to be) a 2-0 defeat is on the cards.

Totally agree. Ferguson's one of the few good player's we've got but the likelihood is he'll be leaving either for Newcastle in January, or if we're relegated. And though Ferguson's good, he's not as good as three decent players (a midfielder, centre back and striker) that £7m could bring. From last season and pre season spending it appears that we've no money whatsoever, and it's vital that the team has funds to bring in new faces.

Hughes isn't blameless and our performances under him haven't been good. But to sack him after 5 games would be plain stupid. Obviously things are worrying but could anyone else have done better with the dross that we have? The squad these days has first division written all over it. Given the fact we had IMO the worst defence last season and are now lacking a leading striker it's not that suprising that we are where we are. If you look at the team how many of our players would get in, say, the birmingham side? Not many. Hughes however has to address some key weaknesses that he has not rectified as yet. I think the fans however, have the benefit of hindsight having seen these mistakes for over a year. Things like Emerton on the left, an aging midfield, an appalling defence, the need for two strikers up front are all problems that we've witnessed week in week out as Rovers fans. Hughes by comparison has had only a few weeks to realise the futility of playing Emerton on the left, that Amoruso can't defend etc. To me how fast he learns these weaknesses and comes up with a viable solution to get us through to January will be the key to his success as Rovers manager. Hughes has the potential to become a good manager for Rovers, but that potential may come too late.

Maybe it was just me but when we first got back into the premiership there seemed to be a real buzz about the place for the entire season. I think our fans had missed premiership football and realised how valuable such experience was. The atmosphere seemed so much better then even when struggling (like the loss to Derby at home). For me the main problems these days are the fact you can't identify with the team any more and the dire football being produced. I can cope with loosing if we put in a good display, play some attractive football and give us one or two things to shout about. As for identifying with the team there's little home grown talent coming through, few characters left and those that are are past it. How many of the team have any history with the club? Only Short, Brad, Jansen and Flitty were with us when we got promoted, and of those only two are playing regularly. I know that football has a high player turn around but ours seems exceptionally high. In such circumstances other things take on greater significance than before. Whilst fans may be willing to cope with poor stewarding etc when the team is successful and things are okay with the situation as it is fans need every encouragement to continue to go. Personally the atmosphere at some of the games last season was the highlight of a poor campaign - and if the atmosphere is taken away there's not much left. Personally I think that our attendences aren't that appalling considering the team was ripped apart and even the wins last season were turgid affairs. Hughes has a very tough task on hand, not just to avoid relegation as we did last year but to win back the fans.

On the plus side Chelsea have played pretty negatively this season and aren't the all out attacking force that some teams are. Also Chelsea don't like playing combatitive teams and we have the potential to be a combatitive team (remember the first half vs United). On the negative side with Chelsea's cautious approach I'll be impressed if we get a shot on target, especially if we play with one up front. Secondly despite their caution Chelsea have pace in the team, something our defence lacks. We need a left footer on the left and if Pederson isn't considered tough enough for this one how about a Gresko Grey partnership (with Grey lb) as that might provide us with a bit more protection for the back four. Todd or Nissa should partner Short at centre back, Amo and Matteo should be left back in blackburn. I'd favour Nissa in case Todd's fitness is still a bit suspect and he's got a bit more pace as well. Emerton must be on the right. He's been great for us this season and the boro game proved he can't play on the left. Reid should partner Ferguson and be told to get stuck inand protect the back four. I'm not reid's biggest fan but I think he's the best possible choice for defensive midfield at the moment. Up front Dickov and Jansen. Both work hard and defend from the front. With Jansen as target man we'd be able to see a lot more out of Dickov and actually have someone to aim for when the inevitable route one approach kicks in. Djorkaeff's (sp) a great player but really we need every player capable of defending. I'd bring him on in the last twenty minutes when the Chelsea team are more tired and his drifting can cause the most problems. As for the score if Rovers have a decent plan, stick to it, and make a few key changes to the team maybe a 0-0 draw. Otherwise a Chelsea victory is on the cards.

Yes he had a good game against Leeds reserves and to be fair deserved to play some part today. Wasn't good enough to warrent swaping our best outfield player's position around to accomodate him. Based on Tuesday I thought he may be best suited to playing centre mid with Ferguson - which was what he seemed to be doing at times.

The only ones really worth keeping i.e. trying to persuade to stay even if we got a fair offer for them are: Freidel, Emerton, Short, Ferguson, Dickov, Stead and Grey. The one's who have to go: Amoruso, Flitcroft, Douglas, de Pedro, Matteo Of the rest, for the majority it's not that they're absolute rubbish it's just that they don't perform to the best of their ability often enough. I'd add to the get rid list any of the players not mentioned who can't put in a good performance two in three. Sadly if this principle was applied we wouldn't have be able to field a team.

How did Donis get in the list? At least Gillespie had a few good games with us, played in a cup final and got promoted with us, scored a few goals and lasted more than one season. Surely we've had more better players on the right than Donis. Am really tempted to go for Ripley as although he wasn't the most gifted of player, he always did his job of providing great service to the strikers. I also think he was very unlucky especially on the international stage, and that with a bit more luck would have been considered by those outisde the club as well as a 'star' player. Douglas' record however speaks for itself, but if Ripley doesn't come second I'd be disappointed.

You can normally find a bit of optimism in any game, even a defeat, but other than the season finishing in May I'm not sure what positives can be taken from today's games. With regards to the referee I thought he was poor, Tugay's first was harsh and several boro players should've been booked. However this does not disguise what was a truely abismal performance. I had a feeling that Reid would feature soon after his display for the reserves. At the expense of Emerton at right midfield however, easily our best outfield player at the moment, was a mistake by the manager. I think a lot of Emerton's below par performance today was due to him playing on the wrong wing. I thought that nonsense had left with our last manager. Last season we said we needed a left midfielder on the left, IMO either Jansen or Pederson. Granted it'll take a few games for them to get up to scratch but we cannot afford not to get a proper left footer aclimatised to that position. To me there was little in the first thirty minutes, it had 0-0 draw written all over it. Then Tugay got sent off, and from that moment on you knew what was going to happen. For a player who seems to give his all for the club his challenge was petty and irrisponsible. That's the type of event you cannot afford to happen in a relegation battle. Our "defending" was a joke. To last 3 minutes after half time is pathetic. As soon as we were reduced to ten men you had a fair idea that the defence would come under a fair amount of pressure in the second half. I'm sure Hughes will have told them to sit tight and fustrate boro early on in the second half, and see what we can get on the break. Alternatively he might have said let them score three early on to kill the game in which case they followed their instructions flawlessly. What was most disappointing about our defending was having got caught out once early on there was no rolling up of the sleaves and attempt to keep it at 1-0 where we could possibly get a point. Almost immediately after we let in a second. Nor was there any attempt at damage limitation as the third went in pretty soon after. You'd have thought that after one of those three goals they'd have learnt to tighten things up. Our defending as a team is poor and from our centre backs none existant. Surely there cannot be two worse centre backs than Amo and Matteo. Amoruso's pass for the second goal was criminal, an error of the most basic kind unacceptable at conference level let alone premiership. Both need to be dropped if we're to get any decent run going. Brad deserves a medal for bravery playing with those two in front of him. Up front again we looked lacking. I know it was difficult circumstances but the team offered very little on the break. I don't think Dickov up front alone, or with Djorkeaff (sp) doesn't have enough presence to bother the opposition. Dickov IMO isn't strong enough to hold up the ball and should not be our target man. I'd much rather see us aiming for someone good in the air like Jansen, with Dickov running onto the flick ons and making a nuscance of himself. Last season despite our woefull defending we were scoring regularly. This season we don't look up to much at the front or back. January and a few new faces can't come quickly enough.

I'd really like to see the Stead Dockov partnership ditched. With Dickov tending to drop deep it leaves Stead isolated up front, and I've always thought Stead feeds of other players rather than as a target man. I'd like to see Dickov Jansen up front to relieve the pressure off Stead. Thought Jansen held the ball up well vs Charlton. Other than I'd stick with the team that lost to Charlton with Pederson on the left wing. Villa have quite a combatative midfield so I think we'd need both Flitty and Ferguson in the centre to deal with this. Am worried what Cole's pace will do to our defence. Actually, I'm worried about the whole thing, since we couldn't even beat a poor Charlton side. Villa are doing okay and are a good side. Can see us loosing this one 1-2. Hope I'm wrong.

I'd go for 4-4-2 since we've had a lot of great centre halves over the years, and narrowing it down to one seems a bit harsh on these quality players. Besides which 4-4-2 is a more traditional and standard football formation. My first vote would go for the underrated Henning Berg, a modern player who unlike Hendry did not leave the club in such disappointing circumstances. To me Berg was part of a great back four when winning the championship and who continued to put in good performances even under Hartford's regime. I can remember Henning playing left back, right back and centre back within a matter of weeks under Hartford yet always managed to pull out some strong performances. Perhaps more importantly is his contribution during his second spell at Ewood. It was little coincidence to me that we became a stronger prospect defensively when Henning signed during the promotion season which saw us stop conceeding so many silly goals. This also showed itself in the Premiership where for two seasons we were defensively very strong - resulting in the successes of 6th place and a league cup (where he was captainin the final.) Again, I think that the loss of Berg was a major contributory factor for the defence often engaging in suicide mode. Added to which he is our most capped international player and was a great ambassador for the club.

Agree with Capt and rover6. If as Souness says that all he needs is confidence then why doesn't he play him? Having a striker who was on the verge of the England team apparently just a few games away from his old level/form and not playing him defies belief. As rover6 points out we've had some odd formations and team selections - Jansen can't be more of a risk then Flitty at right midfield. I suspect Matty isn't but we'll never know as Jansen hasn't really had a chance to prove himself. What get's me is that some players regularly underperformed but got lots more of a chance to prove themselves. Regardless of whether he has had his chance, if Souness believes as he says, that all he needs is a bit more time, and doesn't give him that then what's the point in holding on to him. IMO Souness has really handled this badly. These mixed messages aren't helpful to the club or player.

For the money we brought Yorke for and the goals he got Yorke doesn't rate in the disaster category of transfers. Much has been made of his laziness, and I have to agree. Yes the guy's talented, he was great at holding the ball up but that was about it. I can't remember the last time he did something but lay the ball off to another player. I'm not advocating that a striker has to run about for the 90 minutes, but the occassional sprint now and again wouldn't have hurt him. Combined with his constant offside positions - which in an experienced pro just shows a lack of professionalism and care - meant that we were right to get rid. More importantly with both him and Cole off the wages (although I'd still like Cole to be here) the club should have enough financial flexibility to get a few top quality players, or strengthen the squad. The huge relief on the wage bill will hopefully allow the club to move forward once again. As for the lure of the Premiership - what makes him think he'll get in the Birmingham team? In the SPL he might just have scored one or two. Nice one Bruce.

I'm suprised there's not more optimism about this one. Against Utd the team was the most balanced, and more importantly fired up for a long time. We battled for every ball and for once looking as if they really care; which has been lacking somewhat of late. Evidently we've realised that we are allowed to play in the first half... Things are looking good. Added to which the team will be really fired up about the injustice of their last result. Newcastle on the other hand have quite a few discontented players, which Sir Bobby just about kept from anarchy. As every manager so far has ruled themselves out of the running for the job (even Sam thinks Bolton's a better bet) it's likely there may be a coach in charge. And if Bobby struggled to keep Newcastle as a cohesive unit, then the coach will find it really difficult. Regardless of team selection there's going to be some naffed off players in the Newcastle dressing room. Getting the players motivated for this one is going to be a struggle for Newcastle. If ever a team's ready for getting beaten its Newcastle. Mind you, I thought the same about Southampton. My team: Freidel, Neill, Short, Nissa (if Amo's suspended) Grey, Emerton, Tugay, Ferguson, Pederson, Dickov, Stead. 2-1 Rovers, with us getting a 2 goal lead before a nervy finish.

Crompton, I know it wasn't so much of a squad game in those days but that many apperences says it all. Berg is unlucky that he's up against Crompton as he's been Mr. Reliable for us for so long. Henning will be recieving my vote for cb as he didn't bugger off during his testemonial season.

It has to be Brad. Never have I seen a more reliable consistent keeper for Rovers. For me Flowers was a bit too error prone on occassions - the worst being his juggling effort against Crystal Palace. Also Tim was dropped during the relegation season to Filan, which to me further indicates that he was not quite top notch. Brad's reflexes are amazing, and some of the saves he has pulled off are truely amongst the best in the game. He has been an integral part of our success ever since he joined the club, and has always contributed well. Even in our first season in the Prem I thought he more than any other player was responsible for our success. Last season he was one of the few who performed well, and it was only his world class form the season before that made him look average. The guy's saved quite a few penalties, was man of the match in the cup final and even scored for us. Friedel's well on the way to becoming a Rover's legend.

I managed to get a good seat in the Blackburn End 4 or 5 days before the game, which was worrying. Think today's result may have saved Souness for a while. Maybe he has finally learnt the lesson that a balanced team with attacking players, including wingers playing on the wing, is our best bet as our performance today was the best by far. Not knowing his best line up is just about forgiveable - let's face it we've discussed it on the message board at great length - but surely today's game must have shown that players must be played in their proper position. If he reverts to our six defenders or some other stupid system then I say get rid. What really annoys me is the Gresko situation. Last season we had no one on the left and many fans on the mb thought Gresko would be the solution - Souness didn't. Yet with a near full strength squad to choose from for the opening game Souness plays Gresko in midfield - madness. A few mopre performances like today and Souness may have turned the corner on last season's blip. More like the Southampton and West Brom 45 minutes only and Souness has to go for the sake of our survival.

Not a brilliant performance but by no means a bad one. He got in a few decent crosses and showed that he can defend and scrap when needed to as well. As for his shot, a young lad with a chance to score a winner in arguably the biggest game of the season and his debute to boot - no wonder he got a bit excited and blazed it over. (Although hopefully his accuracy will improve.) And let's face it when was the last time we had someone getting in attacking positions from the left?

Wasn't looking forward to this at all seeing as we've not had the best of starts to the season and have seen some very odd team selections. So it was a nice suprise to see a balanced team with everyone in their best position - wingers playing on the wing, whatever next? The result of having a blanaced team were plain to see. Whilst Utd may have had more of the ball with two wide men we gave them some problems going forward and despite not having six defenders on the pitch defended really solidly. It wasn't always pretty but it was effective. Dickov's goal was pure class and Brad seems to have got over his injury worries and proved once again why he's the best keeper in the Prem. Only several minor criticisms of Rovers; Tugay when he shot instead of passing it to Stead who would've been through on goal and Yorke. Regardless of the debate on his running the amount of times he got caught offside was criminal. This in turn gave Utd the ball and put us under pressure again. In an experienced professional this is pure laziness and shows how unimportant the club is to Yorke. As for the referee he saved Utd (along with that cheating git Saha). At the end I genuinely believed we had won it, I thought that Utd had run out of ideas and were pumping it aimlessly forward. And when Utd start hoofing and hoping for a break you know they were beat. Of course you don't expect that a blatent handball would be allowed but even before this the referee had shown where his sympathies lay. Amo's first yellow card was a joke, especially when that late two footed tackle by O Shea resulted in nothing more than a free kick. As for his second I thought Dickov had been blatently fouled, yet again, seconds before the ball was played up field. And extra time - how long? The man's a joke. The only consolation is that if we play like that we should be getting some points soon and Utd are definately not going to get their grubby mits on the title.