Ok here goes. Despite the fact that the vast majority of Rovers fans saw Friedel as a superfluous signing when he joined, Brad has managed to become a Rovers legend winning over both the crowd and pundits. This is no mean feat considering the shadow cast by former championship winning keeper Tim Flowers, and more recently the former player of the year John Filan. With two quality keepers, including Filan, at the club many were wondering what Brad could bring to the team. The first things Brad gave Rovers were consistency and dependability. At the beginning of the promotion season rovers were having no problem scoring but were letting in goals with alarming regularity. Brad slotted in immediately and proved to be the final piece of the defensive jigsaw. Whilst Matty and Dunn and the like got most of the credit, Rovers tight defence including Brad played no small part in grinding out the wins and our promotion success. Friedel carried this consistency into the premiership, rarely if ever making a mistake and never looking out of his depth. Even Flowers would struggle to match Brad in terms of continual reliability. No howlers, few fumbles, and within his first full season Brad had firmly established a well earned reputation amongst the fans for always being on top of his game. It was during this season that Brad showed that he could impersonate superman, pulling off some fantastic saves, especially during the Worthington Cup Final. Brad was deservedly man of the match as Rovers lifted the cup. Granted it was a team effort which won it for Rovers, but Brad did that little bit more than everyone else; from an early one on one with Ferdinand to the near point blank header late on Friedel was supurb. Cole's goal might have been the decider but it was Friedel's saves that won Blackburn the cup. The following season was probably the highlight of Brad's Rovers carear. Just like it seemed impossible that Shearer in his hayday bearing down on goal would miss, it seemed impossible that Brad would not save. Time after time Brad demonstrated astounding reflexes which must have added 20 points onto Rovers tally for the season. Once again Friedel proved the difference in Rovers securing European football for the second season running. Recognition came from outside the club being named in the players premiership team of the year, and Arsene Wenger's desire for Brad to replace the departing Arsenal legend Seaman. Like other Rovers greats Brad also performed well on an international level during his time at Rovers. To play at three world cups shows Brad's international credentials, Arguably his best World Cup came during his time with Rovers again showing his class with some fine performances and several penalty saves. Since then Friedel has not reproduced this near legendary form, but then he has had the challenge of Rovers defence to contend with. And despite this Brad has still remained one of the most consistent performers at the club. His desire and determination for the club to succeed are epitomised by his goal against Charlton, a truely classic Rovers moment. And those who think he's lost it remember performances like the Manure home game this season. Like Duff and Shearer before in Brad we have witnessed the best player in the premiership in that position whilst wearing a Rovers shirt, and saw a display of talent which few players possess. Rovers may have lost a team which they can identify with but Superman still exists.

Totally agree SG Looks like alot of yesterday was overlooked owing to the overdue win - but 6 pts ahead of the relegation scrap or not we have a long way to go and could easily fall back in there over the next two weeks. Lets just hope we can build and Hughes can use his nous thus far and the transfer window to add a bit of creativity to the team - he's doing well so far but will it be enough? Charlton where not up too much yesterday yet we still made hard work of it - but then again that is just typical Rovers. IMO a good cup run is a MUST for the benefit of the club as a whole. Keep it up Hughesy but tell the players they can try and score more goals if they want too. My sentiments exactly. Don't get me wrong, there are lots of positives. Compared with earlier on in the season the team looks a class apart, you wouldn't believe its the same team. Nevertheless there's still a long way to go before survival and an acceptable quality for Rovers is reached. The first half was not good. In fact at times it was pretty dire. The most worrying thing for me was the amount of times we gave the ball back to the opposition. Against a better team than this would have been punished. This is something Hughes and the team need to work on. This is not a lack of quality but carelessness and sloppy play. I tried counting the number of misplaced passes and casual losses of possession. I gave up after twenty (and Tommo was responsible for half.) Another worrying thing was the lack of killer instinct. Despite giving the ball away on an alarmingly regular basis Rovers were the better team. Yet we didn't create too many chances - although there was that goal mouth scramble that was unlucky not to go in. However, the final killer ball was lacking. The second half saw us tighten up defensively and despite a lot of possession Charlton rarely troubled us. It would have been nice if we could have kept possession better, but as the first half demonstrated that isn't Rovers forte. I believe had we held on to the ball and had the majority of the possession for the first fifteen/twenty minutes of the second half we'd have seen a far more demoralised Charlton and a more favourable scoreline. However, as the guy next to us said, Rovers never do things the easy way. Finally on the negative side, is the problem of having a left footer on the left. Emerton - my man of the match along with Todd - still struggles from not being able to cross it with his left. With Matteo's lack of offensive capabilities this meant we had no one capable of crossing it in from the left. This cost us on several counter attacks in the second half. This must be addressed. I'd have Emo back on the right, or as he's doing a decent job on the left, a left wing back with offensive capablities (what's wrong with Gray?) Either way this must be sorted. Player raitings. Friedel - not much to do but did it well. Was constantly yelling at the back 4 to push up which is much needed. We sometimes defend far too deeply. Neill - a good game again, coming on both defensively and in attack with a couple of runs. Nissa - sliced and mishit a couple of clearances but was generally very solid and good in the air. One near suicidal pass to Neill as well but coming along well with Todd. Todd - this guy is showing his class. Ok not the most talented of players but never shirks a tackle and again showed real desire to win. Coped with Charlton admirably. Joint man of the match to me. You do wonder how Tiny would have progressed if paired with Todd rather than Amoruso. Matteo - defensively solid if not spectacular, dire going forwards. Not the answer to left back, or centre back positions and definately not worth his wages. Tommo - pants in the first half until his cross for the goal, which was his first pass to someone in a Rovers shirt. Second half improved with a couple of good dead ball plays but on reflection prefer the consistency and steel that Reid adds to the side. Emerton - took his goal well although service prior to and after the goal weren't great. Defensively was supurb. Flitty - old and these days sadly limited, but still did his main job of disrupting the opposition. If only he were 10 years younger. Ferguson - involved in goal and had a lot of play go through him. A decent performance but would want more for a 7.5 million signing. Stead - unlucky worked hard, got a stupid yellow card. His first touch let him down. Needs confidence - which might warrent a run in the reserves. Dickov - worked really hard though didn't get much reward. Shot horribly wide when forced an opening in second half (perhaps he should have turned the other way). In short theres room for a lot more improvement but despite some sloppy play Rovers ground out a win, which can only be a good thing. Despite a lot of hard work needed and a few key positions needing sorting out, the situation looks far from hopeless. In fact under Hughes things are beginning to look encouraging.

Pretty much my feelings too. I believe that Souey was doing very well, arguably the best job in the premiership in terms of progression when we finished 6th, and then his ego got the better of him. Then he jumped ship when it went wrong. Now, I'm not so gutted at the way he left. As it was all parties left with their dignity intact and we got compensation rather than having to sack Souness, money that will be much needed by Hughes in January. As for booing Souness that will only bring discredit on us. Firstly the man did give us three fantastic years. Secondly despite his best attempts to ruin us he still left us in a far stronger position than when he arrived. Thirdly, the ways he's humiliating himself and proving that he's not up to managing a big club. Great though he was, he's past his sell by date. If anything I'm somewhat sympathetic to the shambles that he's creating at Newcastle. One of my favourite games (and IMO last seasons most attractive home game of football). Rovers really could win this one. There's been a fantastic atmosphere when these two teams play: 1-0 VE day, 1-0 season after with Shearer's reception, 1-0 to get into Europe with late free kick loosing inthe FA cup, 1-1 first season in Prem (with that dirty g*t Robert flooring Neill). Newcastle have done really well out of us as a feeder club. As well as Shearer there was also Batty, Gally and Given. The latter had the potential to be a great player for Rovers, the other two were. In return we got... Peacock. We're still owed a lot more points for that. I reckon Hughes to fire up the boys for a 1-0 win, lady luck to be against Newcastle, Neill to get booked for hammering into Robert and Todd crashing home a pin point Emerton corner. Think that the fighting spirit will get us through this one and the team picks itself except the front two, where no combination seems to work, and left back, where dispite having 5 players who can play this position none have successfully. I'd like to see Gally - Bothroyd up front as Gally should run rings round the clueless Newcastle defence. My team: Brad, Neill, Todd, Nissa, Grey, Emo, Flitty, Ferguson, Reid, Gally and Bothroyd.

As it is a striker has to be top priority. I know we've loads of half decent ones, and certainly Gally and Stead may be stars of the future but the here and now isn't so good. We aren't finishing off teams there's no class up front plain and simple. Man City away, down to 10 men - Rovers fail to finish them off. Crystal Palace - Rovers dominate and fail to gain all three points. Liverpool - last minute chance falls to Dickov - another draw. That's 6 extra points which a top class centre forward could/would have gained us off the top of my head. We need some quality up front as quite simply we aren't putting teams away, which is the reason that we are where we are. We need wins but we've no one to convert the chances we're making. As for all the other positions I'd like new players in all of them but none have the pressing need that the striking position has. At centre back, Short's return has seen an improvement, and Todd and Nissa are both decent players. Whilst a cb would be my next choice, with Hughes working with and improving these three players the position isn't as terrible as it once was. Granted there's a lack of quality, but hey, the whole squad lacks quality. But Todd, Short and Nissa can do the job for us. The midfield at last looks somewhat cohesive. Another central midfielder would be nice but with Emerton, Reid and Ferguson playing fairly well together and getting a few goals I think its a case of its not broke so don't fix it and isn't a priority. Hopefully if MGP and Flitty get a bit of form together then the midfield is looking fairly strong. Also a left back if Grey and Gresko aren't considered up to it. An attacking left back would be quite nice to compliment our attacks down the left, which I don't think Matteo or Nissa really offer. Hopefully Gresko can sort out this position and get back to his best but if not a lb is also needed. At right back I think Neill's improving and so again this position is not a big worry. Looking at it with a striker, centre back and a defensive centre mid we should have a decent team again. Whether Hughes will be able to sort out these positions is another matter.

What about a left back. If Hughes has decided Gresko and Grey aren't up for it (though I rate Gresko myself ) then we need a left back. Besides with Todd and Nissa in good form I'd suggest only one cb is needed.

Yep, apparently we wanted 8 million they'd only offer 4 million. To be honest this season I can think of the odd mistake Brad has made, but to say he was only great for one season is harsh. The promotion season, and the first two seasons in the Premiership he was fantastic for us the most consistent and reliable keeper around. Even last season I can't remember Brad doing anything wrong, just not being Mr Fantastic. How much of his loss in form is to do with the fact he's had a terrible defense in front of him? I'm fairly confident that any keeper would not look that great if they had the shambles that our defence has been this past season or so. Remember the Utd game - Brad showed he was class. Personally I'd much rather see the overrated Ferguson leave for 8 to 10 million and the money spent on a couple of top quality signings including most definately a striker.

There's no question that we're improving but are we improving fast enough? As has already been said a draw is a decent result but considering the mess we're in it is not going to be enough. The it's ok mentality is what will send us down. Another worrying assumption is that Hughes will put it right with a couple of magical signings in January. That might not happen. All sorts of problems such as funds, injuries and other clubs interests could well and truely mess up Hughes plans. Whilst the odd player should aid our push ofr survival, the majority of the team has to be from what we've got. Therefore, the players that we have at least 9 have to be performing at their best, and perhaps beyond that, for us to stay up. Whether we actually have that consistency in the squad will be a big factor. There were some positives from what I've read and seen from the highlights, namely: We're creating chances. Ok, we couldn't hit the target to save our life but we're actually creating chances, something that we weren't doing before. Flitty might still be decent. Too early to say but if he is getting back to his best or anywhere near, I'd much rather have him in the team than Tugay, who gets silly bookings and is too inconsistent. I've said before a younger Flitty would be the ideal partner for Ferguson, if the older Flitty can do it that's one more position we don't have to worry about till summer. A clean sheet. Like penalties as a Rovers fan I'd forgotten what they were. Defensively we're looking a lot more solid, one of the key problems we've had this season. Todd, Short, Neil and Nissa so far have all looked decent and whilst we're not great at defending we've improved to the stage where we can hold our own. The negatives: We aren't killing off games. Ok our defense is looking a lot more solid and we're dominating games but we lack the killer instinct that will keep us up. Even if our defence is getting better, as we're not taking our chances this becomes largely as question of getting draws, or narrow defeats rather than drubbings. ALL the team need to do a bit more shooting practice. We lack a top quality striker. Every team needs a striker who'll regularly bang in the goals we haven't got one. I'd argue that none of our strikers would start in any other premiership team. This is the most important area to address to me in the transfer window. We've too many promising or decent strikers and no one dependable enough. Dickov's a great work ethic but can't finish. Like others have said we should try another combination. I'd gamble on a Stead Jansen partnership. Ok its a gamble but a Dickov - whoever partnership is clearly not working. If one of them refinds their form it could be the key to our survival. Ill discipline - again this has potentially cost us a fair few points which come May could prove to be the difference. Tommo, Tugay, Boothroyd and Reid should be ashamed of their actions and I'd like to see a much harsher punishment for their stupidity.

It has to be Duff. As the others mentioned such as Wilcox and Sellar's were good but Duff is arguably the best left winger in the Prem, and is one of the top players in the Prem, let alone for Blackburn. Pires, Giggs - I'd rather have Duff any day. The arguments for Duff have been put forward so I won't repeat them but just state a couple of things that clinch it for me. Duff playing as a right winger vs Leciester under Hodgeson in the 5-3 victory - as I recall he terrorized them that day. His goal against Ipswich was awesome, most of his goals were pretty spectacular, but that one was a cracker even for him. Nothing special about the finish but the fact that he started when he was half way in the opposition half with the ball about to go out for a throw with several defenders around him. No one in the ground was expecting anything yet 30 seconds later the balls in the back of the net, another super goal from Duff. And that to me is why he's so good, from next to nothing a scrapy incident near the touchline, Duff managed to get a goal for Rovers with his running, skill and a bit of magic. Duff, like all truely class players, had the ability to make something from nothing that bit of magic which made you realise you're watching a football genius.

It's been said quite a few times before that his fitness is not up to it. We're not talking about lazy but can if really have to fitness we're talking way out of his depth. And IMO he doesn't offer enough to compensate for this lack of fitness. To me he's behind Bazza, Reid, Emerton, Tommo, Tugay, Flitty MGP and Douglas for a midfield place. (He has tried playing central for a bit in the reserves.) To me that kind of indicates that the chances of him making it at Rovers is highly unlikely. We'd have to have a very nasty injury crisis for him to play.

February's a bit harsh but he won't be there next season. I don't really care about Newcastle or Souness, but looking at his post match interviews nearly all seem to have blamed the referee when things don't go their way. Even despite our boost in form we've going to get nowhere near Newcastle. Hughes has got too big a job on his hands and Souey's got too much talent for us to be swapping places. IF Souness managed to hang on till next season then I'd say we could finish above them. However, that's not going to happen. What would be interesting to see is whether Rovers get more points under Hughes than Newcastle do under Souness, and not count the season before they took over their respective clubs.

A very positive performance from Rovers making the weekend a good one. Defensively I thought we were far better than we have been although IMO Todd struggled a bit with Cole. Was worried about Nissa playing full back but he played far better than McEveley there. In fact after a dodgy first 20 minutes, including a one on one Malbranque really should have scored the whole defence looked a competant solid unit. Thought they were stood off Cole too much but they limited Fulhams chances and looked the most solid I've seen for a long time. This might be the 'right' defence to go with our settled midfield. The midfield looked inpressive again, though Tugay to me, whilst doing nothing wrong, doesn't look like he offers enough any more. The midfield got forward well, scrapped for the ball and actually contributed to a fairly sound defensive performance. Up front I still think we lack that bit of killer instinct. Dickov, despite all he offers is not good enough to be the main striker. He's a fantastic squad player to have but his poor finishing and weakness at holding the ball up should be enough to condem him to the bench. Exiled in Toronto sums up the Dickov situation perfectly to me. Gally looked good again and is a very encouraging sign for the future. His crossing was poor but a lot of that was due to the fact he was drifting out to the left instead of right. Looking at the highlights it seemed Rovers had a flawless performance, some great attacking moves which only lacked a bit of ruthlessness in front of goal. In reality it was much more scrappy than that but the most encouraging thing was despite this Rovers didn't get bogged down in a scrap as they often do but still managed to create some good opportunites. There are still a few obvious problems with Rovers but the signs of improvement were the most encouraging seen this season.

It's one heck of a choice up front. All forward players are decent and have the potential to do really well for Rovers. But none of them to me are of excellent "star striker" quality. Hughes has quite a hard choice on his hands. Jansen - best in the air and decent at holding the ball up. Drifts in and out of games and doesn't create many chances. When he gets a chance though he invariably hits the target. Most likely to be leaving at end of the season so is he worth playing. Dickov - works his ass off gives 110% and a constant pain to play against. Most consistent striker this season. However can't hold the ball up, isn't hot in the air and IMO isn't clinical enough. Gally - good at running at defenders and through the channels, enthusiastic, young and going to improve. However weak at holding the ball up and the toughness aspect of the game. Stead - young, going to improve and a decent predator. Also has a good shot and decent control. However confidence is low and for a big guy struggles to hold the ball up and often looses the physical battles. Boothroyd - seems to be the most gifted football wise but there are questions about his attitude and his long term future at the club. The best all round player but will he fit in and if so will he be signed? To me the big problem is that that magic combination doesn't seem that apparent. I thought Stead and Cole looked good together but since that we've really struggled to get two strikers who look comfortable playing together.

What's racist about the "one lazy @#/?" chant? It's nothing to do with his colour and all to do with his poor attitude when at Rovers. Loads of players get stick for one thing or another - 99% of the time it's because of something they did on the pitch (or didn't in Yorke's case) like a dirty foul, played for a clubs rivals, left in unplesant circumstances, couldn't be bothered etc. It's NOTHING to do with their colour. The one fan who did abuse Yorke racially should be banned for life, end of story. But to try tarnishing all Rovers fans with the same label is equally disgusting and injust. I had friends at the game in two different stands (Jack Walker and Blackburn End) and neither commented on this. Similarly there was no mention of racist abuse during the match commentary. Rovers both the club and fans are very much victims of circustance.

Agree with what's been said already, especially Scotty. Don't think Reid was infallable though, and definately isn't the answer on the left. Reid's crossing IMO is relitavely poor and he ran the ball out of play several times. I'd be tempted to put Tommo on the right and Reid in the centre since he never shirks a tackle and would provide some strong runs from the centre of the park. It's a hard working midfield which IMO will only get better through regularly playing together. Hopefully this is the magic combination we've been looking for. Sadly our defence and strike force combinations still look a bit lacking. I think we're really begining to look like a team again but to be honest it isn't enough. i don't think Jay's good enough as a full back, he offers too little going forward and is too easily beaten by his man and up front we lack that cutting edge. Neill also is too hit and miss (I was getting hopeful after the City game.) The number of goals conceded by crosses indicates that we need at least one change at full back as Nissa and Todd seem to be developing a decent partnership. Up front we still don't look enough and no one looks capable of carrying the regualr gaol scorer mantle. Can't remember who said it but I'd be really tempted not to start Dickov - I don't think he's clinical enough. After yesterday's performance I think a Gally Jansen strike partnership would be the way forward. I think fans would have been more disappointed if we'd have dropped a 3-1 lead, whereas coming from two goals behind tends to make us overoptimistic. This shouldn't hide the fact that AGAIN we should have won and didn't. We cannot afford to keep letting our oponents off the hook. At 3-3 with Brums confidence shattered we should have pressed on and got the winer, just as we should against the 10 men vs City the other week. This is what's going to cost us dearly the lack of killer instinct.

Reid can't cross with his left foot, he looks a little bit lost when he's out there. About De Pedro...that may be all he offers but that was enough to make him a starter in the Spain team at the last World Cup and consistently one of the best left midfielders in Spain in recent years. He may not reach those levels again but we won't know just how good he can be until he's given a chance...may not be impressing for the reserves, but niether was McEveley...he may just be a big game player. I'd hardly call his hype propaganda, they were hard facts. There is the minor detail that he can't run. I don't think Reid's cut out to be a winger let alone a left winger but he does offer other things to the team. Going on the McEveley argument I'd rather see MGP get a chance then de Pedro who's younger has been perfroming well pre Rovers and internationally and is young enough to improve with Rovers reaping the benefits of the improvement. My team would be: Friedel Neill, Todd, Nissa, McEveley, Thompson, Ferguson, Reid, Emerton Jansen, Dickov subs MGP, Encks, Short (if fit) Tugay, Stead. We really need to win this one. Draws aren't enough to get us out of the problem. Three points vs Brum would be very nice and certainly more than possible. I'd class this as a must win game as they don't come much easier then this. Brum are struggling to score so maybe our improved defence will keep a clean sheet and we'll sneak the game 1-0, Ferguson to score.

Garry Flitcroft. Looking at the list Flitty deserves a shot at being one of Rovers greats having done just as much if not more for the club then most of the candidates. He's played over 230 games for the club. He's been with us for eight seasons - a heck of a long time in modern day football. He's captained and led Rovers during our most successful period since winning the Premiership. Having a midfield grafter is not the most glamerous role in football but is pretty neccessary for a successful team. Look at all the top successful teams and they all include a midfield battler. The importance of the role is not to be underestimnated. Would Manure have been so dominant in the 90's without Keane in the middle? For all their attacking flair the defensive qualities of Makelele was an integral part of Real's success. Simmilarly Flitty has been doing the job of disrupting the opposition and protecting our defence for years. It is hard to stress how important it is to have someone to disrupt the opposition's game and that is what Flitty does best. Never one to shirk a tackle, never one to give a player an easy ride, the manager could always depend on Flitty to do his job and get stuck in. His commitment is outstanding. Whilst no Pele Flitty always gives 110% and always seems to care about the result and Blackburn Rovers. As a captain Flitty always led by example, captaincy seemingly coming naturally. For years as a captain and a midfield general Flitty would have been one of the first names on the team sheet. There's also a lot more to Flitcroft's game then first appears. Whilst primarily a midfield battler he has over the years adapted his game to suit the needs of the team. During the promotion season Flitty played a defensive midfield role allowing Rovers to reap the beneifts of Dunn's attacking play. Similarly I've seen Flitty play as a winger/wide midfielder on several ocassions and again seen 110% commitment and the desire to put in the best performance possible. There's none of this pre-madonna winging about being played out of position that is heard so often from Premiership stars. Flitty also knows where the goal is and has a few important goals to his name. Whilst not the most impressive scoring ratio the vast majority of the goals have been crucial for Rovers. When Rovers have seemed to need that bit extra in attack Flitcroft has stepped up on several occassions. One game which illustrates this to me was the Leeds home game the second season back in the permiership. Playing with Egil up front on his own with a 5 man midfield it was Flitty who provided that extra support up front and ultimately got the winning goal. And whilst no Pele nor is Flitty a talentless donkey. A good example of this was the overhead kick that kept the ball in play for Perez's only goal for Rovers. Flitcroft's achievements during his time at Rovers is quite impressive. He's played an integral part of two European qualifications via 6th place, won promotion and a league cup with the team and was a vital part of the defensive midfield that helped save Rovers bacon last season. In addition Flitcroft captained the side well and led by example for four years. Ok so now Flitty is sadly past it, but just because he's now past his peak doesn't mean we should forget the valuable contribution he has made to Blackburn over the years. Flitcroft was a dependable player who always gives 110% and always fulfilled his role in the team despite the lack of recognition that his consistancy deserved. Rovers fans cannot ask for more from a player.

With regards to Gally I think the lad deserves a chance, as a sub if not a start. He's looked decent in the reserves and McEveley'sa proven that despite being poor in the reserves that he can hack it (just) in the Premiership. Really think that a confident Gally could cause all sorts of problems. He would have been ideal to bring on vs City to attack their left back so Emo could attack down the left rather than Reid who seemed reluctant to get to the by line. I'm not saying that Gally is defensive minded enough to warrent a first team spot as a winger, but when chasing an equaliser/winner in a game, a pacy player with a good shot would have been very welcome. Incidently I agree somewhat with Chris that our striker situation isn't great. Whilst Dickov is our best striker, to me he is a step down from Cole, but is doing as well as can be expected. I don't think anyone can have any complaints about Dickov's performances, not a class player but he's always at the top of his game. What is concerning is that due to Dickov's way of playing and stature it makes it very difficult to forge a successful partnership with a player up front. Stead and Dickov for example doesn't really work, the long ball is a no go and we have no one capable of holding up the ball. Similarly with Djorkaeff and Gally I think there would be an alarming lack of presence up front. If we are to stay up we cannot rely on solely on Dickov's goals. With Jansen, however, I think we might have the solution. Matty can hold the ball up and win the headers, both work tirelessly, so there will be another forward there to seize on any mistakes their strike partner causes the defender to make. A lot of strikers rely on having a decent strike partner and I think Dickov is no different. Would Stead last season have got so many chances if the opposition hadn't been so concerned about Cole? Thus if Dickov doesn't get a strike partner to compliment his style, we might be shooting ourselves in the foot. Hopefully Jansen and Dickov however will be able to forge that partnership.

Regardless of whether Parkes had a role to play or not, the club have handled things very badly. For a man who gave his all to the club the way he's been treated has been shambolic. Being cynical sure;y it wouldn't have been long before Parkes retired anyway, and the board cannot afford to alienate the fans any more than they already have. Personally I'm saddened that another link of what it means to be Rovers has gone. What makes it even more baffling to me is that the reserves have been playing well under Parkes and some youth players are really looking as if they might be ready for a crack at the big time. I'm talking about the likes of Bruce, Johnson, Peers. If that's not doing a good job as reserve team manager I don't know what is...

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.