Please can somebody link me to Bentley's goal???

Hardly an inspiring list of managers. Unless they have a big name lined up, then they have made a bad move firing Pardew. I think he is a good manager and worked wonders with West Ham last season. I think a managers achievements can be forgotten all too quickly when things aren't going your way. Fortunately, for West Ham, they have a lot of money to play with now and I think they will pull a high profile manager out of the hat.

I've just joined the club Abby. None rovers related but I've just broken my my hand. I feel like a right fool...

Your concerns are certainly valid. I think that Hughes wants to play to his own style and in his own system, despite not having thw quality or depth to do so. Maybe that is a flaw in his managerial ability? Maybe that it's niaivity from a lack of experience? He is a superb manager, but maybe too stubborn. If he was backed by the board, we wouldn't be in this position. As for Todd, well I'd have played him over sacrificing the ability of the team to get back into the game - I think Hughes was certainly right in playing him. If he wants back in, then this is his chance. Further edit: I also agree that Peter should be played ahead of MGP. But I certainly understand Hughes's desire to stick with the tried and tested and those with more experience when you are in a position like this. It is somewhat of a gamble to play the youth team when you are a few points off the relegation zone.

Thing is Lechuck, most of the teams in the premiership will go through a patch where they play badly, but what they don't always have is the bad luck with refereeing decisions that we seem to have had. Play badly or not, one decision can lose you a game. I feel like we have lost games where other team sin our position haven't, purely because of refereeing decisions.

I didn't watch todays game and I'm only posting because this topic came back to the top of the page, but I think it is disgusting that a player that has reiterated his desire to leave the club, and who will almost certainly leave the club at the end of the season has been given the captaincy for such a prolonged period. When you're in the mire you need a player a captain that will stand up and kick the crap out of his team until they start playing as if they want to play in the premiership next season. They should also lead by example. This season I have seen neither from Neill. He might be a quirky and well liked character, but he sure as hell doesn't inspire the team. I'd rather Todd have the captaincy than Neill. If I had to choose a captain right now, it'd be between Tugay, Savage and Friedel - perhaps the only players that give a ###### about the club.

1 - 1 McCarthy.

I have to agree Stu. Henchoz is a superb defender. The only limitation to his game is his speed, but last night he was rarely beaten by Bent because of his ability to put in a great saving tackle and to otherwise read the game exceptionally well. But does anybody else think he looks slightly peculiar when he runs? I think this is a good point, and what is all the more worrying is that we don't seem to be able to create anywhere near enough chances. As for suggestions that we play 4-5-1, well I don't think that any of our strikers have the ability to hold the ball up or win it in the air for this to be successful. Of our attackers displays this season, you'd probably have to start with McCarthy, but he plays far too deep at times to play on his own. Nonda has been appauling, Roberts is injured and Jeffers could never play on his own up front. 4-5-1 would see us score even less, but hey, it might make us harder to beat. Personally, I'd stick with the 4-4-2 and put Sergio Peter on the left until january. He is hungry and enthusiastic with some good skill and pace and a great cross. Then in January, I'd buy or loan a quality midfielder to cover Reid's absence and a striker of real pedigree that can hold the ball up well enough to be played on his own. I really wish that we'd have got Mido in the summer.

What an absolute embarrassment. The first 45 minutes was so shockingly inept that, if I were manager, every outfield player would lose their weeks wages. Something like 10 - 15 times (no exaggeration!!) we literally passed the ball to one of their players standing but a few feet away and let them go on the attack. Bentley and Emerton were the biggest culprits, but I think I counted 7 or 8 of our players just giving the ball awayneedlessly in bad areas. The second half saw an improvement, but it was so frustrating to watch at times that I felt like running on the pitch and belting one of the players! The amount of space we had down the right wing in the last 15 minutes was absolutely unbelieveable, yet we never once exploited it. I like Gallagher, but why or why did he just play the ball into an empty box, rarely beating the first man, when he could have ran another 15 metres towards the box?! Peter's nerves were obviously showing on the other wing 'cos a couple of times he was trying some fancy footwork and just knocked the ball out of his control straight to the opposition. It must have been humiliating for him. Perhaps most worryingly of all, McCarthy and Nonda were dreadful. You can hardly call it a partnership when the two play about 20 yards apart, neither anywhere near the penalty box or in the centre of the pitch. They didn't link at all, they were lazy, they didn't win enough in the air. They were appauling. 1-0 was a fair result in my mind, purely because of our first half shambles. And, in any case, Ooijer gave away a stone cold penalty that wasn't given. Charlton were poor, and we were even worse. If we are to progress at all in the next few seasons, then Sparky has to be backed this January and this summer to bring in some QUALITY. We looked bereft of that tonight. The only man to come away from this game with his head held high was Friedel, who made some terrific saves. Friedel - 9 Neill - 5 - a captain doesn't stand by and watch his team play like that. Not once did I see him getting on any of the players backs. He didn't exactly have a good game either. Gray - 6 - didn't do too much wrong, but the linking between him and Pedersen in the first half gave no attacking impetus whatsoever. Henchoz - 6 - a couple of cracking tackles. I really do like the guy, but he did give the ball away badly in dangerous areas and didn't seem to get a lot of distance on his headers. Ooijer - 6 - gave away an inexplicable penalty. A poor challange. Didn't do much to inspire the back line. Emerton - 6 - dreadful first half, but picked it up a bit in the second Pedersen - 5 - yet another anonymous display. I wish this guy could learn how to take a corner. Bentley - 4 - what a terrible performance. If we thought he could do a job in the Tugya role, then i think we were being a little premature. Savage - 5 - didn't do enough harrying the entire game. Gave the ball away badly and fluffed a few good opportunites to start moves. Not one of his better performances. Nonda - 4 - invisible. Didn't win any headers. Too lazy. No understanding of McCarthy's play. Mcarthy - 4 - another poor performance from a striker. He did one very good turn, but that was about it. Never really looked like scoring. See Nonda. Gallagher - 5 - started promisingly, but just didn't run into the acres of space down the right flank and the quality of his ball was at times appauling. Peter - 5 - showed glimpses of skill but he'll want to forget tonigh. A few embarrassing muck ups. Tugay - 6 - probably our best outfield player in the second half, but he certainly didn't dictate play. At least he looked better than Bentley.

How does it feel being one of the four teams to have won the Prem? It's a great achievement, however as I was only a youngster living in London at the time, I didn't quite get to live it in the same way as many on this board. What do you think of Mark Hughes? Tactically, he is very astute and has an eye for a real bargain. He has a superb temperament for a football manager; he keeps faith in the ability of his players, is persistent in his line ups and rarely loses his cool. On the occasion that he does, he certainly makes sure that his view is heard. Only criticism of the man is that quite often, his subs are made too late to make an impact in a game. UEFA Cup – Heaven or Hell? Heaven! Why has your season started so indifferently? The loss of Nelsen and Reid to injury have really been felt. Both are key players to the squad, Nelsen particularly. We went through a period of being unable to adjust defensively when Nelsen fell to injury and we are only just starting to get things right again. In central midfield we were already low on numbers and Reid's injury has left us thread bare at times. On top of this I guess I would add that the standard of refereeing this season has been atrocious and has cost us dearly at times. Who has performed above expectations for your team? And who not? Bret Emerton - I thought he should have been sold a few years back, but since he has been played at right back, he has really impressed. David Bentley - has become a consistent performer and put in some excellent performances this season. Gamst - To my recollection, he has not excelled in a single match this season. Worst taker of a corner that I have ever seen in my life. Why do you not sell out the ground? Small town with a small population. What do you think of Reading? I cannot think of a reason why anybody would dislike Reading. Inoffensive club with some good honest players and a good manager well-exceeding all expectations this season. Score Prediction? Reading 2 - 1 Rovers

Big news that Henchoz will not be playing. He was superb against Spurs and I think we will really miss him;

I don't understand how the club shop could have become unprofitable. Surely there has always been a demand, and always will be? That demand might vary, but then so can the number of merchandise each season? Pretty simplistic view, but surely there is always money to be made?

I'd say I'm due a win watching Rovers. 1 - 0, Bentley.

Hahaha, I forgot that I posted that! I think the alcohol last night was making me ultra appreciative. Don't worry, that's not the most embarrassing thing I did last night...

I don't think a ban dor solo artist will ever have such an impact on my life. Idlewild are possibly one of the best things to ever happen to me.

USA, that is quite profound of you. I applaud you for your regard for those less fortunate. It is a very good idea. Don't get me wrong though, I think the likes of Theno are warped when they suggest us exiled fans buy others tickets. I don't think you needed to bring this subject up as, I for one, don't think you have been influenced by such idiots. Again, I applaud your efforts.

Come on guys, I have to agree with Rover 6 to a certain extent. If a club is to progess, it cannot offer a new contract to what is essentially a squad player at best. I can't remembe the last time Mokoena had a decent game. He is a pretty poor centre back and is limited in the sense that he only seems to be able to play as the holding man in a five man midfield. Rover 6's concerns are very much understandable.

Come on guys, it was Rovers - Fulham. This was always going to be a small attendance. Great result and goals from both our first choice strikers. A good day!

Hahaha, you actually reported each other? Come on guys, get a life! Really shocked about this Larsson news. I reckon he'll be a hit at United, which is a shame. I guess now it makes a bit more sense that Ferguson is willing to let Smith out on loan.

IDLEWILD TONIGHT!!! So excited. No kidding, I actually dreamt about this gig last night and everybody that refused to listen to my Idlewild cds was saying how magnificent they are.

This would be mine as well. Followed the entire cup run travelling from London and as a relatively young fan, would have loved the chance to win some silverware.

Haha accumulators are so addictive! I remember going through a stage of doing it every week to the extent that I'd pray for some midweek fixtures or some champions league games or something. In the end I started doing it on Scandanavian football and all sorts or ######. I've stopped now 'cos I was just losing too much money. Still, it is great fun.

Wow, Modest Mouse were sensational, absolutely brilliant live. And I never thought I'd get the chance to see Johnny Marr performing live! Role on Idlewild on the 30th!

One thing we can take from this match was the performance of Stephane Henchoz. I thought he was outstanding and I'd like to see him start alongside Oiijer for our next match. Tugay did give away a penalty but should never have been sent off, while the Mido incident was questionable - I personally thought it struck close to his shoulder. As for the elbowing, well the replays were pretty damning.

Agreed, Silva is awesome.