1. If the game against West Ham was a five a side, how would your team line up?
My choice would be: Friedel, Mokoena, Savage, Tugay, McCarthy
2. Who have been your best and worst players so far?
Best Player: Emerton - Since moving from right wing to right back, he's gone from being our most useless player to one of the best. He manages to be more of an attacking threat coming from right back, and other than one goal against City has been faultless. I can't think of a better full-back in the division.
Worst Player: Gamst - Totally lacking confidence, desperately needs a goal.
3. From a less than spectacular start, you seem right back on course (Sunday's madness aside)! What has sparked the transformation?
I think Rovers main strength under Hughes has been the incredible fitness levels of the players. Now the players are reaching the match fitness levels expected - the results are coming. Sunday was a still a good performance - including shots blocked we had over 30 attempts on goal! The new back-line is starting to gel a bit too - it's essentially a new back four. Our right-backs moved to left back, our right-winger moved to right back, and we brought Ooijer in - who after a terrible start is finding his feet.
4. What are the strengths and weaknesses of Mark Hughes?
Hughes is supported by an excellent coaching team. Together they use a lot of new training techniques - and as a result we have a very fit team, strong and fast, and a good team spirit. Hughes has a certain aura about him too - I think even though he's a quiet man - he's someone the players want to listen to and learn from. He's also proved to be shrewd in the transfer market - Nelsen and McCarthy being the stand out signings.
As for weaknesses - their hasn't been many showing so far. If I was being ultra-critical, Sparky sometimes can leave it late to make substitutions - when the game seems to be crying out for a change.
5. Which combo forms your best striking duo?
At the moment it's McCarthy and Nonda - but Roberts has looked good coming off the bench. Roberts and Nonda are powerful and quick, and McCarthy is a pre-2000 style Dwight Yorke player - dropping off the main striker. Think Nonda and Roberts need a goal or two to really get going.