speeeeeeedie

The Juventus game is one reason why I like watching Champions League football. It was a great game. Simeone's negativity cost them. He should have tried to attack especially with the players he has at his disposal. I'll leave the Messi v. Ronaldo fanboy debate well alone but Ronaldo earned his corn last night. Juventus would be out without him. City made it look easy.

Stanley have been dropping like a stone. Last time I checked they were top 6. They aren't far off a relegation spot now. My guess is the league has caught up with them. It's a big jump from League 2 for a club with their budget. I also saw that Paul Scholes is yet to win a game as Oldham manager. They've conceded last minute goals in all of his 4 games in charge.

Looking over the last 5 games form table North End are 2nd Rovers are bottom. Using BRFCS logic it's got to be a nailed on Rovers win. Early kick off, bad form, good away following, grumblings around the manager, North End fancying themselves, all point to an "upset".

I know that I'm in the minority, especially on here. I've never had the emotional attachment to Rovers that many have. I remember reading Gav's posts about his guilt and sadness toward his family at not going to games because of Venkys. It baffled me why he felt that way. But he's far from alone.

I too don't listen to interviews, they offer nothing. I do miss going to matches. Living in the USA I go to the odd MLS game, I usually go to a pre season friendly to see the European big boys jog around, and get a couple in when I go back to England. I also benefit from the time difference. Games are over and done with by 5pm my time. I always have my evenings, and afternoon weekends free. The games are also easily accessible. I am more interested in the technical/tactical aspect of football rather than the emotional side.

I got part of it right...... What a strange tie with an amazing end. PSG were streets ahead of Man U in both legs yet ended up going out. They were guilty of overconfidence last night. Lukaku's first showed that. Mbappe was a big offender too. Buffon had an off night as well. I said after they went out last year that PSG lack a tough game mentality. It's still there. They don't get tested in their domestic league. I think that they are 30 points clear at the moment. That's mental. As long as the disparity between them and the rest exists they will struggle in the knockout stages. The Kuwaitis should buy up 4 other teams to give them some competition. The only French team to ever win the Champs League/European Cup was Marseille, and they cheated to do it.

Is that any different than following Rovers? They have a media department and players are coached on what to say. Mowbray does say more than most but it's still the same old platitudes. I'm probably the opposite of most on here, I follow football first, and Rovers happen to be my team. I don't watch live games so my interest in BRFC has waned, especially after the events since Venkys took over. I'll never follow another team and keep up with Rovers news. The best players play in the Champions League so I watch it. This week has seen some great games. I wrote about Ajax yesterday, and the Man U game was equally impressive.

The Real-Ajax game was a belter. Tadic impressed at times when he was playing for Southampton but not like last night. He was incredible. Both teams could have had more goals. Madrid hit the bar and post, and Ajax missed 2 sitters. It would be good for the game if this Ajax team was allowed to grow, but as has been pointed out their best players will get picked off by the big boys quickly. Marc Overmars is their technical director, he said last night that his squad's (yes, squad) season wage bill is the same as Gareth Bale's on his own. He wasn't complaining though, just stating reality. Which coming from a player who started at Ajax then made big money at Barcelona and Arsenal shows that he is OK with it. Real Madrid weren't going to be the same team without Ronaldo or Zidane. Their reign is over and it's going to cost them a lot of money to get back to the top. Ramos, Modric, Kroos, Marcelo, Benzema, and Bale are all hovering around 30. They will all need replacing soon. Well done Spurs too. A disciplined performance. Despite Pochettino moaning and groaning about an extra day off for Dortmund they did what they had to do and after Kane's goal got to relax.

Nobody has mentioned Simon Barker either. A decent midfielder who left before promotion in 1992 and played a good few years in QPR's midfield at a time when they were a handy division 1/premier league side. Rovers best 11 will inevitably come from the eras when Rovers were a top flight team. 1966-1992 players may have nostalgia value but weren't the best many fans have seen. I liked David Mail, but he would never be considered in any top 11.

I never saw Douglas, Clayton, Pickering, England, or Newton play so can't include them. The 1995 title winning teams wasn't blessed with world class talent, outside of Alan Shearer, but it was a very effective unit that played to its strengths. Here's my attempt; Friedel Berg Nelsen Hendry Le Saux Bentley Tugay Warhurst Duff Shearer Bellamy I'd not argue if Henchoz got in ahead of Hendry as that back 4 needs some pace, and maybe Batty for Warhurst as Rovers only saw fleeting glimpses of how good he was.

I have no problem with him soliciting players advice. Mowbray is managing by allowing his players input. They play the game, they understand it. If they feel empowered they are more likely to play for the manager. If he gets the right balance performances will improve. I've worked at places were employee feedback schemes were prominent. Management often asked for ideas on how to improve. It made working easier. I've also worked for managers who did it all alone. Those types often got frustrated.

Accy is Burry. K-Hod is proof. I now say Berry though. Living away for too long.

Yorkshire tea is my favourite. I too get it shipped over. I can buy it at my local supermarket but it costs a fortune for about 20 bags. American tea is weaker than weak. It's disgusting. I've also had some Lancashire tea. My mum got it for me from Ossy Mills, I think.

Nice table. It paints a striking picture of Rovers' failings. Almost twice as many goals conceded in the last half hour (34) than the first hour (18). It has to be fitness related.

2 good games yesterday. City were their swashbuckling selves. It's great to watch but it won't win them the cup. Top sides will be able to pick them off if they play like that. Guardiola admitted as much after the game. They need more defensive solidity. Atletico - Juventus was also good, although annoying at times. I can't see Juventus putting 3 past a Simeone drilled team. They'll frustrate the Italians to death in Turin. Godin and Giminez are the best central defensive partnership in Europe. They don't give much away. It's also good to watch Diego Costa. He is missed in the Prem.

Not much action yesterday. Liverpool-Bayern 0-0 Lyon-Barcelona 0-0 I expect Barcelona to cruise at home against Lyon. Bayern-Liverpool is much closer. I think that the edge goes to Bayern. They are at home, and Liverpool have lost all their away games in the Champs League this season. However, the Germans won't play like they did at Anfield. They will attack more leaving more space for Liverpool to exploit on the break. Liverpool will also have van Dijk back.

I'll put this here as it isn't specific to Rovers; Guardian - nepotism in football Guess who gets a mention?

I got the same, and I'm from Accrington. Interesting, as I've been in the USA for half my life. I answered based on my daily language. Tea was dinner and sweets were candy as they are the words I use now, although I'd revert if I was speaking to a local.

I'm showing my ignorance now. What does Mark Venus do? is he assistant manager? What are Lowe's connections? If he's not going anywhere the club needs to send him on a coaching course.

Lots of knee jerk reactions on here per usual in response to a bad patch. 2 months ago it was all playoff talk. If Mowbray keeps Rovers up this season he has done his job. It's currently looking that way. He has his flaws, a good reason why Rovers were able to get him as manager in the first place. Mourinho or Guardiola weren't going to trap up at Ewood were they? I don't watch games but know that the team concedes too many late goals, and he doesn't seem to have a best 11. A lot of that is down to game preparation, ordinarily managed by the coaching staff. Again, as Rovers were picking from the bargain bin 2 years ago there's no one with Paul Clement's calibre setting the team up. I wouldn't be against getting in a new first team coach, but stick with Mowbray.

After last night's performance it looks like Spurs will see off Dortmund. But it is Spurs. Vertongen was woeful in the first half, and terrific in the second. Ajax lost 2-1 to Real. They look like a good side though. Unfortunately it won't last though, the big boys will come in and sign all their good players.

It's looking like it. I can't see them scoring 3 without reply in Paris, No Pogba either. Last night was a reality check for Man U. PSG are a good side. Man U were never at the races. They looked more like Mourinho's team than the one that's been beating inferior opposition over the last few months. Porto got beat 2-1 in Rome. That tie is wide open. Spurs v. Dortmund today. Should be interesting.

How long will he last? My guess is not long.

and "Kean later resigned from Rovers that September despite them being third in the Championship under their controversial owners" Utter utter tripe. The whole article. Kean's last 10 years are worthy of some real investigation. However, whenever he surfaces it's in puff pieces touting his "talent". A journalist willing to take some time and look into his background would be a nice read.

Keith Andrews is commentating on Bournemouth v. Chelsea on US TV. Not very special.