I couldn't resist

I'm not saying they should, it should be said though that Gerrard has been working with Liverpool academy for quite some time and is going to manage Rangers so he is starting at a low level, league 1 equivalent.......... Neville got jobs because of his relationship with Peter Lim and Lampard got the Derby job based on his punditry, I think all pro's should have to start off working with academies/serve an appreticeship.

Campbell has been offered several roles within academies and junior set ups but has refused them as he believes he should start at managerial level because of the level he played at, he's not been given jobs because he's an arrogant sod. It was interesting that he bemoaned Craig Bellamy on 5 live for being given an interview for the Oxford job when he was turned down, he argued it was because he was black. The interviewer challenged him on it and pointed out Bellamy had spent a number of years working FOC with Cardiff's U12's, U14's before taking a paid role on the academy, working up to reserve manager and then first team coach, whilst also undertaking his various FIFA quals, Campbell fell apart.

They agreed to have an option, whereas at the moment they have to produce a full programme with a certain number of pages to allow for sponsor requirements and a minimum print run. A number of league 2 clubs (probably some league 1 clubs) lose money hand over fist on programmes due to lack of scale and the print cost per programme, if they can find innovative ways to save some money and stay afloat surely having that option is a good thing? Rovers will make money on programmes, as long as they continue to do so they will continue to print them.

This is being erroneously reported in a lot of places, the only thing that has been removed is the compulsory nature of producing match day programmes, the indication from the vast majority of EFL clubs is that they would continue to produce programmes for league games with the potential to do reduced programmes for league cup and checkatrade or a festive programme over Christmas.

I was thinking more along the lines of the 94/95 third kit and the Prince's Trust, we've had a few yellow and royal blue away shirts over the years, the Uhlsport CIS kit, the Spall pinstripe number, even the asics yellow with blue mashed up crests down the side

I think we could be due a yellow and black away kit, not had one for a few years and if we're going with a retro theme, yellow fits.

One of the great things about being sposored by gambling companies is that clubs often do sponsor-less shirts, nice to have the option.

Bit in the paper.

I was at an Umbro event at Ewood last week and I'm sure the 18th June was the date I was told when I asked.

Kits come out mid June.

Yes, undoubtedly.

I do wonder if the slightly reduced intensity in league 1 is having an impact on his injury record, I don't think he's played this many games in a season since he won Scottish player of the year in 2012.

It's crazy he was on trial here loitering for a month or so waiting for a deal. Club's would be falling over themselves to sign him were he available now.

I agree wholeheartedly with biz here, HC has shown great attacking intent and against a tiring team or when you're chasing an equaliser his style of play is great. That said he offers no protection to his fullback and a generally pedestrian backline, we saw the issues we had against Doncaster when our shape got dragged apart and I fear HC starting could expose the same weaknesses. Last night was the most fluid we have looked and everyone worked hard from the front, the press was high intensity and worked really well. The issue is that the minute someone drops the press or the oppo play through it due to poor positioning we are in trouble, especially considering the lack of pace within our backline.

Kinder basically binned the two intakes of scholars before Wharton et al, on his return he felt both the standards of coaching and player had slipped since he left and set about working on a clean slate from that group of Scholars. You can tell they've played together for a number of years and are comfortable in the way they play. Whether that makes them good enough to play in the first team remains to be seen. There is a huge difference in the physicality and competitiveness of the U23 league and professional football. As for Nyambe being able to defend, it raises the question of what is a good defender in the modern game. There is a really interesting article by Jonathon Wilson on the evolution of defending. In the modern game being able to use the ball and act as an additional ball player is held in higher regard than someone who is purely a stopper. Also full back in the prem made 123 crosses in the opening weekend in comparison to 82 tackles. Shows just how the modern defender is used today.

At least we are defending like the first team!

There is a strong spine there through Fisher, Platt, Tomlinson and now Nuttall. Especially considering Wharton isn't involved and Magloire is on the bench, surprised he hasn't made the step up yet as pre-season 2016 he looked the strongest out of him, Platt and Wharton.

Nutall has all the attributes to succeed in league 1 & 2, his finishing is raw but having pace, power and aggression goes a long way at the level we're currently playing. I thought he took a lot of unwarranted stick in pre-season, his finishing against Morecambe was wayward but he was a constant threat to the centre halves. He looked to roll them when possible and was happy to get into a physical battle, he looked to run the centre halves and drag them out of position and his running with the ball was direct. He's the sort of player that causes real problems for defenders and would create a space and opportunity for other players due to his directness. Not saying he was the answer but a player in his style was exactly what was needed against Doncaster, someone willing to force defenders to play and put doubt in their minds.

I really don't want to have to go to this game. The thought of getting turned over by them is deeply upsetting. It's bad enough being 2 leagues below them however I avoid areas of the internet where there fans gloat however having to listen to a couple of thousand of them lording it over them really upsets me.

Good, little toad. Hopefully they strip the titles from Rangers too, cheating gets.

I expect Lowe to sign for someone later in the summer in order to take his two months severance (July, Aug) at Rovers, which will be no doubt at a higher wage than he will draw at wherever he ends up.

Agreed, Mulgrew certainly seems a decent bloke.

Yeah, keeping hold of wantaway Ben Marshall really worked in our favour, was great to see him knuckle down and apply himself pre-Christmas........... oh, wait on

Exactly, whilst Mulgrew is a cracking footballer he is potentially an expensive punt that most lower end championship clubs cant afford and is a 31 year old, injury prone centre half who will cost a fee and a substantial wage what the upper reaches of the championship are looking for? I think Lenihan is by far the more attractive proposition of the 2 on an investment basis.