USABlue

Thank god for you philipl. I thought Matty looked sharp on occasion also. the fella can still win headers. It may just come back to him. I agree him and Stead could, and I emphasise could, work out well if Stead gets some coaching on winning the ball in the air and beefs up a bit. It was encouraging to see him get a few calls for fouls last night usually the refs just let the other team knock him around. Bring on the Villa.

Did I watch a different game than some? I thought we were better than a lot I have seen of Rovers lately. First half we were poor, second half after they scored I thought we did rather well. I felt encouraged in defeat which is something I have not felt for a long time. Neill needs to be sat though he scares me, Gray I thought ran his heart out for us. All the team worked hard and gave their all. We have been on a downslide for sometime the finesse play will come back with some confidence. I do hope however Hughes is not going to persist with the long ball, we have no one to win it. If we continue to be commited to effort as tonight we will turn the corner. The final ball must get better, it will, some improvement in ideas from set pieces and I think we can do alright.

I see there are 180 degrees seperation from Saturdays summation of players. How so in such a short time. I am totally ###### off by this result. Blessing in disguise, MGP scored and hit his penalty, Gally scored. Mark Hughes will have a bit clearer idea of what he has to work with. Mondays game is on TV not sure whether I dare watch or not. Oh just one more thing, Souness is gone, I was a supporter of his, Hughes is here I did not want him here but for pity's sake could we focus our conversations on what Sparky has to do rather than continue the arguments about Souness. Repeat after me, Souness is gone, Souness is gone, Souness is gone, Souness done a runner.

Jeez how bloody embarassing, I expect we'll be inundated with mouthy clarrots now. I had a funny feeling we would lose tonight.

What's goin on with the pens anyone keep us up to date cant get into chat.

Glad we have been taking this one seriously. Sounds like we have killed 'em in terms of possesion and chances, it will be interesting to hear Mark Hughes' version of Lady Luck has gone walkabout.

Where's Gray and where's Flitty.

Well it sounds to me like Bellamy's Newcastle days are about over.

Eddie, I could have a go back but I won't. Let's keep to the footy. Remember this though, I am English.

Nah mate... they're just arrogant Confidence and high self esteem is easily confused by many without it to be arrogance. The English have to be near the top of the pack in the arrogance sweepstakes, all things considered.

Don't know don't care I hate golf. No-one at work has mentioned it but if America lost then that would be normal. That could also be 'cos they would be afraid I would bring up the relay at the Olympics. They all thought they had that Gold before the race had been ran.

And here's me thinking Souness said he did not like wingers in the modern game.

Come on, let's give this lad a chance. He's had 3 games, one against Man U under the old boss, one against Newcastle with Parkes and one against Pompey with the new boss. Three games, two against top notch opponents, each game with a different manager and on top of that he has to adjust to Premiership pace and standards as well as acclimatising to a new Country. Give the lad a break, at least give him a couple of months to get his feet on the ground, his head must be spinning with all the changes he's had to go through.

Huh?? I did know that, am I missing something 1864?

Good to see the result, good to read someof the encouraging reports on some enthusism from the team. Best of all is the read about Matt. I was one of the ones who had him written off, I hope that can be shoved right down my throat. I know he scored, I saw the goal really quickly and one time only, it looked like a good goal. That aside, how was Matty's overall play, did he do well or was the goal the only ting, more info please.

When you say JH do you mean Jimmy Hill? If so next time you write him remind him that he in part is responsible for clubs like ours falling from grace and the Monopoly enjoyed by the big city teams.

Well I won't be around tomorrow, heading for the hills (again) So good luck Mr Hughes I hope your first game in charge is a good one capped with a victory. Get stuck in.

Rubbish Bryan, acting a bit holier than thou I think. Just yesterday you slammed me for my opinions, basically told me to shut up. No hidden agendas either mate.

I like it. It's as if he is making the statement that staying in the Prem is a goal that goes without saying. That that is expected and does not even need to be mentioned, that it is a redundant statement. This is good.

Mr Bubble, I am really not sure what positive post you are referring to. this id the only one I responded to.. "So usa blue!! who would you have wanted appointed since you know the football world in side out!!! All i want is for people to get behind the team. People like you would complain if mr wenger had been appointed," I am sorry but I don't really see anyting positive in that do you? My reaction is based on the assumtion you make as to how I might react regardless of who was appointed. Very naive I think, as for growing up there is a strong possibility I am way ahead of you in that aspect. Try not to make this a personal thing OK. We can all share opinions and we do but when you try to tell me what sort of personality I am you WILL get a response if you are wide of the mark. Accept that.

Just listened to Mark Hughes on TV. He sounds like a straight talker, spoke his mind and was clear and concise. Could it be I am already warming to this fella.

That's what worries me. Are we going to give him a chance? We've effectively given the teams we should be matching up against anything from a two point to an eight point headstart. He should be judged on how well he does over the rest of the season, not on the next few weeks. However, I can easily see some turning on him very, very quickly. Spot on Modi. Finishing 17th this season would be a fantastic success for Hughes. He isn't going to be able to turn things around instantly. It will be a long slog. Be careful Scotty, you'll have people whining about lack of ambition. Curious the already lowered expectations though. Souness finishing 17th= simply not good enough. Hughes finishing 17th = Fantastic acheivement. I am now totally confused with this double standard. We are barely starting this season we have time to actually accomplish something if the man is that good. (Yes, it will be good enough for me if we finish fourth from bottom)

I will be delighted if I have egg on my face and I will be in no way smug if this does not work out Rovers are my team and have been for almost 40 years. I was opposed to us hiring Souness ( yes I actually wanted Hoddle) As it turned out and as is recorded on here I became one of Souness' most vehement supporters. Gally and playing Matteo on the left wing had caused me to begin to question the mans sanity though. Rovers through and through so I look forward to that egg, scrambled sounds good.

Pretty good that, they seem to like Emerton, even a few nods for Pedersen. Whats with these Geordies?

jim, one question. Will you feel the same if Hughes neglects to say hello to your boy or will Hughes be faced with a Souness type hate obsession. I wish Mark Hughes all the best too, I have he's managing my team. Interesting that some folks have taken the stance that it is wrong to criticize Mark Hughes before he has even sat in his office. Two points, 1) I am not criticising Hughes I am saddened by the Board. 2) How many of you taking this stance gleefully bad mouthed Dickov, Amoruso, Stead, Friedal etc etc before they even kicked a ball. Now, back to reality.