If we play that ridiculous style from Tuesday, where the ball spent the majority of the time being passed between the three back players in our own half, and where there was little or no evidence of any threat on goal, then I'd have to say Mowbray has lost the plot. It simply didn't / doesn't / can't work with the players we have at our disposal. There was only one flash of real quality in the entire game where the ball was moved at speed to open up the opposition, and that broke down once their massive centre half knocked the powder puff boy (Brereton) off the ball. I'd much rather Mowbray acknowledged the need to get points on the table, set up to win ugly if necessary and then tried his experimental ideas if we have put a game to bed. I don't think we have the luxury of time to find a new style that works in this division. Instead we need to build on what we know works - remember Hughes' team having a reputation for being cloggers? Well, we used to go into most matches with at least some optimism that we might get something. Right now I don't feel confident about any game, because we simply don't know what is going to be served up on the pitch. I hope we start tomorrow with some measure of continuity / momentum from Tuesday's chaotic approach, although I wouldn't be surprised to see yet another catastrophic attempt at experimental football - if that happens, I am sure Boro will capitalise, as they have the quality and strength in depth to do so. Prediction? 1-3 sadly. COYB - prove me wrong!

Ahem, yes, but not because of the magnificent footballing spectacle!! She had a great time, and enjoyed the noise, the half time chips and the time spent with her Daddy when she would normally be tucked up in bed (it being summer hols she got a special pass out from her Mum). She did spend most of the game playing 'I spy', somewhat like the Rovers non-existent midfield! On that evidence, Boro will muller us on Saturday - definitely not taking the little un for that

Well I think only 5 pages up, 90 mins from kick off on a match day probably speaks volumes about the level of interest amongst home fans too... Ah well, I hope we stuff them, score some absolute belters and make everyone who coulda woulda shoulda gone feel envious of our better (haha) judgment!

I wonder how many are trudging over the moors to be there to support the Latics? It might be 50/50 which could work either way for the players. Last year we unveiled Brereton just before the Lincoln game at the same stage of the same competition. I don't think there is anything hiding under wraps to be sprung on us tonight, except perhaps another baffling selection conundrum from TM Anyway, COY mighty Blues!

Plus from what I have seen, Mulgrew's legs have gone (a la Peter Whittingham), whilst DG still has a pair and is prepared to use 'em. No comparison, IMO

Wasn't Hanley Club Captain at Norwich last season, yet he hardly got a run out for much of the time...?

Things certainly look different from a distance

Nice one! See you there (incognito, of course!).

Not really - we are 5 minutes from Ewood, and at 5 years old I think the noise and hustle of a full match day might be a little overwhelming, whereas there will be a smaller crowd on tomorrow evening (I would wager!)which shouldn't be too 'exciting'. If she likes it, then there will be more opportunities in the coming months to build her interest. Are you going? ;)

Taking my daughter (5 y o) to this one - her first visit to Ewood and first competitive football match. Gone for JW Upper seats, near as I could to the halfway line. No doubt it will be a case of 'Is it finished yet?' well before half time, and the wallet will take a pounding in the club shop, but hey ho, the blue & white blood has to be infused at some point! COYB!

Well, despite anyone's desire to the contrary, and regardless of whether Elliot Bennett, Tony Mowbray, Mahatma Ghandi or Gawd himself reads this forum, the decision has been (publicly) made. So, I for one wish him the best of Blue & White luck, and hope that this proves to be a watershed moment all round (in a positive way). COYB

I remember when Bobby Charlton came down to Witton to officially open the new astroturf pitch, and the Rovers squad at the time (which included Noel, John Lowey, Basil I think, and certainly Tony Parkes) all 'trained' amongst the crowd. Lowey was great with the kids (including me) and posed for several 'action shot' photos (which I still have tucked away in a box in the garage I think). I always admired his athleticism, and thought at the time that he had the hardest shot I'd ever seen (memory erased by Steven Reid's screamer at Wigan, of course!) RIP John Lowey. A good servant to the Rovers cause. Lowey mentioned at 4.50 in this clip from 1984 - cup game against the mighty Swindon Town (Jimmy Quinn scored for them before he joined us).

Aye, but of course now the difference is we are grinding out loads of defeats

Welcome Greg, to the crazy 'will we /won't we' world of Blackburn Rovers. No doubt if you have even half a decent footballing brain, your future here is certain to be well regarded. Just so you know, we appreciate players who try hard, who visibly give a sh1t* the field, and who keep going for the 90 minutes or so during the game. Not much to ask, I guess! Anyway, I personally hope your stay is a rewarding and happy one. Good luck! * about the game, the fans and the need to strive for a result (i.e. not taking a dump on Ewood, a practice previously undertaken by certain past it would be pundits here only for their last snout in the trough payday).

Last Hurrah. That' all Anyway, I think it is more important who starts the next game, at Fulham. I for one would like to see a team full of players in their preferred / natural positions, rather than all this titting around with ducks out of water the whole time.

aaaaaaffffffttttttteeeeerrrrr the deadline. Well after. Leaving everyone in limbo to fester till weeeellllll aaaaafffffttttttteeeeerrrr the deadline... was poor. IMO

The club clearly knew it was happening, the lad signed in time for the paperwork to be processed in time (I don't think we are as reliant on the fax machine as in the bad old shelfy days), there was clearly an opportunity to create some excitement amongst the fan base (even if it wasn't quite the worldy we'd all wet ourselves about), yet they wait until 9pm before posting the news on the club website. Hardly rocket science, to communicate effectively with your fans, but just like many other aspects of our club's operations, this was poorly handled and, IMO, a wasted opportunity to build better relations. It is my opinion, BigDog, tis all.

Rank bad PR from the club all round, from the lack of timely announcement of the incoming of Greg Cunningham, to the handling of Charlie Mulgrew's in out in out shake it all about exit to the pie-men. This is what happens when you pare resources to the bone. Poor show for the loyal fan base, IMO,.

The Chadster has a slightly skewed view of things blue & white, and is definitely from the 'glass half full' side of the fan base. I dare say there appears to be only one person who doesn't appear to have got the joke about our defensive frailty, and unfortunately that is the manager. If we were to strengthen defensively I would anticipate an upturn in confidence amongst the players which might lead to a concomitant improvement in play (football being a confidence game). If we don't, I do worry that we may spiral out of control down the league - I mean, if Lee Bowyer can out-manoeuvre TM, it won't be a surprise when more capable teams take us apart. Hoping for some good news on the recruitment front in the next 48 hours, but not holding my breath. Oh for a return to the heady days of John Williams upstairs and a footballing brain at the helm ..

But what if his ruptured Achilles and lack of fitness mean he isn't available for selection till March 2020?

Who have forgotten where the nets are..

Mulgrew plays, we lose. End of.

Fixed it for you... In Rivers we trust!

Shouldn't we be promoting from the U23s though...? What was their goals against record like last season?

Samba is an interesting shout - Just 35 (DOB 28-03-1984) and a Rovers legend in his time. Burned his boats somewhat in engineering a move, but then again, he was jumping from a burning deck.. He'd be a beast at this level. I'd rather have Nelsen though (or a player of that capability)