I think JRC is more suited to a marauding role in the middle of the park personally.

Exactly! It's hard to watch at times but it does set the scene for our counter-attacks..

The most convincing of wins, but a win is a win. Last season we made a habit out of that so long may it continue. I felt Dolans decision making was poor, one moment sticks out where he shot from a silly angle whilst Hedges was screaming for i unmarked inside him. I also felt Wharton wanted too much time on the ball. He needs a rocket up his arse sometimes- I think he plays best when he doesn't have time to pick a pass. Equally he played some lovely stuff, could have had two assists and he is still a kid, very talented just wish he'd play with more urgency and drive. Markanday allegedly has a great feet- I think his confidence is shot to shit at the moment so we're not seeing that. However his workrate and tenacity is excellent and merits a place around the first 11, hopefully as time passes he'll gain more confidence. Back four good, Carter goes from strength to strength- got everything that lad. Think he'll be more of a player than Phillips ever will. Destined for a good career! Travis was outstanding in my opinion along with Szmodic, great tenacity from both. Leonard took the goal very well but looked a bit nervous at times- I'd perserve, I think he's going to be a cracking player- offers much more than Vale. I think we're light in centre mid and up-top. If this is addressed, a creative driving force and a big man that can hold up the ball we'll cause teams a lot of problems.

Well organised, hard-working, unspectacular side with a good defence. Could have a reasonable season with a couple of good additions...

Immigrant song, Led Zeppelin

I was shocked how high we finished last season.. I think unless we make a few seriously good signings we might be in trouble. Whilst we have replaced Lenihan and Nyambe we've lost (and not replaced) way too much attacking/technical talent over the past couple of seasons.. Armstrong Brereton Rothwell I think we're massively short up-top, lack pace and a genuine ball carrying midfielder.. Hopefully these issues will be addressed. I think if the season started today we'd be in a dog-fight- even more so if we let Kaminski leave.. If Pears reverts to his previous version couple with a lack of goals and a couple of injuries (JRC, Brittain) coupled with the new lads not settling it could be a very ropey season.

Just about to ask the same question.

Fair enough, I've never really looked into it if I'm honest. However, given rising interest rates and every other commodity increasing people, both rich and poor will increasingly be feeling the squeeze... Lets say your £250,0000 mortgage at 1% has just ended. and moved towards 6%,... you're looking at another £600 a month .. an extra £7200 a year... I doubt many people have a spare £7.2k in disposable income.. With the cost of everything else squeezing you it's hard to justify a season ticket.. I'd like to see some inventive pricing schemes, family tickets, £299 for one adult and two kids..., get the kids in.. Now you're taking.. I just think £700 for me and my two lads is way too much in the current climate, for me anyway. Obviously people can afford it, but personally as a family of avid Rovers fans we will be spending that money towards a family holiday or essentials. Given the state of the local economy, I think the clubs gates will increasingly rely on matchday sales to boost attendances.. People are skint.

Look at the majority record attendances, they were all recorded before football became a corporate sport.. Working class people, cannot justify shelling out massive sums of money to watch the football..

With the cost of things, I just cannot justify spending almost £700 for me and the kids.. It's well steep. Football used to be a working-class sport.. Imagine; as interest rates spike people cancel their Sky subscription, the money dry up, players will move to Dubai, , the massive wages will collapse, ticket prices become more affordable, stadiums fill up and we will have our game back... Then I woke up. Money has ruined the game.

Stick him in the first team squad, drop him a debut, his value will got through the roof.

haha, I just put players in that I enjoyed watching the most. He stands out, Berkovic was another good un.. I really wanted to put Flitters in there, feel like if he'd played for a bigger side he'd have played for England. Quality player! I put Raya in too- loved his agility and reflexes. Exciting players. Friedel was class but a very different goalie to Big Brad. We've had some belting players over the years.. Cole, Jansen, Speedie etc

Henchoz was absolutely class. Was gutted when he left for Liverpool.

I reckon this would be an exciting side to watch... Too many to choose from: Sutton, Santa Cruz, Sherwood, Batty, Dunny, Henchoz, Emerton, Friedel, Flowers, Samba I could easily have slotted in, just gone for the ones I've found most entertaining to watch Raya Le Saux Berg Hendry Emerton Duff Tugay Rothwell Bellamy Shearer Mccarthy

Bit harsh that! I thought their board was fairly balanced, some objective and balanced posts. Quite enjoyed having a scan.

I'm similar, followed his progress through the academy and tbh given the amount of injuries he was getting didn't think he'd get a crack at the first team. When he did I was quite excited, felt a bit underwhelmed but I did feel he was being played out of position and right back. Got injured came back and was just awful. Thought that'd be that. Absolutely over the moon with him. Well done Joe. Amazing what a consistent run of games can do for someone. He'd be one of my first names on the teamsheet now. What he lacks in pace he makes up for in guile, skill, intelligence and aggression. Like you said, he has a bit of a nasty streak, he's aggressive and comes across as winner. Need more with this attitude. Exemplifies the clubs moto 'Arte lebore' .. I won't relax until they've sorted his contract out though. Jooooooooe Raaaankin Coooosteeeeelloooooooooooo!

This should have been sorted ages ago. He's a massive player for us now he's had a run of games. What he lacks in pace in he makes up for in skill, guile and aggression. Love him. He's the sort of player you need to be successful. Get him tied down to a 4 year contract with an option. Quality player. Providing he can steer clear of injuries he's got a bright future ahead of him.

Be nice if we could follow you back up to the Premiership to carry on rivalry. Hopefully your boys are already on the beach.

I thought we played well, just lacked a cutting edge. We'll beat Coventry and Preston. The teams around us have it all to do.

How good is Carter, what an absolute gem!!

Wasn't that impressed, needs a bit more urgency in my opinion.

If we don't get him tied down soon he'll be off.. imperious today. He was everywhere. If JRC wasn't playing we draw that. Come on Rovers...

I'm alarmed Carter and JRC's contracts have been allowed to get to where they have given how many players we've lost for nothing in recent years. Good to know we've learnt from our mistakes.

B'ham (A) = D Norwich (H) = D H'field (A) = L Hull (H) = W Coventry (H) = W Nobbers (A) = L Dingles (H) = L Luton (H) = W Millwall (A) = L 71 Points Think we're a bit soft mentally, unless we bounce back strongly on Saturday I fear it could fizzle out for us.

I was placing Pears in the Jason Steele category of keepers up until his stint this season. He's been tremendous. Absolutely deserves the no1 jersey until he loses it. What a turn around. Well done, lad. Credit to yourself.