not exactly Scarface

Bloody hell, thought I'd take a look at this and there's names there I used to watch that have passed on recently and wasn't even aware of it. I used to be into wrestling in a big way, back in the 90's and early 00's, Channel 4 and 5 would put on WCW and WWF as it was free to watch, but they eventually went off air to Sky television. Impact wrestling is on one of the freeview channels now but I don't watch it. Took me a while to realise it was all set-up and story-lined. I honestly believed it was all random and better wrestlers win matches but this was at an earlier age so excuses can be made. Once that illusion was shattered it was never really the same. I go back to the days of Randy Savage, Hogan, Ultimate Warrior etc. Now it's all names I don't really recognise and commercial sides and media have spoiled things considerably. If the Undertaker is still going at it and making appearances then I'll know the company has gone too far and nostalgia and fan preference wins over common sense and reality.

I don't know what to expect, opening day in August is always a surprise bag, you can never tell what will happen. Would hope for the win obviously. Mixed feelings about this season. A number of positives to take such as finally being rid of McCarthy and a new name to take on team affairs but we got him from lower league and he's untried at higher level. Was far from the preferred names I wanted to come in when eventually announced. Some players out the exit such as McGoldrick, Bru and Webster and the Waghorn issue refuses to go away, and we haven't really brought in I feel adequate replacements for key areas although some seem satisfied enough. Marcus Evans is still in ownership - to that I have a feeling of regret - and what's with those horrible strips we're expected to wear this season ? Magical Vegas FFS, I don't know who came up with that idea but the design and choice of sponsorship was far ill-advised. Pre season we've played well in spells but never really faced anyone worth mentioning. Local games once again against inferior opposition where we (usually) win, but never really by any convincing margin. The actual league season is completely different though but just feel we're not really prepared for a nine month campaign ahead. Promotion seems very unlikely, play offs are a possibility but have to tell myself that mid-league seems best for another year. You remember when Blackburn won the League Cup ? I do, and that was the last time this club was in the top level of English football. 2002 may seem quite recent, other times it feels like an eternity. Hope those coming down on Saturday enjoy the game, be advised again Portman Road is not the easiest venue to get to or indeed depart from. It should be a good event.

What from Marcus Evans ? He wouldn't give a starving mouse a piece of cheese.. No, there may be money to spend - Waghorn is at this moment question to a number of high profile bids and rumour from other clubs but the directors are resolute he won't be going anywhere unless the bids are upped to something like 8- 10 million. Which won't happen. Waghorn is a good player and reliable forward but if someone is prepared to pay the eight figure number the club are holding out for I'd be very surprised. But then it's not all about money. We put together a team in the early 1980's that was one of Europe's best. That was largely in part to a fine team ethic, player and manager harmony and players aware of their potential and utilising their abilities. If the 2018 class can replicate that mindset and belief in the season ahead then we'll have half a chance of accomplishing something. But Yes Evans should invest, not everyone's flavour of the month. To say he has the best interests of the club at heart is - to all intents and purposes - a very shallow statement.

The team reached a semi-final but somehow lost 3 games during the tournament. Just seems bizarre in a sense. Were England good enough to win it ? Hard to say really. You look at the calibre of opposition along the way and we never really played any real competition until the Croatia game. If they had won and played France they probably would have lost as well but it's all hypothetical after the event. Pickford was inspired, Kane is a dangerous player and there's a number of kids coming through but we don't have the ambition or flair of other contending nations and appear to lose our nerve on the very biggest occasions. If one good came out of it you don't have the "It's coming home" nausea anymore. England or not that worn a bit thin by the end and perhaps some got a little carried away with it all. Shame in a sense it's over but it was far from the best tournament we've ever seen. Too many big name nations out in the earliest stages and that VAR crap spoiled things considerably. ?

Well we play you in the opening round of games, bit belated I know (since fixtures were announced) but now is as good a time as any. Opening weekend is always a bit poignant no matter who you support as you can look back at previous years and there's always special memories along the way. Hopefully the weather should be satisfactory on the day and for those who haven't travelled to our ground before (well there has to be some) it can be awkward / time consuming to enter and leave during match days. Ipswich isn't the easiest place to get to or out of on the UK mainland. Blackburn should be a good test for the new manager and whatever players we start with, you just seen a promotion and will be eager to make a strong start back at the second level. There are one or two doubts with our players as who may be leaving before the time of game but Bialkowski has signed a new contract which is welcome news for us, he is arguably one of the top goalkeepers outside of the premier league. I don't know what to expect with Paul Hurst. He arrived in something of a guessing capacity and other than his 'achievements' at his former club many are in the dark as to what we can really expect. I don't expect a promotion, it's too soon after the appointment, but understand we are the longest serving residents of the championship league (2002 - ) and I for one have had nearly enough of failing to make it back and a succession of inept sub-standard managerial names and seasonal performances. It should be a good game when it arrives, I hope Blackburn bring a good number of fans down despite any travel issues. It's very rarely we sell out and last season saw too many instances of a half empty stadium. 20,000 + would represent an adequate turn out, (and) would hope to win obviously. ?

You can learn an awful lot by visiting other teams forums, wasn't aware you had drawn Burnley in the next round. It wasn't until a few years back after reading a sports publication special did I learn of the animosity between sets of supporters and the rivalry that existed. Now I haven't been to a game between you and themselves but (after reading) every indication suggests it's as big and expected as a Merseyside or North London derby. Not going to be impartial, would want Blackburn to win, not because being a registered member of the site, just would prefer to see yourselves other than Burnley to go through. I think the fans deserve it after the disappointments of last season, a victory over that opposition would provide some considerable compensation after the shortcomings of before. Remember first and foremost the league take priority. Best of luck in your cup fixture.