Surprised to see Corry Evans has walked into Sunderland as their club captain. He's injured his hamstring and is out until September, apparently.

0-0 in the U23s game versus Everton, approaching half-time. Teams are: Eastham, Cirino, Phillips, Annesley, Saadi, Nolan, Haddow, Garrett, Burns, Vale, McBride. Subs: Dowling, Brennan, Weston, Durrant, A. Wharton Tyrer, John, Anderson, Astley, Welch, Butterfield, Hughes, Whittaker, Dobbin, Price, McAllister. Subs: Barrett, Cannon, Garcia, Mills, Warrington

You're right, pace was an issue and confusion as to what position best suited him. i believe that he made his debut for Rovers on the right of midfield, having been prolific as a forward for the U21s. Finally, at Preston, I think he settled into a central midfield role - though, could be wrong. Had he played in Italy or Spain, he'd probably have been given a No.10 role. Given his talent, he should really have had more Scotland appearances - though, early in his career, there were complaints about his work-rate and desire, so perhaps, that played a role. But, he certainly had a good career at Preston NE, after a stop-start career before then.

I didn't realise that Paul Gallagher had retired and is now a first team coach at Preston. I thought that he'd be a Scotland international regular for years, when he first broke through at Rovers, but, earned only the one cap. Meanwhile, central defender/left back, Jay McEveley got three caps.

Didn't see the game but being dominated by a side who finished mid-table last year sounds worrying. It looks like we returned to the "tried and tested" 4-3-3, with our tallest attackers, Gallagher and Brereton playing wide?

Yes, and Mowbray peaked, as a manager, at West Bromwich Albion, seemingly, when he won the Championship and reached the semi-finals of the FA Cup in 2007/08. He assembled a really good team with Zoltan Gera, Jon Greening, Robert Koren and James Morrison in midfield, with Chris Brunt supporting and strikers like Kevin Phillips, Roman Bednar and Ishmael Miller. That season, from a glance at the records, Mowbray's management team reinvested brilliantly, having sold star names such as Diomansy Kamara, Nathan Ellington and Jason Koumas. At the time and, even, once in the Premier League, his team received rave reviews for the style of play.

I'm not such a big fan of Souness - though we did emerge out of the mire with him. He deserves a lot of credit for promotion, the Worthington Cup and high league finish but he was extremely fortunate to inherit Damien Duff, David Dunn and Matt Jansen in the team. I would suggest that he was also fortunate to inherit a well-run club, led by John Williams, though, on the pitch it was in disarray (Lee Carsley top scorer, I seem to remember). To my mind, Souness was able to manage the young players but often failed with experienced players, as we saw we his numerous bust ups. He liked to tap into the old boys network when signing players and whilst very successful with Tugay and Friedel, he failed miserably with others, such as Amoruso, Sukur, Unsal, Ferguson and the £6/7 million signing of Ciccio Grabbi, with his Serie B/C goal record and history of Ledderhose disease (see this link, in Italian) was beyond negligent. He got found out tactically and embarked on bizarre choices such as Dominic Matteo left midfield and Dino Baggio, the renowned Italian defensive midfielder, as a forward. Just as with the incredible luck Rovers had when Birmingham actually paid to take Dwight Yorke off us, Newcastle coming in for Souness was a huge relief for many fans. But for the goals of Jon Stead, signed in February 2004, we probably would've been relegated in 2003/04. Things got so bad that we had Jonathan Douglas on the left of midfield, with Andresen, Tugay and Flitcroft alongside him, as Souness went ultra-defensive to protect the failing defence, that included Amoruso and Gresko. He should be remembered for some of his major achievements but I consider him an impressive figure for young players to be motivated by but weak in just about every other area.

I feel that trying to get Nyambe, Kaminski, Lenihan, Rothwell and Brereton to sign new deals should be the priority - even if it involves including a release clause. Then, signing a central defender with pace and, possibly, a defensive midfielder to challenge a stuttering Travis. I don't think Davenport is the answer - though, I'd be glad to be proven wrong. The forward line of Brereton, Gallagher, Dolan, McBride, Butterworth, Chapman could do with an addition but I think, if it was actually configured in a rational way - ie Gallagher and/or Brereton central, it would be decent in this league. The aforementioned pair would get at least 10 goals a piece, if played central and kept fit, I reckon.

We really need to be seeing Connor McBride feature for the first team, not only for his development, after a fantastic season with the U23s as both a goalscorer and creator - but also, to ensure we keep him. If he's frozen out this year, I don't see him staying too long. It was an inspired signing by whoever the scout was who spotted/recommended him but we need to make the most of it now.

For Morecambe's first goal, our formation and a lack of desire and discipline catch us out. Presumably, Butterworth was meant to be in the attacking midfielder role but he finds himself in the centre forward role. Brereton and Dolan are also up front, leaving two central midfielders to stop the Morecambe counter. Dolan makes some effort to get back but the rest watch on and Travis shows little desire to intervene, as the Morecambe left sided defensive player ambles forward and then plays the through pass. Lewis Travis doesn't make it into the box by the time the ball is in the net and the other CM, Rothwell/Davenport gets there too late. You can criticise Lenihan and the defence - but, just as with last season, when forwards and midfielders don't work hard enough in the press and tracking back - and don't play with positional discipline to protect the defence, they will get exposed. PS. Just think, Rovers leading light is a teenage free transfer let go by Preston. It shows how good Dolan is and can be but reflects terribly on the rest of the team and on the management. Moreover, I think we're asking too much of Dolan. He's expected to be our main goal threat, our presser in chief and, then, tracking back in defence, when other forwards don't. He's talented but he will get burnt out and or injuries.

The LET match report suggests that the formation worked well in the first half. Morecambe changed two at half-time and Buckley went off and we conceded early and things went down hill. Well done, Morecambe - especially ex-Rovers, Lavelle and O'Connor. They beat our near full strength team.

Armstrong's strength, in my opinion, is to make a yard, with his pace, and strike a fierce shot. He doesn't need to beat defenders and is confident having a strike. I would hesitantly and very generally compare Adam Armstrong to a young Shane Long, mostly, in terms of their somewhat stocky frame and burst of pace. A potential difference is that Armstrong has got a long-range strike in him, as evidenced by a couple of goal of the season awards in his career, which, I'm not sure Long has, so much. I'm sure others might correct me on this comparison, as it is based on very limited knowledge of Shane Long. The problem Armstrong may have is if he's asked to play as a wide forward, rather than the centre forward. He'll have to work a lot harder and won't have the luxury of waiting on the shoulder of defenders so much. I do wonder whether he'll struggle in that position given that Saints have Redmond, Djenepo, Walcott, Tella and, possibly, Diallo competing with him. Perhaps, Hassenhuttl does see him as centre forward. Regardless, I think Armstrong's an intelligent player and could adapt, with the right manager. PS. Saints memories - Marians Pahars' goal in our Roy Hodgson/Brian Kidd relegation season. From what I remember, it was a late goal that made relegation all but certain. Especially, painful as Pahars was one of my favourite non-Rovers players.

I strongly agree with this. If you look at the Swansea attack at the end of the highlights published by Rovers on Youtube, it is shockingly easy to cut Rovers open - once you by-pass the press of the front three. As the still below shows, the Swansea defensive player, No.2, puts the ball through into midfield, taking out five Rovers attackers. Brereton, Dolan and Buckley (?) can't get back (don't try), so the Rovers full backs and defenders are outnumbered and a Swansea attacker has a shot from the edge of the area.

Remember, we outplayed Newcastle with a similar team, last year. Gallagher on the wing and Dolan in the false 9 is not sustainable. Dolan has the energy and pace to cause team's problems on the counter, but, any team that plays cautiously, will crowd him out and our attack will disappear. He'll lose confidence and next thing you know, we're back to chopping and changing every game. One moment, we're the free-scoring team of the league, the next, a pitiful side without any shape. Play Dolan alongside a central striker and let him develop into the role. Imagine the young Damien Duff being expected to play as a central forward at the start of his career.

Ryan Nyambe and Darragh Lenihan are very valuable players at this level. The club should have been trying hard to commit them before March 2020, when the pandemic hit the UK. If the players weren't keen, then a sale should have been made. We can't sell all but nor can we afford to let all leave on Bosmans, either. Apparently, Kaminski and Brereton are in their last year too. Clearly, the finances are not all Mowbray's fault but the dealings described above, not to mention handing out appearance fees for Bennett, Evans and Holtby and the Brereton deal are his responsibility. I think Davenport has been a bad signing too and I don't hold much hope for him this season, though glad he's getting a chance. I would hope that Rovers are actively trying to sell someone like Rothwell or Chapman, alongside, Armstrong. Getting transfer fees for some players will be necessary - but it must be balanced against depleting us for certain relegation.

I suppose Armstrong could by a second-coming of Andy Johnson for Palace - only, I assume he would likely play in a three, as a wide player, beside Benteke, if he did sign? For Rovers, he's never convinced when played as a wide forward - as far as I know. I think he could be effective as a striker alongside Benteke but not sure Palace ever play with two forwards these days. Edit: Just looking at the Palace squad, of Conor Gallagher & Mateta signed on loan, joining Zaha, Eze, Schlupp and Jordan Ayew, I think it's fair to say that they don't need Armstrong and won't, I wager, sign him. If Palace have the next Matt Jansen coming through, would be glad to take him as part of the unlikely deal... However, do bear in mind that Rovers U23 finished 2nd in the U23 Premier League, whilst Palace's team were playing in the league below, last year. (Though, I'm sure Palace have got some good players coming through and no doubt the better ones were out on loan!). Edit 2: Just seen that Palace have a blue and white halves third kit...

It's not exactly relevant for the football but I think the casual equating of the UK and India's coronavirus experience, in the letter, is extremely ignorant. India's current death toll of over 400,000 suggests a relatively low per capita death rate. However, studies of excess deaths in India over the pandemic period suggest that the true number could be closer to 3-4 million. After a devastating second wave this year, with oxygen, medicine and beds in short supply, there is the possibility of a severe third wave, as around 12% of the population have been double vaccinated. As for the football, it's true we have some promising players coming through the academy but if they're not given chances and the right environment to perform, they won't develop. A case in point is John Buckley, who has a lot to prove, but he won't have a fair chance if not given a regular position and kept in the team when performing.

Swansea have lost Andre Ayew, Marc Guehi, Freddy Woodman and Conor Hourihane and a few others, so, perhaps, will be weaker this year, barring some major new signings. They have signed a £1m new striker from Holland, Joel Piroe, who looks like an Adam Armstrong type signing - with very good youth U20s international and lower league records but yet to prove himself higher up in the league. They've got a new head coach in Russell Martin, recently installed, and, apparently, he favours a back three with wing backs, which, I believe, they used last season anyway.

I wonder if the mixed experiences of Harwood-Bellis and Harvey Elliot at Rovers will discourage some players/teams from loan deals. Their valuations were hardly enhanced, despite glimpses of ability. Then, there was Jarrad Branthwaite, who struggled badly. If players can find a more stable team and club, they'll probably give Rovers a miss. Aside from adding a real star to the squad, I don't mind too much about missing out on youth loans and would prefer our own U23s given a chance. The position where I think we're desperate for anyone half-decent, be he inexperienced or not, is at CB. Magloire is yet to convince here or on loan and, the other CBs lack pace.

If this Ben Brereton highlights reel is reflective of his performance in the game, it goes to show with almost absolute certainty, that he should only play as a striker. When playing in midfield roles, he drives with the ball well at times, but he loses possession so much. But for the goals, these highlights (again, if reflective of the game, that I didn't see) suggest that he had a really poor game. Also, I find it notable that some Rovers players were strolling back to kick off after Brereton's goals - as if they had minimal interest in the scoreline. PS. Does Brereton have a Chilean PR agency producing these videos? I find it hard to believe that an average to below average Championship player has such keen fans. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n8AyS2_2qEY

I'm expecting a similar struggle to last year. Mowbray's still unsure about his formation and line-up and we may yet see Gallagher on the left wing. The loss of Elliot is partly compensated for by McBride, if he's used and develops, and a more confident Brereton - and Dolan may figure more. However, the issue remains that Mowbray has no effective plan as to how to set his team up. I expect to see frequent rotation, with Dolan, Bradley Johnson, Rankin-Costello, Davenport, Gallagher coming in and out of a disjointed team. The football league rule switch back to 3 subs in a game will, I think, affect Rovers, as, last year, Mowbray seemed to rely on drastic changes to chase games. And, the outcome from the season? An average to low finish and losing players, including, some of our better ones, on free transfers. --- 1) Not sure about Waggott 2) Mowbray may lose his job in November, after a string of defeats. 3) Player of the season - Armstrong, if he stays - otherwise, Kaminski 3.1) Young Player of the Season - McBride 4) 15th. 5) Fulham

It looks like a possible 5-4-1 / 3-4-2-1 with Armstrong the lone central forward. The centre backs have to be smart, otherwise they can all end up occupied by one forward, allowing opposition overloads occuring elsewhere.

Looking back at the goals and chances conceded in the highlights against Leeds, I think there do seem to be some pointers that last season's disorganisation may continue to haunt us. Admittedly, the highlights don't show much of the effective defensive work that must have taken place to keep Bielsa's free scoring team down to 1 goal. Presumably, also, we won't often play this experimental 5-4-1, ultra defensive formation, this season. Despite there being at least 6 Rovers players defending in our own penalty box, for the Leeds goal, there were two Leeds attackers free in the box - one of whom, Struijk, received the ball and scored, via a deflection. The Rovers player who made a last ditch effort to block the shot was Connor McBride, who, presumably, was meant to be in a wide role but found himself in DM. Pike's clearing header wasn't effective, in the lead up, but the Leeds goal was borne of team disorganisation, with supposed DMs, Garrett and Davenport pulled out of position, leaving the centre vacant, and the three centre backs, apparently, not spotting the danger of the pull back. It's reminiscent of some of the goals we conceded last season, with players out of position and inadequate shape - with forwards or strikers trying to stop attacks, in vain. Then, for the first major chance shown in the highlights, a long, accurate switch by Leeds eventually gets into the box and, as with the goal, two Leeds midfielders are free in the box - albeit, this time Davenport is in the vicinity and puts the attacker, Klich, off and the shot is saved well by Kaminski. The result was good but I think it might paper over ongoing inadequacies and simply putting 5 defenders in front of Kaminski, is not going to solve the problem.

Surprised to see the score, as I was expecting a hammering. It seems that Mowbray fielded three centre backs and, presumably, Nyambe and Pickering as wing backs. I feel much more confident with this formation than the 4-2-3-1 that Mowbray put out last season, as it provides some cover to the full backs - and means that Nyambe doesn't have to be right back and centre back at the same time. As mentioned before, some youngsters must be on the bench first game of the season, with a view to giving them a chance to stake a first team role. There should be no question that McBride and Whitehall or Garrett are there. Now is the time to give them experience having so negligently failed at the end of last and, instead, fielding Bennett, Downing, Evans and Co. who had no future at the club and playing Buckley as a false 9. As for Dan Pike, I do believe he needs to go out on loan. Some have strongly disagreed with me and I admit to having seen only glimpses of him at RB via streams last season - but he always looked a weak link both defensively and going forward to me. Albeit, he looks physically stronger than others his age. Leeds fan from one of their boards: "If Valencia are here looking at Costa they'll sign Blackburn's wee left wing sub." Think they're referring to Lenni Cirino.

If Leeds play a strong side, this one could be an entertaining hammering - 5-2 or the like. Harrison and others on the Leeds flanks will be a real threat if our midfield/forwards don't get back.