Thanks, an enjoyable video! I think Eyal Berkovic, as far as I remember, was actually pretty good for Rovers and played more than 2 games, helping us to get promoted into the Prem. I'm not sure why Souness didn't sign him but I seem to remember a lot of disappointment that the loan wasn't made permanent - though, I think, with the success of Tugay, it was soon forgotten. I do stand corrected, however, as this based on hazy memory. With Northern Ireland, I think Keith Gillespie would be higher for me than Corry Evans, though, perhaps, there are others. Two foreign players that I really liked, aside from the ones already mentioned, were Hakan Sukur and Hakan Unsal. I think Souness fell out with both - or at least one. Both went back to Turkey to play a lot of games and I think, if they had stayed, they would be remembered as amongst the best imports at Rovers.

England U21's struggles in their championship has surprised me - as someone who doesn't really follow that team but noticed that they seemed to have a strong squad. I wonder to what extent it is a case of other teams have superior (though, less hyped) players and England under-performing? Aside from the striking position, where Nketiah has not been prolific at club level, though in qualifying, he has scored a lot, it seemed as if England had a team full of proven club experience. That said, I don't know about the standard of their opposition.

Having at least one pacey defender can make a big difference, regardless of which position they play. It probably means the defence plays several yards further upfield. Ideally, a team would have a few. A slow defence means having to play deep and more defensive - though it can work. Houllier's Liverpool team with Henchoz, Hyypia etc in defence did well grinding out results but it does rely on near perfect defending and having forwards that take their chances.

I've got the general impression that there is dislike for Romelu Lukaku in the game. This was flagrantly reinforced by a recent piece of commentary on Skysports on Lukaku's skilful finish against Czech Republic, for Belgium. I would urge anyone interested to watch it on Youtube - the goal is at 1 min 48 seconds. Latching onto a De Bruyne straight pace, Lukaku ran with the ball and twisted a defender inside and out and finished past the keeper, who managed to get a block on it but not prevent it going in. Rather than highlight the fantastic run and footwork by Lukaku, the commentator and co-commentator are apparently lost for words and then mainly praise the good, but almost 'regulation' pass, by De Bruyne, with the co-commentator even going as far as to claim that De Bruyne had put it "on a plate" for Lukaku. More than just a myopic fascination with De Bruyne, I do believe that examples like this are based on a racial bias against recognition of the skill and creativity of black players. A study sponsored by the PFA and published last year showed that commentators are four more times likely to discuss black players in terms of strength and seven times more likely to be discussed in terms of speed. It would be unfair to just focus on commentators - Man Utd, of course, let him go and are now crying out for a striker. Lukaku has complained of a bias against him that focuses on the physical - as if to reduce his ability to the good fortune of genetics rather than effort, ability and creativity: “It is never about my skill when I am compared to other strikers,” Lukaku said in an interview with The New York Times last year. “My one-on-one dribbling is good. I can do a step-over. I can beat a player. I remember one comment from a journalist that United should not sign Lukaku because he is not an ‘intelligent’ footballer.” In 2011, there was a scandal in French football when it was reported that a cap had been proposed at youth levels to prevent too many black and Arab players taking positions. Integral to the accusations was head of the French football federations National Technical Board, Francois Blaquart, who said, on being appointed, of the need to "prioritise intelligence in the game with respect to the technical and, above all, athletic aspect". Head coach, Laurent Blanc, is said to have supported the 30% cap from U14 level in order to support talent sharing sharing "our culture, our history". I always noted, when Yaya Toure was at Manchester City, what a brilliantly skilful player he was, who could escape the tightest situation and pick out delicate passes. I found it noticeable that he never received the adulation from the football fraternity, most notably commentators, that David Silva received. Silva was regularly described as a magician and a wizard, from what I recall, and Toure was, to my mind, every bit a genius, though, playing a deeper role, often. In fact, I believe he was played at centre back by Barcelona, at times, which, if is the case, would be, again, another black player being judged by his physical attributes rather than his actual abilities. I recall a Jamie Carragher comment, as a pundit, comparing, Tottenham's Ndombele, with Yaya Toure, when the Spurs player was in and out of the team. Carragher referenced that Ndombele has a big backside and doesn't work hard enough but was great on the ball. Whether that was true or false about Ndombele, it was a lazy comparison, based on stereotype, with one of the most gifted midfielders the Premier League has seen. I do agree that Lukaku can look awkward on the ball at times and may not be the most technical footballer in the world, but the skill he demonstrates, including in that goal against Czech Republic, is undeniable. The commentary (or non-commentary) reveals, to my mind, a resentment against a player disproving a deeply-rooted stereotype. As most of us know, when you base your self-esteem primarily on being better than certain others, being proven wrong is both inevitable and painful. Nonetheless, it shouldn't prevent one from giving due credit and needs to be dismantled through education and humility - and not be allowed to malign or impede the livelihoods of others. As much as it isn't right for Lukaku to be treated in such a manner, he has at least, reached success and, really, the concern is how it impacts players who have yet to break through.

If that is accurate, 2 assists this season might be revealing as to an area where Pike could improve as a right back. The very few times I've seen him, his style of play has reminded me of Jay McEveley, the left back who broke through under Souness. He's not the quickest or most technical but a very tough, strong competitor. I do hope he gets a chance and continues to develop as he's been a mainstay in a successful U23 season. With Nyambe possibly going, I do hope that a fast defender is sought out or that Pickering is just that.

I've been watching Motherwell's highlights in the last few games and, whilst Magloire has been starting and been part of a team on a decent run, it seems to me (based on the very limited evidence) that he hasn't quite found top form yet. It may be inexperience and hopefully, he grows into the role. Incidentally, their striker, Devante Cole, is the son of Andy Cole. Some of the finishes I've seen by him remind me of his dad. On the Branthwaite signing - it may have been an opportunist/desperation signing, not knowing who else might become available. However, I don't think it made sense to sign two very young loanee defenders with hardly any first team experience. I would have signed one and sought to either utilise Nyambe, Magloire or Carter as back-up - or signed a more experienced loanee, if one was available.

Part of the statement of former Rovers Reserves captain, Lewis Hardcastle, who recently retired, aged 22: “As some of you may know already, I have been diagnosed with a genetic heart condition called Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Cardiomyopathy (ARVC) which has been brought on early due to a high level of exercise,” Hardcastle wrote in an emotional post on social media. “For a while I was feeling faint at training and this also happened while driving. I went for many investigations and had a say at a specialist heart hospital in Liverpool for a few days on a heart monitor. “I was started on medications to regulate my heart, however, sadly this was not enough as my heart rate was reaching dangerous levels. “My doctor broke the news no footballer or young athlete should ever hear, he told me my case was so severe that I needed an ICD implanted into my heart to save my life. “He advised that it would be unsafe to play football again due to the risk of me having a cardiac arrest. “My life is worth than football and I could not put my family through the worry of watching me knowing that something could happen.” More from LT: https://www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/sport/19186359.lewis-hardcastle-wants-heart-diagnosis-act-warning/

Agree, sad news. But, also, glad it has been identified now and he can get treatment and move on. Lewis Hardcastle was part of our impressive youth team that reached the 2016 FA Youth Cup semi-final, only to be defeated by eventual winners, Chelsea. A midfield of Joe Rankin-Costello, Willem Tomlinson, Hardcastle and Pemberton scored a fair few goals. The teams for that semi-final second leg that Chelsea won 3-1 (4-1 on aggregate): Chelsea Nathan Baxter; Josh Grant, Fikayo Tomori, Jake Clarke-Salter (c) (Joseph Colley 70), Trevoh Chalobah (Charlie Wakefield 70); Ruben Sammut, Mukhtar Ali (Isaac Christie-Davies 77); Dujon Sterling, Mason Mount, Jacob Maddox; Tammy Abraham Unused subs Jamie Cumming, Ike Ugbo Scorers Sterling 13; Maddox 30; Abraham 34 Blackburn Andrew Fisher, Lewis Travis, Josh Askew, Lewis Hardcastle, Matthew Platt, Scott Wharton (c), Tre Pemberton (Joel Steer 82), Joe Rankin-Costello, Lewis Mansell, Willem Tomlinson (Joe Grayson 63), Ramirez Howarth (Mason Fawns 71) Unused subs Ben Ascroft, Tyler Magloire Booked Hardcastle Scorer Mansell 62 Crowd 3,702

Rovers U18 1 Arsenal U18 4, in the FA Youth cup fourth round, at Ewood Park, recently. Looks like, at times, Rovers couldn't perform the intense, coordinated press that worked so well for the U23s, in their match against Arsenal.

Thanks for your replies. From what I can tell, the elite sports person exemption for self-isolation on overseas return doesn't apply to 'red list' countries. So, Nyambe would, it seems, have to follow that and miss games if he travelled to Namibia to play in Sunday's qualifier against Guinea. I read that in France, Ligue 1 and 2 clubs have jointly decided to bar release of players for international duty, if they would have to self-isolate for more than 5 days on return. Due to the nature of Frances 'red list,' the effect has been called discriminatory, with for example, Senegal having called up 12 players from the French leagues. The Senegalese FA have said: "it seems to highlight the totally discriminatory nature of this measure with regard to the statutory provisions and FIFA regulations and European legislation on equality and contractual freedom for players.” The French players union, UNFP, called on the French government to relax quarantine rules for players from outside of Europe: Saying - “It understands their distress and shares their anger. These decisions show a discrimination that the French state cannot continue to bear and which it must get rid of as soon as possible. "Beyond the values of equality, on which the very foundations of the Republic are based, it is also a question of fairness in competitions.” In the UK, clubs are deciding individually - with a number of Premier League players set to feature for African countries, including Diallo, Salah, Aurier, Zaha, Bailly, Boly and Pepe. I don't know how many of them are heading to 'red list' countries and if so, how many fixtures they'd miss if they have to self-isolate. The government list does seem harsh on, for example, Namibia, who, have had around 500 Covid deaths in total (compared to South Africa's some 50,000). There is a very big population difference between Namibia and others, but it seems that the risk is much lower there. I think the government take into account new strain research and vaccination progress in the country, so that could also be a factor as to why the list is made up of mainly developing nations That said, with France, Poland and Italy, amongst countries introducing new lockdowns - and, Serbia, where Ireland are playing, seeing a sharp rise in cases, some of these African countries clearly are managing and experiencing less transmission. I've not read of grave doubts about statistics coming out of these countries, so I presume, we can take them as relatively accurate.

Nyambe has not been released by Rovers to play for Namibia in the 28th March African Cup of Nations qualifying fixture in Namibia against Guinea. The reason given is that Namibia is on the UK's 'red list' and would have to self-isolate for 10 days on return, thereby missing a number of Rovers fixtures. Would anyone who is more familiar with this area explain to me a few things: - Why is Namibia on the red list when their current daily new Covid cases is around 300, whilst, Serbia, where Ireland and Darragh Lenihan will travel to, has figures around 4,000? Is the government taking into consideration other factors when making these judgments? - Doesn't the elite sportsperson exception to self-isolation apply here - where Nyambe could stay in separate accommodate and travel to matches on his own? This is not a criticism or judgment (at the moment!) because I am not familiar at all with the details of Covid freedom of movement rules in the UK, so would be grateful for anyone to fill me in on these issues.

As a first step towards this likely rebuild or "evolution" of the team, to put it politely, can I suggest that the club looks to tie Connor McBride down to a longer contract, or at least, exercise any option to extend, if this hasn't yet been done? He was signed on a 2 year deal in 2020. He's led Rovers U23 to second in the league, behind Man City, scoring plenty of goals, aided by being the team's penalty taker. (Supported by other players in the team, of course.) Based on my very limited viewing of him, I would not be mistaken into thinking of him as a pure goalscorer. He resembles a No.10 or attacking midfielder who likes to drop deep and pick out passes. It seems (again, based on my limited viewing), as a pairing, Sam Burns plays the main forward role and McBride drops to link play. However, he has been utilised as a No.9, I believe, so could develop into a more typical striker. I was a bit puzzled when Rovers signed him, having seen some underwhelming stats of his goal record on loan from Celtic at Stenhousemuir but he looks a good signing, so a lot of credit to those who brought him to the club. Of course, we know that a good reserve strike record does not prove anything, in itself, but I think McBride has a lot to his game that, with development, could make him a first team player one day. I think Isaac Whitehall, the CM, is one to look to keep at the club and give chances to, as well.

Would be interesting to know the last time a Rovers player was selected for the No.1 ranked national team in the world. Of course, not that the rankings necessarily reflect the reality of team abilities but Kaminski is rubbing shoulders with some really good players and a few world class ones in the Belgium squad. Edit: I can't think if it has ever previously happened since the FIFA World Rankings started, in 1993. I suppose England were high in the rankings when our players have been selected but they've never reached top position. Andre Ooijer was in the Holland squad when they were doing well and, it seems, they did reach top spot for a brief period, but, at the time, Ooijer was no longer at Rovers.

First Norwich attack in the highlights shows a breakaway leading to what looks like a seven versus four (+ goalkeeper) situation for Norwich. Their goal arose out of a simple pass that created a five versus four (+ goalkeeper) situation for them - albeit, in this case, some Rovers midfielders were close behind. I don't know how representative of the whole match these two incidents were but I think they highlight that, despite, a better defensive shape in recent matches, the defence is still getting mightily exposed. Kaminski's body language at the moment seems to say it all. Every time he pulls off a good save, he seems to look around with disdain and resignation. He's made mistakes, as has the whole defence, but a seven versus four situation against the top team in the league, relatively early in the match (I presume), puts the defence in a desperate situation. I

Makes sense to put McBride on the bench. Painful to see what Mowbray's doing with Nyambe, relegated behind Bennett today. He's not a polished player yet but with the right manager and team, he'll definitely be a very good full back. Have to credit the team, they seem to have improved with defensive workrate and positioning. Seems as if Harewood-Bellis has made a difference.

I actually think that signings like Lyons and Tom White make some sense from a football point of view because, as the best and, often, most experienced, reserves go out on loan, it can leave the squad bare and promoting younger players from U18s or even younger in an unstructured way could damage not only them but the rest of the team, if results and performances of the team as a whole fall away. White has, himself, mostly been on loan - it seems he prefers lower league football than appearing for the reserves but Lyons performed well for the U23s before getting a break at St Mirren, where he also did quite well, I believe. Last I saw, he wasn't in the Morecambe match day squads, so not sure if he's not made the cut or injured. However, from a financial point of view, signings Lyons and White etc. is something I can't really comment on without knowing the details of fees paid, wages and how the club manages their likely exits. I suppose, as they seem to be dedicated and quite promising players, it may have been worth taking the punt to see if they could make the grade and if not, they might support the development of peers at the club whilst playing here and, potentially, earn the club a small transfer fee. I thought Lyons would do well for Morecambe but hasn't quite made it into their first team. Incidentally, loan spells that don't work out must be hard for players to recover from mentally. I wonder whether Stefan Mols, Luke Brennan and Jack Vale will be able to recover from their seemingly unsuccessful lower league spells (not sure about why Vale's not been in the Rochdale match day squads) and still have decent football careers.

Just watched the second half which, from the sounds of things, was an improvement on the first for Rovers. It was even in the second but, I think, this match confirms to me that Rovers are doing so well at this level, against Premier League outfits, with a lot of reliance on superior organisation and hard work rather than exceptional technical talents in the team. McBride and Whitehall look the most comfortable and intelligent players for Rovers. McBride looks at ease playing No.9 or No.10, generally, holds the ball well and brings in teammates, and Whitehall seems a steady defensive midfielder with good passing ability. Burns played well up front and wide and players like Durrant, Nolan, Annesley (out of position at left back), Barnes and Saadi did a solid job. Rovers lacked width, at times, with Mols struggling and the full backs not getting too far forward. I think Lenni Cirino not playing left back today was a big miss with his speed and wing play. Stergiakis' distribution and handling looked inconsistent but he made at least one good save in the second. Dan Pike is a prospect and physically seems stronger than others at the level but, I feel, he has a lot of improvement to make to his game. His distribution with his feet and throw ins was disappointing, in the second half. His relative lack of pace means that he needs to improve his positioning to compensate. I wonder if CB might be a better role for him. Brighton had a lot of good players and seemed to match Rovers press and tough tackling. The Scottish CM Leonard looked very good, a decent left winger and their RB, No.2, Tanimowo looked a tremendous prospect with good speed and trickery. He rarely seemed to lose the ball. Their centre backs defended well and rarely made an error.

I just thought I'd raise a question about veteran players after the apparent failure of the Stewart Downing signing. According to Wikipedia, he's made 47 appearances for Rovers, which seems a lot. He was evidently a really good winger and, again, according to Wikipedia, has made nearly 600 club appearances. He also has 35 England caps to his name. We don't know what his physical and mental fitness and functioning is, these days, but he's struggled to make it into the team, even with others under-performing. He may be slow but I recall veterans such as Ian Harte and Ali Benarbia doing really well at this level in yesteryear. With the failures of the signings of Downing and Danny Murphy, in recent times, have we just picked up the wrong ex-top flight players - or, is there a wider issue? Is the pace, physicality or team formations and tactics of the game, at this level, making it harder for slower, older but technically gifted players to make an impact? Or, is it the demands of a career in the modern game ravaging many players' bodies, making it harder at the latter stage of the career? Glancing through the current Championship topscorer list, I don't see any 'veterans' in the 33+ age group, except, Steven Fletcher and Fraizer Campbell, and, they're not in the top 10. I don't know the trend over the years, but it does seem to suggest that, maybe, older players struggle to make an impact at this level. Or, perhaps, it has always been this way and the likes of Ian Harte and Ali Benarbia were exceptions to the rule?

I think the selection of four central midfield players on the bench in Bennett, Trybull, Buckley and Evans suggests a manager seriously struggling with conviction and forward planning. He made some bold changes and got a draw but he has to start weeding out those without a future at the club and pushing those that might. He did, at least, demote Downing who seems to lack pace, these days, to fit in anywhere on the pitch. Edit: To be fair, players approaching the end of their career, such as Ian Harte, did a really good job in the Championship, albeit he was a few years ago. Downing, I suppose, could be useful if fit, on form and with the right support, but it hasn't been the case here. It all depends on his state of fitness and injuries. I recall Michael Owen describing his inability to move properly when at Stoke City, at the end of his career, and in that kind of state of mind and body, you can't expect much from an older player. I just wonder how fit and mobile Downing really is.

I think this is very true. Aside from Adam Armstrong, I can't think of a player who looks to be improving his game and stats. Lewis Travis and Darragh Lenihan made progress and, whether for injuries, or other reasons, seem to have gone backwards or, at least, been inconsistent. Same for Nyambe, Rothwell and Kaminski. I fear for the progress of Dolan, Buckley and JRC because there is little precedent for consistent player development in Rovers first team lately. I must give Mowbray credit, however, for persevering with Buckley in the first place.

https://www.facebook.com/SalfordCityFC/videos/jason-lowe-after-scoring-the-winning-penalty-/747226372853952/ "Didn't expect that..." "I'm full of surprises, pal, I'm full of surprises!" Jason Lowe, after scoring the winning penalty in the EFL Trophy at Wembley for Salford City. (For anyone who doesn't want to click the link)

It is unlikely to happen but I think I would consider Dwight McNeil for the squad. I feel he is unique in terms of his ability to play as an out and out left winger - even more so than Saka. I see most of the current crop wanting to come in-field, when attacking, so that different option might be useful as a last throw of the dice. But, it would be an unexpected choice, as Southgate is probably anticipating an in-from Shaw and, perhaps, Saka to suffice down that flank and, of course, then there's the No.10/attacking midfielders to choose from. On a different note, I think England U19s squad is announced soon for some games. It seems to have been a while since Rovers players got into the U19s/U20s, despite relatively successfully youth teams. Edit; Forgot Harvey Barnes.

I would be very glad to hear from anyone who saw the full game to explain why, based on the highlights, Ryan Nyambe was, at key moments, elsewhere (the penalty foul), centre back (the Vitaly Janelt chance, where Lenihan seems to be at RB) and in the left back area (for the Harwood-Bellis foul leading to the long-range free-kick attempt). As per his attacking duties, Nyambe is also seen in the right wing position too, in the highlights. The positional mayhem is clearly not just about Nyambe. Harwood-Bellis gives away the free-kick attempt foul in the left midfield area. For the Janelt chance, Lenihan seems to be at right back and, for the penalty foul, Douglas is also AWOL. Whilst Nyambe gets back, Douglas, doesn't. I increasingly get the feeling that the elite level of the game evolved away from 4-4-2/3-5-2 as the formation mainstays but many managers and players have followed without really knowing how to set up their teams in these 'novel' ways. Clearly, if you're going to have two 'flying' full backs, then, you need at least one, if not two, specialist defensive midfielder who do nothing but shield the defence and play out from the back and, ideally, with one who pulls off to fill vacant defensive spaces out wide. I also get the feeling that Nyambe, being the only one with any pace in the defence, is either assuming, or being expected - or most likely, both, to do too much. He even seemed to be in the defensive midfield position at one point in the highlights. Imagine him playing JUST as a right back. I think he'd do it very well. Edit: I made this point in the previous game but a number of Rovers players stand motionless as penalties are taken. It seems as if Dack and Buckley, amongst others, don't anticipate a rebound. I think this reveals a lack of defensive desire, which, you might expect from a forward but not a central midfielder. It should really be inexcusable for any player, in my opinion.

Preferred on the bench as the utility man over JRC.

Rovers U23s look like a real team. Very good attitude, organised and pressing the opponents constantly, with McBride and Burns leading by example up front. In fact, most of Rovers chances came from Arsenal losing the ball in their own third, after trying to play out from the back. The Rovers first team could learn a lot from watching them, I think, in terms of intelligent positional play and closing down as a team. Arsenal, by contrast, were incoherent and resembled, in a way, Rovers first team at times, in terms of not tracking back or maintaining positional discipline. They evidently have some really gifted individuals - but not a team. A clear contrast was at corners; time and again, Rovers had the short corner on. Rovers defenders, on the other hand, were always looking to pick up the short corner from Arsenal. I don't think there's standout talent in the Rovers team, as Arsenal have in Reiss Nelson, but all the players look comfortable on the ball and tough and hardworking. Garrett and Whitehall were very solid in the middle. Durrant looked clever on the ball. McBride and Burns worked tirelessly and linked up well. In defence, Annesley played well and, perhaps, the pick of the players was Cirino, at left back. He was fouled for the penalty and he looked very quick, skillful and strong in the tackle. Pike, who's been talked about a lot, did ok but, at times, looked uncomfortable against the pace of Nelson. Eastham deserves credit too. He fairly confident with kicking and handling and shot-stopping was excellent as Arsenal pressed for a late consolation.