Gazza played with his head up. Crisp. Feet that would seem to be dancing on the spot then sudden burst of speed GLIDE past people. Vision. Speed of thought. A style of his own.

Peak of his powers indeed! When you look at his highlight reel there was something about the way they he ran in the early days. Explosive power. i lost track of the number of games I used to think to myself. “It’s ok we’ll get something from this. Shearer will score.” He was a delight. Best two players I’ve ever seen at Ewood are Shearer and Tugay (and lots of other great ones). My son asked me once, “who is you favourite Rovers player ever?” I instinctively and interestingly replied Tugay. But it’s not true. How can it be? Tugay was a thing of beauty and had a greater love for the club. But deep down of course it’s Shearer. He was just incredible as a no. 9 and was so fresh as a player when we had him. So mature for his years at the time too. A genuine leader, a warrior and brilliant at what he did. The fun thing is we got to win a title whilst watching him grow on the world stage too. It was a privilege to be there and thanks again Alan!

I believe Dack will continue the go from strength to strength in his career. Gazza he is not!

Where did I state that Downing is the finished article? Downing was an enormous improvement on Ward, who’s lack of pace caused the entire team to play so much deeper. Mowbray spotted this (not hard!) and dropped him. Oldham was Ward’s death knell. The inference of my point was that Downing has more experience than Wharton and Mowbray is bringing Wharton on by loaning him out. When Lenihan and Mulgrew are fit, they will always be our first choice pairing. Mowbray has said previously that there is a balance between having young players being in and aroun the first team squad vs playing regular senior level football in lower leagues which is more competitive and combatative than U23’s. Aplogies if I was too ambiguous. My comments about trusting TM’s judgement of centre halves was predominantly to do with Wharton’s development. It is also another way to quietly increase the value of a homegrown asset.

Think this is a little unfair on Downing. He came in to replace Ward (when he was a liability) and Lenihan was out. He was an important element in our upturn in results post Oldham away. Fully fledged Championship defender, I’m not sure, but more experienced than Wharton? Absolutely! I trust TM’s assessment of centre halves.

Corrado Grabbi ?

Apart from plenty of arguments about why a constitutional monarchy provides some things Presidents don’t.... Before it spirals into an entrenched argument though. You are entitled to your opinion as much as anybody; I just don’t happen to share it (like plenty of others).

Thank you! Just listened to it.

I missed the Mowbray interview on Radio Lancs; can anyone provide a link?

The key distinctions from the past (and the opportunity that lies ahead) is the quality of leadership, advice given and the trust levels between club and owners. All of which have improved in the past twelve months; this could play a part.

Ha! He’s seen enough downs over the years for sure too.

We renewed today and my old man has returned to the fray. He probably went to five games this season; so not a ‘turned’ stay away but returnee for sure.

Genius (humour helps)