Vinjay

Below minimum wage in Northchoke's case. At least until they were caught. Sodexo (or sodexho as it was then) were the previous holders of the executive catering contract. Before Matthewman's friends took over in 2001.

Mislead by Eriksson that he was going to be picked as well. Not like Eriksson to do that to anyone is it? ?

Hard to judge people if they are concussed. Not the best at breaking down matches but I knew something was odd after the chokeslam ended it. My ending would have been Hell's Gate for the victory. Wasn't certain that Undertaker would win incase of a rematch but pretty obvious that won't be happening now. Goldberg looked like he was in good shape (he's never had long matches anyway) and even if Undertaker is broken down he's still better than most of the roster. If anything that's embarrassing for them or maybe it's not as the Undertaker has such presence alone it's hard to top. Undertaker's probably more likely to wrestle again so it makes total sense to give him the win without any rematch. I was slightly concerned as Goldberg's been sloppy in the past but it looks like Undertaker's OK. Goldberg was the one concussed of course but that didn't appear to be Undertaker's fault and Goldberg didn't "tuck his head" for the tombstone so who's fault is that? Perhaps if he was already concussed that's why but there's moves far more dangerous than the Tombstone which are allowed. People will moan about no women's matches, etc but I still can't think of any that stand out much anyway. I'm no fan of toplists (lazy journalism) but none are in my top 500 that's for sure. Anyone moaning about that can explain why they don't watch Rovers women. It's not like I have issues with women's wrestling for most part (trish, lita and of course Chyna wouldn't have had issues being used on my shows) but none of the current bunch really stand out. Neither do the men really skipped most of the show as I was bored after a couple of matches. I certainly don't mind HHH wrestling (or Orton who has presence and a good finisher) but had a feeling it might be lengthy as Undertaker/Goldberg wasn't expected to go long. Likes of Observer readers lost their opportunity to get on their "high horse" when they voted to keep wife/child murderers in their HOF (granted a large number voted against as well) primarily because he was their workrate darling. Beyond that there seems to be no real backlash and it only became publicised last time to such an extent because of the journalist being killed so soon before. Do the same people taking issue with WWE take such issue with the World Cup being in Qatar or so many other business relations with Saudi Arabia in general? Not as much it seems for certain people. The World Cup in Russia was a success (suppose some people would see it that way just because England nearly reached the final) perhaps Qatar will surprise as well. AEW aren't in a position yet to attract such money (no reason either really from Saudi point of view since they already have WWE) but you really think they wouldn't have taken it? Many people are guilty of hypocrisy and double standards (including myself in some cases unless you want to go and be a missionary or something like that who isn't?) and that's the case here.

Not to mention Jack was generous enough to allow Accrington to play at Ewood during the 94-95 season! At that time they were truly a bunch of cloggers probably playing in the North Western Trains League or worse. Celebrating their centenary or something like that (even though the original club went bust) the game is on Youtube. Full strength except Shearer as well not a bunch of youth/reserves. Maybe Dolt should remember that.

Raos haven't left.

Too many skeletons where this issue is concerned as well.

Yeah. With such illustrious venues as Rochdale and Bury to visit can't see anyone bothering with this one.

Maybe that's why there's no exhibition between the clubs in pre-season. Then again maybe it isn't but there shouldn't be while dolt Holt is there. It's a waste of time anyway as I've gone into several times in the past including the pre-season thread recently. I've seen Holt on twitter (mainly through Duncan M's retweets or responses) it's like he wants people to talk about how great he is, etc. I don't think he's as humble as some think.

...and we better not see akin to Jack Walker benefactor model. This is a benefactor model with a lot of asterisks or as some might call it "subsidised model". I prefer the latter where the Raos are concerned. Of course every club operates under the "adapt to FUP" model. ? Of course if they want to leave the club in a stronger position than they found it then they really should start with a new manager. Can anyone say that Mowbray is a better manager than Souness, Hughes or Allardyce? Even if you think he can win promotion (and I don't think you should base that on perhaps scraping through the playoffs after finishing 6th one year) don't think anyone can argue his case there. At the time of starting a new manager poll (a few weeks back) my thoughts were the upcoming season would start off very badly. I've changed my view slightly on account of the last few games (though wouldn't totally rule out an awful start) but mixed results at best still aren't going to win promotion.

Yes I'm aware of that but primarily money is the main issue for Vince. Something threatens that and things will change. The problem is I'm not sure what will happen to threaten them financially anytime soon. I certainly don't want the company to go out of business but The only other thing would be if AEW started beating them in the ratings. I'm not convinced that will happen but aside from money issues can't think of anything else that would change anything. The talent need to be more combative as well. The only thing that interests me in WWE at the moment is Undertaker v Goldberg. I'm not completely convinced the Undertaker will win either so there's some intrigue there. I think it's better than Undertaker v Sting (even if the latter could still wrestle) as Goldberg's more badass/intense. There's no way Sting would have won but Goldberg might especially if they have a rematch.

I don't think much of the current product either but the company is still successful. If that changes then Vince will change no doubt about that. The problem is does anyone really see WWE having much reason to change anytime soon? I don't agree with having so many people on the creative team either it's better to have 1 or 2 for consistency, etc. Plus get rid of a lot of deadwood or wrestlers not being used. In 98/99 Russo usually gave everyone a storyline and that's the way I would do it. Someone like Vince is needed at Ewood for issues like coaching people on what to say, etc and the overall mentality of the place. If Vince was here players would be referring to the club as Rovers and there wouldn't be statements about "learning from being back in the Championship" like Bennett's the other day. As for AEW thought the first show was fine. Especially the Cody/Dustin match. Not entirely convinced by the other 2 announcers (by that I mean the ones not called JR) but it was the first show and they might talk over each a bit at first. JR's supposed to be the play by play man though. I would have him paired with a heel as well it's not "passe" at all.

The only one which makes any logical sense is the Rangers one. Whether it's home or away. I've expressed similar thoughts before that playing lower league clubs (with possible exceptions like Sunderland or Coventry away) is a waste of time. Teams can always be invited to Brockhall behind closed doors there's no need for Blackburn Rovers to visit someplace like Barrow or Accrington who are often included. It would have made sense to invite prominent European opposition as well. Especially with new corporate hospitality partners replacing Northchoke. Granted it would have been difficult for them to negotiate such terms but you would think they may have suggested it.

FUP with UEFA? Never!

Wasn't even holding a beer.

Some nerve from Neville here comparing himself to Jack Walker. Or for that matter comparing Salford City to Blackburn Rovers what an insult. How much money is Neville even putting in himself? There's a majority shareholder (Peter Lim who appointed Neville for his Valencia failure) and the rest seem to be there more as figureheads to attract insufferable media attention. They are probably being paid to be there. Admittedly I haven't had any issue with Fleetwood or Fylde but one ex Man United player involved is reason enough to treat them with contempt never mind 5 or whatever it is. https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/man-utd-hero-gary-neville-14997876

Wouldn't surprise me if the WFIT turned down several good offers out of spite. FUP would have ruined it for time being anyway or at least limited impact.

Insert Phil Jones joke...

Watched them in past 6 years have you? Or the Champions League Final where Barcelona kicked their ass? Twice.

Presumably if someone scores the "goal of the century" between tonight and end of season it's subject to change? I don't see why people can't just vote on their phones (whenever last game is at Ewood) and fit in some kind of presentation with the "lap of honour" stuff. Or if the final game is away from Ewood present it at an awards night. Lazy staff.

Replacing this firm with Northchoke? Ludicrous. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sodexo

What more and more supporters are seeing is everything Mowbray Magoo can't see.

Plus Rovers proved they were better than Rotherham last season. So there's that as well. I can't see why Rovers can't win a couple more games between now and end of season but a horrendous start to next season might be too much to recover from. I don't know about Reading's situation but certainly can't see Bolton making any recovery. Hopefully Birmingham City and QPR will also be OK and give a big middle finger to FUP.

No that would be Heathcote who haven't exactly been happy with Bolton recently. So you would imagine they might be looking for a replacement contract elsewhere.

Might have missed it but didn't see anything on the recent fans/club meeting minutes about the new executive caterers. (EDIT-It was brought up but no word on the replacement) Presumably it will be someone who charges less extortionate prices than Northchoke did. Nor owned by someone who thinks it's funny to post pics of "manager's parking space" signs and captioning "anyone interested?". Hopefully entirely new staff as well even though Bancroft was arrogant enough (not an uncommon trait particularly if you read up on the minimum wage story) to practically order the club to keep the current lot. My guess would be to have a look at other clubs (particularly in North West) and see who their executive catering partners are. Prior to Jack's death and Matthewman's friends being rewarded the contract shortly thereafter it was a firm named Sodexo.

https://getyarn.io/yarn-clip/f3538575-91bb-4b1f-b1d4-9c64290904e4