Is that Ambrosino??

5 hours ago, chaddyrovers said:

I would prefer Black and Grey halves shirts similar to the Spurs one from 2012/13 season

 

Agreed, seems like an easy win missed it those are real.

3 hours ago, philipl said:

Sunderland will not play ball with Rovers.

I have a feeling they will, at least twice, this season.

39 minutes ago, Mike E said:

Is this the away kit? On Macron site…

No that's Rodders you plonker!

I'd be interested, am in Hampshire not London but it would be great to be in a community with some local-ish Rovers fans...it gets lonely being a Rover down here!

2 hours ago, Andy said:

Just came across this on social media.

Despite some fans feeling that he’s not had a great season, BBD has clearly been our most effective forward in literally every area analysed.

Good to see the stats supporting Trav’s performances also, particularly after returning to the team.

All a bit skewed towards who has played the most minutes that though isn't it? % would paint a clearer picture in a lot of instances. Not arguing that BBD isn't a key player for us mind...

One of my favourites for sure. Energy, skill, determination and agility. Or, arte et labore.  Keep it up Sammy lad.

Szmodics. What a player.

6 minutes ago, Gav said:

We’ll not catch Sheff Utd, best we can hope for is several long term  injuries, or at least a weeks recovery. 

Why not? Boro might be the tricky one...

8 hours ago, Upside Down said:

I can't think of anything more dehumanising than saying that human beings are "assets" that need to be "tied down"

I think it's a symptom of the fact that footballers don't stay with one club for long periods of time anymore if they can get a better deal in a more competitive side. There's little point buying an annual Rovers calendar as our star player probably won't be here by the end of the year. This is where the detached language stems from imo.

The only stat that matters is how many points we have. That along with what you see with your eyes tells you the correct story. We're right up there and as others have said, we're playing very well (this last couple of months).

We have a great chance to make it 6 wins on the bounce today. Clearly we'll drop points sooner or later but we should fear nobody right now.

Think this is worth a bump.

I've been super critical of Sam through the bulk of this season, all the physical attributes were there but very little quality or instinct was displayed. However, since his couple of goals at QPR the lad has been very good and turned things around brilliantly. Suddenly he is winning the bulk of headers, giving us a genuine out option instead of always playing it around at the back. I've noticed JRC and Pickering really utilising this and that must stem from the extra confidence that they have in Sam right now. He's making himself a handful, freeing up space for others and that coupled with his workrate (which has always been there) means we have a very good striker for this division. He's linking up well with those around him and for me deserves a starting spot ahead of the likes of BBD and Dacky while he plays like this.

Fairplay for the turnaround Sam!

Question is, do we want him for the half dozen or so games that he'll likely be fit enough to play now that the £10mil promo clause might end up being activated after all...

Great result and many great performances.

It's been said, many times, but Gallagher is literally unbelievably bad isn't he...

Criminal not starting Carter, he's been our best player the last few games.

Just been confirmed on the club site that this will be on RoversTV for those outside of the UK.

I rate Dolan very highly, I think he has been underutilised this season and his return to the first team has really highlighted the development he has made to his all round game. He's a terrier who works his socks off, can keep the ball well for a little player, moves the ball with intelligence knowing when to and when not to take risk. 

Like above, he seems a great lad too and I hope he continues to kick on and progress to our benefit. He's been involved in the 2nd most goals behind BBD too, and hasn't had that many minutes so we need him more than ever with current injuries.

I hope Leonard at least makes the bench. He deserves a chance at least.

Will this be on the red button tonight do we know?

Great chance to kick on here.

If Dack and BBD are out I'd play 4-3-3 with the below:

Pears, Britain, Carter, Hyam, Pickering, Travis, JRC, Buckley, Dolan, Thomas, Hedges

JRC right side of the midfield 3. A Wharton for Buckley if he is fit but it doesn't seem like he is...If JRC isn't fit...well it's getting hard to put a decent first XI together but I would go 523 with Ayala at the heart of defence, Leonard as the central striker and Thomas as the rwb, so no Brittain. Don't think JDT would do the same mind.

Let's hope the injuries we have aren't too bad as they are certainly stacking up.

Carter now first choice centre back for me following his latest performances. Composed on and off the ball. Some lovely runs up the pitch in the 2nd half too, utilising the extra cover that came from having 5 at the back.

Great to get the 3 points which make the draws away from home much sweeter. We've still got a lot to play for this season, but we do clearly miss someone to stick the ball in the back of the net. 

Would have put Hyam in for Wharton personally if he is fit and Buckley for Morton. Surprised Leonard doesn't make the bench. Happy to see Dolan keep his place after a great performance last time around and hoping Travis puts in another good performance as he did look much more like the player we know he can be on the weekend. Brereton is lucky to be playing after his recent performances.

No idea what to expect tonight though, just hoping to see some commitment and a Brereton goal to bring his confidence back.

Good spirit and we were certainly lucky with some of the Watford misses. It was a better performance than I was expecting and an end to end game. My starting XI ratings:

Pears 8 - Made some assured saves and couldn't do much about the goal. A few more parries than I would like but he's really come along lately. He probably deserves to keep the gloves for now and I never, ever thought I would say that.

JRC 6 - Playing well lately but not his best game. He caused trouble for our goal and tried hard against pace but made some clumsy errors in possession.

Carter 9 - Solid as a rock, maybe the best performance I've seen from him. A classy last ditch clearance by him when a Watford player was in on goal.

Wharton 6 - I'm just not so convinced with Wharton this season and he's very clumsy with the ball too often for my liking.

Pickering 6 - No clangers but not much more.

Morton 4 - Anonymous.

Travis 8 - Hard working, made some great challenges, ran box to box and led by example. Back to form thankfully as we need some steel in the middle. I want to see him and A Wharton have a run together as soon as possible.

Dack 8 - As has been the case for the last couple of months, excellent closing down and he made some classy touches. Great composure for the goal and unlucky to have another chalked off for offside. I wouldn't have taken him off as he is out only goal threat right now. Deserves a new contract.

Thomas 7 - looked a threat but no end product today. Well worth a place in the team though, he offers a different outlet and threat.

Dolan 8 - Excellent closing down and hassling, some tidy touches and passes. I'm a fan and feel he deserves a place in the team, think he has earned it after today.

Brereton 1 - Did less than nowt. Shame.

Full match now on RoversTV for those that have it.

Might need to watch it on fast forward based on Parsons account of events!

4 hours ago, 47er said:

Still haven't found a highlights video!

Short highlights are on YouTube: https://youtu.be/TgBXo2zDN9s

Edit - I've been conned, it's some FIFA gameplay instead 🙄

Just now, Penwortham Blue said:

It is death by a thousand cuts and we are on about 975, it’s been murder since they darkened the door.

Agreed. I've had to make a real effort to detach myself from them while still being a passionate fan of the club. It's been a strain and I still get the venkys flare-ups more often than I would like...