We were discussing him in the local merchants, as you do. Maybe a bit harsh, but one lad said Tuesday night was a glorified training game, and Siggurdson still went down twice injured.

I'll probably be branded a Venkys stooge for this, but I'm not necessarily bothered how much the club spends, I'm more interested that they've done due diligence over whoever comes in. Gestede's signings so far give hope that we're now looking in the right places,and at the right levels. Most important of all, any new keeper signing has to be absolutely spot on.

If we are to replace him, another silver lining for me is the way Gestede's signings have started the season. It does at least give confidence going into the last couple of weeks of the window.

I wasn't just meaning the ones we're effectively competing against, I don't think any club with or without money is up to full speed for a good few weeks.

Similar to what I was saying the other day. All teams are carrying/playing players who aren't 100%. All teams will also add to their squad before the end of August. If Rovers can be one of the best at overcoming this period, before other teams no doubt fork out millions more on players than we do, then there are important points to be had.

He renegotiated his contract in December ish.

That's probably a perfect summing up of where the squad stands and needs strengthening.

As I said,to me last season was needs must, I don't know why a "home win" only took on its own life after the win at Sunderland, and was more important to some than a win at Leeds for example. We stayed up, job done. I was always prepared to start afresh this season, it's a decent start.

The criticism was that he hadn't won a game. The "home game" criticism only became a thing after we'd won at Sunderland. It was at this point that Stokegate took on a life of its own. The most ridiculous thing is that it would have carried on into this season, for that reason alone, thank the lord we beat Derby.

Perfect draw really.

Great shot last night, brilliant save.

Granted last night was against Stockport reserves, but he scored one, had one brilliantly saved and almost had another assist for a Yuki goal to add to the one for Dolan against Derby. Not too shabby considering he was blowing out of his arse just into the second half on Friday night.

No problem, I thought the same myself. It's similar to criticising a goalkeeper's positioning for a goal conceded. Every keeper since time began was in the wrong position when a goal was scored.

Seems more likely that he'd want to take out his frustrations on the opposition, rather than throw his toys out.

Probably 4 to be fair, depending on the score

Trouble is, Pears is now being watched as if some are there on a scouting mission, "go and watch Pears and send me a report back". We all know we need a better keeper, but some of the things he's getting pulled up on are beyond the norm. I can guarantee if he puts that one behind for a corner, and Derby score from another brilliant delivery, the same ones would be saying he should have left it.

Agree with all that, when Hedges came off I thought that's a good runout for him at this stage. A fit Hedges is an important player for us. Gueye is understandable, he'd already gone down, it will take a while. Big, big season for Joe.

We were discussing it on the way home, every team in the division is carrying players who aren't up to speed,ie it isn't just Rovers. Also, every club is still to add to their squad. If we can be one of the best at coping with it, it's a good opportunity to get some important early points on the board.

As Jack Charlton said when he was Ireland manager, if your grandma's got a budgie called Eamonn, you're in.

That was a mistake, luckily he got away with it. The criticism I mean is summed up with Derbys second goal. Normal reaction to it, as it was around us last night, was ffs, who was meant to be marking him. Not one person thought to criticise Pears' positioning. You get on here and has anyone actually criticised the marking? It sums it up perfectly, the reaction isn't "normal". Not one person watching any other team concede that goal instantly blames the keeper.

🤣

He'd absolutely no chance with the second

I think everyone realises he isn't quite good enough, who does? He definitely isn't as bad as some set out so vehemently to prove, game after game,it's getting to hysterical levels. With decent scouting and modest investment, I'm sure we'll end up with a more competent keeper,but if anyone thinks we'll end up with one who doesn't "cost us points", I'm afraid they're in for disappointment.

We've been here before and it didn't end well did it? Sounds like you took a notepad with you tonight, your problem is that you scrutinise Pears to such detail, that any keeper who comes in doesn't stand a chance living up to those standards. We will get another keeper, I'm sure we can better Pears if Gestede does his homework. Hopefully it isn't a careful what you wish for moment , like Wahlstedt.

That's because you hadn't already made your mind up before we kicked off.