Yes, you're right. Another signing that didn't work although Gilliver did play quite a few games. To think we let Johnny Byrom go to Bolton so we could buy Gilliver. He became a legend at Bolton.

I don't think Dack will ever realise his true potential. He's not ready to live the lifestyle of an athlete. Look at Ronaldo and then look at Rooney now.

Yes, when we were struggling in the relegation season of 1965-66 we were desperate for new blood in midfield. Dougie having been injured quite a lot that season. We tried to sign Bell from Bury before the deadline day but he went to City instead. They were in the old second division but on the way up and we were obviously on the way down out of the first division. Having failed to get Bell we splashed the cash on Martin Britt from West Ham who came with a serious knee injury and played about 12 games for us without ever scoring a goal before having to retire ! Who knows what would have happened if Bell would have joined us ?

Yeah, he was unlucky to be playing in an era when there was a glut of top wing halves ( defensive midfield players ) then so I don't think he ever got a full cap. He'd be a walk in now when you see the likes of Dier, Delph and Rice getting caps.

Hey, don't give them ideas like that. There are Fine lines between love and hate. The musos on here will get that one.

I remember going to friendly at Spotland, Rochdale v Everton in about 1970, Howard Kendall came over to take a throw in about 6 ft from where I was stood. I really rated him as a top young player but when I looked at the back of his head you could see the bald patch just starting to emerge. I wasn't quite as jealous after that.

Before your time I suppose but you can put Colin Bell in that list.

Yeah, a chip on both shoulders. The old ones are the best.

Given the money he will have made in his career it probably takes him all his time to roll out of bed in time to report for training at 9.30 in the morning. Exactly the sort of player we shouldn't be going anywhere near.

My nickname for them - " The Soft Touches ".

My Impression is he's been at Rochdale too long and consequently he hasn't progressed.

He's not better than Travis or Evans when Evans is trying. Another " one for the future " although he's well past the novice stage.

Looks like he's come back from India with the usual handful of magic beans.

I just look at the drop off in form from Charlie Boy last season and I think do we need to take a chance on two more ?

Nothing lasts forever matey, especially in football, Whittingham proved that. I wouldn't say that being an improvement on Conway and Smallwood is much of a recommendation at this moment in time. I would have been pretty pleased even a year ago but not now.

I'm not sure Downing is a leader, Whelan could be. You don't have to be 30 plus to be a leader,

They would be if they were both 5 years younger.

No, we're got a satnav now, it saved me and Mrs Shoelaces from getting divorced !

You won't get that past me, I used to have the single.

Well a map of England would help you find your way to Ewood Park one day.

No maps in your house ?

He's a good player though. He gets on the ball more than Dack.

You must be a pretty wealthy guy to be able to afraid that sort of dosh. Does the club know you'd like to be a benefactor ? On a more serious note I agree that your goalkeeper is a key position, Bryan Clough used to say " Nobody can lose you a game quicker than your goalkeeper ". I just can't see us ever paying those wages again for a goalie.

Yeah, money won't spend itself.

I've not bought a replica shirt for about 20 years but I'd be very tempted by those shirts.