Agree with this. A lot of lads I know don't go anymore because of how flat the atmosphere became, and quite frankly they just found the matchday experience at Ewood dull. All still class themselves as fans and would turn out for a big game I.e Burnley. Call them part timers or whatever, its just the way it is. I had a season ticket 20+ years but gave it up when my daughter was born 5 years ago. Main reason was I'd rather spend precious time with her than attend Ewood through blind loyalty when inevitably it wasnt even that enjoyable. Mid week games are a no go for me now 9 times out of 10, I'm just way too busy at work and often travelling back from meetings so wouldn't be back in time. Alas I'll still go to a fair chunk of weekend home games this season, starting today, and pretty much all weekend away games. Everyones situation is different, price doesn't even come into it for me if I'm honest, I think our prices are more than reasonable.

Been wide awake since about 5 ? 38 years old and still getting those matchday butterflies, wouldn't change it for the world!

Its mad how much the game has evolved. Back in 95 we pretty much knew the team, barring injuries. And now? I'd be surprised if any of us get the lineup right. Which makes playing fantasy football a nightmare! Pep roulette is mind boggling.

I'd personally play Brerro up top with Armo and Gally supporting

Who's looked slickest in pre season? Regardless of opposition, deserves the nod

Not as many as there SHOULD be admittedly, the whole Eid in the park thing though is another effort by the club to get them onboard. It's a difficult one ?

I think, and hope Brereton will start tomorrow.

Have you got kids? Because I can tell you now there's a lot of Asian kids buzzing round play centres and parks with rovers tops on. Unfortunately a lot think football crowds are full of racist drunks....

Sorry but that is absolute nonsense

Pretty busy at the ticket office just now, I think we might be in for a better crowd than expected. Hopefully a few kids attending the open training thing blagged mum n dad to get them a ticket for tomorrow's game.

And what are you basing that on? How many games did Brereton start, or even end the game up front last season? Bolton immediately springs to mind, oh yeah he scored then didn't he?

Well yeah at 19/20 potential tends to be a word associated with players of that age. If Brereton gets minutes under his belt, as a striker, he will be a big player for this club I'm 100% certain. I didn't dislike Nuttall but it wouldn't do him any good in his career to play a season of u23 football. It's hard for strikers these days because of the formations teams are playing. So many play 1 up front, so just that 1 starting spot to battle for amongst 2, 3 or 4 strikers. Back when most teams played 442 it was a little easier.

I disagree but respect your opinion. Nuttall is a few years older but Brereton has done more so far in his career, representing England and making his name at Forest. Really expecting Ben to kick on this season after a full pre season with the lads, just praying he's not shoved out wide too much.

I just think the first game factor will bump it up a little, must be a lot of blokes out there keen to avoid getting dragged to IKEA. I personally pick and choose my home games these days but attend most aways, but I'm going tomorrow. Intrigued to see the new fan zone too, they seem to have done their homework on the type of music selected. Few beers, get a bit giddy having a sing song, carry that atmosphere up into the ground. OR go 1 nil down after 2 minutes and mutter it's happening again ?‍♂️

Around 14-15k I reckon tomorrow. First game, decent bit of weather hopefully. Surprised Charlton aren't bringing more up for their first game back either that's pretty poor.

Tbf who in their right mind would try and sign Samuel when he was out injured all season pretty much. He's had a few decent loan spells in league 1 previously, which I imagine will end up being his eventual level, should he stay for for a prolonged period.

What are you on about? Have you been reading a book of incorrect facts or something? We didn't ship the most goals in the championship nevermind any other league club?

The people up in arms and blaming TM for Nuttall not developing are the same people lambasting him for selling Paul frigging Downing and making out he was Maldini ? It's clearly the right move for both parties, get over it.

Disagree People I've spoke to are actually upbeat about the new season. That elusive final defender signing would really take things to the next level of optimism though....

The atmosphere is a massive put off for a lot of people However This is a brilliant idea and I know people who are now going on Saturday that weren't previously

Agreed. We wouldn't even be in this league if it wasn't for his efforts in league 1 notably his crucial goal at Donny. I don't think he should be first choice centre half this season but still have utmost respect for him. Oh and for the record, he played against Charlton last time at home, and we got a clean sheet too ?

I honestly can't work out if he thinks Raya was THAT bad and to blame for shed loads of goals or if he thinks we have such quality in youth that we'll be ok. I don't particularly agree with either but it's a little odd.

Wigan are dire, amazed anyone is in any way, shape or form envious of them!

Tosin probably could play but I doubt we'll see more than a late cameo to be honest, but I'm fine with that. In fairness a big part of training for a new defender will be on set pieces, an area with obvious room for improvement for us both offensive and defensively. He won't really be up to speed on routines yet. Given how fragile we were last season though you could argue theres nothing to lose throwing him in at the deep end. I'm almost certain his full debut will be vs Oldham in the cup, ease him in gently rather than baptism of fire at Fulham next week.

Villa were in for Anton not long ago, not sure if they still are. Can't see us landing him I'm afraid.