I hadn't spotted that - that's cheered me up! PS - Surely the Sheva/Benni deal can't be right?

Just out of interest, Benni is named as our Christmas Turkey when this seasons average scores are tallied. Samba comes out well... http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/20122007/58/...eport-card.html

Two minutes and it's still there!

Eddie, last night I was at work and only got to see the game on TV. When Benni came on I thought he looked up for it and ready to fight. Now, I come on here and those that actually went to the game are echoing my views from the Wigan match. I am sorry for any criticism you may feel has come your way from me, but it is very clear to me that TV flatters some performances, and I can only suggest in Benni's case it is the off ball action that is the worst part of his game. Watching him in the flesh, he rarely gets himself into a good position to receive a pass or pick up on a loose ball any more. Any attempt on goal recenty has been very half arsed and his body language suggests he has no motivation. I agree with you that he hasn't become a bad player all of a sudden, merely that mentaly, he is not with us. I sure hope he can be brought back to top form - that would be by far the most preferable outcome. But we have to consider that if he doesn't we need a change before it is too late. As has been mentioned, age is catching up, his value is diminishing and if he can't perform the job we are paying him a tidy sum to do, it is time to go.

Is Mokoena not McCarthy's best friend

I feel that's the only option. Unless we can convince Roberts to stay. While Derbs didn't exactly turn the match on it's head when he came on, he didn't do too bad.

Wow, Bob - never seen you like this! Fully agree though. Yesterday really got to me and I doubt there will be many who actually did make to the game yesterday, in the flesh, that will say he deserves his place in the first eleven. His contribution to the team is minimal and there have been too many reports of tantrums to be able to say they have no foundation - no smoke without fire. He wasn't the only underacheiver yesterday but he sure as hell stood out head and shoulders above everyone else as overpaid and disinterested. Unquestionably a fantastic player with lots of talent, but he just doesn't want to play for us and we can't afford to have him undermine our challenge for Europe. It is crystal clear there are problems in the camp (which Nicko mentioned a week or two back), and yesterdays atrocious outing hurt. I mean really hurt - the worst I have ever felt when watching Rovers including relegation. Shall we just wait until we are in a relegation scrap before questioning his commitment or hold out until we are in the Championship? Sorry Benni, but if you don't have the professionalism to give 100%, then it's time to go. Feel free to proove us wrong. Meanwhile, Roberts is not a better player than Benni, but I think if he is told Benni is going and he will get his chance, he will stay. Roberts is the type of player who will dig in and that's the type we need, now. Don't forget he is the player that gave us hope in the Semi's at Old Trafford...

Gran Turismo 5

Are you sure I need to put more! OK - Danny Wallace: Yes Man! - The plot follows Danny (best known for presenting "How To Start Your Own Country" on BBC) as he decides his life has taken him into a bit of a rut. A conversation on a bus transforms his life forever as it leads to him making a bet that he will only ever say yes to any yes or no question he is asked. The route his life takes is quite extroardinary, not to mention laugh out loud hilarious in places, and explains how he became a TV personality. A film is in production now.

Has anyone read Yes Man by Danny Wallace? I liked it.

Sorry this is a repeat post but it is quite possibly the best news I have ever had to share - that Ghostbusters footage earlier in in the year is only bloody real!!!! http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghostbusters_...8_video_game%29 No-one steps in a church in my town!

I don't know if this is the same for anyone else, but it doesn't feel like I am supporting England when they play - more like supporting an ugly hybrid of the top four. I only watch England now if I get the heads up that Bentley will be involved or if it is important (like last night). Now, I don't expect a Rovers player to be involved all the time, but I am tired of seeing the usual suspects playing poorly - as if the management team are expecting Gerrard and Lampard to suddenly click one day. I really don't agree with playing someone who rarely features for their club should be in the England squad. Wayne Bridge only has only made 5 appearances, two in the league. SWP, Crouch, Defoe, Bent - all players who should be playing football week in week out, yet they can't cement a first team place. England's shortcomings are often blamed on the influx of foreigners, or the stifling of English talent by mangers. Well, here are five players stifling thier own talent by remaining on the substantial payroll of a club assisting them to become stale. I am of the opinion that what is crippling the beautiful game is in fact money. Far more money flying around than football being played for my liking. I don't know what the solution is, perhaps only allow eligibility for the England squad if you have started a certain percentage of games you were available for? Who knows? As it stands, I can't motivate myself to support a team made up of underachievers from enemy teams. Bentley accepted, of course - and I hope the next manager has the ###### to give players like Bentley, Young and Agbonlahor a fair crack at it. After all, it isn't like we have anything worth playing for, is it?

I heard David Platt was asked to take on the England job, but he turned it down. He has already committed to Coronation Street. Ba dum. Anyhow, thanks to Cocker, I have been singing @#/? 'No Limits' by 2Unlimited all bloody day... Give the job to Shearer. He can't be any worse, and maybe he will command the respect of his players if he can be as emotive as he was last night. PS: What about Adrian Boothroyd? Before he came to Watford, they were in dire straits. OK, they didn't set the Prem on fire last season, but they are a team playing beyond potential.

Lawro has just been on and when asked who should be next manager, he said Arsene Wenger. Could you imagine Theo Walcott's reaction?!

Gerrard has said we conceded the killer goal because we were going for the winner...

Bye the bye - here are Macca's stats from wikipedia. And remember kids - wikipedia is infallible! Team From To G W L D Win % Middlesbrough 12/6/01 11/5/06 250 97 93 60 38.80 England 1/8/06 Tomorrow probably 17 9 4 4 52.94

On the penalty, it was an infringement and as such a penalty. However, I agree it was incredibly soft and we were very lucky to have it given, as hundreds other officials wouldn't have given it. In that position, I wouldn't. Still, an infringement of the rules occured so Croatia can have no complaints. On the night, we just weren't good enough. For those of us part of the Football Manager / Champ Man generation, this is where you would quit the game and reload it back to kick off, though I would rather reload it back to Stevie Macs appointment and have that altered. Anyone who could have at least had us playing watchable football would have been preferable. Unfortunately, that would put Sparky in the frame...

Sorry mate, I knew I'd get a reaction and couldn't resist!

When I see the replay of the chance he had early on, I can't help but think that Bentley, had he had the same chance, would have buried it...

Well done Crouch

Becks and Defoe on for SWP and Barry

Yes, it isn't nice. He made some good points though.

The Boro job when Southgate goes?

The offside trap is a very dangerous game. Our inability to score after a few decent chances suggests the players may be a little desperate.

Bye bye Stevie Mac.