I saw nothing but defeat if Parkes was going to be in-charge but Sparky's introduction could spark our lads into life. Still VERY wary of Pompey's considerable pace up-front...

I met John Westwood in a pub once in Pompey, I think the main is a living PortsmouthFC. As I said in another thread, Fuller, Yakubu and Lua Lua's strength, and speed with pose hell for the likes of Short, Amoruso and....*sigh* Matteo, we will have problems and Pompey are buzzing with confidence whilst we are the complete opposite. Sorry to say.. 3-1 to Pompey

The whole entire signing of Matteo just stunk. Was it really beyond us to go for Van Buyten when we could afford £1.5m on MGP? I'd rather see Nissa or McEveley given more of a chance than Matteo. We already have two hard-working, old defenders in Amo and Short.

Oh dear god, now I don't hardly ever see Rovers live but after a just seeing Emerton's corner that ultimately lead to the possible penalty for Newcastle I have to ask....... are Emerton's corners like that in every game?

But are JW and co really going to give Houllier a load of cash to spend on his track record? When it comes to finances, our guys are pretty wise, we won't ever do a Leeds.

Oh no it won't! The Lord help us if that clueless Clueso arrives. We'll be signing Carlos Kickaball and Hannanah Alaboogoo for ridiculous fees. He's bankrupt us and take us down. Take your red spex off. Bankrupt us? We have NO money to spend, expect the odd million here & there.

Oh come on, a few poor results and now we're doomed to the lower leagues? Just wait until the new man comes in and injects a bit of spirit and a royal kick up the ass to the team then we'll be sorted. I mean look at our bad start in 1998/1999, Woy got sacked, then a new man in Brian Kidd was appointed and.....oh yeah...

Contradicted himself then.

That is one of the most depressing things about our paltry summer. We desperately needed defensive reinforcements...Matteo signed instead. I love you <3

I remember TP saying "I think the board will go for someone with a big name, my chance has already come in the past." ^ Basically.

Both John Williams and Tony Parkes have said they will appoint a big-name, is Ian Dowie really a big name?

Must be problems if we let Andy O'Brien score, fat nosed gimp. ahem.. I would only criticise Parkes for playing Flitcroft and Matteo. But Matteo really just gets in the team no matter what because he was the main defensive signing this summer, but like Garry he is just not up to it in this league anymore. Can't wait to read the individual player ratings from the guys and gals that went to St.James today.

Great decision to play Flitcroft, hopefully the new manager will see sense and offload him. I know any unlucky bugger can score an own goal but he shouldn't be in the side anyway.

A good line-up really despite Matteo's inclusion and I would of preferred Tugay~Ferguson partnership but maybe Parkes feels Flitcroft is better for this tough away game. Come on Rovers!

Gone off Strachan a bit since today on Football Focus he was defending the 'mute' England players.

Not much hope then for our new manager. A lot of us haven't given positive views on the candidates (not that I am saying they deserve them).

Flitcroft gives 110% and loves the club but I think we really have to move on and let other midfielders have a chance (Donnelly, Douglas etc.) I mean Barry Ferguson can play the holding midfield role, allowing the likes of Thompson, Tugay even Donnelly to roam forward. Plus Douglas is basically just a younger version of Flitty, just minus the womanising element.

Roversmum said earlier that if Advocaat was appointed that would mean the exit of Amoruso? Did they have a clash during their Rangers career I presume?

From today's telegraph: In total, he has taken charge of 70 first team games, winning 27 and losing 20. That means he has drawn 23 games right right? I put the 'Ma' in Maths.

Newcastle 1 Rovers 1 I hope Tony makes a few changes, (hopefully exile Matteo) and not play Flitcroft. I hope Gamst-Pedersen shows us more of what he is made of and Jay shows some skill.

I see Souey stuck by his word saying "I will not be selling Dwight this season that's for sure" then he is shipped off to Brum. I must say I am pleased Yorkie Bar Kid is gone though, I wonder if Souey subconsciously knew he was going to Newcastle and decided to get Yorke off the wage bill for us just before he quit......or maybe not eh? I think Garry Flitcroft should be one of the ones swept out when the new man arrives. He is getting on now, we already have a far better holding midfielder in Ferguson, plus Flitcroft & Tugay partnership doesn't work anymore since there is no proper energy in the centre of midfield. I just wonder about Jay Bothroyd, he was looking to impress Souey and said about how he respected such a 'strong manager' I hope the new manager doesn't overlook him.

Well I sent my application form today, give me the chance Mr.Williams and Rovers will be top 3 by the end of the year..... well....maybe. *remembers ChampMan isn't real* I am praying the likes of Houllier, Reid and Sturrock do not get the job, I doubt Sturrock would anyway since JW already said they are after a 'big name'. Martin O'Neil gets linked with every available Premiership job that arises but he never seems to make the move from Parkhead, we can only hope he decides to make the step back to the Premiership.

Newcastle 2 Blackburn 2 ~ My team ~ Friedel Neill Amoruso Short Gray Emerton Ferguson Tugay Gamst-Pedersen Stead Dickov

As for us complaining about our own GS playing players out of position, didn't Fergie play that young right-footed centre-back at left-back in the CL game? We are definitely capable of getting a victory, lets hope Man.Ure give some youngsters a go. I would particular like Darren Fletcher play, he seems nothing but an ordinary player who cannot finish and crossing ability is dire. My team would be: Friedel Neill Amoruso Short Gray Emerton Thompson Ferguson Gamst-Pedersen Dickov Stead

It's just in-which position that worries me..