only2garners

You do know that Derby is midweek?

I think the point that matty was saying was that they missed their chance to grow their fanbase by not getting a bugger better stadium when they were in the Premiership.

If they had a stadium like Ewood they could generate a huge income from a very prosperous community. What they will still lack though is the club being deep into the community like it is in Blackburn and many other towns across the north.

I suspect that they can't expand the stadium, as it's in the middle of a park. And relocating is probably a challenge finding a suitable site.

Having been to Bournemouth's ground for the first time in December it's pretty understandable that they don't have much commercial income. There's virtually no corporate entertaining space although no doubt there is enough local income. They are in the reverse position to us as Ewood has lots of space for both regular fans and corporate ones but not enough local demand - small catchment, poor area, lots of local team competition.

Bournemouth have a really tough April. After an easy start at home to Bristol City, they play West Brom (a), Sheffiled United (a), Boro (h), Coventry City (a), Fulham (h) and then us at Ewood.

I think he means on the train, where it's about right.

Given QPR is a lunchtime game on Sky that could be cheaper. The others won't be £30 games with the possible exception of Derby. I suspect that half season tickets will go off sale now (although I assume that they won't stop you if you want to buy one!). In any case if you can only do four games a half season ticket won't be worth it. Maybe if we're still going well you might come to some of the others? I also would not rule out another package offer over some of the remaining home games. Given the Millwall game isn't for over three weeks I would be inclined to wait to see if any other offers come up. It's not as if we're going to run out. The Blackburn End is getting pretty busy now but there will always be an odd ticket free.

Simon - you're right that only Rothwell can travel quickly with the ball and score like Rothwell did. And I agree that other midfielders have a range of different qualities and all are very useful But what Rothwell is best at does not in itself make a top midfielder. Buckley (for it is he) can routinely take defenders out of the game with his passing, can press and steals the ball frequently. I have been critical of Rothwell in the past for not working hard enough, particularly when defending and doesn't have a good football brain, frequently opting to beat players and lose the ball in dangerous positions. This season he has improved on all those aspects and is now a valuable member of the team. But Buckley's better and is of an age where he may well get better still. My opinion Simon - it's the only one I've got.

He's not even the best midfielder in the Rovers team.

And then Bolivia on Tuesday.

Big blow for West Brom, with Daryl Dike being sidelined for around 8 weeks with a hamstring injury.

Great to hear that your Dad is OK and I hope he makes a recovery in time to see us clinch promotion! I want to see him do a Harvey Elliott before the Bournemouth game. My son said last night that Ewood must be as good a place as any to fall ill given all the medical support that is right at hand.

Was the tactical change not when Butterworth came on for Khadra? Zeefuik's appearance was too late in the game to make much difference.

Much more eloquently explained than I managed EIT!

Well I’m damned certain he did. He played in exactly the same position as Diaz has done starting for us over the last couple of months and he has in his sub appearances. Up front as a two with Khadra slightly wide either side of the centre with Buckley as a false 9 just behind them in the middle. It’s not a winger position but it’s not a centre forward either.

As does Dack.

He is in the starting 11.

Looking at a Boro forum they are considerably less confident than we might expect and most would be happy with a draw. There seems to be a feeling that a number of late goals in recent games have masked some very average performances. They reckon that they haven't played well since beating Forest on Boxing Day. I saw some chunks of that game and didn't think they looked very impressive even then.

Ranieri sacked in least surprising football news story of the week.

I do! Cesay and Omole were sent off for Spurs and Garrett for Rovers. Cesay was their number 2.

Yes it has - Rovers announced it yesterday - https://www.rovers.co.uk/news/2022/january/18/brereton-diaz-selected-for-la-roja-double-header/

By the time the game was called out it was scheduled for TV coverage, replacing another postponed game.

Apart from Luton away and Millwall at home all our games through to the end of February are on Sky.

Is that for Swansea or Luton arbitro? With Swansea I think they start with 1,000 but can increase to 2,000. Luton is about 1,000 in total given the size of the stadium.