At one stage Rico the Gypsey King looked like he was going to be a world beater, fell away when the going got tough though. Batty was a magnificent player, no harder player in the Premiership at the time, loved his battles with United. I also thought Batty played the best football of his career at Rovers.

Sherwood started on three occasions for England whilst a Spurs player. Not 100% but think he finished with 3 caps.

Have to agree with you on the Garner front. As much as I loved him I along with several 1st Division managers of the time thought Garner wasn't up to the top flight Whilst the likes of Newell, Sutton and Gallacher proved that they obviously were. Would be a crime to leave the great man out though. Anyway back to midfield ................ In 1995, Blackburn Rovers were flying the flag for England in the European Cup and faced a tricky tie against Spartak Moscow. It was November and it was bitterly cold in Russia, so Graeme Le Saux and David Batty decided to turn up the heat. They both chased after a loose ball, collided, then proceeded to rain punches on one another until Tim Sherwood intervened. Spartak looked on in amazement, Rovers lost 3-0 and Le Saux had to have a hand bandaged. He was so brave !

Anyone recall that sublimely curled/chipped ball towards Shearer's head for the opening goal during the 2-0 defeat of United that left Schmeical clutching for air ? Sherwood at his best. The through ball for Shearer to equalise away at Newcastle ? Sherwood again.

You sizeist ?!

Sensational was the term he used. Beat three men then shot from 25yds just over the bar, has since got booked. Ferguson and Danns anyone ? surely not .........

Didn't Le Saux Hendry and Shearer jump ship ?

Are we talking about the same man ?

But still a tosser all the same - and always wanted to be the centre of attention and the only thing that galls me about our WINNING (Just for you non Rovers fans reading) the P/L was that this tosser was our captain. Not underrated by me in any way or form and should be nowhere near being mentioned on this MB never mind this thread. One thing is certain - Tosser could not have laced Clayton's boots if he had been shown a 1000 times or more and Claytons' connection to the club still, and the glowing testimonies to his abilities speaks volumes to why he cannot be left out. Absolutely scandalous comments. Just because you don't like somebody's personality gives you no right to discount his monumental contribution to the greatest side we have had in modern history. I'm sorry but despite this thread being open to opinions of player's abilities, your comments go way beyond the realms of taste and in my opinion do yourself and this board no favours.

Tim Sherwood's career at Rovers could not have started any lower and could not have reached higher levels. Kenny Dalglish signed Sherwood from Norwich's reserves, after an argument with the boss about how football should be played he was dumped into the second string. He'd already represented England under 21's but his strong personality even at that early stage of his career saw him being allowed to leave and join the then 2nd Division Blackburn. From day one at Blackburn he was up against it- he was a cockney with long hair called Timothy- and the Rovers fans did not take to him. Dalglish tried to squeeze him into the side playing him right wing which was a mistake considering his distinct lack of pace. Left out of the side he was not even on the bench for the Play Offs and seemed on his way out. With promotion achieved, Sherwood was then restored to the side and adapted to Premiership football far easier than the Nationwide. His ability to come deep for the ball, maintain posession and link defence with attack, and cover every blade of grass every game saw him slowly but surely win the fans over. In my opinion he had a touch of class, matched with a fiery determination which was recognised by Dalglish when he made him Skipper. Once captain of the side, the team and Sherwood never looked back. Terry Venables once pointed out that Sherwood had the ability to release the ball quickly allowing his team-mate time on the ball, Dave Bassett labelled him the best 'nuts and bolts' midfielder in the country. In 1994/95 he formed formidable partnerships with Mark Atkins and David Batty and at times carried the Rovers side through tough games. Those that travelled away from home in the 94/95 season will have noticed Sherwood screaming at his players to lift them particularly after conceding goals in the midst of cauldron atmospheres. I thought Sherwood's captaincy throughout that season was a major factor in our success. It's for this reason that I will vote for Tim Sherwood, not the greatest midfielder the club has ever had, but in recent times I feel the most important. Sherwood went on to win England caps his career deserved after joining Spurs from Blackburn and I would suggest if business interests don't rule his future would make an excellent manager. Tim Sherwood will always symbolise the greatest day of my life, Sherwood's hands were the first Blackburn hands to hold the Premiership Trophy and may well be the last for the long and distant future. Vote Sherwood for the Spirit of 95.

Correct on both counts Scotty. Sellars was a wonderful left winger and it will be a tough decsion for me to choose between him and Duff. McKenzie - centre forward, no question. I can't call my son Sherwood and not select him for this side can I ?

Not many Blackburn midfielders can claim they have led their club to the ultimate glory ! And not many Rovers right halves have made 579 appearances for their only league club (2 as substitute), scoring 15 goals, and won 35 England caps, five of them as captain. No contest really. But that's for another day. Pleased to see Duggie winning but sad that Fergie has only one vote. Ripley was not in the same class. I was only kidding Jim, my Dad has bored the arse off me adout Duggie throughout my early years. I also played cricket with his son Steven for 15 years. Obviously the Ronnie Clayton stories weren't far behind. Believe me I know everything I could without actually seeing Duggie and Ronnie play !

Err, it's called right half in old money. Presumably he will be competing for a place in "midfield" with such all-times greats as Sherwood and Batty. Not many Blackburn midfielders can claim they have led their club to the ultimate glory !

Fair enough, I expect Little Ronnie to get similar treatment !

Would you not take 10 years prem football for any cup success ? I know I would, and I'm sure Mr Williams would.

With respect Brownie is that not our aim as well like any Football club - if not what is the point? Personally, my feeling is that you go out to win every game whoever you are - and even more so now given the amount these people get paid - but then again that's one of the major problems of Football nowadays. I don't believe that is the No1 aim for any club outside the top 5. Cup progression is nice but Premiership football is essential to everything the club needs. Look how quickly things can go wrong for the likes of Bradford Swindon and now Leeds and Coventry. The 'point' for me is to be able to watch Premiership football every week.

Why is Donis even an option ? He was dreadful as they come. Will Shepstone and Hildersley be on the list for central midfielders ?

Can't understand the difficulty in understanding Souness' very sensible logic. Whilst at rovers, survival was the No1 aim and with a small squad the games were having a serious detrimental affect on results, just check out the scores following UEFA games. Whilst at Newcastle the aim is to win trophies and with a much larger squad he is able to give it a better go. Made sense to me at the time and still does. If someone could guarantee me 10 years of Premiership football with the downside being no significant cup progression, I'd snatch their hands off.

Alternatively, I want to enjoy it and rant and rave as and when and not resort to arguing with somebody if they are standing up and interfering with my line of view. It is selfish attitudes such as yours that are causing the problems. I pay what I consider alot of money to sit down and watch a football match and I do not want someone in front of me blocking my vision. The rules are that you must sit down. If you don't like it, stay at home. My Dad is 74 and has been forced to change his seat this season due to the bloke in front of him standing up every time Rovers ventured across the halfway line. He had to watch nearly all the goals of last season on the big screen. He now sits with people in the JW stand who are virtually all older than him ! (What am I doing !!?? I'm getting dragged into the discussion !) Not posting anything else on this subject !

Heard he was awful at Blackpool. Mind you, that was from one of his former team-mates at Blackpool !

Am I the only one not to be interested in this issue/topic one iota ? All I'm interested in is the welfare of the side and to a lesser extent the club's finances. Arguments about reducing tickets for certain matches, stewarding, away fans in boxes winding fans up, standing up-sitting down bores the backside off me. Can't believe this topic is being discussed with such passion whilst our side languish in the relegation places. Like Tris says, Souness has gone so lets vent our frustration at police and/or stewards. For God's sake, will this tedious mindnumbingly boring issue be dropped ? Let's talk about the only reason we are there in the first place, what happens on the pitch.

Where do we get the £2mill for Brown and the £7 mil for Bellamy ?

Surely Steve was watching his lad ?

Missed that ! Any mention of his chances for Chelsea ?

Which other club would put their current most in form player on the opposite wing to which he normally plays thus nullifying his threat to accomodate a player who can at best be described as non match fit and as having a slow start ot his Ewood career. It's like United switching Giggs to the right wing to squeeze in Quinton Fortune. Morten Gamst Pederson has also had a slow start but having scored for Rovers and Norway recently would surely have been a better bet, particularly in his preferred position. Also where has Flitcroft gone ? I presume with Tugay suspended for Chelsea he will come straight back in to start ?