The feeling from the coaches in the club is "I'm not sure how long he'll last". That's a direct quote so read into it what you will!

This might have been picked up on elsewhere but is anyone getting the feel TM is having a dig at Rothwell with his "10 days sat on the sofa" comments?

Morning all! First time I've logged in to the forum in 13 years I believe but for some reason this year has got me excited to be a rovers fan again. What a frustrating game last night, I agree with those suggesting JRC shouldn't be right back, seems to me TM rates him and wants him in the game but can't find the right position for him beyond realising he should be somewhere wide. Nyambe for me next game. It's probably unfair to judge Pears from last night, conceding after 9 seconds is bound to knock anyone's confidence, especially if he's being asked to play the keeper/sweeper role as appears and this is alien to him. Incidentally, can anyone find a keeper who's conceded faster on debut?! Not sure whats happening at centre back but I think playing with 2 full backs expected to attack is playing a part. Let's maybe let the defenders defend, especially with 5 attack minded mid/fwds ahead of them. Finally, I worry about the balance of the team, we seem to have a lot of players who are realistically attacking midfielders but no further defined roles? I don't know, its good to watch sometimes, we'll see how it works out. So, first post in over a decade! I still have faith in TM, we're never boring to watch at the moment and the seasons only just started... I think it's going to be a fun ride

He's being completely honest which makes a refreshing change for a professional footballer!

If this is true then I don't think Sparky will have a choice but to sign someone this transfer window, we've constantly struggled with midfield cover so far this season and I'm sure Tugay will begin to fade, especially if we have 2 cup runs going on!

do you honestly think if we had the next Rooney or Walcott sitting in the U18's we wouldn't push him into the 1st team? Fact of the matter is our youngsters aren't good enough for premiersip football at the moment. It's not a failing of the academy which is renowned as one of the best in the country it just so happens the talent isn't there right now!

How do we not take advantage of the academy?!

I'd quite like to see that! With yet another first teamer out maybe we should give up trying to play people where they're any good and make them pick a position out of a hat. I bet Brad would love a chance up front...although I'm less convinced about the prospect of Tugay in nets

Think thats a bit harsh! Maybe before the next home game they could all race and the winner gets a pie.

It's a good point! MGP's not slow I guess but there isn't anyone who really stands out...

I've always considered pacy players a bit of a luxury, I'd much rather have someone like Toogs who can play a fantastic ball from basically a standstill whilst still retaining what could be a defensive position as opposed to someone who insists on trying to beat people down the wings and leaves us open to the counter attack. Plus just because someones fast doesn't mean they're actually very good at football, George Donis anyone?! That said though there's nothing better than watching a really good fast player ripping into a negative team like Notlob! It would be nice if we could sign someone to address the problem in January but I think we have to look at left back first.

So not only were we 4 first team players down, our whole left side played with injuries for at least the second half! I'd say he'll be out for a good couple of weeks, there's nothing can be done about a broken rib other than a bit of strapping and when you run solidly for 90 minutes it's gotta be agony. (Shouldn't affect him too much then...)

whats the reception been like for Bellamy?

I'd like to see us with 3 at the back if Lucas leaves, assuming Nelson's back by then that is. I think Emerton would excel playing wing back for us, the only problem might be Pedersons defensive qualities on the other side...

how much are you after for it?

it'd confuse everyone I suppose...

Certain members of the team seem to have been involved in some very passionate embraces over the last couple of weeks as it is, I'm not sure it's a good idea giving messrs Savage and Gamst the further encouragement of being semi-naked too...

I predict match abandoned due to...I dont know, terrorists and that

summat ta eight!!! I'm loving that!!!

Hang on Exiled, Savage isn't in the team to provide a goal-scoring threat, he's a defensive midfielder there to ensure players like Tugay don't have to concentrate on defending and have time to pick out passes just like they did on Thursday. Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying Tugay doesn't have defensive duties, a deep lieing midfielder always will, but it's down to Savage to break up the oppositions plays and protect the back 4 which I personally think he's been doing pretty well so far this season

Really? Don't get me wrong, Toogs is a legend but at some point age has to catch up with him! I can't see him being able to play in as many games as Hughes would like this season let alone next simply because of the pace the premiership is played at nowadays. Perhaps an idea would be to sign a youngster and have him and Tugay share the responsibility of the creative midfield spot. That way there would be less pressure on both, we get to keep a crowd favourite and huge influence in the dressing room as long as possible and the youngster is ushered in by the best.

Has anyone seen the Robbie Savage interview on SSN? He's acting like he's on drugs! He can't look at the camera or the interviewer and he doesn't seem to be able to speak properly....

Sounds worryingly like Jeffers too...

spot on fella. Emerton for fans player of the year!

Don't they say champions win games they don't deserve to?!