I realise this is an unpopular viewpoint but I actually think TM in an executive role of some sort might not be the worst thing. He clearly holds the trust of the owners and its clear that lines of communication back to India are flawed to say the least. I've never met him but his reputation seems based around honesty so would it be such a bad thing having him on the ground with a new manager in place? 

Obviously it would depend on exactly what his role might be, a new manager needs autonomy and what's seen as a traditional DOF role might not be the best fit but considering we're an unusual club maybe theres room for an unusual role. I'm envisaging someone who understands the game in this country and can present clearly to the owners what's happening and what it means whilst leaving the decision making to the new manager. 

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!

Erm... Shay Given and James Beattie to name a few...

Also the only players who have even seen a glimer of first team action from the acadamy are, James McEveley (1 sub appearence), Sergio Peter (not sure how many sub appearences so far but looks like he will get a few games), Paul Gallagher (1 start and 8 sub appearences for about 10 mins a game) and Matt Derbyshire who i think really deserves a tryout...! There are quite a few players who sound like they deserve a small chance at least. I also think choosing a player like Mokoena over some excellent youngters we have... Big thumbs up to our acadamy players who thrashed Utd 3 nil yesterday... Isnt very good for inspiring the moral and hope of Rovers youngsters. This is just my opinion though...

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!

... and then selling them for a pitence to clubs like the Brum...?

Doesnt seem like we ever take full advantage of our acadamy anymore

How do we not take advantage of the academy?!

Unless Sparky carries on the madness and plays Mokoena on the left wing.

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

Slowest rovers winger I've ever seen.

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

Since Bellamy left...Who is our fastest player anyway?

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

Adam, you might not know when to use a full stop, but you're right about our lack of pace.

;-)

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.

Looks like Gamst got injured last night as well. He suffered from a broken rib, a injury that he picked up in the first half. He have pulled out of the norwegian international squad for the game on wednesday.

Don't know how long you will be out with a broken rib? anyone who knows?

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?

Lets play 3 at the back and put Benni/Roberts and Nonda up front

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...

Special kit!

Over paid professionsals

Skins!

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

Aparently Sparky is mulling over the idea of offering the magician that is Tugay a new deal!

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....

I know it's an obvious thing to say, but I really think this deal could go either way. He could recapture something close to his old potential and score a good few goals for us and turn out to be another master stroke in the transfer market by Hughes. Or he could fail to regain his form after all the injuries he suffered and not really make an impact. I hope and believe that it could be the first one.

Sounds worryingly like Jeffers too...

Emerton really has been awesome this season, hes not had a bad game or even a average one. He really could turn into one of the premierships best RB's if he continues this form, some people may have underlooked his pace in the past, but I cant think of many left wingers who will outpace him this season.

Its just a shame it took 3 seasons of below par performances before Emerton found his correct position.

Ive got a feeling though if Emo does have a bad game at RB people will be on his back saying hes crap and shouldnt be playing RB and how they want Neil back in his place.

Well done Brett, easily our best player so far this season.

spot on fella.

Emerton for fans player of the year!