ElTwis

So frustrating! As others have alluded to, I honestly don't think we were that bad but we just never looked like scoring. I remember thinking during the purple patch that we weren't actually playing that well, PNE comes to mind as a game that could easily have gone the other way so perhaps this is just a levelling up as we find our true position of upper mid table. What a depressing thought. On a personal level, my little lad is really starting to get into football so we've gone to ewood a couple times in recent weeks and I've let him watch the first half of a few sky games but he's yet to see a goal! if it keeps going like this he'll end up wanting to watch someone else and to be fair, I can't blame him. I wonder how many other potential rovers have been lost over the last 10 years.

I'm a little worried about Tony's comments around "some personal issues that won't be aired". Not sure exactly what he means but I hope it doesn't allude to arguing amongst themselves

Has he been linked to West Brom? Must have missed that? Can't see venkys letting him go unless they are royally peed off with him after the Rothwell saga

Can't see the team being anything other than this unless there's a covid issue lurking and the worrying part is that I feel like TM has hinted about exactly that. As we saw with Trav, there's a couple of positions that we just can't cover. Still, I'm looking forward to this one which no doubt means we'll be awful! I've been a rivers fan long enough to know not to rely on any result, I just want to feel like we're having a go and that there is a clear gameplay.

This worries me too. I've always thought that since it appears confidence has made such a difference to him in the first half of rhe season, it wouldn't take much to knock that and put him back to last years performances. I just really hope we're not seeing the start of that.

I'd be tempted by £20m, especially if Brighton would consider turning one of the loans into a permanent deal. I worry BBD is a confidence payer and that it won't take much to shake that leaving us with the player we had for the first 2 years

My first game at Ewood for a while and my goodness have I missed it! Spent a fortune in the club shop obviously, attempted to get my 6yo a taste for bovril (broken hot drinks machine in JW put pay to that tragically) and jumped up and down like a maniac when BBD scored a just fabulous goal. I had Van Hecke down as mom, thought he was immense (although a couple of his clearances could have been a little more agricultural given the conditions!). BBD never stops running does he! Not a classic match but there was some grit and desire that we've been missing in maybe the last 11/12 years. At the whistle I could feel the team spirit and looking at the table...well, who knows, stranger things have happened

Ah, pretty much what Ben said!

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!

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...