Parsonblue

Neither played today.

Disappointing performance today at a very wet and windy Brockhall by the Under-23 team. A different system - three centre-backs with Henley and Hendrie operating as wing backs - didn't work and ultimately we were beaten by the only goal by the better side. We missed two decent early chances but never got a look in after that. Sunderland looked very impressive and thoroughly deserved their win. Both teams now go into the draw for the knock-out stage.

A very good win and an excellent performance, particularly up to the point when Butterworth came off injured. First twenty minutes or so it was fairly even and Cardiff looked like being tough opponents. Then we started knocking it around with increased confidence and played some lovely pass and move football. Hardcastle and Mols were outstanding in midfield, Mols playing in an unfamiliar position on the right wing. Rankin-Costello took his goals well and Butterworth was a constant threat playing just behind Mansell. Ward and Hoban looked, as you would expect, a class apart and controlled things at the back without breaking sweat. This allowed Travis and Doyle to continually attack down the flanks from full-back. Injuries to Butterworth and Doyle meant we lost momentum in the second half and although we created numerous chances we didn't take them. Cardiff's consolation came with the last kick of the match. This was another very impressive performance from Rovers youngsters considering they were without Nyambe, Tomlinson, Mahoney, Platt and Thomson. Hardcastle is returning to form after a lean time, Mols looks an outstanding attacking prospect, as does Rankin-Costello and in Butterworth we looked to have picked up a real prospect from United. Travis and Doyle were excellent in the full-backs positions - both in defence and going forward. The ideal game for Ward and Hoban as they got 90 minutes in without being overworked.

Both Senior and Mowbray are new to the club so only time will tell if this relationship will work. It works abroad and it works in American sport so there is no reason why it can't work here. Naturally people are suspicious of anyone that the present owners appoint as their track record is one of failure followed by failure. It would seem more clubs are going down this route and even in the Premier League managers are now having to work with directors of football or committees when it comes to buying players. The key to making it work is the relationship between the head coach and the director of football.

The head coach/director of football relationship works well all across Europe so no reason to believe that it can't work in this country.

The majority of supporters will judge him on his abilities to deal with the team. They, like myself, couldn't care less what title he has.

Last time I looked he was manager of Blackburn Rovers. And before you ask Jal, I don't care who his agent may or may not be as long as he does a decent job at this club.

At last!!! We finally agree on something!

I totally agree with your correction. Mowbray's record and approach suggests he could well be the best we have had since Big Sam - we can but hope.

I think you might find Wolves fans disagree at the moment.

Watching him standing on the touchline all game, not only does he sound like a manager he looks and acts like a manager. A welcome change from the past two managers we've had.

Must say I've been impressed with the interviews thus far. Sadly, the timing of the switch was all wrong - giving him four games in a matter of twelve days means he has little time to work on the training ground. It should have happened after the Rotherham game, indeed it should have been after Barnsley. Long term I believe he will be the right man for the job and feel far more optimistic than under Coyle. Only time will tell, and it will be a struggle, but at least we are now in with a fighting chance of staying up.

To be honest Tom I would have liked to have seen Dunny stay with Johnson, although as Under-23 games rarely if ever clash with first team games, I can see him continuing some involvement with the Under-23's. Dunny will bring some much needed passion to the first team. Johnson has done a great job with the Under-23's so it's a real plus that he is staying in that role.

Under the circumstances it seems a decent appointment. Plenty of experience and both Lowe and Dunny know the players he is going to be working with which should help. I feel we have at least have given ourselves a chance of avoiding relegation with this appointment. Only time will tell but wish him all the luck in the world.

This is where we differ. I only see footballers and not nationalities. In the three lads I mentioned I can only see huge promise and I don't have a problem with footballers having agents. So hopefully, Nyambe, Raya, Tomlinson and many more will come through and claim regular positions in the team. I'm assuming the likes of Stefan Mols and Ben Paton wouldn't meet with your approval either.

Whatever league we are in next season we want to keep producing good young players like Ryan Nyambe, David Raya, Willem Tomlinson and the rest!

I've seen huge improvements in the lad this season so he is clearly learning from someone. Everyone who I sit with at Ewood, who never go to the Under-23 or Under-18's, have been hugely impressed with him. He looks the real deal at the moment but obviously, we need to see if he can deliver over a number of seasons with the same level of consistency that he is showing now.

Last night's game at Southport wasn't the best. A bitterly cold night and an awful playing surface but a good win for the young lads against a Southport team playing in front of their new manager. Southport had the better of the first half but the Rovers finished the stronger of the two sides with Mansell scoring a cracking goal. Andy Fisher was the star of the night - good saves during the game and brilliant in the penalty shoot-out. Fleetwood at home in the semi-finals is the reward for a winning a really tough game.

He played very well on Saturday Jal, just as he has done so in the past few games. He's finding his feet at this level and learning very quickly. So far he looks quite at home playing at Championship level.

Wharton and Platt have been together for a number of years coming through the ranks together. I think the only way you find out about them Tyrone is by giving them game time with the seniors. Nyambe seems to have made the step up, although I've no doubt he'll make errors as he's still young and learning, but he doesn't seem out of place at that level. I'm sure there are others in the Under-23's who could do the same but throwing them into a relegation struggle, particularly with the present manager, would be asking a huge amount of them.

Travis is better in midfield but is a solid full-back when asked to play in that position. Doyle is developing into a decent left-back but untried at senior level. One you have missed is Matty Platt, who is captain of the Under-23's and every bit as good as Wharton.

Different types of player Jal which is why they compliment each other in the Under-23's. Mahoney is the more creative who can deliver a spectacular goal or wonderful cross whilst Thomson is the workhorse who gets up and down for ninety minutes.

A 2-1 win - our third win on the run - and an absolutely brilliant game of football. As far as I'm aware Category 1 status is reviewed every three years and as we were reviewed last year we should have another two years at that level before we are due another review. Of course you can opt to leave Category 1 if you wish - which is what Bolton did a couple of years ago to cut costs.

A cracking game of football tonight at Leyland. Two teams playing attacking football and giving one hundred per cent. Everyone in a Blue & White shirt tonight was good, not a weak link in the team against an excellent West Ham team. Tomlinson, Travis and Thomson in particular caught the eye going forward.

He was awful Rev. He had a purple patch when he was about 17 - played for England at that level - got a long contract and has done nothing since. For the past two seasons he has struggled to make the bench for the Under21/Under23's. When he went to Chorley on loan he couldn't get a regular slot in their team.