Parsonblue

Thoroughly enjoyed the trip today. As arbitro has said, we looked so assured once we went in front. Baath and Hyam have formed a really impressive partnership whilst Brittain and Beck are solid defensively and cause problems going forward. In midfield, Tronstad was outstanding, yet again. Toth looks a decent back-up 'keeper for Pears although some of passing with his feet is questionable. Nonetheless, a definite upgrade on the previous back-up to Pears. We could have had more goals - Leonard played well in terms of movement but was lacking with his finishing. He's young and had a long spell out with injury and I feel the goals will come because he gets in the right positions. I thought Weimann again proved what a useful acquisition he has been. It really is incredible what Eustace is getting out of this team. The spirit amongst them is outstanding.

After watching the policing operation today I couldn't help reflect on my first experiences of this derby. Rovers and Burnley fans mingling peacefully together on the Longside at the Turf. Fans from both sides enjoying a laugh and a joke without a hint of violence between fans and just the odd policeman here and there. But above all, everyone enjoying a game of football and the players - the likes of Dougie, Clayton McIlroy, Adamson, etc competitive and the field and friends off it. Today it's a military operation and the game and atmosphere not an enjoyable experience. Looking at the numbers of police deployed all over town today it was hard to believe that this was all due to 90 minutes of football. I feel that somewhere along the line we've lost all sense of proportion when it comes to this fixture. I thought today's game was awful - two side terrified of losing - with little creative football being played by either side.

For me, Tronstad has been our player of the season thus far. As a defensive midfield player I don't think I've seen many better in this League this season. He and Travis had a wonderful partnership and, in fairness, I don't think Baker has done too badly since he came in although doesn't have the same drive as Trav. For me Tronstad is one player who deserves an extension to his contract. Never get less than an 8 out of 10 every game from that guy. His job is guard that back four and he does it wonderfully well. Of course, he'll make the odd mistake, all players, even the greatest, do, but for me he is the first name on the team sheet every game.

We didn't really seem an ambitious club when the likes of Pickering, England, Newton, Fergie, Hole, Knighton were all sold without adequate replacements coming in. Fortunately, we appointed astute managers, like the present one, who could make do and mend. But in the end Furphy, Lee, Smith and Kendall all left to join more ambitious clubs. My fear is that Eustace will become another manager we lose if we don't support him. As for the game tomorrow, I'll be going hoping for the best but fearing the worst. I'd happily settle for a boring 0-0.

All the best to you Rev for the New Year. My point was that having followed Rovers for 60 odd years, post Christmas collapses are nothing new. I think this January the owners have to back the manager or the consequences will be felt when trying to flog season tickets in the summer. New signings won't guarantee us a top six spot but it will give us a fighting chance. This is arguably the best manager we have had since we came out of the Premier League. If we don't back him then I'm sure it won't be long before more ambitious clubs come along and take him from us. We have seen it all too often before.

To be fair, I remember going through similar experiences in the 60s, 70s and 80s. Top or thereabouts at Christmas and then fall away immediately after for a variety of reasons including a lack of funds.

Thanks for that Leonard - you've made me feel really, really old!😢

Thanks, I clearly missed it. Somewhat shorter than Workington's glowing tribute!

The significance of John McNamee in the club's history cannot be stressed enough. The club looked destined for relegation to Division Four before he arrived. He galvanised the club, the players and the supporters. He literally dragged the club off the floor with his approach. He brought self-respect back the the club. He intimidated opponents and restored belief into players who were struggling to adapt to life in the Third Division. Away from Rovers he had a great career - Celtic, Hibs, Newcastle - where he won the Fairs Cup - and had a spell in management with Workington. Life after football didn't treat him kindly but he faced up to each blow he received with the same kind of determination he had as a player. Like many players of his generation his final years were robbed by the cruellest of illnesses. He remains one of my all time favourite players, a player who deserves far more recognition that he has received for his part in this club's history. All of his former clubs, including Workington, had recorded his passing with tributes - as yet not seen anything from Rovers, or perhaps I've missed it. R.I.P. Big John.

I image a combination of both waterlogged pitch and potential later flood risk. The ref would simply have been concerned with the pitch - local authorities might have been looking at the wider picture. If the River Darwen is flooded there is nowhere for the water from Ewood to go. Fortunately it doesn't happen often but the ground's situation is always going to put it at risk and days like this.

From official government website. Updated 2:31pm on 23 November 2024 Rising river levels are expected to cause flooding this afternoon. Flooding is expected from 3 PM on 23/11/2024. Areas most at risk include properties adjacent to the River Darwen, including Ewood Park, Stancliffe Street, Griffin Mill and River Mill.

When the River is in flood - and it is today which is why a flood warning has been issued for Ewood and Waterfall in Blackburn, there is little chance of Ewood being able to drain properly. Geography and nature are not the fault of anyone at the club.

Totally agree. A young lad who has suffered tragedy in his life with regard to his best friend and who has built a career after being rejected by North End. He gives 100 per cent every week, never hides, even when having a poor game, and is a more than useful Championship player. Clearly, Eustace, like previous managers, obviously rates him. For me he'd always be one of the first names one the teamsheet. Still only 22 and will get better. I just hope we can persuade him to stay.

Powell and Saadi were both excellent last night.

Totally outclassed today by a Palace outfit that was so much better in every department. Palace had lads who were big, strong but also technically good. Worryingly, the three players brought in over the summer failed to make any impression. Mafoumbi, in fairness, had no service and was unable to get into the game against a strong Palace defence. Doherty, made no impression on the wing but it's early days for both and hopefully they'll settle in time - but today will have done little in terms of building their confidence. Barrett looks very poor indeed. Eastham looks a far superior 'keeper and yet he seems to be the one on the way out. I really don't understand that one. Once again, Jake Batty had a really indifferent game and I'd be concerned if was regarded as back up to Pickering. Jake would be better going out on loan and try to find the form his showed a couple of years ago. On the plus side, Stritch scored a cracking goal and Bloxham looks to have a bit about him. As others have said, it looks like it's going to be a long, hard season for the Under-21's on the evidence of the first two League games.

For me Gent is far better than Batty. I had high hopes for Batty but he seems to be going backwards. Gent has had a good season in Scotland and is now going to a decent League One club. Whereas Batty seems to be drifting in the Under-21's. He needs a move, either on loan or permanently for the sake of his career. I suspect if Pickering is injured, Brittain will move across and Leo Duru, who looks a real prospect, will come in on the right.

The Under-21's and Under-18's both have games tomorrow so it will be interesting to see how we approach the games tonight and tomorrow at Wigan. The squad is going to be stretched to the limit.

Don't the club get some sort of financial grant from the FA if games are played on the home ground? I noticed Aston Villa have moved their games from Walsall to Villa Park for the coming season.

Looking forward to the new season thanks Mercer - as I have done over the past sixty-odd years. I doubt anyone bought a season ticket expecting anything other than a struggle - I've bought season tickets in every decade knowing a particular season would be difficult. Unless something changes dramatically, which I doubt, I fully expect us to be involved in a relegation battle again but I believe we have a decent manager and that he and his staff will keep us safe. I may be right, I may be wrong, but I'll enjoy the ride nonetheless.

Got my Blackburn End Car Park renewal - £220 and, as you say no Cup games or friendlies. That £30 off season tickets is soon going to disappear with extra charges for buying season tickets in the shop and paying extra for cup games.

Got the info from a friend who got it from contacts at Hyde I think. Nothing been on any website.

Neither Whitehall nor Baker played at Hyde. Looking at the squad it was basically first year pros and the under-18's - 22 players were involved. As you say, likely to be the same tomorrow with two games BCD at Brockhall.

If the referee was applying all rules to the letter of the law then the Stanley 'keeper would have been sent off early in the second-half and several players would have been booked. However, the referee in the second half went out of his way not the apply the laws of the game to the strict letter of the law - which in a friendly is fair enough. But then he refused Tyjon permission to come on after Saadi had left the field. Instead he allowed Saadi to return even though he had been substituted. Tyjon had been on the pitch for less than a minute in the first-half - coming on when Szmodics was injured - again a foul that would have earned a booking if the laws had been applied. The officials, in the second-half, seemed to have lost the plot.

No. Stanley don't produce one. In the Championship Swansea don't whilst Millwall and Bristol City leave it to the fans to produce one. There are a few in League One and Two that don't. Never understood how non-League clubs can but League clubs like Rovers, Millwall and Bristol City can't make if work from a financial point of view.

Like the humour there Matty.😁