If Berbatov's recent form continues, Mido could well be available. Not sure how happy I'd be if we signed him (though I've maximum respect for MH's ability at spotting great players).

Cheez, how short is my memory? I watched him score a hattrick at Villa Park that season, too! Simon

The Premiership top scorers table (BBC) makes good reading. Benni at number 3, behind only Drogba and the Winker. Can't think of any Rover so high up (at this stage) since the SAS days(?) Simon

From BRFC's text service. I expect it'll be on the official site in no time. I agree it's a good move for him and us. I've an Everton supporting mate who really rates him. If he can recapture his form from that 1st season at Everton, he'll be a great striker for someone. Simon

Jeffers has gone to Ipswich on a month's loan deal. Simon

I lived in Nottingham at the time and walked around with a massive grin on my face for days. Couldn't wait to get to work and start winding up the locals! I sat with the home fans for that season's game at the City Ground. Great seat, but sitting on my hands while the away end went ballistic wasn't much fun. Never again! Happy days indeed! Simon

Tomorrow's chip wrapper. Simon

I can think of a few more Simon

What? And have a whole summer of being a neutral? No bleedin way! We should drop fat Frank. While he can manage one good game in two for Chelsea, put him in an England shirt and he turns into a pub team player (even in his natural position). We've more problems than just Lampard, but that'd be my top priority. Simon

Were it a competitive game, I'd have Dyer on the right. His form's pretty good lately and has the experience. As it's a freindly I agree, I'd give a debut to Bentley. SWP is a long way behind both players right now. Simon

You're right to be sceptical, and indeed I wasn't keen on us signing him before Reid got knacked in training. Now he's here though, I'm seeing a terrific atmosphere at Ewood tomorrow and hopefully some decent cover in midfield. Fingers crossed you'll be proved wrong Simon

That's certainly what I've heard, especially last season (my local is majority Bluenose). Their injuries last season rivalled ours or Newcastles in this. Dunno about this season, the pub's mysterious filled with Villa fans since they went down I'm jumping in to this thread quite late, so don't know if this has metioned before. I wonder if the manager's kept him out so his debut's at Ewood, thinking the boost we'll give him by raising the roof as he runs out will be more valuable than a couple of substitute appearances away from home... Simon

Having seen highlights of the pie-eaters' game last night, bloody right they're missing him! I like Henchoz, but I'd pick Todd before him any day! Simon

There's nothing on the official site or from the official SMS service, which tends to be the first place news gets out. The only paper to report it is the Daily Star, not the most reliable source. I'm crossing my fingers it's a load of Ballacks. Simon

But we missed Moscow It averages -10 (daytime) there in Feb. Simon

I think so. Based on that and their crap away form, 2 - 1 to Rovers 2.5ish hours work left, then hit the M6 Simon

Too right! I live with a Geordie, so really need this win. 0 - 1 Simon

My guess is this: The club expect the away end to sell out and Scousers to try and get seats in the home stands, so won't sell them "anonymously" on the web. If you phone them and have a record of attending Rovers games, you'll get tickets. Actually a Blackburn postcode might even be enough given our crap gates. Simon

IIRC its FIFA that is blocking it. I don't agree with this, but here's my understanding of FIFA's reasons: They oppose video reviews as the elite leagues in the 3rd world can't afford the kit. The Premiership (and other top European leagues) can afford it and the lower leagues can do without* but they won't sanction a system that's not affordable for, say, the Angolan top division. * lots of precedent for this: squad numbers, transfer window, 4th official, cameras at every game all came into the lower leagues after the top division. Simon

I agree 100%. Refs are under unprecendented scrutiny, but also face unprecedented cheating in the modern game. Let the games flow, but cane the Drogbas, Terrys, Ronaldos (and, to be frank, the McCarthys) afterwards. Diving would soon be up there with talking yourself into a red card for letting your team mates down. We'd stamp it out in a fortnight! Simon

Trouble is, once in place replays would be used more and more - for every controversial decision. Rovers fans are slating the ref for his decision(s) yesterday, but how much more angry would we be had he turned down the offer of a replay in order to keep the game flowing? It just wouldn't happen. We'd soon be adding another 15 mins to each half, just waiting for the 4th official to watch replays. Simon I didn't see any of the Sky coverage, but thought the BBC shower completely bottled it, especially on the handball. Their POV was "it's sometimes hard to make these things out, benefit of the doubt to the ref, ref 2 - Hughes 0" Absolute cop out. No mention of the talk that Mido had admitted to it. Nothing. Cowards! Simon

I've not. I reckon it'll be the usual first come first served scrum, especially after the game. It'll make a mockery of pre-booking. Simon

Heh. Remember it well. When the 3rd goal went in a load of season tickets came flying on to the pitch. It might have meant something had it not been the last game of the season. I think that we can get a win here. 1 - 0 Rovers, McCarthy to get the only goal in a tight game. Simon

I think this points to the lack of service (now). Earlier in the season all our strikers looked more dangerous. Now our midfield trouble is starving them of good balls to get onto. I like Nonda. Simon

As has been said, I'd hang on. I read somewhere (can't remember where for the life of me) that Feyenoord won't expect to sell all the home seats, so we could end up with a bigger allocation. There's hope! Simon