So let's not here any more about it , Theno.....

If true , this appointment would seem to me to be the most risky of the options of Strachan , Dowie , and Hughes . We shall see....

How would you know? You've only made 2 posts! Ah , but he's probably read your previous contributions on the subject , Theno But on the subject of a merger ; as 1864 says , our club is an institution and has a proud history and tradition . I shouldn't have to point out to your good self , Gord , that BRFC is about the only thing that this town can be truly proud of and which is still a part of OUR history - I would accept other clubs coming under our umbrella as a kind of Lancs UTD but I could never summon up the energy to support a team located outside of the town .

Jim - I hope your 3000th post brings me better news

Not necessarily . Hughes' agent/friend sounded desperate in his pleadings to the Rovers . Surely if Rovers wanted him that bad some approach through a third party would have been made already. There's no reason why the bookies should have stopped taking bets - I'm not giving up on my money on Dowie yet ! (Strachan's still worth a couple of quid on Betfair at 28's )

Was dropping Tugay , our (only) skillful player , the right signal to send the Geordies? . Was bringing in Flitcroft , our least skilful player, the right signal to send ? We'd lost this game as soon as they saw the team sheet . The good news , hopefully , is that by Tuesday we'll have a new manager.

Hopefully this is the case and today's Guardian are wrong in stating the contrary (see Philipl's link P64) . Maybe this willl be the stumbling block that will let in Dowie or Strachan . As AESF hinted , maybe it was significant that Strachan on Focus today pointedly didn't make any mention at all about the job . That leads me to conclude that Strachan , Dowie and Hughes are the 3 main men , although I'm mystified at Advocaat still being amongst the favourites. I'd prefer Dowie on balance .

My fiver went on Dowie yesterday (Betfair) at 17's - just minutes before he drifted out to 25 A bit of money going on today has sent him down to 6's. (Decimalised versions) . I'd most definitely put him before Advocaaat in the ratings behind Hughes. Show me the money....

After perusing the Geordie website howaythetoon (as recommended by Paul !) I reckon we should be good for 3 points . Their club is in total disarray. A few points in the bag might relieve the urge to rush into a managerial signing on our part . N/castle 0 - 3 Rovers

Ferguson's worth at the present time would not be more than half of the (overpriced) amount we paid for him. He's a lot to prove before anyone will pay big money for him - unless it's Souness after a few bottles of red , or Tony Diamond on his dream team.....

Talk Sport at this moment are discussing the situation and quote Strachan as saying he's not interested in the Scotland job for at least 4 years . Incredibly Souness is on a 5 year contract at newcastle ; could be very expensive for them if he doesn't perform quickly , with an already suspicious Geordie crowd "behind" him.

I can only think of one manager who would pay enough to recoup a sizeable portion of the ridiculous 7m plus that was paid for Ferguson in the first place . Guess who ? If our new bloke needs money to bring in his own men , maybe a Fergy move to Newcastle wouldn't be a bad move .

11 of them are from EwoodPork - the other one's from Rover6....

True , Squaylor , true . Maybe Souey has only gone to Newcastle in search of a penalty....

His record at Liverpool; all the money he wasted ; his style of football ; his overall paranoid personality . There would be much wailing and gnashing of teeth in my circle of friends if he gets the job . Methinks Rich needs to see a certain Dr....

A man with a great past behind him ....the reason we all can have a sensible debate about all manner of things .....(sometimes)

NEVER ! Misplaced loyalty is one thing - misplaced club money and theft is quite another . Such an appointment would stretch my attachment to the Rovers to the absolute limit .

Parky was interviewed on Radio Lancs ; seemed he didn't know souness was leaving til today . He's definitely taking the reigns for a while.

I know that a couple of days ago that Shearer mentioned that he wasn't ready for managing (re the Newcastle job) . Maybe he's now thinking that after a spell at Ewood he might be . Just in time to step into the carnage that Souness will leave after his reign at the Geordie club....

what is your source? Radio Lancashire - but I'm sure it's true ! Parkes is taking up the role for a sixth time - loyalty does still exist in the game after all...

Logic is like loyalty when it comes to football......

YAWN ...... But in the meantime I reckon we go for the Scot Strachan..

Surely this tragedy could not happen , despite 5Live already making the Frenchman favourite . Similarly with the crook George Graham - I can't believe this would be the news to bring the crowds back . All in all , I think a move for the proven Strachan would be the best for the club - especially as we can hardly gamble on a "new". man whilst in our current position in the league .

Rovers have said in a statement that "satisfactory compensation has been agreed" (or words to that effect) . Houllier is the favourite 5 Live also state . I strongly suggest this site - and others - make their feelings known to prevent this happening...

If we were to get our 7mill back maybe that would be a good thing - the new bloke might appreciate a bit of money to spend . (Only hope Mr Woodward spends it wisely....) As for Souness , it's a case of thankyou and goodbye . This news hasn't made much difference to my day . If the pay off we get can entice Strachan then I'll be well chuffed .