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....

Suggesting a merger has always been the quickest way to get dissed on this Board.

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

Looks like its done and dusted. Hughes wants to come, the Board want him. Barring something extrodinary he will be our next manager.

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 )

Just a bit of effort like fighting for every 50/50 etc but it just seemed like a totally half hearted lame display.

Perhaps the players know who the new manager is and want out?

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.

LET(yesterday) said the Rovers won't let Hughes manage Wales on a part-time basis.

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 .

Just put £50 on Hughes on Betfair. Cos I'm one crazy guy.

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 would hate to lose Ferguson, I agree that he is our only remaining class player we have.

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 .

12 applications for the job so far.

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....

I agree with you Rich - I've yet to read a convincing argument why Houllier would be a disaster for Rovers.

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....

Who the hell is lee grooby?!

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

If the objective this season is to stay up (which I believe is the case) give George Graham the job til the end of the season.

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....

Tony Parkes has just been named as caretaker - again.

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...

not in a million years would souness get the newcastle job!

theres no logic in it.

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

I think we should bring in an Asian Manager........

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

NOT HOULIER.

Anyone but him.

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...

You can say goodbye to Barry Ferguson in January.

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 .