John

I am just repeating what everyone else has said but I need to. Matteo played in a 5 man midfield at Leeds when they were desperate and scrapping for their lives. I would like to think we are not like that- remember Eddie Gray saying he should be used at centre back not midfield if can be helped. Please realise this Souey... his passing is sh*t, really really sh*t. The only time he breaks down moves is by fouling. Bascially stop f**king playing centre midfield or midfield at all. Surely even our new assistant manager or Deano can point this out to him!!! We now surely have the options not to have to play him in midfield. As for tonights match- did ok first half but still dont think our midfield create enough- should change with Fergie, Thommo, MGP and Corridon. Also think maybe Stead should be rested, I would like to see Jansen with Dickov but then again I am dreaming. At least we have the best dressed manager in the league

The standard does indeed say they are close to tying up MGP. It will be a joke if they end up getting him after we have been after him for weeks. Lets hope it doesnt come to that.....

From the sounds of things we are still trying to do a deal with Tromso. We cant be far off what they are wanting for him. Everything I hear about this player is positive and it sounds like just the sort we need. A lot of scouts have been to see him so there must be something there in terms of potential. He is young, international player and scores goals as a left winger although in a poor league. I know we got De Pedro in but it seems like this player could be good for our midfield. I hope we get him!

Thing I find strange is that GS can talk such sense being a pundit but seems to get it horribly wrong sometimes with us. I know anyone can talk a good game. However there are things that GS is doing that worry me and these started in pre-season. Matteo playing in central midfield unless we have injuries. I think he does ok as a ball winning midfielder but think he is a reliable centre back and best playing there. Will Douglas be used when we are completely desperate and only then- deserves a 4yr contract for this role?? Forgetting how influential Tugay was near the end of last season in our must win games. Ok poor earlier in the season but I think one of our best players and signings. Jansen question- is he upto it or not. Not including him suggests he is not upto it and his confidence goes even lower- may as well loan him then and find out for sure (must be on good wages) Best starting team- chop and change again? Hope not Formations- remember when he tryed 4-5-1 at home last season- didnt work the best I could go on and I have missed out on other things going on that dont make sense. Its far to early to judge him but I am starting to forget how he managed in our good old days of promotion, finishing 10th and 6th.

Think we may see Emerton at right back as Neill is struggling with an injury according to Dean Saunders.

I can understand the tears being shed over him leaving. Of course our memories are of his end to last season when I thought he played very well- but I was comparing that with some disgraceful performances he put in the first half of the season, where he made some incedible misses time and time again.He did run his socks off, but that was when it became clear he was not doing it earlier in the season. Going to the PFA sums up the man, Souness must of been seething. Ferguson lost his rag with Cole and shifted him out because of the effect it had on the other squad members and it seems Souey is thinking the same. I am not worried if he goes as I am sure we can get a decent replacement. Either way I dont think its makes too much difference.

Alex Ferguson could not wait to see the back of Cole as he put it- 'his attitude is no longer there'. He has done his time for Blackburn but if they cant work together then move him on if there are any takers. I can think of numerous opportunties last season and I am sure all of you can of some bizarre misses and some completely lacklustre displays.

The thing with Souness is that he has very high standards. He cant understand why the any modern footballer is not fully committed to his job. As player he made sure he gave everything in training, was careful with his diet and gave everything on the pitch. Thats why he falls out so often with people who dont toe the line. The way you have to judge it is by looking at the people he has got rid off at Blackburn- wouldnt have any of them back.

If Cole does stay now he will be under no illusions that he will have to put the work in for the whole season not just at the end. His divine right in the team is no longer there and there will be others given a chance if he doesnt perform, unlike last season.

What is Souness meant to do? Flitcroft will not be guaranteed a place in the side next season as Ferguson is back. It is more likely he will play with Tugay. So that means you need a change of captain as you cant really have your skipper in the stands or bench.

Its the same as every decision though, we can analyse it 5 or 6 times then make our mind up. England were not good enough to win the tournament anyway as they play boring football and have a manager who plays his team on players reputations.

Championship clubs are back in pre-season training. This sounds like a rumour but trading will take place. Flitty to Wigan? http://www.wiganathletic-mad.co.uk/news/lo...=TMNW&id=164269

I think Sven is not brave enough to change things around and he sometimes picks players on reputation not current form. England sit back too much when they get into a lead, it is just a matter of time before quality international opposition get and a chance and take it. One thing that really baffles me is a constant use of long ball to give the ball back to the opposition. It is even stranger to deploy that tactic when Heskey is not playing. As for replacment, I think Curbishley would do an excellent job.

Wouldnt say Terry convinces me yet, but he will get better. Also wouldnt say that marking at set pieces is the best. Even though there is only so much Sven can do in this. It is down to players concentration. Cant just rely on Beckham as the only outlet, the amount of pointless long balls are not going to create much. Still takes a good free kick but thats about it. He is not the player he was, Ferguson realised that over a year ago. Sven would never have the guts to drop him or anyone else who he plays on reputation.

Bad decisions are part and parcel of football. It wasnt just long ball in the Portugal game, it has been a trademark of Sven's England reign.

Terry had his arm on the goalie, doesnt matter if he was looking at the ball. Referee didnt have his best game, but England just didnt do enough to win the match, they offered no real attacking threat Fact is he is on a long term lucrative contract, so it is too expensive to get rid of the long ball merchant. Doesnt he realise that producing a boring team, who struggle to keep the ball is not going to win tournaments.

His record looks good, but England havent actually come that close to winning anything. Brazil with ten men, an average Portugal team, playing the lad Powell from Charlton. Probably would of been Chelsea manager if there wasnt a photo of him walking into his house. Secret talks with Chelsea, but mind you the cash he gets paid for the England job I would probably stay for a bit as well.

Can't trust the man. She is not his wife anyway, he will cheat again. Anyway I would of stuck with Ulrika, her skin colour is not orange.

Dont know why so many of you have time for Sven. He is slimey pr**k who gets paid far too much. His calm manner must be inspiring for players especially when they are getting tired. I dont trust the man and it doesnt surprise me that he has cheated on his wife to be Nancy. England should play more attractive football with the players they have got then at least they could go out for tournaments in style.

Think Stead and Jansen up front would be good for England. With Rooney playing behind.

How can you have your captain if is not going to be first choice? Flitcroft is not guaranteed his place in the team, on the other hand Ferguson is. Bit stupid having your captain sitting on the bench or the stands dont you think.

good move as Flitcroft is not definite starter. Remember Ferguson having a go at Emerton last season when he wimped out of a challenge- leads by example

Apart from last season I would say BRFC in GS reign have played more attractive football than a negative England team. Not only are England over-rated but it surprises me how difficult they find it to keep the ball. A lack of balance has never been fully addressed by Sven and he seems to take the option of 4 central midfielders who get in each others way. No penetration down either flank isn't the way to go and eventually England would come unstuck. I feel for English fans as it seems the whole nation gets caught up in all the hype that the media gives to the national team. Rooney has done well, but good defences wont back off him like Croatia. Show me videos of his woeful Everton performances of last season again... Anyway, this is from a Scot who is looking forward to seeing Ferguson and Fletcher leading us to the World Cup Finals.

England didnt pose any attacking threat after they scored. All the football was being played by Portugal, it was a matter of time before they scored. Referee must of thought Terry impeded the goalie, bad decision maybe but he was in the way. England looked tired tonight and looked short of options and seemed inept at keeping the ball, again simply not good enough.

A team that lacks balance was never going to win the competition. Having 4 central midfielders just doesnt work. As Rovers fans we should realise this by now after last season...