Haven't read any other post on the game so apologies if I repeat anything! It was a great start to the season. For around 20 minutes I thought it might not be, we were rarely in their half. For all that, we suddenly scored 2 in a minute and the game was transformed.Both were nicely worked and scored from close in and on an angle. I thought Leonard's was probably more difficult than Markandy's. Second half we were all over them and I was thinking would it be 3 or 4? We wasted 2 or 3 very clear chances one from the pass of the year from Wharton and then let them back into it with sloppy, suicidal pissing about with the ball in our own area. Even then we didn't learn the lesson and continued to give us heart flutter. 9 minutes extra time added to the drama with memories of Preston and Coventry flooding back. However we finished comfortably to earn 3 points. Some talking points---Markandy scored his first goal and I'm delighted about that but he didn't do too much else. He is simply too lightweight to be effective in this league right now. Wharton showed his class when he came on but played some poor passes as well, really lackadaisical. Hyam and Carter were outstanding in defence, Hyam finished the game with an injury---hope it isn't serious. JRC off in 2nd half with injury, had been playing well. Dolan was outstanding, seems stronger defensively, never stopped running and challenging. Produced some trickery. Great to see Leonard score, he certainly put himself about. Missing--- a big central striker but we all knew that. Ref---inconsistent, no way did we deserve 4 yellows, Carter's was particularly annoying. Support was terrific, Very few seats vacant in Blackburn End or in the whole of the Jack Walker. All in all very happy opening day of the season!

It al depends where you start from! if you're starting from 1950's they've gone massively down. But others are correct to identify a national trend of rising attendances everywhere in recent years while ours are only fractionally up.

In the 50's though, Ewood Park was packed every home game. Not 50000 obviously, that sort of crowd was served for The FA Cup--always a very special occasion!. But high 20's for normal home games as I recall. And that was in the 2nd division obviously.

Those were the days eh! Sadly never to return.

Really concerned about Bucko. My best member of him is that stunning goal at Birmingham last match of last season but one! I thought he'd kick on last season and reach Wharton A status! Maybe make or break for him now?

Barrington--the Bazball antidote! Now there's a man who protected his wicket!

So, at the moment do you feel we are taking 2 steps backward in orer to advance 4 forward? It doesn't seem that way to me. It seems we are in a cash crisis and we can't afford to sufficiently strength the side. Whatever else Waggot is up to, the main priority for him isn't being addressed.

Well I gave you the chance but you've chosen to keep digging.

I think we did indicate to him at the time that we felt he'd been conned.

TBF----We simply read what you write and draw conclusions. We're still awaiting the revolution you told us was round the corner but which you couldn't reveal details of for reasons of confidentiality. Hasn't happened has it?

My expectations were high for this season. We had some flops but produced some great performances , none better than to come back from 3-0 down at Millwall to win. However the lack of money available not just to strengthen the squad but to make up for those players we have lost has quite dissipated my enthusiasm. I think we've gone backwards. We will really struggle unless some big rabbits are pulled out of several hats before the window closes, yet the money isn't there. A real lost opportunity.

Given our propensity for conceding late goals, our nerves are going to be in even greater shreds this season!

As a Lancastrian, what about Statham?

Well it was posted on here at the time. I can't possibly find it from all that time back, haven't got the skills or the patience. Need some comment from anyone else who posted on this topic then.

because he's almost 40 and because he's got a lucrative contract with SKY!

There was a bonus for relegation. Posted on here at the time. Even a bonus for relegation to League 1 when we were in the Premiership at that point!

Sad.

Sorry EA, just noticed your post. Great minds think alike!

Archer? How long will the Battle of Archer's Elbow last? You've listed batters there (Root still got a few years left in him at this level I hope), I think most feel quite confident in that area but bowling looks thin, especially outside England. Saying that, we have loads of West Indians (no such country I know), Pakistanis and Indians etc living here--why doesn't the Test team reflect that? We'd have a better chance then. Take players of colour out of the England football squad and we'd look weak wouldn't we?

I very much admire the spirit and enterprise England have brought to Test Cricket. However, it needs world class players and we haven't got enough of them It also needs some common sense as I keep saying. Don't declare on the first day when you have the enemy on the run. Pick your best keeper. Doesn't matter how many runs Bairstow gets if he drops 3 or fumbles a run-out. Root saved his blushes this time, Bairstow didn't even move. So, much to look forward to but lessons must be learned.

Yes---Windies deserve that accolade alright. Absolutely unbeatable at that time.

They drew with NZ and will probably lose this Ashes Series.That's the last 2 series. On that basis your claims seem a little far-fetched. England currently are very entertaining---I've never disputed that. Some tweaking required though don't you agree? Foakes in for me, replacements for Anderson and Broad required. Accept that the batting line-up looks very settled but must attach more importance to protecting their wicket at key times.

Lets have some actual results before we make that sort of claim!

Not really, he sued for constructive dismissal and Venkys paid up. That man had no shame and would have stayed forever.

I think many managers would look at the way we are mismanaged and conclude that the job is impossible and could only damage their career. We will find it progressively harder to attract a quality manager.