I was having similar conversation with re Dolan with someone last night. Hes always been in and out as young players are but hes just not been his usual busy pest like self for a while. Heads not in it imo and probably another falling foul of the JDT way so if he doesn't buck up he needs to buck off.

To me it's one of the worst versions of yellow kits we've had.

Hes already got that angle worked on the Sunderland massive. It's the DoF's fault, the owners fault for not signing players or spending millions they haven't got to back weary old put upon Tony. Obviously ignoring that basically the same team finished 6th last season.

Is Dolans head in the departure lounge ?

Yeah i do think we have better balance with BBD out of the team i said so last year when he was injured. Hopefully this time around the coach and staff are better prepared for these types of away games i think there was i naivety there as well last season, understandable.

It's early season and we are bedding in more youth so i'd expect an equally tough game. We aren't totally different at all the same basics were there last week in the first half and some would argue we are weaker up top at present than we were then. Hopefully we get a grip early and on the set pieces and don't turn into wet wipes again if we go behind.

And a dollop of our own fans try and make out they've always had much bigger support. Strangely enough the facts don't back that up.

The club isn't truly in the heart if someone does that especially if they naff off to a local rival.

Unlikely although it may have registered with those present who may or may not have been asked their opinion on keeping him. Alongside him and Venus clearly admitting advising some of the pending out of contract good players they'd be better off trying to get more money elsewhere. Honest ? Or spiteful #### ? The jury was out on that.

No it was imo another cost cutting reset with 2 out 3 in for similar outlay and the clear instruction to use youth first and don't ask for players on 15k plus pwk. The opportunity to explore cheaper Euro markets being factored in as well replacing the previous lets look at former players of the manager first and using smog agents model.

Brought up on the Prem years and disappeared once they'd gone ?

Interesting draw and a real banana skin for our youth team cup team.

That is one of the most bizarre things iv'e seen in all my time watching Rovers and that's saying something.

Not the last 2 years he was here no. It was no surprise to me he ended up doing well there last season with somebody else's squad as he tends to start well wherever he goes. However it would be no surprise to see them level out in mediocrity if he stays but we'll see.

I said the min he went there he'd do ok but there is no hiding place with that lot like there was here. Last years success has made a rod for his back and judging from the comments iv'e seen from him he is acutely aware of this. So now in typical style he's setting about detaching himself from any accountability. Thing is with Mowbray when things are going well he's playing a major part but when they go wrong it's nothing to do with him, his selection, tactics, systems or subs. It's the players, the officials, the crowd or the middle of the road opposition being a really good team with really good players. Having said all that knowing him they'll go and win the next 4 games !

It's the same every time before and after these ties on here you'd think the penny had dropped by now. I guess some rarely attend them and don't take much notice of other gates around the country so it leads to some shock and confusion when they see the small crowd.

Just go and compare it to others down the years and it's pretty standard. You'd have to have had your head in the sand the last 20 years to expect anything else for these games. Riverside has been closed for years for these as well.

They were saying that for two thirds of last season and there was a real 'out' groundswell brewing up then they went on a run. By the end of the season they were giving him the keys to the city.

In a skint northern town those prices are beyond ridiculous more fool those who pay it even if it doesn't dent their pocket.

Swaggering tosspot and face like Frank Skinner chewing a wasp ! Not the most complimentary of previews lol Sounds like they are expecting 500+ to come up so that's a good effort.

We have these debates before every one of these games but there are never many tickets sold in advance. Most just rock up on the night and any gate of around 5/6k is pretty standard depending on away turn out.

They'll press, they'll hump it forwards and they'll hit us with as many set pieces as they can win. Everything we didn't like or cope with last season so lets see if we can get to grips with it this time. Surely it can't be as bad as last season ! Millers 2 Rovers 2

Mowbray just played mumbo jumbo sides mostly in the cups it just seemed a chance to give some mins to some, play a few favs so not to upset them and chuck the odd kid in. Last season there seemed a clear plan to set out sides based almost entirely on the youth and second choice players in a structured team system similar to the first team. Obviously it helped we had more youth than ever champing at the bit and the knowledge with them that they'll get a chance of first team action if they perform. The mentality seemed different so hopefully that remains the case, i certainly don't mind if we have a first team and a cup tie team instead of just a random mix of the two.

Dolan isn't shite at all he's just a young player who struggles for consistency like plenty others and he needs to drop some of his over cooking it.

Football is a strange beast especially when it comes to younger players, they simply have to have a chance and time. He was bought to develop and that's what he is now doing after not previously having a sniff. Looked good in bits yesterday, took his goal really well but showed he also has a way to go. Big season for him and i think he'll do ok.