The same players are expected to defend set pieces into our box though. And in several of the earlier games Gallagher and Hedges were playing. I think it's a new tactic that Tomasson is looking at and hopefully the data tells him it's not working.

I really hope Tomasson changes his mind on these short corners. In every friendly so far we have taken short corners with a couple of exceptions at Fleetwood. In nearly every one we have sent the centre halves up and the ball hasn't even got into the penalty area. Yesterday on two occasions we have handed over cheap possession to Girona who countered and created chances as our centre halves were marooned at the other end. Similarly the two free-kicks in the second half were poorly thought out and executed. Surely given our striker constraints getting the ball into the penalty area, even for a preferable would be a better option. And whatever happened to the set piece coach we were looking to appoint.

It's the way that managers are misled that I believe causes them frustration. And that particular buck stops directly at the owners door. No marks like Coyle and Kean would put up with it. Managers with integrity won't.

It's a myth. He was going to do it in a Central League game at Turf Mood but the West Brom chairman got wind of it and threatened him with a fine if he did do it. He told me that himself.

What a welcome relief to get on Ewood again and, for a short period at least forget about the nonsense we have been going through recently. I enjoyed watching Girona immensely, really good, quick, incisive play and excellent movement all over the pitch. In truth they were far better than us and our performance didn't really tell me anything I didn't already know. Our first goal was well worked and it was pleasing that Szmodics and Leonard were involved in it as I thought they were two of our better players. Getting Adam Wharton in the starting eleven next week for Travis will improve us but our Achilles heel will be scoring goals. I was pleased for Markanday who I thought showed up well particularly in the second half. Dolan is still very much Dolan and just doesn't have any semblance of a football brain. If he won't sign his new deal get shut now. He just isn't good enough to hold us to ransom. Lastly well done to the organisers in WATR, 4000 Holes and BRFCS for their hard work. We ventured around the Blackburn End pre match and the atmosphere despite a small crowd seemed really good.

I could draw up a shortlist right now of managers to replace Tomasson. But how many would come here and join the circus? It's pie in the sky despite what Broughton says. Has he already approached these people, will they come, are they currently employed and will we have to pay compensation (lol)? It's another blag from GreggI think. Should it happen my money is on another jobber who has no professional pride, takes and job and puts up with the crap going on around him.

He strikes me as being honourable but being misled and going public about it isn't a good sign. His stock is high in the game so I don't believe he would hesitate to resign and spend a period unemployed. In my view he is edging towards his personal tipping point.

Pride. He has been misled as was Lambert. I think most principled people (and Tomasson seems to be one) would be seriously considering their futures.

The multi ball system is going to be used but ball boys/girls won't be involved. Balls will be placed on cones in various locations around the pitch so the referee can manage situations better when teams are at it. I have known ball boys/girls disappear when the home team is winning and the game is drawing to an end.

Interestingly at yesterday's game there were five minutes additional time at the end of the first half and eight at the end of the second half.

We too were right behind the Rovers technical areas and I saw the game and performance pretty much your way.

Attitude last night for me. At times he was like a petulant kid.

I've said for years that people I know personally who post on here would do a far better job than any of the current incumbents we are suffering with right now. They have the wherewithal, qualifications and most importantly a strong will for Rovers to succeed. Today will be an example of this.

I've always believed it's a fine line between confidence and arrogance and he was on that line but tonight he definitely crossed over into the latter. Tomasson went to give him a pat on the back when he was substituted and he just blanked him.

Buckley was poor tonight and could have been sent off for a high challenge on a Stockport player. He continually gave the ball away and made wrong decisions. He looked like a proper big time Charlie to me tonight.

We were decidedly second best to Stockport tonight as a combination of Pears and bad finishing gave us the win. Good to see Adam get seventy minutes in his legs. It will probably take a couple more games to get him up to speed. I was disappointed in Callum Brittain more than anything else tonight. He isn't capable of pushing into midfield like Tomasson wants him to and at times looked lost. Scott Wharton was steady and our two young strikers (Bloxham and Edmundson) battled manfully but made little headway. I was impressed with Gilsenan in the second half but overall we were disappointing.

Each to their own mate 😁

Stanley's new third kit. It appears somebody at Macron was having a bad day. 😂

My understanding is that the Delegate will also estimate the time lost and if it doesn't marry up with the referee then the referee will lose marks. And marks are the lifeblood of any referee. I can't find the EFL figures but I was told that the average ball in play time in League Two is 48 minutes. Premier League averages are below.

Law changes and instructions to referees for the coming season are detailed in the link. https://www.efl.com/news/2023/july/match-officials-adopt-new-approach-for-202324-season/

I reckon if you showed that shirt to a few thousand people nobody would see what philipl is seeing. It's a crazy notion from someone who should know better than to post such inflammatory nonsense.

Bloody hell you've surpassed yourself with that comment.

I overheard in the shop this morning that more stock of adults home kits should be here today and available to buy from tomorrow. Piggy backing on the conversation I asked about shorts, socks and little kiddies shirts. The lady told me she didn't know when any of these would be in. Although I didn't ask specifically I assume the training gear is in the latter.

The elephant is still well and truly in the room Gav. Personally I curse the day they took control of our club.

Somebody posted that Sam Gallagher was injured. A picture from yesterday disproves that.