What this whole sorry episode needs is not some wishy washy investigation by the toothless football authorities but a criminal investigation by the fraud squad and expose the whole 'fit and proper' sham and illegal operations for what it really is. Football really needs a new brush to sweep away the ineptitude and corruption that runs through it likes stick of rock. Unfortunately the likes of Wigan (and even ultimately us) could be collateral damage in the process.

?? It was called Four Dimensions of Greta and was the first 3D film I saw, not bad for the early seventies. It centred around a Brentford footballer who was a bit of a player (with the women that is) and lots of shots were in the ground. The actor made lots of 'big John centre forward' references as well as mentioning other players from the then Brentford team. We saw it at the Odeon and as a group of adolescents were giggling through it. The O'Mara mention was the highlight ???.

You know Lenny I was duped by O'Mara and was taught a salutory lesson in judging players on one game. I went to Brentford just before we signed him and he was outstanding in a 3-0 Brentford win. I told all my mates about this top player and how I wished we had him. Lo and behold Furphy paid £30k soon after and I was delighted but, after making a million excuses I had to concede he was useless. I was actually surprised to see that he scored ten goals for us so in comparison to Brereton and Gallagher he was a world beater. As we aside did you know O'Mara got a mention in an early seventies soft porn film?

I read Mowbrays latest comments and think he is disappointed that we just haven't kicked on this season and that individually certain players who he had high hopes for have flopped. Clearly he needs to look at himself and his staff if he is apportioning blame as team selection and tactics have placed limitations on some individuals. I also think the penny has dropped that he has taken us as far as he can and without a transfer window of big change we will continue to be mid table or below. This to me is a huge time coming up and I honestly think Mowbray has lost some belief in himself and his p!ayers.

Well done to the police for hacking into an encrypted phone system and arresting hundreds of hard core criminals. Every law abiding citizen in this country should be grateful. It appears that some were hiding behind the legitimacy of being successful businessmen. The Sky commentator said the public will be surprised when their names are announced. https://news.sky.com/story/operation-venetic-police-catch-hundreds-suspected-of-leading-secret-criminal-lives-by-cracking-codes-12019558

That is pretty much what Mowbray said when he was challenged about his 'defenders are coming' quote at this years supporter consultation meeting, in fact he threw Waltons name into the mix as well. The bloke who asked the question quite rightly said that none of them were our players and there was no guarantee of them becoming our players. Mowbray answered that with something like 'that's a fair point'. And now it looks like we will be in exactly the same position with having to buy or loan three players out of our back five for the first team. From that perspective we haven't moved on at all.

I find that notion incredible. The vast majority of Rovers fans I know and associate with first went as youngsters and got the bug. Not every kid will grow into an regular attendee but some will. And some adults only go to take their children or grandchildren, to spend some time with them and hopefully celebrate a win together. I got my granddaughter a season ticket for the current season and she really enjoys the whole experience of going to Ewood on the bus, having some chips and watching the game. If there is some kind of scam (which you seem to be alluding to) with junior tickets then the club needs to sort it, not some hare brained idea of banning all kids like yours is.

I think it was the fourth official who made the call Jack. I only saw his kick on the second viewing and called it red. I don't think it's right to call it a foul though as the ball had long gone and Brereton showed his petulance at not getting a free kick seconds earlier and Mowbray admitted shouting at him which Mowbray thinks added to his moment of petulance and madness. I think it's a clear sending off.

You have to pay to appeal and lose that money it the appeal is unsuccessful. Also an extra game can be added to the ban if it's considered frivolous.

We can but we won't as Mowbray says it was the right decision. https://www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/sport/18552242.unacceptable---mowbray-brereton-red-rovers-defeat/

It couldn't be described as a tackle, it was a blatant kick with no intention to play the ball. You are right with your use of the word petulant though.

The most sobering thought of the Mowbray debate is that the upcoming transfer window will be his seventh. He is a mid table manager, an average Joe who will keep us mid/lower Championship.

I saw it as a kick by Brereton who reacted after he thought he was fouled. Violent conduct and a three game ban. I thought the referee called it right.

There seems to be a rewriting of history about Brereton. Last season he was out into the under 23 team as his confidence was so low. This season he has been injured for a chunk and had a couple of decent cameos off the bench when he got fit. He was good against Bristol City by all accounts and did moderately well on Saturday. He is a long way from a competent Championship player in my view and his solitary goal against an exceptionally poor Bolton team is the most damning statistic I can think of. I really want the lad to do well for us and he might come good but right now, nearly two seasons since he signed he has been a disappointment.

I emailed the club again today regarding their one size fits all offer after the season was curtailed for supporters. I received the reply below almost immediately. It seems it's a pre written reply. Has anybody else has one? On reviewing our systems, it has been brought to our attention that you have not or have been unable to take up our offer of receiving a live stream of the nine remaining 2019-20 Championship games as recompense for the final four home fixtures of the season that you will be unable to attend due to the outbreak of the COVID-19 virus. This offer will remain open for the remainder of the 2019-20 season, but obviously the sooner you register the better value it will be for you, as each individual match pass is being charged at £10. With most of our season ticket holders subscribing to the offer, we have been totally focused on ensuring that they are able to access the iFollow platform for the restart of the season when we host Bristol City at Ewood Park on Saturday (June 20th). Given that we are still operating on a skeleton staffing structure at the stadium and due to the sheer volume of fans who have accepted the offer but require assistance in updating their account details to facilitate effective activation of their unique code, all of our efforts are currently focused on delivering this service in the short timeframe available. Once we get through this hectic period, we will then address those who have not taken up the offer to discuss how best we can recompense you. We thank you for both your patience, support and understanding at this very challenging time and will be back in touch soon. Regards Steve Waggott CEO.

Start for Smallwood?

After Fulham Barnsley were the best team I have seen at Ewood this season. They completely out footballed us and we crabbed a lucky win but that was the game when the crowd turned and Mowbray was a bit spikey in the post match interviews. I think he needs to forget his sexy formations and flood midfield to stop them playing. Given their league position they have to come at us so we should hit them on the break. In which case Armstrong has to start.

It not just about the way you play it's the way you set up. Guardiola will always play the same way but sometimes tweaks his formations to negate other teams threats. It's something that Mowbray doesn't do particularly well in my view.

Personally I would have him here playing in cup games and under 23's. We need two keepers and bringing in two from outside would unnecessarily eat into the budget when we already have one of great promise.

That's my point. Play against a team one way at home, win and play well, play the same way away, lose and play badly. Tactics and systems sometimes have to change depending on who we play and how they play. That is down to Mowbray and his coaches.

You may well be right but if he does he will be nearly 22 when the next season starts. Mowbray has opted for a cheap, second rate keeper in Leutwiler who simply isn't able to challenge Walton. He badly failed his audition at the end of last season when he was given a chance but still got another year. Hilton should be back up next season whilst still playing for the under 23's in my view.

I would give Hilton a chance. I have seen him several times and is commanding of his area, has a presence and really good reflexes.

Horses for courses. Bristol City don't play like Wigan as was pointed out by Kevin Gallacher and we were playing away. It was said that Holtby played as a 10 against Bristol not a false 9 (whatever that is).

It's archetypal Nixon. He knows we need a keeper or two and will link every Tom, Dick or Harry keeper that is available. Staggering to think he makes a living doing this.

The point was made on Radio Lancashire that the several players were picked in positions and roles they didn't understand how to play in and consequently were hardly were in the right positions. It's another example of Mowbray over thinking and complicating things.