Andy

Also from the Blackburn End, when he was warming up - even got a couple of songs (and reciprocated with some applause a couple of times).

Agreed - I hadn't seen the itinerary, so wasn't sure on timescales. The initial announcement at FT sounded like it would all start in 20 minutes. No problem, nipped to the bog, got the kid some more chips, back to our seats. Players out in suits for a bit then an announcement that the game will start in around another 30 mins. Nah, you're alright.

True, but in the context of Pears, he has several major ricks in him each season. Like, game-defining ricks.

I had intended to, but the gap between our match finishing and this starting was about an hour - and I just couldn't be arsed. Saw on social media that we were 2-0 up at HT (Bentley and Derbyshire, I think).

True. Distribution was ok, positioning wasn't horrible. If we can continue to protect him like that for most of the games he needs to play, we might be able to get by.

I'm probably his biggest critic on here, but he was fine today. If he can continue to be 'fine' until Toth is back, it won't be a disaster.

Not very well worded, but it was more a criticism of his interview style. It's typical manager-speak, but he is particularly bad for it - as was at Ewood. He did a good job for us and I quite like him, but his interviews are like fingernails on a chalkboard.

I mean, I know it worked out for them in terms of the result, but Derby were probably the worst footballing side I've seen this season. Their tactics seemed to be 'hoof it as long and high as possible, then chase the ball'. But then, I suppose, it is Eustace, so I shouldn't be surprised.

Couldn't agree more - thought the exact same when I read his comments pre-game. 'Yeah, y'know, I was at a tremendous club and now I'm at a tremendous club and, y'know, I've enjoyed my time at all of my previous clubs, but y'know, we're all just here on Saturday to do the best for our clubs and, y'know, there's no need to talk about who used to play for who. Y'know.' I've never known anyone speak so much without actually saying anything.

My concern is how opposition teams were very blatantly targeting him as our weak spot, prior to him finally being dropped. Think of Derby away last season, for example. The hope is that other teams have forgotten how poor he actually is. Though with Eustace coming up on Saturday, there is an air of inevitability.

He definitely existed - I can't remember the specifics now, but I tracked him down and exchanged a few emails with him at the time. But I would suggest that he fell within the 'fantasist' bracket more than anything.

I mean, a basic level of competence would probably be a baseline requirement? Yet to see it from him - and he was our first choice for an extended period of time.

They've won a few recently, as have we, but I've not been convinced at all by them. They look typically 'Eustace'; defensive, pragmatic and play on the counter. It'll be a tricky game, but if we continue with this current shape and style - and manage to get either/both of Toth and Wharton ready in time (both unknown at the time of writing), I think we'll add another win to the tally. On the flipside, if we are relying on Pears in goal and a left-back filling in at CB (as well as missing Tronstad in the middle), I'd be a bit more nervous.

Spoiler: he isn't. However, the hope is that our back 3/5 can perform how they did last night, where an empty tube of Pringles would have kept a clean sheet.

Really impressive half - we look well suited to this shape. I think Wharton has been excellent for the most part this season, no less tonight. Felt Morishita was the weak point for most of that half; a few good moves broke down due to him. But then he pops up with a moment of magic for the goal. If we can do the same in the second half, a lot of credit has to go to the players and the manager - 3 in 3 against three decent sides. Please don't collapse, boys...

That's a bit harsh - we were the better side for at least half of the first half. The stats (on Sky) showed this a few times.

Tell you something, that's a cracking performance and result. Organised, hard working and dangerous on the counter - took our goals well and could have had a few more. Toth's save at 1-0 was exactly why you need a solid GK at this level and why having the likes of Pears has previoulsy let us down. 3 goals in 2 for Andri and a clean sheet away from home. Very pleased with that, let's make it 3 in 3 against Derby now.

One of my team at work is a Leicester fan and he's been really pessimistic all season about them. They've lost a lot of quality in the summer and lots of discontent there. Might not be the worst time to play them. But then, this is Rovers.

Mark Atkins.

I'd agree with this - after 11 games, they will still be playing to Frank's style and method. He'd been there long enough that his methods would have been woven into the club's DNA. Once Andrews' own style is imposed, then it'll be fair to judge him. However, on results only, he's certainly made a good start to the season.

I do remember reading (from somewhere) that Waggott was planning on retiring either last summer, or next summer. Sitting on his substantial arse, on full pay, for the final 12 months of his working life sounds infinitely more appealing than working with this current set of charlatans overseeing our club.

Agreed on both. A GK at this level is always going to have the odd bad game. The difference now being that it is the odd bad game, as opposed to the odd good game (what we became accustomed to with his predecessor).

Agreed - violence at football is something I'll never get my head around. "We have a different opinion / you support a different team to me, so I'm going to punch you in the head". Very caveman-esque.

Does him a disservice; it was a well taken goal, due to being in a good striker’s position. You could see the confidence in him after it, fully looked the part after the goal.

A much, much needed win. But let’s be honest, Soton were somehow even worse than Sheffield. Had it not been for Toth, we’d have lost comfortably. On the plus side, I think McLoughlin and Osasha had good games - and pleasing to see Gudjohnson get his first goal. Pleased with the win, but we need to be much better against better sides.