I'd heard whispers that he was in negotiations for a new contract a few weeks ago (when the red tops were saying that he was on the verge of walking). Imagine if there was a situation where we announced a new signing or two - and then chucked this in at the same time (if it happens).

Agreed - when he was pushing for a World Cup place, he was on fire. Sadly, all fizzled away after that.

I was extremely impressed with Brittain early last season and before his injury, I felt he was one of our best players. Injuries robbed him of most of the season last year, but I’m hoping he’ll be another ‘like a new signing’ for us this season. And I saw another note whilst I’ve been catching up saying Dolan gets a hard time on here. I don’t think he does, he’s just had very few good games in recent memory.

I really liked him - was sloppy a few times, but that'll come. Linked play well and broke up the opposition attacks; it's a very unappreciated position/role and I think he'll be a big part of the team this season.

I feel like we've got a potentially excellent spine of the team, including the new GK arriving. Both CBs are top-6 standard, we know about A.Wharton and I genuinely think that Leonard's potential at this level is without an upper limit. If we can fill the squad with another 2/3/4 bodies and we do keep hold of JDT, there is absolutely no reason why we'd not be around the top 6.

I don't think any of their shouts were valid. The JRC one was the closest - VAR gives it, but it's never a penalty.

Same thing happened to a 9/10 year old me, on VE Day (vs Newcastle). Pottering around outside the ground and a local bobby offered me and a mate some free tickets. His was in the JW, mine was slap bang in the middle of the Geordies. Never celebrated a goal as quietly in my life, whilst the other 3 sides of the stadium were electric.

Was sure I’d put Leonard and Markanday. Anyway, good 3 points and whilst it probably should have been 4-4 or 5-5 we did enough. Credit to JDT for the changes, clearly changed the impetus of the 2nd half. Once Wharton is fully fit, he’s going to dominate this division. And even though he missed a couple, I loved seeing the runs and instinctive movement of Leonard. If he plays 30 games this season, he’ll score 10-15. Oh and in the interests of fairness, Dolan was better 2nd half.

Started a bit rusty, but thought Trondstad grew into that, really liked him. Freeing Trav to drive forward as well, very effective. Thought Leonard’s overall game was superior to anything that Gallagher would have given us today, if I’m honest. Only really Dolan as the negative, just doesn’t offer anything (barring one shot) and seems to lose the ball more often than not.

Yeah, just about to write the same. Think he’s been fantastic so far.

Delighted with that first 30 minutes, stayed solid and patient until the chances came - and then we were lethal. Said all summer I thought that this would be a big season for Dilan - and I think it will. Thrilled for Leonard to score on his full debut, brilliant.

Obviously didn't fancy putting in the required level of effort. Far easier going back to the old comfort blanket of Uncle Tony, where gets a cuddle and some lemon drizzle.

Nowhere near, on both counts.

Wise advice. Always judge when the window closes, otherwise you leave yourself open to looking a bit foolish.

2-1 Rovers. Szmodics and Leonard.

Top 6 for me. Finished 7th last season and we have to show an improvement on that. New signings so far look good additions, but it's critical we bring in at least 2 new faces in attack before the end of the window. But I think we will.

And that's before you remember those dodgy clauses in his employment contract (bonus for relegation / etc). The man is an absolute crook and the fact that he's hopped from crap job to crap job in far reaches of the globe since we removed his grubby stain from the club speaks volumes.

1. Who will win this year’s Championship ? Southampton 2. Who will claim runners-up spot ? Leicester 3. Who will finish rock bottom in the Championship ? Plymouth 4. Where will Rovers finish this season in the league ? 5th 5. How many league goals will Rovers score this season ? 60 6. Who will win the BRFCS POTY ? A.Wharton

The restrictions are in place now; they are literally stopping money from being invested right now. Hearing scheduled for mid-Aug, where it should (hopefully) be resolved. Edited to add: Venky's were not aware of these restrictions in advance and had no way to foresee them (for confirmation, not tax related). The thing that doesn't add up for me is that JDT was speaking as if these restrictions would be long-term, so there may be even more to it.

I was keeping my kids entertained and was outside for most of pre-match, but I did notice one or two crackers. But that playlist would have been amazing - they need to consider that for next week or beyond.

Good point on the music - some of it was bob-on. The Beatles song just before KO didn’t really fit though for me. Get the reference, but it’s really not a pre-match tune. Overall, a lot better than usual though.

I thought Ennis showed a decent burst of pace for the one chance he had - though I was on the other side of the JW, so saw it from afar. Got a good reception during warm up and when he came on, the few minutes he had wouldn’t have done any harm at all.

Agreed, from an event perspective - there was a lovely atmosphere around the outside of the ground pre-game. My 2 little lads had a good time joining in with a few bits - and 5k+ attendance is very respectable. Well done to all involved. General thoughts at HT didn’t really change in the second. Decent performance and useful minutes in the legs. Optimistic about Markanday and Leonard, think they’ll both be useful players this season. Sigurdsson, Wharton and a proper striker in that side and we’re rattling around the upper reaches of midtable.

HT thoughts. Scoreline flatters them. Whilst they’ve been clinical, we’ve played some decent enough stuff. Trav started brilliantly, died down after getting wound up. Markanday looks like he’ll be a real bonus this season. Carter looks our best defender. Not sure Dolan is up to it. No actual end product. Nice goal, pleased for Leonard, had a tough half otherwise. Would Gallagher have been in that position?

Genuinely think DM will be a breakout this season - real bonus for us if that is the case.