Had an interesting conversation with Andy Holt. His opinion is the only way to really noticably increase revenue is to play more games (e.g. cup games), or increase your gates by winning games. Even then a club like Stanley is on a shoestring budget and start the season with a black hole of 300k to 500k to breakeven. Recently they have just down well enough with wins, cup games etc, but it's not a sustainable platform. One suggestion would to be trying to utilise the preseason more, maybe by re-introduction of the Manx cup, where gates would be higher, a bit more in it for the fans (and less travel costs). What does anyone else think?

The rule change gives the refs a cop out. I agree with you, he tackled from behind and made sure he got the man first and in doing so almost got his toe on the ball. From memory if the tackle was outside the box and still an open goal, it definitely would be a red card. You'll get a lot more defenders sything players down from behind if they watch the outcome of today's game.

Spain out, Russia through!

Penalties.....

Would have been a shame to concede a goal like that, but no idea why penalty not given to Spain.

I understand, but don't agree with you regarding the changes made, as I outlined my reasons before the Belgian game - yes Japan easier than Colombia but Colombia look beatable, and the game after vs Brazil much harder. Given the amount of action for Pickford in the first 2 games I don't disagree with the Banks / Bonnetti thing, or in keeping him in - not too bothered either way. I wouldn't call Southgate a genius if it works out, after all Martinez tried the same, and I think a lot of other managers would have taken the opportunity to do the same too - lots of managers rest key players the week before cup finals etc - it's a pretty unique situation to be in (last game to kick off, both teams through so don't need a result, 1 half of draw loaded, the other not). If we get beat by Colombia, then I'd look at the performances, 1 professional vs Tunisia, 1 good vs Panama, 1 friendly vs Belgium and whatever the performance is like vs Colombia - taking into account that Fleetwood Town would be a similar level to Panama IMO. At worst he's done far better than Hodgson, but I'm far from convinced he's a top manager too. Going into the tournament I'd have been happy to get to QF, now I'm looking at a really good opportunity to get to SF. If we do that with this squad given it's limitations, age etc, that would be very promising to me.

Id say the one in cloud cuckoo land is the guy who thinks we have a very difficult tie, but wants the manager sacking if we lose it. Last night's game means zilch now, as for momentum, losing may well do more good as the team get a bit of realism and realise they need to up their game - a bit like those idiots who thought beating Panama 6-1 was some kind of indication that we are going to win the world cup, but now our reserves narrowly lost to Belgium reserves in a friendly its the end of the world.

The feeling I have, is that for the next 2 rounds, if we play well, we will progress and if we don't play well, we still may advance because the opposition isnt that great. Colombia are decent going forward, but erratic, aging, and give you chances to score. I.e. beatable. Get to the semis and anything can happen, but it's likely to be Spain / Croatia or possibly Russia (home nation advantage only). At that stage, we will need to play very well to progress, and in Spain's case them to be poor too. If we get to semis, absolutely nothing to lose, exceeded expectations.

It's also one of the youngest squads at the finals, and 2 weeks ago no one was talking about anything other than getting out of the group. Time to stop the negativity and look where we are - we now have an unbelievable opportunity to play Colombia, Switzerland or Denmark to get to a world cup semi-final. The odds of us winning have gone up dramatically after losing tonight.

Pickford worries me, his distribution is excellent, almost Robbo standard, but his shot stopping isn't great and he has a habit of pushing the ball straight out towards the penalty spot. Colombia will be a decent test, but look vulnerable at the back.

That'll do nicely. Well done lads.

Like a training session this game. Rose, Dier and Rashford only ones with any credit. Worrying that Stones got a knock, he's been key defender (and set piece attacker)

Jesus better in nets, good at saving...

How about 2 yellows leading to a red?

I was upset 're Maradona, however I'm not sure that he got quite the same reaction in Argentina? Exactly, there's variations/ bending the rules, that's all I'm advocating.

You've never celebrated winning a game by a dubious penalty? Rubbish. You've never laughed at the Tugay time-wasting sustitution? The result vs Belgium won't tar us with winning the world cup by cheating in any way, shape, or form.

Yep, looks like Southgate is happy to finish second to me.

Sure, if it 0-0 5 mins to go, then as i think the bookings are discarded after the group stage, I see no harm in trying to subtlety manipulating the outcome, by kicking the ball away a couple of times. Incidentally, the best way to sort this is not to have a pre-agreed draw, but allow those finishing top to pick which tie they want in the second round. The teams will probably even themselves out then.

You don't need to be 'clever', - as the last game to kick off, and at zero risk of elimination, we are in the perfect position to choose, because of the last 2 performances. If Belgium are already talking about resting half their team, why wouldn't we follow the same logic? How much credit / impetus can you take from winning the game if the Belgians are happy for second place anyway? The only thing resting on tomorrow's game is if we finish top or second. An opportunity to give tired players, those with knocks, those on a booking a game off, and some who haven't had a game a run out. The competition is about who's there at the end, and winning the thing. No one will care if we avoid the tough half of the draw, and in just a couple of years no-one will even remember. League cup for example -Spurs routed Chelsea in a pulsating derby, there first win over them in years at the time, we played a poor Sheff Weds team from the league below, and just edged it. Who cares, we won the final. We could even draw, and still finish second if we pick up 2 more yellows than them.

France, Argentina, Uruguay, Portugal, Brazil and possibly Colombia versus Russia, Spain, Croatia, Denmark, Sweden, Switzerland and Japan. Is very possible (and we kick off last of all the group's, so we'll know for certain). Understand the you have to beat the best to win it argument, but one poor game against the first lot and we're home, poor game versus some in the second half (bar Spain), and you could still progress. Let the other side of the draw knock each other out, pick up suspensions etc. If it was Rovers in the FA Cup would you sooner beat United, City and Spurs and get to the quarter final, or play Barnsley, Oxford, Brentford, Luton etc and beat Southampton in the final?

Belgians looking at resting Lukaku and Hazard.

Also assuming Brazil top their group, we have to lose to Belgium, it's a much easier route to the semi-finals.

Haven't seen the first Korean goal, but on radio they said without VAR wouldn't be given? And then we all know the Germans would have nicked one. So maybe it's actually going to work?

For me VAR nothing to do with the Ronaldo incident. If the ref watches the incident and thinks it's deliberate, then it's red, if he doesn't then it's no card. IMO he wasn't sure, so went for a half-way house of yellow which it clearly wasnt. Again the handball incident isn't VARs fault, the ref should have looked once, then made the correct decision. Personally I have no issue reviewing that type of decision, especially in the last few mins of a game. Still have no idea how Spain topped that group, they where poor in every game.

Best away kit we've ever had. Best selling by a mile too I believe. A variation in colours on this halve template is what we need, the halves is something pretty unique as a kit template, and it should be utilised so that when someone sees a halved kit of any colour, they think is that a Rovers kit? I'd like a silver and black halved away kit. Like this https://goo.gl/images/p628pi