because of boxing day

Been trying to keep tabs on Harry Chapman's progress at Boro since he went back as Mowbray had never said never and perhaps more tellingly the player's social media profile & messages hinted that a return to Ewood was not out of question. IIRC didn't Pulis block him moving "somewhere" at the end of August 18 prompting a particularly grumpy SM message by Chapman or on his behalf. Anyway the only injuries that I detected that kept him out of playing contention this season were one recurrence of the hamstring issue early season and then in his 1st game on return to action a (dislocated) shoulder injury after he'd apparently played quite well. Time will tell. His brand and style is exciting and progressive (and gets people on their feet in expectation) so I'm not against getting him in in principle but would his signing block Joe Rothwell's progress?

Joe Rothwell's impact from bench on left side yesterday suggests to me that if that form can be repeated regularly that we don't need a Chapman or Edwards type that would take up a squad number and additional wages. My preference would be for Mowbray (Waggot) and Rodwell to agree a longer term deal.

But that analogy suggests that the "culprit" recognises his fault if not guilt, and is an open expression of concern for the recovery of the patient. I am guardedly of the view that over the period of Mowbray's tenure that the owners have at least demonstrated a closed recognition of their failure to control the "alleged plunderers" in enabling the local control over finance and admin under Waggott and the positive and clearly planned retention of senior playing and managerial staff amongst the many and varied other signs of "the recovery of the patient". There could be legal issues that will never be in the public domain that prevent the owners from ever being able to openly and fully explain the history of the first phase of ownership. An explanation would be helpful but in its absence the present and continuing financial commitment suggests that they want the Club to be upwardly mobile (as do the fans)

Going to this one provided its not Monday. Hotel booked provisionally hoping match is Sat or Sun.. I'm looking forward to reacquainting self with St James Park. Wife looking forward to the shopping!! Only time prevously on St James's Park was April 1983 a strange game without much atmosphere notwithstanding the 3-2 loss scoreline featuring a bizarre Mecky own goal and 2 "Killer" super-sub sharp strikes.

That's exactly as I remember him. Wasn't he nicknamed "Spider" given his physical characteristics?

No complaint about anything he needed to do. In fairness he was hardly tested. Strong-wristed away a firmly struck shot that came through a crowd of players. Fair play on that one. Have to say that his judgement of Freeman's shot that clipped outside of post high up was impeccable.?

Am I right in thinking that you can prepay by ringing the ticket office or booking your ticket online before the matchday deadline and collect from the kiosk to avoid the surcharge. If that is correct it is very likely that there are only a few that truly decide at the last minute to go that pay for the "last minute" service. Surely most of those averse to paying extra could organise their diary to make a call or go online!! I do however hold the view that on the playing side, on communications via social media, on coaching and team management and commercial partnerships and sponsorship there have been enormous progressive strides. These need to be matches by an inventive progressive policy on season ticket and matchday ticket pricing. I'm not keen at this stage on allocating the upper BBE to young adults per JHR's idea. Would create empty chasms in other areas of ground until there is a huge surge in attendances. Apologies for the appearanceof the post!!

There's been a long list of incomers with "masked" poor medical histories .... Gilliver, Britt, Agnew, Munro etc.... but IIRC Jimmy Kerr who had a very bright future picked up a new career ending injury very soon after joining. The modern pre contract "medical" with full medical/injury history provided by the "selling" club hopefully negates Agnewlike mistakes in future.

Scott Wilson (Northern Echo) reports today that Chapman's shoulder injury is not serious and hints that a number of clubs in Championship and League One are after him on loan.