We are playing Middlesbrough who are 7th in Championship (admittedly on a good run) and not City the PL's run away leaders - some perspective called for. I'm going for a narrow Rovers' win tonight as I think Rothwell / Buckley will create / execute enough for us to notch a couple of goals. 9/5 for win and 21/2 for 2-1 are good value bets.

Bill Dunning, hells bells that's got the cogs in my head churning. Don't remember too much about the lad (think he disappeared into obscurity pretty quickly) but didn't he debut at 17 for Rovers and score on his debut after being part of the Rovers' youth team in the late 1960's that hammered Liverpool in the Youth Cup 4,5 or 6 nil?

I don't think Levy does sympathy! IMO, a chairman who is one hard nosed bastard of a businessman - just wish we had someone in his mould.

Hamstring injuries such as these are often suffered 'early season' whether it be athletics, football or whatever sport where there is intensity. The step up from Spurs' PL2 to Championship football is huge in terms of physicality and intensity and is therefore not dissimilar to an 'early season' injury. Spark Rover's comment is very valid. and each successive hamstring injury diminishes pace as best illustrated by Michael Own. Surgery is horrible, complicated and comes with a long rehab. I think Markandy will be lucky if he is ready to go at the beginning of next season. I think it is 90% certain the injury will take at least half a yard off Markandy's pace. Almost 50% of those who participate in sport at any level and suffer a hamstring rupture / tear requiring surgery experience a sizeable decrease in their pre injury activity levels. It's a huge blow for both Rovers and Markandy and one can only wish the lad well.

The making of Brereton was when he joined up with Chile. I think it's clear Chile's coaching staff were able to tap into the lad's psyche in a way Mowbray, Venus and Lowe couldn't. He gained enormous confidence and self belief. Think he's a better player than Armstrong in terms of technique and football intelligence. If he had Armstrong's blistering pace he would be one helluva player. Think his lack of real pace will prevent him becoming a top, top player. I'd snap the hand off West Ham at £28.5million. IMO, will find life very difficult in the PL.

Did he get a chance and who (Mowbray or Benson or both) made the call he wasn't for us? What bits I saw of Fisher at Rovers as he worked his way through the ranks made me think the lad had a chance. Thought he had the attributes needed - was calm, brave, decisive and agile. Borne out by the bits I've seen of him on tv whilst at MKD and he looked pretty useful with the ball at his feet! Someone like @chaddyrovers must surely be able to find some of his highlights.

Absolutely agree. Fisher also a bigger unit with far more self confidence. Think Fisher may well play in PL one day. Doubt Pears has a snowball's chance in hell of that happening.

Would be a big advancement on Benson. Last I heard, Mimms was working at Norwich?

I think one of the the best signings Rovers could make this window is a goalkeeping coach to replace Benson. IMO, we need a goalkeeping coach who has played the game professionally at a good level and who has a proven track record for developing and improving goalkeepers and who our goalkeepers would respect - with such a coach, I think there is a very good chance Raya (look how his game has developed since leaving Rovers) would still be a Rovers' player. Kaminski is a very good goalkeeper who, I believe, with the right coach and mentor would get even better. I think Pears is a lost cause irrespective of who our goalkeeping coach is or who might be. I think Stergiakis and Eastham have far more natural ability and potential than Pears and they deserve the chance to realise such potential with a goalkeeping coach who ticks the right boxes.

Mowbray and Rovers surpassing all expectations so far - since the Fulham debacle, things have 'clicked'. This season might well be the best opportunity the Venky's have had to return to the 'promised land'. Wise heads and shrewd investment needed. The older ones on here will recall Gordon Lee signing Mick Hickman and Souey getting Berkovic - both great signings in helping to achieve promotion in those seasons. Signs are the fans are beginning to respond and return to Ewood. I hope to get there myself soon. Happy NY all - let's hope it proves to be a promotion cracker.

Think Kaminski will be a huge and costly miss. Gone for PNE at 12/5.

We should be buying players better than we already have otherwise we are not progressing. Cover players are not the answer. My big fear right now is the goalkeeping situation. If Kaminski is going to miss a few games then I think Pears will cost us dearly - I don't think Pears should ever have been signed, not even on a 12 month deal never mind the ludicrous 4 year deal.

Agree. Time to sh1t or get off the pot.

Great time to play Stoke. We are rolling and they have key absentees. Unbelievably generous odds on Rovers' win at almost 3/1 on one of the exchanges. Lumped on and fully expect Rovers' cash machine to keep paying out! Also stuck a tenner on 3-1 to Rovers at 40/1. Fill yer boots.

Sensible team selection, for a change. Super confident about this one. City ripe for the taking - couldn't play them at a better time. This is a licence to print money - lumped on Rovers at 11/8. Fun bet - £10 on 3-1 win at 20/1.

I couldn't think of anything worse than Mowbray in that role. I do not think he can offer anything further to our football club. We need nous, ambition, vision, drive, personality and first rate communication skills - everything, IMO, Mowbray lacks.

The only thing I would say to you is if someone is looking for a job that person does not put all their eggs in one basket! I will leave you to join up the dots!

Come on Gav, get real. You and I both strongly agree that our owners are an issue. However, that does not change the persona, ambition, drive, tactical awareness, relationship with supporters etc of the manager who is in charge at any point in time. IMO, anyone who thinks Mowbray IS NOT an issue is a fool.

Think some get too hung up about our ownership saying nothing will change whilst Venky's remain in situ. The key question for me is would a new manager get a better tune out of the players currently at Mowbray's disposal and would those players uncertain of committing their future to Rovers be more inclined to stay under the direction of a manager with a clear plan, ambition and who doesn't hang them out to dry (which IMO Mowbray does -it's never his fault). The answer to me is Yes and Yes. We are 7th in the league and have a much better opportunity of selling the club to a new manager than if we were rooted to the bottom of the table. The time for change is now and long overdue. Yesterday's result is irrelevant. What is relevant is Mowbray's 5 years in charge and, IMO, the undefined journey in his football maze of a mind. I think we know another Mowbray death spiral is never far away and who can ever forget last seasons abysmal 2 wins in 17 games.

Interesting stuff from @Paul Mani I think Rovers' executive management change their tune so often it's reminiscent of words/meaning to 'Hokey Cokey'. However, posted earlier this week that I thought even a win wouldn't save Mowbray and I stand by that. Think that departures of Farke and Warnock (not saying either will replace Mowbray - my money is still on Neill or Wilder in that order) will help focus some minds at Ewood (need for change).

Won a packet today on Rovers' win but would give the lot away for a guarantee of a new manager by the time Rovers play another league game. Feel today's win was inevitable but risk is could be yet another papering over the cracks / false dawn.

Some bizarre selections and Mowbray needs a face saving win. Can only be one outcome against an unconvincing Sheff Ud. Rovers' win at 11/4 - just full yer boots.

Interesting to see comments from @PeteJD13 @Paul Mani In the main, totally bemused by Mowbray's attitude in today's press conference. IMO, the attitude of a manager who knows he wont be in post for much longer.

I stand by this. Head on the block - doubt even a win on Saturday will be enough to save Mowbray. Sadly, I don't think he should ever have been appointed and, IMO, his departure will be at least four and a half years too late.

Any win is a good win! Seems like we did our best though to surrender another 2 goal lead. Big, big test on Wednesday. Think Santa's sack will soon start to fill up!