Think this window is fast becoming a shambolic mess. In the Stoke match thread, I posted I thought there were now big question marks against JDT. I also think there are huge question marks against Broughton. I think we have a barely communicative DOF who, IMO, seems aloof and arrogant. Actions do speak louder than words but our DOF should also be building relationships with the fans and the local media and addressing fans' concerns and assuaging fears. I am still waiting for him do do one thing that makes me think there might just be something about him. I think the wolves will soon be hunting both JDT and Broughton if they don't get their acts together pretty dam quickly. The 'happy clappers' bought, IMO, years of Mowbray bullshit and I very much doubt some of them will be taken in twice!

He could have started with Edun, Carter, Hedges, Wharton and even Markanday which would have given us a more physical presence, skill and pace. If a couple were struggling after an hour or so following return from injury then you make your substitutions when, hopefully, you have a lead to hold on to. Far more difficult making changes at half time when you are losing, have no momentum and been generally p1ss poor. JDT got the team selection badly wrong - 99 out of 100 Rovers' fans could have told him that before a ball was kicked.

Spot on. Organise, organise and then organise again. Make life feckin difficult for the opposition. Remember when we beat Spurs in the League Cup Final in Cardiff some 20 years ago with the players available (several missing), Souey got a tune out of what we had - physical (Hughes prowling midfield), aggressive and organised. Pre match, not many gave us a prayer - we stuffed it back down their throats.

Another winning bet @chaddyrovers but you tend to disregard these! IMO, big question marks now against JDT. Yep, we all know we need new players but it's also about making the best use of what you have and, so far, I don't think he has demonstrated he knows how to set a team up. After a full pre season, friendlies and almost 10 competitive matches and if he still thinks Rankin-Costello, Pickering, Buckley and Dolan are players then Houston, we have a problem. Think we will get walloped on Wednesday at Blackpool. Worrying times, very worrying times - we could be heading for a relegation dog fight.

No wonder it hasn't lasted long! A wonderful, palest of pinks, rose wine. Crisp and refreshing - drinkable at any time of day including breakfast!

Delap will have a field day.

wrong post

Nice aspiration! With Alex Neill likely to be sat in the stand think Stoke will be a tough nut to crack and I think they will edge it by the odd goal. Wasn't going to bet on this but Stoke at 2/1 proved too attractive.

It wasn't a random ramble - I got asked the question on this thread so I gave an answer!

Try a Portuguese Vinho Verde known for being a tad 'zingy' / 'spritzy' / 'fizzy' (but not as Prosecco).

Cave de Lugny Chardonnay (available at Waitrose) to go with the swordfish - a pairing that brings out the flavours in each. Followed by a nice red If Rovers win to round off the night - was given a bottle of Patina Syrah 2019 today which I've never had so itching to try.

That's about £3million net of VAT and relative chicken shit when you have owners like V's and Gibson. @Gavis right, think respective owners light years apart in terms of ambition.

Difficult one to call (and therefore no bets on this game) but fancy Stoke to edge it. Almost inevitable, a club sacks their manager and caretaker roars in with a win. Think we'll know more about Brereton's future from team selection (that's if he's not gone by tomorrow). Dack HAS to start tomorrow - it really is time to either sh1t or get off the pot with him - what is left in his locker? Goals against Lincoln, Hartlepool and Bradford prove little. Has he got the fitness, mobility, intensity, physicality to still cut it in the Championship from the start of a game - the club and Dack himself need to know.

Would be a good move for Brereton. A mid table La Liga team and pressure would be 'manageable'. If he's got what it takes to play in La Liga, and shows it, the bigger teams would soon come calling.

Maybe domestic reasons. Neil lived in Longridge for a few years and if he's still there (or his family are) then it's a 3 hour journey to Sunderland whilst Stoke is about an hour and a quarter.

Given your seemingly encyclopedic knowledge of football, surprised you hadn't suggested him @chaddyrovers?

Broad brush stuff and assuming quoted numbers are correct: Lenihan cost over 4 years: 4*52*(24k*1.14<NI>) = £5.7m Hyam cost over 4 years: transfer fee £2.5m, wages 4*52*(15k*1.14<NI>) = £6.0m in total Nowt in it and Hyam likely to have higher sale value v Lenihan in 4 years time given age differential.

Unless Brerton goes, I doubt we will get beyond 3. QUALITY is the key word and I think we have yet to make 1 QUALITY signing.

You've terrific culinary tastes Gav - John Bulls are one of my favourites and it's a pity there are many chippies who don't do them! So true about fools and their money - gladly, I ain't one of them! Like I said to Chaddy, we'll in the black on Rovers' betting this season - you don't win them all!

Delighted with Rovers' win which was badly needed by club and fans. Another betting loss? Clearly you've chosen to ignore my betting wins this season - rest assured, I'm well in pocket!

Each to their own. Quite simply whether I bet on or against Rovers has no bearing on the result. The result is entirely down to the manager and those playing. I do not bet on the opposition hoping Rovers lose - I simply expect them to lose. There is a difference between the two emotions. I dread to think how much money I've spent on Rovers following them home, away and into Europe often with the family therefore if I can win a few quid from betting on Rovers' matches I don't see what the issue is.

Yep

Knighton was a midfield dynamo - terrific tackler with one hell of a shot. A steal from PNE at circa £50,000. Quig had an eye for a player and one wonders what would have happened had Jimmy Kerr not done his knee which finished him shortly after we signed him from Bury for circa £60,000. That lad was a diamond and potentially better than Colin Bell who Bury sold to City 2 or 3 years before we got Kerr.

Billy was a terrific popular servant for both Rovers and Pompey. Finished up having a pub down there. Sadly, I think he passed away about 4 or 5 years ago in his early 70's.

Wasn't Bell part of the deal which took Allan Hunter to Ipswich - Hunter was superb and one of Quig's best ever signings (think we got him from Oldham for a song). You are right, we did sell him to Crystal Palace after he'd played just either 1 or 2 games - incredible!