[Archived] Pre-season Friendlies

[Jan]

Sounds like Fowler has been a bit crap, and is not worth a contract.

But he's narky-face's mate and will get one anyway.

[RevidgeBlue]

But he's narky-face's mate and will get one anyway.

I doubt he will get one if he doesn't measure up.

And Ince might be similarly wondering why Sparky's "mates" McCarthy and Tugay were handed new deals before he buggered off to Citeh.

[philipl]

Shame that Frank Fielding was at fault for both goals by all accounts and that Sergio Peters seems to have regressed from being a brat to a total liability.

Saw the first half (or what I could between the ambulance, heavy breathing and occasional transmission halts) and I thought Rovers played very well at times and were not made to look second best by a very strong looking Sporting side. The outfield reserves looked in the Rovers side played well and Dunn looked very strong and sharp.

Some excellent passing moves from the Rovers as well- certainly did not look like a scratch outfit in a meaningless tournament which is what it was.

[roversmum]

The lads did well, good experience for them.

I've supported Peter in the past but that's an end to it. Hope Ince gives him a rocket. Friendly or not, it would have been nice to win that cup and he could have lost it for us.

As for Fowler, I cringe to see him in a Rovers shirt. Exit door, etc, please, as soon as.

Don't even get me started on the Referee. If anyone thought Rovers were a'dirty' team they have never seen Sporting. Did I say 'sporting' - Ha! They made it an art form.

Bring on the Wolves. They will be up for it and hopefully so will we.

[JAL]

Robbie Fowler..... is Ince losing his way big time, its not a good sign, is it, to play a past it 33 year old.

With Gally, Dunny, Tugay, Macarthy all lacking serious pace, adding Robbie Howler into that mix doesnt give Paul Ince any credibility at all.

The sooner Ince dispatches with Fowler services, wakes up and realises the season is starting very soon and that he needs someone else, the better.

[Darth Paul]

To the ever growing band of people who want to criticize Ince before he has even got started properly, remember that Fowler is only here on TRIAL.

If Ince had signed him I guess he would be in for even more stick but the trial option shows an element of shrewdness to me, on Inces behalf. Remember that Castillo was rejected after a trial, at least he isn't throwing our money away just yet.

But don't let the facts spoil you having a good moan...

[JAL]

To the ever growing band of people who want to criticize Ince before he has even got started properly, remember that Fowler is only here on TRIAL.

If Ince had signed him I guess he would be in for even more stick but the trial option shows an element of shrewdness to me, on Inces behalf. Remember that Castillo was rejected after a trial, at least he isn't throwing our money away just yet.

But don't let the facts spoil you having a good moan...

WHY IS HE EVEN ON TRIAL IN THE FIRST PLACE ?

Wasting everyones time losing vital time and focus for the enormous challenges that lie ahead !

(As our team grows weaker the challenges become ever greater)

[Darth Paul]

I suppose it is a bit like giving a trial to a gangly, unheard of, average German sides reserve defender from a low FIFA ranked African country...

The difference is that we THINK we know what Fowler is about. Ince either KNOWS what he is about or is finding out right now. It may be proved that we are right and he is no good for us, but to single Ince out for further criticism when he is already under early mounting pressure, for taking a virtually risk free punt on a player who COULD be a reasonable squad player for us (remember 7 bench places this year), has no positive effect on Rovers at all.

All of these harmless rumblings of discontent spread and before you know it Ince's job with the fans becomes impossible after only a couple of weeks into the season, all because of hearsay and rumours.

We may not all like what is going on, but remember, this board is a type of propoganda in itself, people listen and are influenced by it. I can't see any sense in this propoganda being anything other than positive at this stage, especially as a ball hasn't even been kicked...

[The Prof.]

Fowler - told you so!

[JAL]

I suppose it is a bit like giving a trial to a gangly, unheard of, average German sides reserve defender from a low FIFA ranked African country...

The difference is that we THINK we know what Fowler is about. Ince either KNOWS what he is about or is finding out right now. It may be proved that we are right and he is no good for us, but to single Ince out for further criticism when he is already under early mounting pressure, for taking a virtually risk free punt on a player who COULD be a reasonable squad player for us (remember 7 bench places this year), has no positive effect on Rovers at all.

All of these harmless rumblings of discontent spread and before you know it Ince's job with the fans becomes impossible after only a couple of weeks into the season, all because of hearsay and rumours.

We may not all like what is going on, but remember, this board is a type of propoganda in itself, people listen and are influenced by it. I can't see any sense in this propoganda being anything other than positive at this stage, especially as a ball hasn't even been kicked...

T

True, totally agree this board is a quick powerful communication tool amongst supporters, but i cant nor can others hold back and ask questions about the thinking or actions behind the managers decisions.

We have to question.

[roversmum]

It's just a wider version of pub chat/gossip. People will talk and discuss things, especially something that is an important part of their lives. It might irritate those who run the club especially as some might get things horribly wrong, but I don't see it as a bad thing.

[Darth Paul]

I just don't see the benefit of chastising Ince and adding to the growing bad feeling when we don't really know what is going on...(I am having sleepless nights during all this as well you know!) and I include the Friedel, Bentley, and Warnock situations in that as well...

Plus as I said, when you start criticizing a new manager for taking someone in on a trial, I think the criticism stops being genuine concern for a clubs well being and starts becoming a vendetta against said manager...

[S15]

Most Rovers fans are seemingly disillusioned with the seeming simplicity of reality.

Try backing Ince, or give a damn good reason why you seemingly wont. It's verging on pathetic now, into a personal hatred of a guy who is managing us.

He's not even played a competetive game. Do you never look at what you type and think ''My god I'm an idiot,'' as you don't have any form of argument to back up your hatred.

The guy has had two jobs, he has over succeeded in both. Now he has a shot in the big time at A SMALL CLUB. Let's see how he does. Knowing Paul Inces character all I do know is he will put his heart and soul into it and demand everyone around him also does.

People seem to blame him for players wanting to move on. THESE EXACT SAME STORIES WOULD BE APPEARING WITH OUR BEST PLAYERS REGARDLESS OF WHO OUR MANAGER IS... WE ARE A SMALL CLUB.

Do you think Ince has walked in, been intentionally swarmy and made them all think ''I'm out of here.''

NO YOU MORONS, NOW GET A GRIP.

[JAL]

Most Rovers fans are seemingly disillusioned with the seeming simplicity of reality.

Try backing Ince, or give a damn good reason why you seemingly wont. It's verging on pathetic now, into a personal hatred of a guy who is managing us.

He's not even played a competetive game. Do you never look at what you type and think ''My god I'm an idiot,'' as you don't have any form of argument to back up your hatred.

The guy has had two jobs, he has over succeeded in both. Now he has a shot in the big time at A SMALL CLUB. Let's see how he does. Knowing Paul Inces character all I do know is he will put his heart and soul into it and demand everyone around him also does.

People seem to blame him for players wanting to move on. THESE EXACT SAME STORIES WOULD BE APPEARING WITH OUR BEST PLAYERS REGARDLESS OF WHO OUR MANAGER IS... WE ARE A SMALL CLUB.

Do you think Ince has walked in, been intentionally swarmy and made them all think ''I'm out of here.''

This started off as a question against having Robbie Fowler here, you seem to have gone completely off on a tangent especially when you mention the word hatred of the manager, far from it, we all want Paul Ince to succeed, its in our own interest but we have a freedom to question certain decisions that we feel may have implications on the first team acheiving its targets for the coming season.

NO YOU MORON, GET A GRIP.

[S15]

Many people wrote him off the moment he came, and by the time he handed Fowler a trial somebody started a 'Ince Out' thread. Jan is playing nails in her voodoo doll, and thenodrog has taken up golf. Iccy is claiming Ince is wrecking our club and Mr E is currently been talked off the top of a large building by the local constabulary. I could go on.....

[Iceman]

Shillito ive seen quite a few of your posts, where you are just as negative about things.everybody has different views and opinions.you make as if your views are the only ones that matter.ive seen you attack other members as wel,just because you dont agree with whats being said. There are those who like ince and those who dont.live with it.

[S15]

Don't think I've made any personal attacks Iceman. Only quoted people. I may attack the overall concensious, but there are plenty doing worse.

[islander200]

Most Rovers fans are seemingly disillusioned with the seeming simplicity of reality.

Try backing Ince, or give a damn good reason why you seemingly wont. It's verging on pathetic now, into a personal hatred of a guy who is managing us.

He's not even played a competetive game. Do you never look at what you type and think ''My god I'm an idiot,'' as you don't have any form of argument to back up your hatred.

The guy has had two jobs, he has over succeeded in both. Now he has a shot in the big time at A SMALL CLUB. Let's see how he does. Knowing Paul Inces character all I do know is he will put his heart and soul into it and demand everyone around him also does.

People seem to blame him for players wanting to move on. THESE EXACT SAME STORIES WOULD BE APPEARING WITH OUR BEST PLAYERS REGARDLESS OF WHO OUR MANAGER IS... WE ARE A SMALL CLUB.

Do you think Ince has walked in, been intentionally swarmy and made them all think ''I'm out of here.''

NO YOU MORONS, NOW GET A GRIP.

here,here,your dead right mate

[alexanders]

I really hope and think we are about to experience a lot more direct playing style this season. I also think we will entertain more now than under Hughes. I also think Ince is a good motivator, just see how he managed to bring the guts and glory out of this preseason cup. We won't see a painful loss against Coventry or a greek B-side this season me thinks.

[tony gale's mic]

I really hope and think we are about to experience a lot more direct playing style this season. I also think we will entertain more now than under Hughes. I also think Ince is a good motivator, just see how he managed to bring the guts and glory out of this preseason cup. We won't see a painful loss against Coventry or a greek B-side this season me thinks.

We won't see a top 7 finish either.

[alexanders]

We've just beaten Benfica and a 2-1 loss against Sporting.

I can see us finishing top 7. Ince will demand 100% effort every single game.

The other teams around us hasn't been able to improve their squads.

[RibbleValleyRover]

I'm finding it hard to see a top half finish myself and definately nowhere near europe.

[imy9]

I agree it is bordering on pathetic people on here questioning Ince before a competitive ball has been kicked.

What has actually happened so far?

A 37yr old keeper has been sold for £2.75 million

A 28 yr old England Keeper has been signed for £3.5 million, good bit of business so far.

What is the problem with Fowler being handed a trial? The guy is the most talented, gifted striker of his generation. Are people on here so arrogant that they think that RSC, McCarthy, Roberts, Derbyshire will learn nothing from Fowler?

He is not here for money, so ask yourself what is he here for? Answer: To prove he can still score goals at the highest level.

When RSC, Warnock, Bentley, etc go then by all means question the managers decisions but does he not have the right to discuss Duff as an option in exchange for Warnock? He is the manager- back him, full stop.

[philipl]

We've just beaten Benfica and a 2-1 loss against Sporting.

I can see us finishing top 7. Ince will demand 100% effort every single game.

The other teams around us hasn't been able to improve their squads.

Agreed- we have replaced a wonderful keeper who was turning a tad eccentric in his last few games for us with someone almost ten years younger but already posessing over 40 England caps. Villanueva will probably be unveiled by Tuesday and we have a Manager who seems much keener on attacking football than his predecessor.

To be honest I was impressed by the first half performance last night considering it was a largely reserve side against a CL first eleven. Some of the passages of play from Rovers were very sweet and there was far more movement making Rovers players more available to receive passes. Dunn looked completely revitalised and back to his best as apparently MGP did the night before.

Fowler did not look out of place and was very unlucky not to score with an excellent snap shot from distance when we had just gone 1 up.

How many moaners saw anything of the Benfica and Sporting games?

[rover6]

"Tad eccentric"

Philip, were you brave enough to make such a claim about Friedel when he was here and secure. Or do you bleat with the prevailing flock, as I strongly suspect.