[Archived] Pre-season

[Tom]

None of the 2 lads linked today in the reserves squad, from the updates on the official site Hoilett seems to be involved in everything.

[RibbleValleyRover]

Hoilett scores, sounds like he is linking up well with Elrio

[den]

Hoilett scores, sounds like he is linking up well with Elrio

Hoilett = Junior?

[RibbleValleyRover]

Hoilett = Junior?

I believe that's his nickname and his proper middle name. It says 'junior' on his profile on the official site.

[den]

Thanks RVR.

[Manchester Blue]

sounds promising anyway, wish i'd gone now...was pretty tempted as i'm going to nip to a few reserve games at Leigh as the ground is only about 10-15 min drive for me.

[den]

Nip down for the second half then. You can let us know how Junior is looking.

Sounds like Hoillett is involved in most things, - but website reports can be misleading.

[RoverRich]

Going by the updates on official site sounds like Hoilett is having a good game but one thing which I did notice as interesting is that Gallagher is being played in centre midfield. Looks like Rovers want to try him out in there to see if he could do a job in that position.

[Manchester Blue]

Would be nice but got to look after t'kids and didn't sort anything

[cn174]

2-0 now, Hoilett with the 2nd.

[Tom]

Full time 2-0 well done Junior keep it up

[AggyBlue]

2-0 now, Hoilett with the 2nd.

He played well and will be disappointed about the couple of easy chances he put over the bar from close range.

Blackman didn't have such a good game and seemed off the pace, even missing a first half pen that the keeper saved easily, conceded for a trip on Junior.

Elrio was neat and tidy throughout.

Judge and Doran were both steady without showing that bit extra that they should be doing against opposition of this level.

Howarth and Marshall as late subs both stood out with good runs on the ball.

Zurab was a rock at the back and at times reminded me of Franz Beckenbauer the way he kept bringing the ball out from the back.

The stadium is brand new and very nice too. Terracing behind one goal and seats in the other three stands. The bar in the concourse was even open.

Well worth a visit.

[T4E]

Going by the updates on official site sounds like Hoilett is having a good game but one thing which I did notice as interesting is that Gallagher is being played in centre midfield. Looks like Rovers want to try him out in there to see if he could do a job in that position.

Thats interesting. I can see the logic there.

Zurab was a rock at the back and at times reminded me of Franz Beckenbauer

This is a fantastic quote!

[AggyBlue]

This is a fantastic quote!

I tried to think how nicko would flower it up

[mellison24]

Thats interesting. I can see the logic there.

This is a fantastic quote!

I guess he cud be similar to R Dunny in such a role? but a bit more fit.

[T4E]

I tried to think how nicko would flower it up

I was totally serious, I love me some Zurab.

[Majiball]

Hoilett = Junior?

The annoucer threw me with that one as well.

Some thoughts:

Van heerden: quite quick, good first touch, but doesn't run with the ball and attack defenders he needs to make better use of his pace and angles on his runs would help. Put in a few good balls and as aggy said neat and tidy, long way to go on that showing, but could come good with coaching.

Hoillet: did alright TBH honest not the best finisher but the most promising. Would like to see him out wide though.

Blackman needs to get his head up when he's got the ball. His running off the ball was a bit wayward coming out wide when he's needed in the middle on a couple of good breaks.

Judge did ok as did doran, but if I'm being honest we didn't play well. We had width available more times than not which we very rarely used. needed to move the ball much quicker and leigh had a few chances and held there own. Too much forcing of play down the same flank, but we did almost score within 30 secs.

Number 15 no idea who he was, showed some good promise on the left when he came on, great feet and forced a couple of chances through grit and determination.

Zurab's chest pass was the highlight of my evening, Franzlike as aggy said.

Gally was in central midfield, couple of good quick balls to set up chances including one free kick, but almost gave away a goal dallying on the ball.

Awful penalty by Rovers, Drench stood off the middle to tempt was it blackman? there, so he puts it at his feet, justice was done though as they should have had one for handball earlier.

Jansen didn't play, but did against Bolton.

Stadium is great, don't use the postcode to get there (bloody stupid tomtom things) takes you straight to a housing estate behind the stadium. They even have a big screen and there where a couple of tasty birds as well. Definitly going back to watch the reserves more now, there even a drive thru KFC next door!!!!!

Jason Browns been on the slimfast.

Leigh need a new chant "Oh leigh Oh leigh" was a bit predictable

[AggyBlue]

Jansen didn't play, but did against Bolton.

That was a real shame, I'd loved to have seen Matty come on.

[Tris]

Agree largely with the player write ups on the various threads where tonights game is being discussed.

I was particularly keen to see Hoilett after all the fuss, and wasn't disappointed. I think might be the real deal. He brought two smart saves out of Drench in the first 15 mins - a shot with either foot - and got himself into positions to miss another couple of chances, as well as his two goals.

Great little stadium (and very convenient for me being right on a straight line from where I work to where I live) - easy access, lots of parking right next to the stands, 30 mins back to Darwen.

(And exec boxes for #22.50 each if there's 10 of you - combined with a minibus there and back, might be a plan for March 29th v Dingles!)

[MarkBRFC]

I can't believe that some people on here think that Gallagher might make a good central midfielder

[deryck guyler's spoon]

I can't believe that some people on here think that Gallagher might make a good central midfielder

Whatever it is that has stopped Gallagher making it as a Premier League player thus far it isn't lack of ability. Fair enough, I'm not sure about him being a central midfielder per se but he definately has enough about him to be an effective attacking midfielder.

[den]

Whatever it is that has stopped Gallagher making it as a Premier League player thus far it isn't lack of ability. Fair enough, I'm not sure about him being a central midfielder per se but he definately has enough about him to be an effective attacking midfielder.

He'll never make a midfielder DGS. In fact he'll never be a regular at Ewood methinks.

[deryck guyler's spoon]

He'll never make a midfielder DGS. In fact he'll never be a regular at Ewood methinks.

Disagree on the midfield thing, agree on the regular thing. Which is a real shame. Looks like a talent going unfulfilled.

[den]

Hoilett praised in LT's reserve match report.

[Derby Blue]

It could be wise. Went to the ticket office today to get our tickets and they haven't received them from Sheffield Wednesday yet! One way of reducing the number of opposition fans I suppose...

Thats odd, mine arrived in the post yesterday morning so they must have received some of them at least.

My wife and her family are sitting in the Wednesday end, they're only selling tickets in the South Stand (main stand down the side of the pitch) so not expecting a big crowd by the looks of it.