[Archived] Rovers vs Forest Saturday 10th August 3pm Kick Off

[Doug]

I felt Rovers deserved to win. Major concern with Kane's performance and Rhodes! Best was by far the better striker on show. King looked lively when he came on. Henley Dann and Sparr looked good. I would also put Lowe to RB immediatley. We are severely lacking anything resembling an attacking midfielder.

[rovers11]

Oh,, how gutting. We really have specialised in conceding late goals these past few years.

Wasn't at the game so can't comment on the performance or how individual players played. But sounds as though it was a pretty even game but an error from kean cost us. Forest are a very good team so no shame in losing to them.

Felt before the game that we'd struggle to break forest down today with Marrow and Lowe in CM. They do a decent job defensively but you need a bit more quality in CM to beat the top teams. Thankfully, we have Williamson, Evans, and Cairney to come back in the position. That will make us a hell of a LOT stronger having those players back.

Bearing in mind we didn't have our first choice CM out there today against a very good forest side and we only lost because of an individual error in the last minute is promising.

Also lacked game changers on the bench today. DJ and Rochina are game changes but are unfortunately out for a while. Dunn played 90 in mid week so had nothing left. King is a decent impact sub.

Need a new striker, pacy winger and to get Evans and Cairney in CM and then I think we'll be a good side. Shame we lost today but without key players it was always going to be difficult and we should have got a draw.

[Plastic Head]

Something that really grinds my gears: People were leaving in the Riverside & Blackburn End around the 81st minute today. If being nearer the front of a queue of traffic is more important to you than watching a whole game of football then find something f***ing better to do with your weekends!

Thousands of formerly loyal fans already have, including me.

From what I saw on tv at Derby a relegation battle is looming again unless the centre-mid is sorted out pronto.

[rovers11]

In fairness to Bowyer, the L Murphy, Spearing and Bannan links suggests Bowyer is looking for a particular type but they, or their agents, are pricing themselves out of a move.

Surely cairney is the answer to that problem?! Class player.

[thenodrog]

Something that really grinds my gears: People were leaving in the Riverside & Blackburn End around the 81st minute today. If being nearer the front of a queue of traffic is more important to you than watching a whole game of football then find something f***ing better to do with your weekends!

So easy to stop that. Simply leave the gate at the rear of the Riverside open all match and keep the exits at the sides closed until a minute or two after the full time whistle.

[TugaysMarlboro]

We desperately miss something in central midfield. We we're crying out for Rochina/Cairney today, someone to put their foot on the ball and not @#/? themselves everytime a Forest player was within 4 feet of them.

I worry that due to Rochinas injury, we're relying on a player who's here until January. Where do we go after that?

Bowyer was speaking about bringing in another one or two, we need another ball playing central midfielder urgently.

Henley can't come back soon enough, for me, he's by far and away the best right back at the club (although I believe he was left back throughout he academy.) he has to be first choice when we're back.

I was very impressed by Spurr, Taylor seems composed on the ball and has some ability and Judge has quality when on the ball.

I went to two solitary games last season, one under Kean and one under Appleton. Under Bowyer today I thought we looked better than both those games. I'd rather watch what we had today than under either of those two.

[rovers11]

Thousands of formerly loyal fans already have, including me.

From what I saw on tv at Derby a relegation battle is looming again unless the centre-mid is sorted out pronto.

Seriously??!! Derby was a terrific performance. Absolutely played them off the park. That's the same derby who only lost 3 games at pride park last year and played Brighton off the pitch today.

[Stuart]

Surely cairney is the answer to that problem?! Class player.

We'd better hope so!

[SamTheShrew]

A distinctively average Lowe and marrow is a dire midfield pair. Blind faith in the latter who has not really done anything in his career, and one dimensional Lowe can only mean a long season for us. This for me is the difference between having an actual manager and a coach from within. Not boywers fault he knows nothing else and doesn't have the infrastructure around him.

Worst squad for me in my time supporting rovers. Not ott, just stark facts. We are a nothing team now, sooner we accept this the better.

[roverandout]

Seriously??!! Derby was a terrific performance. Absolutely played them off the park. That's the same derby who only lost 3 games at pride park last year and played Brighton off the pitch today.

what game did you watch, I thought we were ok at derby nothing more, ' played them off the park is absolute rubbish, they could have been 2-0 up before we scored.

[thenodrog]

Why o why has Lowe kept his place in the team....keep getting slated for talking about him but the fact is he plays in a key position and since ever more the guy has done nothing to justify his place....

Hope GB comes out of this blind loyalty for the muppet..... IMHO he is a 4th choice Midfeilder even behind Marrow.....who is showing signs of improvement ....

Spurr is a proper player by the way.....

Lowe didn't do badly today at all. I suggest that you address the same question toward Jordan Rhodes. He may as well have been sat next to me for all the use he was today. He shirked challenges, ducked crosses and never broke sweat chasing any ball that was not to his feet, in fact Best caused the Forest defence much more problems than Rhodes today ..... not only that but I'd wager the average mongolian peasant after consuming a pint or two of fermented Yaks milk would have shown more interest in the result of BRFC v Forest than Jordan Rhodes!

The obligatory Ewood Park hate figures currently appear to be Orr, Pederson and Lowe but any more performances like today and it won't be long before Jordan Rhodes is right there with them.

If there is a reason to exhonnerate him from blame it can only be that he is on his way and has been told to remain free from injury until negotiations are finalised. If so then I'll take back my criticism.

Oh and btw might be early days but I remain unimpressed by Taylor. Too lightweight and no pace.

btw 2... too anybody who is superstitious and believes in omens...... why have we changed the blue and white halves?

[rovers11]

what game did you watch, I thought we were ok at derby nothing more, ' played them off the park is absolute rubbish, they could have been 2-0 up before we scored.

We battered them. Had the most shots on target than any other team last weekend and should have won easily. Derby got a penalty from a stupid mistake by marrow and we had a wobble for 5 minutes before the break but apart from that didn't give them a sniff.

Put cairney and Evans in CM and we're a completely different outfit. Bowyer is building a decent young team here. Just hope venkys don't panic and pull the trigger.

Lowe didn't do badly today at all. I suggest that you address the same question toward Jordan Rhodes. He may as well have been sat next to me for all the use he was today. He shirked challenges, ducked crosses and never broke sweat chasing any ball that was not to his feet, in fact Best caused the Forest defence much more problems than Rhodes today ..... not only that but I'd wager the average mongolian peasant after consuming a pint or two of fermented Yaks milk would have shown more interest in the result of BRFC v Forest than Jordan Rhodes!

The obligatory Ewood Park hate figures currently appear to be Orr, Pederson and Lowe but any more performances like today and it won't be long before Jordan Rhodes is right there with them.

If there is a reason to exhonnerate him from blame it can only be that he is on his way and has been told to remain free from injury until negotiations are finalised. If so then I'll take back my criticism.

Have to say, apart from being a very good goal scorer Jordan Rhodes is very limited in other ways.

Scoring goals is the most important thing though so has to play week in week out.

[thenodrog]

Yep. I said that position was the weak link back in May and, despite a plethora of incomings. it is still the weak link. I'm in no way anti-Bowyer but that problem is down to him. It should have been solved long before now.

Wrong hasta. The problem is down to Kean and the fat controller. We are paying big wages out to people on long contracts who have neither interest in playing fro the club or ability to do so. The opportunist greed of those two tawts have left Bowyer with his hands tied.

[Tyke87]

Lowe isn't the problem everyones making him out to be IMO. The problem is him and Marrow are essentially the same player, they're both defensive midfielders who when they win the ball have no one with the attacking/passing skills to get the ball too. I thought against Derby with Rochina in they looked alot better because he was the link to Rhodes without that go to man whether it's Rochina or someone else there a massive gap between the two defensive midfielders and Rhodes/Best. It was evident against Derby how much our performance dropped when we went 4-4-2.

[thenodrog]

We managed to turn a nailed on point into a defeat largely due to the hapless Kean. His uncertainty at times is alarming and in a league where many teams play high balls into the penalty area he has to improve markedly or else he will cost us lots of points. Bowyer also has to take some responsibility today for going with an outdated 442 system and then his reluctance to change to a shape to match Forest who passed the ball for fun with very little pressure. Hopefully Cairney will play next week and Evans should be knocking on the door. Rhodes is not playing well and desperately needs a goal. Although Kane was poor again by his own standards by and large I am happy with the defence.

Bowyer has some big decisions to make next Friday.

That is completely right Arbitro. 5 mins before he spilled that ball I stated that Kean was worryingly indecisive. The biggest problem with 4-4-2 or 4-5 -1 at the moment is that Jordan Rhodes is part of it.

[DavidMailsTightPerm]

Thousands of formerly loyal fans already have, including me.

From what I saw on tv at Derby a relegation battle is looming again unless the centre-mid is sorted out pronto.

Seriously ? we were very unlucky to draw with Derby. Today we were equal to a Forest side who will be there or thereabouts come the end of the season. Not saying we will be top six - but the unity and hard work is in sharp contrast to much of last season. We do lack quality and pace in midfield - and unfortunately Rhodes when not scoring is an expensive luxury.

Overall today was more labore than arte - but was reasonably pleased with the new signings - with Judge looking the most promising (though he does need to find some consistancy)

[Hasta]

Wrong hasta. The problem is down to Kean and the fat controller. We are paying big wages out to people on long contracts who have neither interest in playing fro the club or ability to do so. The opportunist greed of those two tawts have left Bowyer with his hands tied.

I am not wrong as the problem I was referring to was the inability to address the aforementioned midfiled issue over the summer. Of course the bigger problem was caused by the leaches you refer to.

[thenodrog]

We battered them. Had the most shots on target than any other team last weekend and should have won easily. Derby got a penalty from a stupid mistake by marrow and we had a wobble for 5 minutes before the break but apart from that didn't give them a sniff.

Put cairney and Evans in CM and we're a completely different outfit. Bowyer is building a decent young team here. Just hope venkys don't panic and pull the trigger.

Have to say, apart from being a very good goal scorer Jordan Rhodes is very limited in other ways.

Scoring goals is the most important thing though so has to play week in week out.

He's not scored in 2 matches. Until he does we are a 10 man team. Never mind 28 goals last season cos there is a saying in football that 'you are only as good as your last game' and that applies perfectly to Jordan Rhodes.

I am not wrong as the problem I was referring to was the inability to address the aforementioned midfiled issue over the summer. Of course the bigger problem was caused by the leaches you refer to.

Cause and effect. Bowyer cannot sign cheques.

[rovers11]

Our first 2 games of the season were always going to be tough. Forest are one of the best teams and Derby at Pride Park are one of the hardest team's to play. My initial prediction was a loss against Derby and a draw against forest so not surprised we've only got 1 point so far.

Remember we had a great start last season and very nearly got relegated. Palace lost all 3 opening games. The teams in the play offs didn't start great either. Brighton had 1 point after 2 games, and Watford didn't set the world alight either.

Impressed with what bowyer is doing so far. We are not going to get top 2. We probably won't even get play offs but we are heading in the right direction at last. Good young team, passing football, getting rid of big earners who offer nothing, some stay away fans coming back.

Personally, I think bowyer is building a good team and we will be strong this season.

He's not scored in 2 matches. Until he does we are a 10 man team. Never mind 28 goals last season cos there is a saying in football that 'you are only as good as your last game' and that applies perfectly to Jordan Rhodes.

Cause and effect. Bowyer cannot sign cheques.

Rhodes simply has to play. He's a poor player but a great goal scorer.

[Stuart]

Lowe didn't do badly today at all. I suggest that you address the same question toward Jordan Rhodes. He may as well have been sat next to me for all the use he was today. He shirked challenges, ducked crosses and never broke sweat chasing any ball that was not to his feet, in fact Best caused the Forest defence much more problems than Rhodes today ..... not only that but I'd wager the average mongolian peasant after consuming a pint or two of fermented Yaks milk would have shown more interest in the result of BRFC v Forest than Jordan Rhodes!

The obligatory Ewood Park hate figures currently appear to be Orr, Pederson and Lowe but any more performances like today and it won't be long before Jordan Rhodes is right there with them.

If there is a reason to exhonnerate him from blame it can only be that he is on his way and has been told to remain free from injury until negotiations are finalised. If so then I'll take back my criticism.

: lol: Of all the people on the pitch today, you pick out Rhodes? He literally gets NO service whatsoever and kept having to come deeper for it with his back to goal. Given that we are trying to play the ball on the floor, that should be Best's job.

Btw, get a freebie did we?

[den]

Lowe didn't do badly today at all. I suggest that you address the same question toward Jordan Rhodes. He may as well have been sat next to me for all the use he was today. He shirked challenges, ducked crosses and never broke sweat chasing any ball that was not to his feet, in fact Best caused the Forest defence much more problems than Rhodes today ..... not only that but I'd wager the average mongolian peasant after consuming a pint or two of fermented Yaks milk would have shown more interest in the result of BRFC v Forest than Jordan Rhodes!

The obligatory Ewood Park hate figures currently appear to be Orr, Pederson and Lowe but any more performances like today and it won't be long before Jordan Rhodes is right there with them.

If there is a reason to exhonnerate him from blame it can only be that he is on his way and has been told to remain free from injury until negotiations are finalised. If so then I'll take back my criticism.

(b)Oh and btw might be early days but I remain unimpressed by Taylor. Too lightweight and no pace.(/b)

btw 2... too anybody who is superstitious and believes in omens...... why have we changed the blue and white halves?

Thought that about Taylor, ,after half a game at PNE Gord.

As for Rhodes, if people want to look beyond his goals, (I know, arf, arf) they'll realise that he is a big influence in our sterility and our lack of creativity.

[Tom]

He did well to miss an easy header if he gets literally no service Stuart

[thenodrog]

: lol: Of all the people on the pitch today, you pick out Rhodes? He literally gets NO service whatsoever and kept having to come deeper for it with his back to goal. Given that we are trying to play the ball on the floor, that should be Best's job.

Btw, get a freebie did we?

yep.... and for Barnsley. As for Rhodes's contribution today Stuart you need to rem that .... no one can defend the indefensible. If things aren't 'happening' a proper player will try to make them happen and a top player will make them happen.

[Mercer]

Close game with Forest edging it - have to say, Forest nowhere near as good as I expected and, thankfully, didn't exploit opportunity down their right flank where there was loads of space.

As for Rovers, at least they looked organised and showed good commitment.

Short of class in midfield and our front two failed to put the Forest back four under any sort of pressure - simply not aggressive enough.

Keane: very costly error

Kane: still struggling to produce promising form of last season

Hanley / Dann / Spurr: ok

Taylor: disappointed in the lad and looked very average - did 120 minutes at Carlisle catch-up with him

Marrow / Lowe: limitations very evident again

Judge: sorry but just don't get what folk see in him - I still think he's a League 1 scuffler

Rhodes: a pale shadow of himself, missed a sitter in 1st half - is his heart still in Rovers ?

Best: very little threat with no aggression

Bowyer - lack of imagination in substitutions, or lack of them. Disappointed to see him gesturing to players to try and engineer a long throw for Spurr on three separate occasions in last 15 minutes or so when we had opportunity for open play.

Also, interesting to see Pedersen, Givet and one other (who I didn't recognise) undergoing an hour's training session, mainly shuttle runs, from about 1.15.

No doubt Cairney and Evans will make a difference to midfield but, unfortunately, I can't see anything better than midtable.

Finally, no tribute for 'Waggy' showed a distinct lack of class from the club.

[Lie_still_Rover]

Sorry but Lowe was dog dirt last season too. Never had a good game! Go on give a mom performance or even 8/10 from centre mid... Not good enough!