[Archived] Rovers v Reading

[DE.]

I dunno we were on a nice run and looking good at 1 point. The hanley red card at wigan coupled with the evans injury really set us back

Considering the lack of games played so far, if we'd hit a good run of form so far we'd be higher in the table. We are where we are because the team is inconsistent, stemming from a playing style that doesn't suit our goalscorer.

[roverstdt]

It never ceases to amaze me how Blackburn Rovers Fans expectation are blown out of the water. I am sure the fans calling for Bowyer to be sacked are the same ones who called for Big Sam to be sacked (Looked how that turned out, Steve Kean anyone?!). We genuinely have someone who cares about the club and is bringing stability to the club. This dream of play off, and promotion is not even worth mentioning that isn't the primary goal. The primary goal is stability, and lowering wage bill. If there is one thing football has proven is that stability breeds success.

Regardless of the tactics, or subs or whatever, the facts are is that we have had a heavily injury plagued squad which has prevented us from fielding our best 11. We have had needless suspensions as well. The truth of the matter is that we are only in the early stages of the season, and a lot can change between now and May. There is no point looking at our league position at this stage as the championship is the most volatile league in the UK. We did a similar thing as Watford did last year in signing a large number of players in the summer which will always mean they need time to gel. Even more so when they have been out injured, so individuals who expect us to be at the top with QPR need to get their expectations checked. We are not the Blackburn Rovers under Jack Walker with x amount of cash to throw around on whoever we want. We do not have a sound structure to even build a promotion push. So with those two core aspect lacking how can you expect us to dominate this league or even be in the play off positions when we have had 3 years of absolute destruction. take a deep breath this is going to be a long and hard season, there is no need to throw your toys out of the pram over such results. Remember Reading just came down from the EPL while we almost got relegated last year. So on that basis this is a good result

[den]

Wanting better doesn't mean sack the manager. In order to achieve better Venky's must first leave.

You can continue to want better under Venky's but it's a futile hope.

I meant a lot worse in terms of the club being a circus on a day to day basis, den, not the financial situation. I thought that was kind of obvious.

I really don't know what you're getting at D.E.

All this "fans need to get real, we are where we are" thing you keep coming out with. Doesn't mean anything to me.

[DE.]

I really don't know what you're getting at D.E.

All this "fans need to get real, we are where we are" thing you keep coming out with. Doesn't mean anything to me.

I've noticed. If you don't understand or agree then it's fine, but my comments are aimed primarily at those suggesting Bowyer should be sacked. Unless you're advocating that then it wasn't really aimed at you anyway.

[West Yorks Rover]

It never ceases to amaze me how Blackburn Rovers Fans expectation are blown out of the water. I am sure the fans calling for Bowyer to be sacked are the same ones who called for Big Sam to be sacked (Looked how that turned out, Steve Kean anyone?!). We genuinely have someone who cares about the club and is bringing stability to the club. This dream of play off, and promotion is not even worth mentioning that isn't the primary goal. The primary goal is stability, and lowering wage bill. If there is one thing football has proven is that stability breeds success.

Regardless of the tactics, or subs or whatever, the facts are is that we have had a heavily injury plagued squad which has prevented us from fielding our best 11. We have had needless suspensions as well. The truth of the matter is that we are only in the early stages of the season, and a lot can change between now and May. There is no point looking at our league position at this stage as the championship is the most volatile league in the UK. We did a similar thing as Watford did last year in signing a large number of players in the summer which will always mean they need time to gel. Even more so when they have been out injured, so individuals who expect us to be at the top with QPR need to get their expectations checked. We are not the Blackburn Rovers under Jack Walker with x amount of cash to throw around on whoever we want. We do not have a sound structure to even build a promotion push. So with those two core aspect lacking how can you expect us to dominate this league or even be in the play off positions when we have had 3 years of absolute destruction. take a deep breath this is going to be a long and hard season, there is no need to throw your toys out of the pram over such results. Remember Reading just came down from the EPL while we almost got relegated last year. So on that basis this is a good result

I don't see many calling for Bowyer to be sacked, however his use of subs has frustrated a lot of people this season,

I would imagine the hardest thing for an inexperienced coach is how to change a game when things are'nt going to plan,

maybe he needs an older head on the bench with him,

BTW Reading may have just come out of the Prem but they have been poor lately and shipped 5 at Weds in their last away game.

[den]

I've noticed. If you don't understand or agree then it's fine, but my comments are aimed primarily at those suggesting Bowyer should be sacked. Unless you're advocating that then it wasn't really aimed at you anyway.

I haven't said Bowyer should be sacked. There again, I would have looked around in the first place. However, if other people think he should be sacked, why are they wrong? Who's to say the team wouldn't perform better under someone else? Why do they need to "get real"?

It comes across as an attempt to stifle criticism DE.

[Amo]

People are entitled to their opinions but they've clearly learnt nothing if they think we could find better than Bowyer on Venky's watch.

[DE.]

I haven't said Bowyer should be sacked. There again, I would have looked around in the first place. However, if other people think he should be sacked, why are they wrong? Who's to say the team wouldn't perform better under someone else? Why do they need to "get real"?

It comes across as an attempt to stifle criticism DE.

And you're attempting to stifle my criticism. It's just my opinion, den, I'm not forcing anybody to agree with it.

People are entitled to their opinions but they've clearly learnt nothing if they think we could find better than Bowyer on Venky's watch.

This is basically all I've said, and I find it hard to dispute. Clearly Venky's have made some fantastic decisions that I'm unaware of, though.

[thenodrog]

60 minute Dunny was still the best player on the park. Once he went off any chance of 3 points went with him. We wouldn't have scored if we had played until today and even (or do I mean especially?) if we had 3 Jordan Rhodes.

[PAFELL]

I got back home to Sussex about 12.30pm today (Sunday) I traveled up overnight on Friday

I left home 7pm on Friday. takes me two hours just to get to London. Left London for Blackburn about 11.30pm and got to Blackburn at 7am - did one or two things in Blackburn - as some folk know I am involved, in a little capacity, in the beer trade, so met others also involved. (I always have business in mind when I travel anywhere) Eventually going to the match - my wife was invited to a macmillian (sp) event, before the match. I was able to meet some of the players before the match..

After the match, again one or two things i had to do before coming home - I left for London about 10.45, got to London about 6am - eventually, after train delays, engineering works etc - I then got home at about 12.30pm on Sunday. Not the first time I have done this trip, I just kept quiet about it - for reasons some may be aware of - but I come north different ways each time..

But this week I decided to put my trip up north on twitter. I was shocked and saddened with what I witnessed. I even met some Reading fans on the trip back home - I will share their comments later.

I was sat in the Jack Walker Stand for the match. First I was surprised that at 30min before kick off how empty the concourse was. How easy it was to use the gents during the match, get a pie and a drink during half time. The lack of atmosphere in the ground - bar a good few in the Darwen end - even they were struggling - but praise all the same for their efforts.

but the atmosphere as a whole, was terrible. Yes some folk will say it was cold and blame that - really!

One or two around me - sometimes shouted out something. but most were quiet or moaned. Sad days we are in.

Very easy to blame Venkys for this - I want them out and a decent, dedicated owner in, the same as the next person.

But these players need heart to play for this club. They will get this, not by the pay packet. but the support they receive from the fans. They are a very young and inexperienced squad, who need the support from the fans. But what I witnessed on Saturday, was terrible. I get the impression folk would rather protect their own pride, than come to Rovers on match day.,

I have no family or friends who work in or around the club - so do not know who is affected personally by some folk

[yoda]

I got back home to Sussex about 12.30pm today (Sunday) I traveled up overnight on Friday

I left home 7pm on Friday. takes me two hours just to get to London. Left London for Blackburn about 11.30pm and got to Blackburn at 7am - did one or two things in Blackburn - as some folk know I am involved, in a little capacity, in the beer trade, so met others also involved. (I always have business in mind when I travel anywhere) Eventually going to the match - my wife was invited to a macmillian (sp) event, before the match. I was able to meet some of the players before the match..

After the match, again one or two things i had to do before coming home - I left for London about 10.45, got to London about 6am - eventually, after train delays, engineering works etc - I then got home at about 12.30pm on Sunday. Not the first time I have done this trip, I just kept quiet about it - for reasons some may be aware of - but I come north different ways each time..

But this week I decided to put my trip up north on twitter. I was shocked and saddened with what I witnessed. I even met some Reading fans on the trip back home - I will share their comments later.

I was sat in the Jack Walker Stand for the match. First I was surprised that at 30min before kick off how empty the concourse was. How easy it was to use the gents during the match, get a pie and a drink during half time. The lack of atmosphere in the ground - bar a good few in the Darwen end - even they were struggling - but praise all the same for their efforts.

but the atmosphere as a whole, was terrible. Yes some folk will say it was cold and blame that - really!

One or two around me - sometimes shouted out something. but most were quiet or moaned. Sad days we are in.

Very easy to blame Venkys for this - I want them out and a decent, dedicated owner in, the same as the next person.

But these players need heart to play for this club. They will get this, not by the pay packet. but the support they receive from the fans. They are a very young and inexperienced squad, who need the support from the fans. But what I witnessed on Saturday, was terrible. I get the impression folk would rather protect their own pride, than come to Rovers on match day.,

I have no family or friends who work in or around the club - so do not know who is affected personally by some folk

"Very easy to blame Venkys for this"

only very easy because they are to blame,

we should refer to them as Raos, their real name

NAME AND SHAME,

Forgot to add,

get of the cross we need the wood, winter is here

[DE.]

"Very easy to blame Venkys for this"

only very easy because they are to blame,

we should refer to them as Raos, their real name

NAME AND SHAME

Why blame Venky's when you can blame the fans? classic PAFELL.

[Sparky Marky]

I got back home to Sussex about 12.30pm today (Sunday) I traveled up overnight on Friday

I left home 7pm on Friday. takes me two hours just to get to London. Left London for Blackburn about 11.30pm and got to Blackburn at 7am - did one or two things in Blackburn - as some folk know I am involved, in a little capacity, in the beer trade, so met others also involved. (I always have business in mind when I travel anywhere) Eventually going to the match - my wife was invited to a macmillian (sp) event, before the match. I was able to meet some of the players before the match..

After the match, again one or two things i had to do before coming home - I left for London about 10.45, got to London about 6am - eventually, after train delays, engineering works etc - I then got home at about 12.30pm on Sunday. Not the first time I have done this trip, I just kept quiet about it - for reasons some may be aware of - but I come north different ways each time..

But this week I decided to put my trip up north on twitter. I was shocked and saddened with what I witnessed. I even met some Reading fans on the trip back home - I will share their comments later.

I was sat in the Jack Walker Stand for the match. First I was surprised that at 30min before kick off how empty the concourse was. How easy it was to use the gents during the match, get a pie and a drink during half time. The lack of atmosphere in the ground - bar a good few in the Darwen end - even they were struggling - but praise all the same for their efforts.

but the atmosphere as a whole, was terrible. Yes some folk will say it was cold and blame that - really!

One or two around me - sometimes shouted out something. but most were quiet or moaned. Sad days we are in.

Very easy to blame Venkys for this - I want them out and a decent, dedicated owner in, the same as the next person.

But these players need heart to play for this club. They will get this, not by the pay packet. but the support they receive from the fans. They are a very young and inexperienced squad, who need the support from the fans. But what I witnessed on Saturday, was terrible. I get the impression folk would rather protect their own pride, than come to Rovers on match day.,

I have no family or friends who work in or around the club - so do not know who is affected personally by some folk

Pafell the super fan...mate you're deluded if you don't blame our Indian friends for the ghost town that is Ewood.

[Leonard Venkhater]

Why blame Venky's when you can blame the fans? classic PAFELL.

Seriously, I am worried about everyone and anyone blaming the fans and fans blaming each other. It is squarely the fault of the Rao children. In my opinion supporters have absolutely nothing left to get behind or to feel optimistic about. No leadership, no trust, no nothing...

I don't think it can ever change while the Venky virus remains, no matter how much Gary tells us that they have learned or how determined others say they are to put it right for ...er...their baby..

Where is their abject apology or even a statement about what they intend to do? We are merely watching while third world doctors are bandaging a poisoned wound....gangrene is just around the corner..

And I do wish people would stop apologising for these terrible, abusive, destructive. useless, dangerous owners.

[FGS5635]

The atmosphere has been there at certain games. Certainly the team need to give the fans something to cheer about sometimes and the reading game was the 3rd staright home game where there has been very little to cheer.

[DE.]

Seriously, I am worried about everyone and anyone blaming the fans and fans blaming each other. It is squarely the fault of the Rao children. In my opinion supporters have absolutely nothing left to get behind or to feel optimistic about. No leadership, no trust, no nothing...

I don't think it can ever change while the Venky virus remains, no matter how much Gary tells us that they have learned or how determined others say they are to put it right for ...er...their baby..

Where is their abject apology or even a statement about what they intend to do? We are merely watching while third world doctors are bandaging a poisoned wound....gangrene is just around the corner..

And I do wish people would stop apologising for these terrible, abusive, destructive. useless, dangerous owners.

The majority of us know this, but there are a few posters on here whose allegiances I genuinely question. To blame the fans in any way for what's going on now is nothing short of disgusting.

[Amo]

Seriously, I am worried about everyone and anyone blaming the fans and fans blaming each other. It is squarely the fault of the Rao children. In my opinion supporters have absolutely nothing left to get behind or to feel optimistic about. No leadership, no trust, no nothing...

I don't think it can ever change while the Venky virus remains, no matter how much Gary tells us that they have learned or how determined others say they are to put it right for ...er...their baby..

Where is their abject apology or even a statement about what they intend to do? We are merely watching while third world doctors are bandaging a poisoned wound....gangrene is just around the corner..

And I do wish people would stop apologising for these terrible, abusive, destructive. useless, dangerous owners.

I miss our customary videos from Venkatesh telling us not to panic. They always put my mind at ease.

[tomphil]

I got back home to Sussex about 12.30pm today (Sunday) I traveled up overnight on Friday

I left home 7pm on Friday. takes me two hours just to get to London. Left London for Blackburn about 11.30pm and got to Blackburn at 7am - did one or two things in Blackburn - as some folk know I am involved, in a little capacity, in the beer trade, so met others also involved. (I always have business in mind when I travel anywhere) Eventually going to the match - my wife was invited to a macmillian (sp) event, before the match. I was able to meet some of the players before the match..

After the match, again one or two things i had to do before coming home - I left for London about 10.45, got to London about 6am - eventually, after train delays, engineering works etc - I then got home at about 12.30pm on Sunday. Not the first time I have done this trip, I just kept quiet about it - for reasons some may be aware of - but I come north different ways each time..

But this week I decided to put my trip up north on twitter. I was shocked and saddened with what I witnessed. I even met some Reading fans on the trip back home - I will share their comments later.

I was sat in the Jack Walker Stand for the match. First I was surprised that at 30min before kick off how empty the concourse was. How easy it was to use the gents during the match, get a pie and a drink during half time. The lack of atmosphere in the ground - bar a good few in the Darwen end - even they were struggling - but praise all the same for their efforts.

but the atmosphere as a whole, was terrible. Yes some folk will say it was cold and blame that - really!

One or two around me - sometimes shouted out something. but most were quiet or moaned. Sad days we are in.

Very easy to blame Venkys for this - I want them out and a decent, dedicated owner in, the same as the next person.

But these players need heart to play for this club. They will get this, not by the pay packet. but the support they receive from the fans. They are a very young and inexperienced squad, who need the support from the fans. But what I witnessed on Saturday, was terrible. I get the impression folk would rather protect their own pride, than come to Rovers on match day.,

I have no family or friends who work in or around the club - so do not know who is affected personally by some folk

A report on the radio of the Brum v Bpool match highlighted the very same things at St. Andrews up until the goals. Zero atmosphere, sparse crowd in a big stadium, eerie all round and poor fare on the pitch. The co commentator said something along the lines of 'they crowd seem to feel there is nowt to play for and it's reflected in the atmosphere and looking at the game who can blame them'.

I would think it's quite standard at a lot of Championship grounds, worse at Ewood because of the size of it.

[RevidgeBlue]

I thought the team were very flat again yesterday, for whatever reason we seem to have lost all our momentum energy and enthusiasm since Hanley's sending off and last gasp defeat at Wigan and haven't got it back. That transmitted itself to the crowd which was down in numbers, perhaps not surprisingly given recent results and the proximity to Christmas.

On the pitch like last season our problems begin and end in midfield imo. Williamson is ok in midfield performing the defensive role but Lowe is seemingly performing the same duties only not as well and becomes completely anonymous leaving us without any ambition, creativity or drive in midfield. As others have pointed out, we simply don't need 2 defensive midfielders.

Imo we need to go with Williamson and Cairney in central midfield, Taylor on the right, Rochina behind Rhodes (when he finds a decent pair of boots) and Dunn if fit or King on the left. King's end product was absolutely atrocious yesterday which didn't help given the lack of impetus from elsewhere.

[arbitro]

I got back home to Sussex about 12.30pm today (Sunday) I traveled up overnight on Friday

I left home 7pm on Friday. takes me two hours just to get to London. Left London for Blackburn about 11.30pm and got to Blackburn at 7am - did one or two things in Blackburn - as some folk know I am involved, in a little capacity, in the beer trade, so met others also involved. (I always have business in mind when I travel anywhere) Eventually going to the match - my wife was invited to a macmillian (sp) event, before the match. I was able to meet some of the players before the match..

After the match, again one or two things i had to do before coming home - I left for London about 10.45, got to London about 6am - eventually, after train delays, engineering works etc - I then got home at about 12.30pm on Sunday. Not the first time I have done this trip, I just kept quiet about it - for reasons some may be aware of - but I come north different ways each time..

But this week I decided to put my trip up north on twitter. I was shocked and saddened with what I witnessed. I even met some Reading fans on the trip back home - I will share their comments later.

I was sat in the Jack Walker Stand for the match. First I was surprised that at 30min before kick off how empty the concourse was. How easy it was to use the gents during the match, get a pie and a drink during half time. The lack of atmosphere in the ground - bar a good few in the Darwen end - even they were struggling - but praise all the same for their efforts.

but the atmosphere as a whole, was terrible. Yes some folk will say it was cold and blame that - really!

One or two around me - sometimes shouted out something. but most were quiet or moaned. Sad days we are in.

Very easy to blame Venkys for this - I want them out and a decent, dedicated owner in, the same as the next person.

But these players need heart to play for this club. They will get this, not by the pay packet. but the support they receive from the fans. They are a very young and inexperienced squad, who need the support from the fans. But what I witnessed on Saturday, was terrible. I get the impression folk would rather protect their own pride, than come to Rovers on match day.,

I have no family or friends who work in or around the club - so do not know who is affected personally by some folk

Seven and a half hours from London - did you walk it?

Clearly it is your first visit for a while if you were 'shocked and saddened' by what you saw. If you hadn't noticed the club has had it's heart ripped out and we are left with a shell of what we had. And you know what, the fans are completely blameless and the innocent party. I honestly don't blame anybody who has stopped going and certainly wouldn't have a go at the fans for not 'singing their hearts out for the lads'. The realists have resigned themselves to many years of plundering the lower leagues for enough points for survival on an annual basis.

A couple of years ago Dunn told us to get real - sadly lots of us have.

[JAL]

Is this the fourth home game of the season where Rovers have failed to score a goal and we havent reached the month of december yet.

[Doug]

I thought the team were very flat again yesterday, for whatever reason we seem to have lost all our momentum energy and enthusiasm since Hanley's sending off and last gasp defeat at Wigan and haven't got it back. That transmitted itself to the crowd which was down in numbers, perhaps not surprisingly given recent results and the proximity to Christmas.

On the pitch like last season our problems begin and end in midfield imo. Williamson is ok in midfield performing the defensive role but Lowe is seemingly performing the same duties only not as well and becomes completely anonymous leaving us without any ambition, creativity or drive in midfield. As others have pointed out, we simply don't need 2 defensive midfielders.

Imo we need to go with Williamson and Cairney in central midfield, Taylor on the right, Rochina behind Rhodes (when he finds a decent pair of boots) and Dunn if fit or King on the left. King's end product was absolutely atrocious yesterday which didn't help given the lack of impetus from elsewhere.

IMO Taylor is bench warmer at best, Williamson had his best game so he will do until Evans is back, and King would be worth trying down the right, as his left is just for standing on. Agree with you on Cairney in the middle as he's wasted out wide.

[Waggy76]

'they crowd seem to feel there is nowt to play for and it's reflected in the atmosphere and looking at the game who can blame them'.

This is a good description of Blackburn Rovers cos it is true , whilst we have these appalling owners , nothing will change ..

[somersetrover]

IMO Taylor is bench warmer at best, Williamson had his best game so he will do until Evans is back, and King would be worth trying down the right, as his left is just for standing on. Agree with you on Cairney in the middle as he's wasted out wide.

You can't really say that about Taylor as he has not had a run in the team he only tends to come on with 20 minutes or so left when we need a goal. From what I have seen of Taylor I like him he looks like a good old fashioned sort of winger, who stays wide and looks to get the ball in the box, which I think is something that we need.

[den]

People are entitled to their opinions but they've clearly learnt nothing if they think we could find better than Bowyer on Venky's watch.

Well there's a good argument built on concrete.

Amo suggesting people have learned nothing about sacking managers