My thoughts... I actually didn't think we were defensively that poor, I wanted to see us defend better from set pieces and I thought we did that well. We cut off passing lines well in the first half and looked hard to break down, hence why the home fans started to get on their back and boo them. The issue today was the individual errors from Pears and Brittain also just being sloppy with the ball in key areas. You expect them to come out at us in the 2nd half, especially at 1-0 down and for the most part we were doing ok, Brittain has to just hold his hand up and learn to not do that in our own half as fine margins/mistakes can cost you in this league. I'm surprised at some of the negativity, not that there isn't anything to be negative about but there are plenty of positives aswell. A point away from home against Norwich is nothing to grumble about and I'm proud of the players to find a way to take something from the game when they could have possibly folded and ended up 3-1 down. It shows we can be competitive this season and can mix it with a team who finished much much higher than we did. At this level the players we have will always have flaws, it's the same for every team in this league possibly with the exception of Burnley (unfortunately). We can see where the glaring issues are, we desperately need a goal keeper of good quality. Even though I thought he coped well today, I think we can do better than Pickering, or at least find someone with potential to challenge him, he'd be the perfect squad player. It's easy to be knee jerk and call Brittain this and that but he's a decent player. Someone mentioned he and JRC being swapped might be the answer and they might have something there. Brittain's mobility might be better suited further forward and JRC's strength be more useful at the back because at the moment he's not offering much in midfield. A few words have been said about the manager and his tactics. I was quite surprised and thought this was very reminiscent of a JDT performance, all 3 games have been in fact. It looks noticeably different from last season's style of play, we look at lot braver on the ball where last season he took a lot less chances. This was the main reason for the sloppiness and errors we made today. Which is the hard life of a manager, you get slated for being negative like last season and you'll get slated for being more adventurous. I'll certainly give him credit for pushing the players to improve and take risks, I just hope he can find a balance. To hear him say he's disappointed to not win is really positive aswell. The way he speaks at the moment fills me with a lot of hope, he's saying all the right things and hopefully the club back him because he's shown early doors that he deserves it. A few mentions to Gueye, Ohashi and Trostad... I keep saying it but Gueye is a big problem for teams in this league. Won more headers in the first 10 mins than Gallagher would win in a season. His hold up play is good, he's confident, he's mobile, really hope he gets his first league goal next week. Now, before I go on, I'm in no way saying this lad is as good but... Ohashi's goal reminded me of Shearer, the way he got across his man to head across the keeper into the corner reminded me a lot of big Al. It's funny he mentioned him in his first interview because his general playing style reminds me of him. The way he cracked one against the underside of the bar against Stockport and being a similar height to him and gets up for headers extremely well. A cult hero already. Trosntad was again busy, industrious, clever, tidy and saved our arse in the first half. Classy operator. Hedges, class player. Athletic, good engine, technically blessed and a proper grafter. Hopefully we can keep him fit. On to a very winnable game against Oxford, this has been a great start so far following a miserable season. Hopefully we can add some more quality to the team to give us more reasons to be looking up rather than looking down. Despite if you're a glass half full or a glass half empty type of supporter I think after last season it's worth while to enjoy these early season ups and take every point as a valuable one, especially away from home. COYB

Travis is a necessary evil in this league, shame he got booked there because he was starting to boss that a bit and doing exactly the sort of job you want him to do... That yellow card takes him out of the game and the concern is that he will end up with a red. I'd potentially look at taking him off for Ohashi & putting JRC in there. We had a red card on this ground last season and I don't fancy another. 45 minutes from doing a very organised job here. Really hope we can stay composed and not give any more silly chances away because we can only ride our luck so much. Think we're going to need 90 minutes from big Mac because he's very useful defensively aswell as offensively.

I MUST REMAIN CALM

No, not based on this. I personally don't see it happening. Posh are tough to deal with, can't see it being more of a phone call from swag, finding out the price and then fainting as he falls out of his chair.

Rovers have inquired about Kwame Poku.

Ryo Germain currently playing for Jubilo Iwata, he started but 4-0 down.

I think some of us are getting carried away with our start, naturally of course but a draw here would be a fine result. First home game of the season for them after a poor display against Oxford will have them bang up for it. We also have our defensive issues to address and I think the manager will want to see us do that today by being very organised and difficult to play against. I think the result away at Stockport has misled some into thinking that this is the way we will play away from home... Eustace seems to be a very realistic man and will probably play to the occasion, wanting us to stifle them and turn it into a dull game for us to grow into. So I'm predicting a return to his 11 men behind the ball tactics we witnessed a lot last season and look to hurt them on the counter attack. When he came in we were told that he likes to keep it tight away and be more attacking at home so with a pre season under his belt and his feet firmly under the table I expect him to fall into this pattern.

Khadra is absolutely rapid on the wing. Saw him tear Huddersfield left back to bits, skinned him over and over. Needs end product but that's every winger at champ level.

= Cheap

I've said this a few times, call me unimaginative and I know a few of you weren't keen on here at all but... For pace, creativity, potential that can play a number of positions... I'd love Reda Khadra back (at the right price=cheap)

Polite request. It's hard enough being a Rovers fan but can people never share pictures of these creatures because it brings about thoughts and feelings that aren't good for my mental health.

Anything under 10 million is poor for the amount of goals he scored and the sell on to Posh. I'd really like to see 2 pacey wingers come in from somewhere. I'd also like to see us get Ryo Germain done considering how inexpensive it would be. Say what you want but I really think there's still a player in Josh Bowler. Forest need rid, it's not been the right move, the right move was Rovers. He's only 25 and has plenty of Championship experience which is vital. Similar to Szmodics career path in knocking around a different clubs but never settling despite the talent being there. Think we would be a good fit for each other.

Venkys never managed to sign Ronaldinho but Burnley have signed his son... https://www.goal.com/en/lists/ronaldinho-son-joao-mendes-barcelona-burnley/blt9cb022b44f51541b#cs16ca3b930d0d243b

Surprised to see Gueye not in so many picks... I think Gueye is almost a must start player, his size presence, hold play, pace and work ethic is hard to ignore. Get the big man scoring asap and we could be looking at 15-20 goal season striker.

Strange player, not worked out if he's good, shit or just inconsistent. Maybe a combination like many players at this level. He looked good last night but against kids who are giving time on the ball. At championship level I'm not sure he has the pace we require to be a real threat. He'd be better behind the strikers but there's no chance he'll get in there ahead of Dolan and hopefully Szmods.

Can't say I've noticed many doing it to that standard immediately after a game. They were hanging off advertising boards. My mate with me tonight is an internationally competitive runner, he can do 10k in sub 33 minutes... He was watching saying "this conditioning coach is fair flogging them here".

Here's my review of the game from the home stand. Really enjoyed that ground, sat next to terrace houses, a proper stadium in the community with good fans. What football is all about. Not another breeze block bowl with no soul. They also don't like Burnley and seemingly hate Wrexham. I hope they do well. I was sat near the dugout and could hear a lot of what was said. John Eustace is an absolute savage on the quiet, he bollocked one of the back room staff for not getting water to players quick enough and for sitting watching the game, he also gave some of the players very stern instructions. He comes across quite mild mannered in interviews but it seems he's a very serious and demanding person. I've always viewed him as potentially a bit of a Waggot yes man but tonight I certainly seen a side of him which I like, he does not fuck about, he sets standards, he has expectations and he wants them met. After the game he kept Trav, JRC, Gueye, Dolan, Hyam and Vale on the pitch and they did timed runs with the conditioning coach, presumably to make up the distance. Vale was absolutely fucked. There seems to be some seriously high fitness standards set by the manager. On the game, I think its harsh to assess it in a serious manner as they had so many kids playing, it did seem more like a pre season friendly. I was chatting to the county fans behind me and felt sympathy for some of their players because they were run ragged and just couldn't get the ball. It was worlds apart to be honest. Brittain looked extremely sharp, very quick, passing immaculate. Batth, bloody hell I didn't realise how big he is, he's absolutely massive. Bucky ran it but he had the time to control the game, easy for him really but a good confidence booster for him. Was a good game for Ohashi. He wasn't given time on the ball by county players and got found out a few times with his awareness, you can tell he's used to having more time to make decisions in the J league. His first touch can be a bit sloppy but he's definitely got ability and a lot of graft. He will score goals purely from chasing and pressing players, was unlucky with a thunderous effort of the woodwork. Will be an asset to us the season, will run his balls off. Gueye is going to be a real problem for a lot of defenders, quick, strong, wirey but demanding of the midfielders to give him the distribution he wants. Unlucky with a shot across goal and a good save from the their keeper, good finish from the corner, I think he will be a real gem. I can see why Eustace brought Weimann in, he will be player that can come in and do a solid job in a number of positions. Sort of an experienced player that's a managers dream. Will be useful throughout the season. Small mention to Duru, very quick, looked promising but wasn't tested that much. Another that might benefit from a loan but could be useful as cover. Nothing much else to report but a very enjoyable night. A good confidence booster and perfect for competitive match fitness. Good luck to County. Top club.

"20 goals this season Makhtar" "Yes bro, Inshallah"

Dad's first away game since recovering from Leukaemia... In the home end 🫣

And whilst it definitely gives you a better chance it certainly doesn't guarantee you anything in the championship. Buying sensibly is absolute essential and to be fair, I think Rak Sakyi would have been a fairly sensible signing for them after raking in millions for Grey.

Mad that Preston gave Lowe a whole pre season and let him go after 1 game. Must be serious issues there. In other news, Leeds were close to signing Rak Sakyi for 12m but Palace have pulled out and look likely to loan him to Sheffield Utd... So that's one everyone who mentioned him here can move on from.

Ha Seems to be a good pro with a good attitude, always been impressed every time I see him. If he keeps scoring goals like the weekend you'll do well to hang on to him no doubt.

Some player this lad. Prob not a bad low pressure loan for him to begin but at 17 he's massive and quick. Definitely one for the future that I see playing for us week in week out. Next Hayden Carter if not better.

Mates just moved to Manchester so blagged a ticket with him in the home end. Mentioned Louie Barry on here before, think he looks a decent player that a few clubs in the championship might be interested in soon, scored a cracker first game of the season.

Pretty sure they have a foreign spot left... Think what he means is that the issue is that we only have 1 left and don't know how to fill it. Ryo Germain looks a potential bargain, I'd be looking to get that one done before other clubs step in.