Gallagher has issues which he needs to address if he's going to fulfill his potential and it's clear Souness pointed this out - wrongly or rightly there was even a very muted warning in public. Maybe that's a falling out, it isn't in my book. "Reliable sources" may well have wanted to make sure it was portrayed as yet another "falling out" for obvious reasons. What was annoying - less so now Souness has gone - is that anything like this was portrayed as Souness' fault. It's a long list of culprits - Dunn, Cole, Yorke, Todd, Flitcroft, etc etc, and every single one of them was guilty of failing the club. How some people on here can want to see Todd back in the shirt is beyond me. He refused to wear it FFS! I don't care who the manager is or what the circumstances were, he let the club and the fans down and should never wear the shirt again. Anyway, what's in the past is there to stay now, whoever comes in will make their own judgements and everyone will start with a clean slate. Back to Gally, I'm sure he'll get his chance like everyone else, and hopefully as he gets a bit older there will be a bit more common sense off the pitch as well. Agree with everything you say Tris - but coming back to this maybe the incident with Todd was also 'misrepresented for obvious reasons' however, if all is true Todd should not be allowed to wear the shirt again. Coming back to Gally, as Philipl says the injury was kept very hush hush and I think this is what gets 'comments and instances' arising as everybody can see Gally has talent and given the chances he has had, has certainly showed he has got the makings of it which is what people want to see. I stated before the season start that personally I felt this would be a big season for him if Souness gave him the chance - now it looks like it might be up to the new boss whoever that maybe.

Andy C That is my worry and a risk Blackburn cannot afford to do. We need someone to come in that can showjump never mind just ride and can take over the reigns and get them nags going from the off.

SmithCpc If he does come will you let him bring Routledge and Johnson with him?

I'd heard from a reliable source that before Souness's departure he had also managed to fall out with Gallagher. Gally's crime? The heinous crime of stating that he wanted to start more games this season. All allegedly of course. Tris I also heard from a reliable source as well Possibly you could be wrong on this - but then again its as Rev says 'allegedly'.

Ricky I was thinking the same last night I think it depends on how you iinterpret what is being said - especially from JW and TP - JW has said if they are already in a job that they will have to consider the compensation/contarct etc - TP has come out saying the person who will be appointed his high profile but not in a job at the moment mmmm.... I also have the feeling the name could be one out of the blue that has only been mentioned briefly or not at all. Just a couple more to throw in the ring which one I think Jan only touched on - more in jest really - and that is Terry Butcher. The other a combination - Dennis Wise and Ray Wilkins - Wise has been slating the board at Millwall and hasn't done too bad a job - wouldn't want it myself - but as I said above - it will probably come out of the blue and be a big surprise. But then again its only speculation

They have these things over here called FAX machines you can send things like job applications in seconds. I'm surprised they have not caught on over there yet. Ha HA USA Blue don't know how long since you visited these shore but we are still using pigeons don't you think JW would have been otherwise occupied dealing with the resignation than new applications? seemed a bit quick for them to have had that many applications especially as it had only just been confirmed that Souness had resigned. Now who said anything about Roswell

Now then that's a bit unfair! On the basis that Emerton was a cracking player at his previous club and he's also looked good for the Aussie team, maybe, just maybe SOuness wasn't getting the best out of him. Emerton is one of the players who's progress I'm looking forward to under the new boss......... We'll see

Thanks Tris. It maybe you just telling me what I wanted to hear, but I am still glad I've heard it. Reading this page, I was quite dejected at the number of supporters so against someone who was great for the club. I kept telling myself, 'surely this isn't indicative of the wider support base', and at least you cast the first contrary argument to all those that thought Souness had passed his expiry date. Shaddy I wouldn't be too sure about this. Tris as much as I respect your comments I feel this may be a bit understated - but then again it could be down to whoever you speak to, but the feeling was that the solidity had started to melt and even though reluctant, there where many resigned to the fact that Souness 's days where numbered. Back to the preferred managers though - I find it quite bewildering and comical with regard to the comments made on here and the names being put forward and arguments re experience and then dis others more experinced. Some people seem to think we are a top performing club that will be playing in Europe come next season. Come on folks lets be realistic - we have apparently no money to spend and are languishing at the bottom of the P/L with the look that we are going to be struggling yet again for another season. Why the hell then would …. Curbishley want to come – already at an established club of similar size and standing to Rovers where he has money to spend and looks a lot more stable than us at the moment. O’Leary – Villa seem to be doing ok with aspirations and looks of getting into Europe– why drop to a club considered ‘smaller’ ? Worthington/Megson– What’s the point going from a possible relegation fight to another with players you don’t know – again another club of arguably similar size (maybe not standing) - experience? Dowie – Only one of possibility that would come (family still in the area?) – but yet as above and still has a lot to prove. Moyes – Might consider it but again would probably want a ‘ bigger’ club unless the situation at Everton is really that bad. Now for Hughes – how can people say he hasn’t got experience – has played at this level – Manager at International Level with Premiership and lower level players and also does a good job from the resources he has to work with. Houlier – Initialy I thought whoah!! no way Johnny boy but then when I reflected upon it I thought –possibly has credentials but would he actually be what we need – would we be too boring? Hoddle – ABSOLUTE NO – Admired as a player but that’s about it – previous comments and actions go against him. Professor Yaffle – You’re having a joke aren’t ya?– some people have short memories – and why would he come to us anyway? – on a cushy number creaming it from the know F.A to even stop and think about it. Without doubt the best credentials at the moment stem from Strachan but whoever we appoint is going to be risky. According to JW , the person they will appoint will be ideally an up and coming manager with experience – doesn’t exactly leave the gate open. Personally, I think we need somebody who can get the best out of what we have as we not exactly going to be able to attract ‘star’ names so an up and coming manager maybe from the lower leagues is our only chance – somebody who can pick up bargains without the over ego’ wage demands. Dario Gradi is the best I have heard on here but here’s my two penneth for somebody who has not been mentioned…. Stand up Mr Peter Taylor. Just out off interest - did nobody else pick up on the comment from JW yesterday re the applications - it came across that it would appear they already had them before Souness's resignation - very strange don't you think?

Well Rikko All I can say as many others have , is don't expect the revolution of Newcastle with this appointment. GS did ok for us but over the last season or so he has shown is tactical naivety big time - so get ready for the keystop cop defence show (shame you don't still have Dabizas) Some of us where already questioning his decisions last season and your worries will probably be confirmed, although I think initially he might steady your boat don't expect miracles - as you may have lost a manager who had lost his marbles but you have gained another who is on his way to losing them. Although it is sad to see Souness go as he did bring a measure of success to our 'little England' club but his boat had come in, and to top it all we are going to get some cash for it. Roll on the rest of season it should be interesting seeing Shearer in the sticks and Given on the wing. Just one thing Mr Souness before you go - please please please please take Emmerton with you

Agreed JAL and thats the annoying thing about it - dragging it along is not going to benefit anyone, especially if we end up him leaving on a free anyway without playing another first team game. If there are doubts about his credentials to play at Premier level, then either somebody needs to convince MJ that is days as a P/L player are long gone or a deal needs to be struck up to provide him the opportunity to prove himself at the likes of a possible first division team like Preston - be it on loan (poss part pay wages) or with an option for us to buy back should he prove his worth. As BobF says - a run of games is possibly not a risk teams can afford (especially us) in the P/L.

For one Bobf mi old mucka - we would stop having these discussions over and over again. It's not me that's saying he is ok - its the club and Souness and this is turn is painting a picture that is building the hopes of Rovers fans when in all reality its all bull doo da. Don' t you think if there is any future for him other clubs would have had him watched anyway regardless of what the club says and made up their own minds? Reading the comments of MJ it would suggest he is ready and is working hard - but the comments of Souness seem to change every week totally contradicting what he has said previous. Forget me if I'm wrong, but for the majority of Rovers fans there is no love lost at the moment with Souness and by spouting what appears to be'lies' or misleading 'comments' is not going to endear him back to the walkaways. We keep on getting told about our position of needing fans through the turnstiles - so how about making the fans feel part of the club and stop all the bollux of trying to cover up stuff. I don't like it anymore than the next Rovers fan, and feel the paying customer has a right to know especially nowadays how their investment to the club is being spent - maybe not the full ins and outs but a better understanding of situations rather than trying to disguise facts all the time. Maybe its me and my interpretation of things, but talking to fellow fans and the comments on here - its not just me. There, my soapbox has just broke (FBstd) - thanks for the beer anyway (or should that be thanking Welshy)

Thenodrog I take it you don't read what Souness has been saying - he is mentally and physically ready all he needs is confidence. So I damned sure that he is not - and Souness is pouting crap again. As you and many of us believe - he's gone - so why don't the club admit it

Jal Is there any? Think Matt has done this quite well himself How can we interpret the difference when there is contradiction from every angle coming from the club? As what has been said previously, the way Souness and the team has been performing how can anybody say he has been given a proper chance - and as we all know you don't get a proper reflection from reserve games and training ( perfect scenario being the Yorke debacle) - by all accounts (Souness words) he has been working hard.

Hang On Capt, Wasn't Richard Brown a left back? And if nothing else I recall his scoring one absolute screamer against someone or other. He was still rubbish though. Nope he was a right back - can't remember him ever scoring though. Your not getting him mixed up with Tony Finnigan are you and his blaster against the Dingles?

Don't seem to recall anybody making him a scapegoat Roversmum. Think you have put another slant on it here - but regardless of the contract the club or Souness are not exactly making it clear to Jansen when on one hand theyare saying one thing and on another something else - your link to report would seem to confirm this and Mattys comments. What the fans are trying to do is find out if JANSEN has a future with us - if not then what is the point of keeping hold of him because all the signs emanating from the club is that they don't see a future for him. J may have all ' The qualities to be a Premier Hit' but does MJ still have them?

Personally I don't think we can answer this question at the moment as we are in another about change situation with new players. And with the possibility of Souness MAYBE now realising our strength is surprisingly playing players in their normal positions in a 442 formation perhaps we should now probably ask the question after the next run of 5/6 games. So for me I am going to be humpty dumpty and sit on the concrete fence (wall)

Nooooo Colin - you can't vote for Richard Brown!!!

Benefit of the club off the field but not on it Alan 75 - the other hand we have kept MJ supposedly for the benefit of the club on the pitch which ironically has gone against it both off and on it as he is doing absolutely nothing yet still being paid (unless this is covered by insurance?) The club is at fault here, as Souness has been saying for a while now that he is physically and mentally ready and all he needs his confidence yet he does not play the guy to give him e the confidence yet still says he is part of his plans . Then on the other hand he carries on saying we need another striker at the club (even when Yorke was here) and in true style get another striker in as well as one going out - yet now says he is now available to leave the club - this says to me that he is not ok and is not upto premier football as most of the fans thought anyway Either the guy is ok or he isn't - but it looks to me as if we will eventually off load him without any fee whatsoever and wasted wages - something we can ill afford as a club. So to me its either give him his last stand or get rid.

Is our best singing what Modes98 - Is this part of the new training regime? Maybe MGP can add the yodeling

As with Scotty and Alex Sc fi, best I have seen play is Pricey - exciting in his time with his bombing runs down the line and goals to boot which wasn't bad for a right back - remember his first game back the second time at Grimsby as well and as mentioned always appeared to add a bit of defensive stability. However got to be Mr Crompton for me - still admired and respected to this day and his record speaks for itself.

Krislu You could be spot on here So Souness saying we have the strongest squad he has had and that he is making us harder to beat with is completely baffling formations is totally a load of codswallop - just what alot of us suspected really So how can anybody really believe what he says nowadays unlike ' the believers' on here or has he really lost his marbles in that he doesn't know what he is talking about himself?

To me I say give the guy a chance. From memory good things where expected of the guy when he was at Coventry but he just lost his way and seemed to disappear of the track. I for one am happy we have replaced Yorke and regarding what has already been said we don't really have anything to lose. He's young and fast which is what we have been crying out for up front - but does nobody find it a bit canny that way his style of play has been described is very similar to the younger version of Yorke with a bit more speed. However there are two things of concern to me now though, and these being the comments from Souness at the beginning of the season which people seem to have overlooked on one part anyway:- Firstly re Jansen - Is this guy ok or not as I think the fans need to be told a definite - at the start of the Season Souness was saying he was in his plans now he is saying he can go - so what the hell is going on?- answers are wanted. Secondly re Gallagher which is a big worry to me - and after Souness said this was going to be a big season for him if he knuckled down where does this signing leave him.? To me this should have been the season to give him his chance but he does appear to be being left on the side and the rumour mill re the supposed argument appears to be sounding louder now.

Beat me to it 92er and is something I find very worrying. This game was approached with the feeling we where meeting a MU team that was at its weakest it has been for a while with us having possibly our strongest line up (barring Gray). I am not really for stats and I am also one of those that will say its not how much or how long you have the ball but what you do it that counts - however it leads me to the question of even with our arguably strongest team on Saturday is nobody else in the least, still slightly worried about how we were still picked off at liberty and how easy they cut through us? We could have lost the game by a significant margin if it wasn't for Super Brad and IMO we are still missing 'a spark' of creativity out on the pitch as we still appear laborious in our efforts to attack. Yes we showed more determination and looked 100% better organised , probably because we played 442 but unless we can continue with this I can still see major problems. As for Yorke, how anybody can try to defend what he did on Saturday is unbelievable - this guy is a waste of space - there is a big difference between chasing lost causes and putting in effort - and I know what I and many others saw from the 'Caribbean Slug'. Cannot really add anything more about the officials, but I genuinely thought the ref was bad for both sides with us losing out more. Lets just hope, the determination shown on Saturday is carried over to the restof the games and the confidence and concentration is built upon that allows us to get the team into routine of organisation and stability.

Its all well and good having our full strength line up as we see it back - but what's the point if Souness is going to ###### on it and play everybody bar where they should be playing. What the f in hell is he going to play against MU if he went all defensive against WBA for christ sake - 11 defenders? I am not as convinced as alot of people are about Thompson being the'one' to get things going but he is certainly better than what we have at the moment. You can't win a match unless you score goals, and by going defensive you will more than likely get beat rather than win. Its about time we started playing at what we are good at(*?) and playing to our strengths (if there are any) and stop flipping worrying about what the other side are going to bloody well do. Get back to basics and go out to win the match,which is what its all about at the end of the day ans stop being so BLOODY NEGATIVE SOUNESS!!

1. two mistakes in defense were capitalised on & they cost us dear - Jimbo quick question for you - bearing in mind what has been said on here with our defending last night and the previous games after what has been quoted by Ferguson as saying training has primarily been centered on defence does this not REALLY REALLY worry you? 2 . Against WBA, again I think we were the better side, esp. in the 2nd half - I'm sure Megson was a lot happier with the result than we were - I know the Baggies fans I was chatting to walking up Livsey certainly were - golly goshems you do surprise me - newly promoted team struggling for strikers and playing away first game back expecting to get beat. 3. Last season I can't comment on - I missed the whole season barring the first & last games after having major surgery on my knee - explains your comments so we'll give you a bit longer to summise what you see. Don't really want to comment about last night as I wasn't expecting anything different - what I find surprising again is why people are sounding surprised and trying to defend what happened - don't try to fool yourselves that there is nothing wrong (see point 1). I hate to say it again, but don't say I few of us didn't warn you many moons ago - same comments come out time and time again except that the numbers are increasing all the time. But we can all look forward to a possible 1-0 win on Saturday - penalty anybody?