How's the head?

Thank you Radagast I knew you would not fail me.

Although I don't like greatest hits or best of collections, Pearl Jams "Rearview Mirror" is out next week which is a 33 track compilation of all their best work. No self respecting rock fan should be without it. Well, apart from Radagast probably!

Ok I predicted a win as well, but at least I was half right!

First away win of the season. Man C 0 Rovers 2. Feeling so confident we might even get a penalty!

I have been a long term critic of Tony Parkes but that doesn't stop me from feeling angry at the way this has been handled. The right decision has been made but what a shabby ending to a most loyal servant.

It is widely reported this morning that Souness has had a training ground bust up with Bellamy. It resulted in Souness grabbing Bellamy by the throat and threatening him in front of astonished team mates. The result seems to be that Bellamy will be sold in January. You see, some things never change.

There is probably some truth in that waggy. But it doesn't explain why in all four Premiership league games at Highbury this season tickets for home areas went on open sale after the clubs siver members failed to take up the option of a ticket. Then again tickets were for seats costing £50 and upwards!

Of the 17 clubs who remained in the Premiership this year 11 are experiencing a decline in home attendances this season, with only Fulham showing a sizeable increase. The Premiership are convinced the reason for this decline in gates is due to the new television deal in which the European Union insisted that the number of live televised games be increased from 96 to 138. Even Arsenal are not immune as they have seen a 2% drop in attendances. For the game against Middlesbrough at Highbury (a live Sky game) for the first time in living memory tickets were put on open sale after the clubs “silver members” had failed to produce the usual sell out. Chelsea took a very small following to the Riverside Stadium last week for a lunchtime kick-off. It seems the majority of their usual travelling support preferred to stay at home and watch it on the box. Everton have experienced the biggest drop with a massive 11% fall. How much this is due to selling Rooney is open to debate. Fulham on the other hand are bucking the trend. Of course a lot of this is due to a return to their home. But they have also implemented some innovative marketing ideas. For instance rather than paying for a full season ticket fans can opt for a 10 game package. The club have also turned back the clock by introducing a “neutrals” zone where home and away fans can purchase tickets on the day of the game if the match is not sold out. It seems fans are starting to vote with their feet. And not just ours!

Viscout Central. I think the alcohol is compulsary!

By all accounts Brum will be charging Rovers fans £40 a ticket for the match at St. Andrews later on this season. Disgrace!

The Daily Mail are reporting that Hughes will be our new manager after Strachan turned the job down. They say that old carrot top is waiting for developments at Man City with a view to taking over if Keegan goes. But hey, it is the Daily Mail!

Tom Finney once said that Bill Eckersley was one of the most difficult opponents he ever faced in his career. Thats good enough for me!

Blimey, I am in agreement with jim!

BBC Sport have picked up on this. According to them Levein has been discussed by the board and could be on the shortlist. Levein was asked yesterday about a posiible move to Blackburn and refused to comment.

Interview with Souness in this mornings Sunday Telegraph. Quote "Alan Shearer along with Shay Given and Nicky Butt are the senior pros here. In terms of football the rest are just babies."

I go away for a week and all this happens. Personally I am very dissapointed in the man. The club backed him in all his fallouts with various players and also backed him in the transfer market. Then at the first opportunity he quits. What happened to "this is one of the best jobs in football", or "this will be my last job in management as I am happy here as it is a proper football club?" Strangely though, after initial dissapointment/anger, I can't help but feel that this will be for the best for both parties. We move on. Good luck Graeme, think you will need it!

Hard choice. Would have loved to have voted for Sir Roger, but Tim Flowers was a big part of the team that made us champions of England. The goalkeeping display against Newcastle will live long in the memory, and the interview afterwards even longer. So he gets my vote.

BBC 2 Sunday nights.

To blame for what? Picking the squad that he felt was the best? Even Chris' scapegoat has more blame.. The story goes that Matt had been measured up for the World Cup suit. He had been told he was in the squad. Then on the day of the squad selection, the announcement was delayed from around 1000 to 1200 and then til 1500. Something was afoot. Rumour has it, Tord Gripp suggested that taking a 5th centre back (who was to play no part in the competition and was at the end of an international career) was a better idea than take a 5th striker who could play on the left if necessary, and was a rising star for the future. How much of the above is true is open to debate, but there are numerous sources with the same events in more less the same fashion. I think we were playing at Anfield against Liverpool (we lost 4-3) and rumour has it that at half time message came down from "above" that Jansen was picked for the world cup squad. Days later the squad is announced with no Jansen. The rest is history.

Well he is at fault for alot of it! Tell me, in what way is Souness to blame?

It is in the Daily Star. The Rovers have told Jansen and his advisors that he has permission to find another club as he is approaching the last year of his contract.

Don't call me Stato Theno but since the Premiership we have played United 21 times. In those games we have received 38 yellow cards and 5 red. United on the other hand have 29 yellows and 1 red. (Keane sent off at Ewood by one of the better refs David Elleray)

Rovers 2 Utd 0 And thats before a drink!

You sound like Souey!