We need to be patient as I recall from our previous game in July they are a different team in the second half. I’m sure they will be happy to soak up any early pressure and then come at us. I don’t want another game where we have 65% possession and 17 shots but no points. A hard fought 1-0 win will do me and failing that a 0-0 draw will be OK

Is that because of the price boycott or just lack of enthusiasm. Be interesting to see what kind of virtual viewing figures For Rovers matches? Particularly how many are going for the match pass rather than those with season passes.

Buckley was no worse than most of the rest v Forest. He’s a talented player and will come good but I wouldn’t use him as a replacement for Johnson who has more physical presence.

I hope I’m wrong but given the number of players missing and new ones still to settle in I can’t see anything but a Watford win. Best we can hope for is to shut up shop and squeeze out a draw. We need to keep the young Pedro quiet as he looks quite a threat. They also have Sarr who’s deadline day transfer to Palace fell through. All in all they look quite strong both defensively and up front. Hopefully by Saturday we will be in a better position squad wise but much depends on those still isolating being available.

Get your money on a Rovers win?

Good job so many season ticket holders renewed. Without them this would not have been possible?

Of course it’s about being desperate for cash. Most EFL clubs are unlikely to survive if this crisis continues much longer. Putting Premier League politics to one side, if it means that EFL clubs get a much larger slice of the financial cake then surely that should be welcomed. The question to be asked is what will need to be given up? Loss of the Carabao Cup? Not sure how much income that brings in but it’s obviously not a priority for a lot of clubs. Loss of the Community Shield? Who really cares? The biggie is the tinkering with Championship promotion places. If it means less chance of getting into the Premier League then obviously that’s a concern. But also a concern would be putting some sort of financial constraint on clubs linked to income. Rovers would have a problem there.

It’s a very good thread and clearly there is a mistaken perception that our fans are somehow different to others in being quick to criticise. Ignoring the last paragraph, I agree that Rovers may actually benefit from reduced match income but that assumes that Venkys are going to make up the difference. A dangerous assumption. They will have financial pressures like everyone else. To say that the team will somehow not be as impacted by support from the stands as the bigger clubs is contrary to what TM has just said. The lack of fans “sucking the ball in” surely impacts all clubs.

There will always be individuals who are quick to voice their criticism of players but I think it’s dangerous to generalise as something that is specific to Ewood when it isn’t in my experience. On the contrary, Rovers fans are usually very supportive of young players and only want them to do well. I don’t hear much in the way of personal abuse if they don’t.

A frustrating afternoon for sure but not the worst result. a lot of possession without an end product. I have to say that Buckley really impressed me when he came on. Some of his passing was superb and he just looks so comfortable on the ball. He is going to be a real asset in my opinion.

Well it won’t be long before Dyche is managing an EFL club so he needs to be careful what he wishes for!

I think these are strange and scary times for everyone and there is nothing wrong in trying to grasp a bit of normality even if it’s irrational. Clearly, if this crisis continues for years the traditional football model will need to change significantly as clubs will not be able to survive. The blind loyalty of fans can only be relied upon so far but without fans in stadiums and relying on TV coverage the Income will just not support the ridiculous levels of spend that professional football requires. Maybe the Premier League will continue but unless some of their riches are shared around it doesn’t look good for clubs in the lower leagues.

Someone at the club is reading this board. The only problem being is that unless the club offer something more enticing they aren’t going to increase sales significantly.

Yes that’s precisely why I renewed. I’m shielding so my only option is iFollow which the club have agreed to for home games. A small refund for games behind closed doors and I’m OK with that. I think they need to extend the deadline to accommodate any fans in a similar position as this was not previously communicated. COYB

Just bought mine. Guaranteed my seat for next season in the Premier League. ? in the meantime will need to rely on iFollow

Let’s hope that you don’t have to watch all matches on iFollow Barry. I’m renewing my ticket tomorrow but don’t expect to be having a half time meet up for some time

Hopefully the number of iFollow passes will increase significantly in line with Rovers good start to the season.

I hardly think that you can compare non league football with the Championship. You have made your decision not to buy a season ticket, fair enough. Not missed going to Ewood? Well I bloody well have as have probably most Rovers fans. I would love to be there on Saturday urging the lads on to a convincing win. The club is between a rock and a hard place. They need the income but can’t offer a suitable product. Fans also are torn between loyalty to the club, simple economics and self preservation. This is the same at all levels. I agree that all clubs need help and hopefully something will be sorted so that very few go to the wall but inevitably some will. I don’t want Rovers to end up amongst them but if it happens so be it.

I’m currently recovering from major surgery so will be shielding and therefore not able attend matches whilst infection rates are high. I know others who are also unwilling to attend for similar reasons. I have contacted the club several times stating that I would be happy to renew my season ticket if iFollow was an option to attending but to date have not received a definitive answer. It seems that the club are missing out on renewals from a significant number of fans because they are assuming that most are actually wanting to attend matches when in reality many, more vulnerable folk, are not comfortable in doing so.

I don’t believe we need to worry too much about where Dack will fit in. He’s going to take some time to get up to speed and fitness so there’s no rush. its also likely that injuries will mean a spot opens up and if he is ready then that’s where he gets an opportunity. If not then it’s down to TM to decide who makes way. It’s a great problem to have and not one to be concerned about. More important is that we continue with our more positive approach which I’m sure Dack will fit back into no problem.

Looks increasingly that we may have to sell one of our better players just to make up for lack of income through the door. All will depend on where things are in January but given that Travis and Dack are out of action, that leaves only Armstrong as someone who could be sold for a sizeable fee. Unless Dolan continues with his Messi like form in which case it’s mega bucks for him too!

The club need to rethink the whole situation and offer iFollow as an option to all those purchasing season passes. There is no way I am attending this season but as it stands, if I buy a season ticket I’m not guaranteed to see all home games.

We need to be back at Ewood as soon as possible

As owners and directors of the club Venkys have a corporate duty to ensure it continues as a going concern and remains solvent. Regardless of the COVID situation and the number of fans buying tickets this is their sole responsibility. if they are not able to guarantee that then we know what the alternative is.

I’m all for a season ticket that gives you the option of attending or watching on iFollow with or without a cash adjustment. I just don’t want to miss watching games either in person or virtually. This a difficult situation for all and one that could be disastrous for many clubs not just Rovers. I’m sure most fans are happy to support the club in these times but equally many cannot afford to spend their money on an uncertain and devalued product. The club don’t appear to have grasped this.