3rd one from Trav 😉

2nd bit of good work from Pears What no screaming about the ref? I mean, Trav should have been booked all day long for that challenge on the edge of the box 😉

That's the excuse lined up then 😉

Incidentally, I mentioned to my neighbour in the ground that the ball over the top was likely to undo us. Carter was easily rolled at least twice and they were making useful deep lying runs. Seems something we are prone to.

Such a shame about the result. Rovers played really well today after going down to 10. Kept the ball well, nullified them and maintained a good shape/tactics given the situation. Just tiresome listening to fans a) moaning that we should press them (yeah right with 10 men) or b) stop passing it around and get it long more quickly (yeah right to who exactly with 10 men?) For all the nonsense diversionary stuff on Pears, Dolan, the fact we were down to 10, refs (what a surprise and wrong as usual), it comes down to simple stuff. Brain dead defending from Pickering and 2 simple over the top balls which we didn’t deal with. Heroic otherwise and I’m often very critical.

England totally outplayed. Given that we were lacking in quality, the one thing you can do is use good old English methods –get it in the mixer. So in injury time you send forward Millie Bright and bring on another big striker. But in 13 minutes, I don’t think one good cross/ball forward came in except for a big up and under which Bright won and the last corner of the game which was too close to the keeper. Poor. Enjoyed the world cup though. At least the women can get to finals.

Win is a win. We were pretty poor first half but they contrived to give us 2 goals (which were well taken.) More open and entertaining 2nd half once it got to 2-1. Markandy was poor. Not convinced -yet. Tronsdat was a mile off the pace –schooled by Travis. Not convinced -yet I’m going to hear a lot of voices around me all season screaming at players to stop “messing around at the back and get it forward.” Totally obvious that they are instructed to play out from the back at all costs. Lump it forward? I don’t think so. The number of times first half the ball was moved across the back line and then out to Markandy (back to goal) only for the poor lad to lose it/be outmuscled etc. There is going to be a lot of turgid midfield play –that will be fine when we win, boring and knives out when we don’t. Leonard was good. Should have scored. Lucky to score –keeper was useless, beaten at near post-only had to stand there and it would have hit him. Leonard’s overall display was very good though. Trav may not be a genius but does the necessary. Needed. Hyam excellent, Carter solid. Corners-I know the argument for short with the front 3 we had and their big lads but you’ve got to vary it occasionally especially when you’ve sent the 2 centre backs forward. Or is that the decoy? :-) Ditto early ball forward. OK, obviously no lumping it from full back in the absence of a target man but on the steal/turnover in midfield you could send it early then with a pacy front 3. Otherwise you become a little predictable. Dolan –comments a little harsh I think. Yes he rarely did anything that caught the eye but seemed to me that he’s been coached to keep it simple, keep possession, easy give and go. He did that really well. (As opposed to Markandy who frustratingly lost it plenty of times –and yes I know he scored.) How many times were people saying last season that he just runs down blind alleys? Seemed to me he’d jettisoned that yesterday and was therefore quietly effective. Worth the entrance fee for Adam’s curved forward pass alone. Who else can do that for us? And did I say, nice win. Good energy. Hope the tippy tappy is ok when pitches get rougher. But then Big Sam could be back. ;-)

Much as I am enjoying the nostalgia, it is also very depressing. Mentioning names like Hakan Sukur, Tuguy, Cole, Roque, Benni, Speedie. Compare to the present. Sheesh.

Nice posts arbitro and enjoying some reminisces of others. Makes a nice change from "he's sh**" and "he's useless" and "get rid of him" on match day. 😄

Inevitably, Mowbray v JDT has surfaced. As has the age-old debate that given what we have (ie dysfunction, no funds etc) would a different manager be able to get a better tune out of said deficiencies. But on another tack, could I ask a question of those thoughtful/knowledgeable posters on here concerning incoming loans? (Apologies in advance if I have these wrong). So Mowbray – Elliot, Tosin, JPH, Giles, Poveda, Khadra, Ayala (free), Dolan (free), Branthwaite, Harwood-Bellis, Cunningham, Downing (free), Johnson (free), Mulgrew, Diaz, Palmer, Reed, Armstrong , Rothwell?? JDT has had Morton, Thomas, Mola, Hirst. Obviously the gurning one had longer. And if you accept (you may not) that those loans under Mowbray are better than under JDT, my question is how far is the manager responsible and say his mates/contacts? Is it a case of having little black books of contacts or do scouts do it? How far is it to do with agents? Has our ‘stock’ as a club gone down that we can’t even attract top quality loans?

“We need a manager who knows what he is doing.” What like Mowbray? Who had years, multiple transfer windows and a far bigger budget and still didn’t manage the play-offs for us. And relied on Diaz to score a shed load for him (more by accidnet than design). But now Diaz is “shit” of course. Well, obviously –the club pathetically lets him go for nothing and then pays him loads to stay on and surprise, he plays at 80%. "How can it exceed expectations when we're probably going to finish in the same place as last season?" Knew it wouldn’t be long before Mowbray comparisons arrived. Leave it to others. Can’t be bothered to debunk that tosh. Consider length of time, money spent etc. Maybe get rid of some dross management behind the scenes. Get shut of the Venkys and agents. If you really think that team on the pitch was good enough then you know nothing about football. Don’t often agree with Gav but Rovers have over-achieved this season given the dysfunction that goes on at the club. I expected mid to low table. “How is the 'project' suppose to move forward with our current recruitment team and, reportedly, only frees and loans as transfer options?” Precisely. All chit-chat about players failings, manager tactics is hot air in the face of this. You could get lucky and find a manager who could work miracles on that criteria but good luck. And which manager worth his salt is going to step into this dysfunction? Why do you think we end up with a Aberdeen reject, a Preston reject, a Coventry reject, a league one player (Sammy), a player who is already on the beach etc etc etc. New manager? LOL. Of course, because all experience tells us that those who do the recruitment will make a cracking appointment and all the top managers will be desperate to make a bee line to this club. “Hyam, JRC, Wharton possibly Buckley and Carter. Rest can go.” “Squad needs a massive revamp.” That’s right. We’ve got millions to replace them (what would that be, 20+ players?) On another note, apparently there isn’t one good ref in this league (or one that hasn’t got it in for us.). That should be fine when we get relegated next year. “Because they will appoint a bottom of the barrel yes man next.” Indeed. That is the worry. And then the wheels well and truly come off.

Sorry, the layout of my post was poor. I was quoting someone who said he should take it into the corner. My next bit is my opinion as to why I disagree. IE I agree with you.😃

Hedges chipping that wouldn't play for me again. What team would that be then? I'd take Mark Robbins In the summer and fuvk jdt off Why would a good manager like him come to a dysfunctional club like ours? Hedges should take it into the corner. LOL. So a striker, clean through, one on one with keeper, should suddenly deviate and veer sharply off to the corner flag? Jeeze. Of course, Hedges finish was poor. But that didn’t cost us the game. I would argue Diaz twice minutes before had the chance to keep the ball high up the pitch but didn’t. (Caught offside again I notice.) And after Hedges failed, we were all set up behind the ball but S.Wharton again failed to defend properly. Agree that JDT didn’t help. I perfectly understand the logic of 3 at the back to deal with the aerial onslaught that is going to come in the given situation. The irony is that twice now it has upset the shape and stability of the team. As for all these players we should just get rid of –well perhaps. Given the exhortations here there would be no players left! But then, I know you’ve all got replacements lined up with the millions we can spend. There never is one silver bullet. This is Rovers. This is Venkys. This is £0m received for outgoing players (value circa £27m) and sum paid for incoming players £1.75m. This is dysfunction (or conspiracy depending on you POV) that can’t do paperwork. Generally, it seemed clear to me that he picked a team (not his best) by design hoping to do the business on the cheap so to speak, thus leaving the real war and best players for Tuesday. First half clearly showed that lack. Pretty certain, had we been winning say 1-0 at half time, you would not have seen Diaz/Hedges. Second half, improvement came. I suspect Diaz, Gallagher, Hedges will all start on Tuesday. P.S. Is it the ref's fault again?

I'm dreaming. A sensible comment amid a sea of ....

Saw something similar but a great deal more squashed in one of the Jack Walker Stand gents' toilets cubicles at the home game against Norwich. An easy gag I know but that day it was shi* on the pitch and shi* off the pitch.😃

In terms of dishing out blame, I'd look off the pitch. Paperwork and January for a start.

Some tosh delivered on here. Diaz not trying? Rubbish. Ran all game. Maybe not effective enough but gave plenty right to the death. Leonard should have scored there? Jeez, the lad looks to have great instincts and had a split second to toe poke it in. Gallagher and others wouldn’t even have been at the races. Leonard looks to have all the right instincts –young lad and time will tell. The ref is an absolute joke. Blaming the ref -the last refuge of the weak. Good teams don’t go down by 2 soft goals and then start to whinge about the ref. And then have to spend the rest of the game tying to play catch up. The clamour for Wharton. Well yes, he did some basics well but looked lethargic after 5 mins. Morton is useless, Morton doesn’t try. Well yes, he has been weak/ineffectual of late. But gives his all. Hit the post today and a great cross for the goal. On another note. Says it all about your team when an average right back is your MOM and main attacking threat (and scores a goal that any top class striker would have been proud of). More generally. First half, the bang average Rovers of nearly men who looked like the cheapskate team they are. Second half, the Rovers who play above their station but struggling with end product. Positive = good reaction 2nd half. Flea in ears and the drive to come back for a draw. Let’s be honest, Huddersfield are bang average but praise due with our second half effort.

miqaayil we will never be promoted or even play play-off games till venkys here...we're just tax laundromat...with premiership opportunity JDT will go... money will always trump football and hearts ...we are fools for believing ... Yep, all else is noise. Curiously, nobody has blamed the ref yet 😉

Cracking game. Thanks lads, really enjoyable. It’s the simple things: · Dolan’s simple pass for the goal. He has learnt to get his head up, think. You have to know when to go and when to keep it simple. Good coaching? · Travis back to his rollicking best after a rest. But he too is thinking of little forward passes as well as the crunch stuff. Good coaching? · Sorba getting good crosses in –not rocket science. Can’t remember many under the gurning one’s regime. Good coaching? I think it was his pull back from the by line that led to Dolan hitting the bar? · Several goal kicks just went long. Good move when you are a goal up, and perhaps need to conserve energy after a hard cup game. Good coaching? · And on a similar note, a general switch to a mixed game –that is, some nice, neat short stuff but also some early balls into the channels as well. Sam may not be a worldbeater in terms of finishing but he offered something we needed today up top as a contrast. Defensive headers too from corners . And that 20 minute spell in the second half when the players and fans were absolutely rocking with the Blades on the ropes. Such a shame that great shot from Sammie hit the woodwork. The players looked as though they were enjoying it. A determination not to concede. It was always going to be long balls/crosses into the box from them for the last 15. Thought we might tire but they kept going and no doubt in my mind we would have conceded late on previously. No doubt there were several head in hands moments and nails bitten but just a cracking win. Hyam was excellent here.

Some may have been mentioned. · Standing over ball at free kicks-instant yellow. Keep the game flowing/exciting. · Head injuries-too many feigned to stop play. Automatic 10 mins off or similar. · Time keeping-completely take it out of the hands of the ref. No problem in rugby. Clock stops for injuries etc. Should stop faking injury. · Diving/feigning injury · Goalies feigning head injury · Fans moaning about refs and the lack of quality. Who on earth would do it if, as many argue, they should get the sack after a bad decision? Ex pros? No chance-they know how poorly paid it is and the grief that refs receive. None coming up from grass roots due to the morons causing GBH/abuse etc at amateur level. · Phones generally. People on them the whole game talking not watching match or filming. · Fans more interested in watching opposition fans than the match · Players constantly messing with their hair · Players with ridiculous long shorts · Waving imaginary yellow –should receive an instant yellow · 5 subs –too many · Sweet Caroline · Ban towels for throw in · Swearing/arguing with refs. Not having this argument that ‘it’s a man’s game, industrial language will be used.’ No need at all. Doesn’t happen in rugby. · Crowding refs. · VAR. Generally a fan but obviously some recent mistakes are odd. But why not show it in the stadium? Happens in rugby. Would quite like to see it simplified maybe. Each side gets 2 calls on VAR. No other VAR decisions. Captain only can decide within 15 seconds or so. Can only be done for a red card, a goal, an offside, a penalty. Would be interesting to see a captain asking a striker who has just dived to get a penalty if he wants a review to happen. · Pass back to keeper –just ban it? · Gary Neville

Bore them rigid until they give in?

Long email from Rovers today in my inbox. Several things seem to jump out –heading trouble off at the pass? 1. Anti-racism – a good thing of course We would like to remind supporters of our shared commitment to tackling discrimination and abuse. Where we recognise discriminatory behaviour, it is important that we take the correct steps to notify the necessary authorities. To confidentially report discrimination or abuse, please contact the club on 07340 294474. 2. Preventing pitch invasion? In addition, encroachment onto the pitch, regardless of age, is a criminal offence, as well as a breach of ground regulations, and will not be tolerated. Individuals identified will be issued with stadium bans and police action may also be taken. These bans could also be extended to accompanying parents or guardians of children who take part in these unlawful activities. 3. . Bigging up the shop We're celebrating togetherness this weekend with this match being dedicated to the #OneRovers initiative. Check out our new range of products in the Roverstore, get a basic health check at the NHS Harri Bus and look out for some special mentions in and around the stadium tomorrow afternoon. The Roverstore, also open from 9am, will be offering 20% off our College Collection. Refresh your wardrobe with our latest hoodies, jumpers and t-shirts or shop online by clicking here. 4. Generally keeping up the idea that lots is happening For our younger supporters, Strikers' Lounge will be open from 1.15pm with plenty of activities to keep you entertained. Enjoy refreshments, arts and crafts and gaming or relax in our sensory room. We'll also be joined by Rover the Dog in the Family Stand where you can take on our inflatable football challenge, have your face painted or pick up some fruit courtesy of McDonald's. If you're looking for some entertainment before our 3pm kick-off, why not enjoy listening to our very own Jacob Reddy? He'll be performing some indie classics as well as his Rovers-inspired charity single Ewood Lights in the Fanzone from 1.30pm! For supporters who arrive on the concourse before 2.30pm, we're offering all draught pints for just £3.50! Please note, this offer does not apply to Blues Bar or in our hospitality lounges.

KHod Thank you. SuperBrFc Good post re Valencia -thanks.

KHod Some things said recently (all minuted anyway, I’m not giving away trade secrets) have concerned me greatly though, I can’t lie. Are you able to elaborate on those concerns?