Just referenced the excellent Mick Jackman Waggy: You're right, '77/78 was the season I was referring to and Blackpool beat us 5-2. '76/'77, 2 weeks before the 5th Round tie at The Baseball Ground, we drew 1-1 with Blackpool and John Byrom did indeed score the equaliser for us. We didn't do too badly though for 2 old geezers!

Bob Hatton scored a hat-trick for The Seasiders that day, I think they scored 5?

I remember you getting acquainted with Max, our German Shepherd (who was soft as anything btw!) one day when we were both out walking years back🤣!

Bloody Hell Gav, you've surprised me there: I always thought you were a similar age to me for some reason! 😉🤣

It's later than I thought initially Tyrone, I though 73/74ish. Daft really because I knew Jim Smith was manager at the time, I should have known better! You're right about centre halves though, there's potentially 5 there! Poor front 2 also, Bobby Mitchell and an ageing John Byrom would hardly have put the fear of god into the League Champions!

Got to know Keith through the parents of a lad I was at school with, who lived across the road from him. He's now probably the best dentist in Clitheroe at the end of Waddington Road. Both the dad of the lad and Ronnie, were both newsagents, hence I think the initial connection. I pass by your Mum and Dads grave most mornings Mark, when I'm taking the dog for a walk. I always say 'Hi' and remember your dad as being a real card, made everyone laugh and a fantastic jazz pianist to boot. They can't take away our memories can they? I'm loving this thread,,,,,

I remember going to Boothferry Park in 68/9 with my Dad and Grandad, courtesy of Keith Newton. It was the first time I remember standing in an 'enclosure' at the side of the pitch, rather than behind the goals. I was 7 years old at the time. The other distinct memory I have of being stood in a similar place on the terraces, was at the Baseball Ground for an FA Cup Tie, when Derby County were in their pomp. Charlie George scored for them, I think we lost 0-3. It was the first time I was worried about being a Rovers fan away and can recall the small alleyways, between Rolls Royce factories, leading to the ground). How many Rovers fans were there that day? 6,000 to 8,000+, I'd guess. Keith Newton lived on Knowsley Road West in Wilpshire at the time. He and Ronnie Clayton were good mates with my Dad (Clayton's Left Boots' parents were also in the same circle of friends). I'm ashamed to admit now that once he became a Dingle, he also gave us tickets for the FA Cup Semi-Final at Hillsborough, Newcastle v The 'Shower of Shite'. Fortunately 'Super Mac' spared my blushes and bagged a brace to reach the final.

Don't tell my wife though! 🤣It would have meant 3 or 4 in a bed! As whatever, I think he'll prove to be a great signing. COYB!!

Hey, he may have been a centre half at City but who's to say that ToMo hasn't designs on him playing left wing? You hadn't considered that one Hoochie had ya? In honesty, my City mates both woke me up and said we'd signed a cracking player. The skillsets I described were as stated by them but in a state of slumber, I hadn't a fecking clue what position he plays. There you have it, another one I got wrong. 😉 WE ARE The Rovers!!!

Correct, he is. Christ knows where I got midfielder from. In mitigation, I have just woke up! Duly amended!

I've had 2 City fans ring me today independently, telling me we've signed a cracking player in Harwood - Bellis. He's tricky, fast and not afraid to put his foot in where it hurts. (Box to box midfielder) in my dreams, he's a centre back. Here's hoping!.....

That's one game in about 15 though, are you saying that Grant Hanley would be a worse member of our squad than a latter day Vince Grella? Ayala has pipped our Northern Irish superstar in the 'availability stakes' for goodness sake!

edit: CLB beat me to it

and Stevie Kindon!

2-1 to you! I'm a sore loser though! 😉👊🤝

.....among the all time greats, never say die we know the time will come to celebrate, for we are THE Rovers, We're proud of our colours, ever and ever and on to victory, Come on The Rovers ddddssssh (cymbal noise!).... A and B sides rigger, we've missed our way in life pal!🤣🤣

There's life in the old dog yet! 😉😄

Pot calling the kettle sutty arse is all I'll say!

Clayton's left boot's got me going now, I've just took the top off a bottle of Desperado's and wet mi whistle! How's about: "We've won The Cup 3 Times on the run, Champions of Division 1, (da de da de da ???)...(I forget the middle bit).. WE ARE THE BLACKBURN ROVERS!!" But I'd draw the line with this ditty: "Never give in, go out to win, forever will be our aim, Our name is ranked amongst the all time greats, never say die, we know the time will come to celebrate. For WE ARE The Rovers, we're proud of our colours, ever and ever and on to victory, for THE Rovers they'll be roaring, for THE Rovers we'll be scoring, whatever may come, by gum we'll make it a day!"

You're a week too bloody late cocker, scroll back through the thread!😉

When we're all let loose again Mark, let's get it going again but please no bloody drummer!

Accepted. We all balls up once in a while!

Put it into the context it was used Tony, don't twist it. I said perhaps they viewed us as such and who could blame them, given in their eyes what they think they have done for us. You, of all people should know better of me than what you are portraying here. If it was the wrong choice of words, then I'm big enough to hold my hand up and apologise but there was no malice whatsoever intended, quite the contrary in fact. Best darrenrover!

I've already explained about the debt, it's an accounting function only. How else do you sensibly account for the £150 million plus that they have pumped into the club? Please do tell and I'll utilise your idea myself for my personal benefit! Forget the putting us back where they found us argument, that would be nice but it's nonsensical, if you don't mind me saying. Everyone is entitled to their opinion and that is their individual prerogative, I get and respect that too. I'm just prepared to put my head above the parapet and voice my opinion, with only the very best intentions at heart, regarding something that has always been and always will be, the second love of my life after my family and close friends. If you disagree with me then fine but you will not alter or change my opinion or views, I've thought about them long and hard. Last words from me. WE ARE The Rovers!!!

I didn't say deserve to be, if I did it was a Freudian slip. Christ, I'm one of them and have been for 54 years! I also didn't say it was right but that is how it could be construed in India, wrongly of course. I'm wanting to right wrongs, get us all singing from the same page, never mind hymn book. I'm not about criticising anybody, just pointing a few things out that could be true and because of it, a major stumbling block in everyone connected with BRFC drawing a line in the sand and moving on. That's all, surely that is for the betterment of Blackburn Rovers FC, the thing that we all hold dear, surely everyone must agree with that? Flip it and look at things from Venkys perspective......