I fully agree with what both Tyrone and JHRover have said. I can also throw into the mix a potential signing for free late in the close season, who was the answer to all of our natural width and pace issues in attack and more besides. He was shown the door after a 2 week trial, where he picked up a niggling injury after 3 days and was never truly given an opportunity to demonstrate his abundance of skills. The decision in my opinion was definitely of a political nature, when it was made clear that there was no agent involved whatsoever. Before anyone asks, I am not prepared to elaborate further other than to state it is a fact in every respect. In addition to those previously mentioned, you can add Caddis and Whittingham too.

It's certainly great to have belief that those on the pitch would 'kiss the badge' and it be genuine. I'm proud to be a Rover once again, we could yet 'rip this league up' and finish in the top 2! COYB!!!

Line up for me (is Sir Charlie fit to play?): Raya Nyambe Lenighan Williams/Mulgrew Bell Smallwood/Evans Bennett Reed Rothwell Dack Armstrong/Brereton Graham

I agree, I'm really excited about our prospects today and about Rovers in general. We've an embarrassment of attacking options without having a natural wide man, which I find odd. I've also been worried about us at the back for seasons but was heartened by Williams and Lenighan performances at Derby when we were under the cosh for so long. I also think both Bell and Nyambe have been superb at full back all season so far. I think we're coming away from The Potteries with 3 points today. From North Carolina, thanks ifollow too, COYB!!!

I do, pick 'em both as you previously suggested.

For Rovers aye, about on a par with Shane Duffy for Brighton and Cardiff City!

Rio didn't enjoy it much! lol

I like it too.

Absolutely me to a tee CLB but replace BBE with Riversider 'teddy' vintage! That said I was in the BBE in a few key dates to remember: Chelsea and the day of the Bolton 'long leather coats'. In the Darwen End for Villa early seventies, not to mention Plymouth in '75!

dito

But if they'd won the penalty and Tammy Abraham's radar was better tuned? Disappointing to concede 2 points in injury time yet again I agree but I think a draw was a fair result overall.

Me too Waggy. Can't believe some of the shite some folk come out with. I watched it on ESPN in the States and it was a wonder free kick, bent from 2 yards outside of the post to nestle in the bottom corner. Best I've seen since Roberto Carlos.

NO!

Crikey nathan, aye, a belter all round! Hopefully 3 points against Villa should make it a happy birthday for me on Sunday! Lenoir, mountain blues in preparation!

Thanks Matt

Thanks Stuart: we've done all we can (sandbagged etc) we're on a mountain side in western North Carolina which is 230 miles inland so we're not so worried about the wind, just the rain which could be in biblical proportions if the forecasts are to be believed. We're still looking forward to watching the game on Saturday somehow, assuming we've still got power!

I'm currently in USA and bracing myself to face up to Hurricane Florence and was looking forward to watching Saturday's game against Villa on ifollow. I've just found out that there are no game passes available for this due to it being shown live on Sky. Does anyone have any idea where (or if) it will be screened in United States or whether I can access my UK Sky Sports account somehow whilst in US? Thanks if anyone can help.

I respectfully disagree with all that you say but understand why you said it. Shearer had done next to nothing at Southampton before we signed him for a then record British transfer fee. The fee was for the potential and as we know, how that was realised! The transfer fee and wages don't necessarily have to be linked: The fee goes to the club (and numerous hangers on no doubt), the player earns the salary. I'm certain TM wouldn't risk the potential of any squad disharmony by paying a kid with potential more than the likes of Bradley and King Charles for example. The £8 million would be spent on a kid with absolute bags of potential and all that brings in terms of the potential for a sizeable profit as the asset increases in value. There's lots of Ross MCormacks etc who Championship clubs have paid a fortune for yet fail to come close to delivering on expectations. Get Brereton signed, he'll be a good 'un!

Absobloodylutely! We can only dream but they must be out there somewhere. Come on Stuart Harvey do your stuff lad!

Me too bob! We're on our way.................................

I thought Evans was superb yesterday but he and Smallwood as a pairing doesn't cut it for me: Smallwood looks more than a yard off the pace and I think the step up to The Championship is too much for him. I agree with the earlier comments regarding Benno too, he's no longer suited to playing wide and perhaps his high energy and Evans' more cautious approach could be a good pairing in centre mid. Throw Trav, Palmer (who will improve), Rothwell into the mix too, sign a winger, a commanding centre half and forward to complement Dack and Armstrong, and we could actually rip this league up! I haven't felt as positive as I do now for yonks, COYB!!

Antony Pilkington is available on loan from Cardiff. He's fit and would probably relish the opportunity of returning to his roots.

I totally agree with every word. It was a great night's entertainment and well worthwhile making the effort to go. The only thing I'd add is that defensively we were woeful at times and it was 'only Carlisle'. Defend like that in the league and we'll get punished.

Sadly no, Adam

I've previously given you the benefit of the doubt before chaddy but you really are just a d1ck. I apologise for the 'personal comment' and prepare myself for the usual nonsense.... I've seen him in the treatment room at Brockhall with his belly over the top of his shorts, have you?