Funnily enough this jogged my memory that when my son told him he is called James, Bobby remarked "ah, one of Jesus' disciples". I wasn't converted though, (unlike my penalties !) ?

I went for a kickabout this afternoon in Pleasington Fields with my son. He fancies himself as a keeper and I still hanker after a Rovers call up at the age of forty seven. Whilst slotting a few penalties past him in the admittedly huge nets on the pitch over the (once) blue bridge, I noticed a sprightly dog walker of pensionable age taking a keen interest as my lad repeatedly made the thirty yard dash to retrieve the ball that I had smashed past him in fatherly fashion. After a few minutes, the old boy ambled over and said hello. He asked if it would be ok to pass a tip onto my son to help him when facing penalties. He then spent a minute or so doing a bit of coaching with him which my son clearly found interesting. I formed the strong impression that he was an ex pro and when he came back over I asked him. "Bobby Svarc" came the reply. I didn't start watching Rovers until well into the 1977/'78 season so I missed him by a few months but the name was familiar to me. I shook his hand and had a lovely chat to him for 15 minutes or so. He is 72 years old now but clearly in good nick. He told me that Rovers was his last team, he retired at 31 with knee problems. We talked a bit about players of his era and, me being me I mentioned my all time hero Garns who he said he rated highly. He started at Leicester as a boy and played with the likes of Gordon Banks. He said he had played with or against all of the '66 World Cup team other than Jack Charlton and Stiles. He told me that Jimmy Greaves was simply the greatest striker he ever saw. All in all a really good day for me and I was chuffed to talk with him. My son won't reveal the penalty tip though.....

Agreed. I also enjoyed the aftermath of the Grant Hanley song when a Norwich sub ran to Grant to ask what the Rovers fans had just sung to him and laughed after Hanley explained it. Later on Ben Marshall ran out to warm up and looked expectantly towards the Blackburn End but received not even a murmur. He cut a desolate figure and I felt sorry for him. I'd have him back on loan actually; right back or wing.

Yes. Always tricky with these sources but I believe it to be done, or as good as...

Chapman in for a small fee and immediately loaned out, and Sam Gallagher on loan is what I heard earlier this week.

I remember Bobby hauling Garner off with about 20 minutes to go in a home fixture. We were losing and the crowd went absolutely mental. Me and my brother were in our early teens at the time and were almost in tears at the indignity heaped on our hero. Shouts of Saxton out began and Bobby's days were numbered. Garner milked the fans reaction dry, glowering at Sacko and stalking off down the tunnel. For all Garner's prowess in Saxton's early days, I think he went a bit stale prior to Saxton going. Don Mackay really got him going again and Garner became a truly great player in Mackay's years in charge.

Baz

Wonder if this is a back three including Williams centrally, with Nyambe and Conway as wingbacks? Just a thought.

I'd like to think that Tawny will send out a team with the wit to woo.

I remember him destroying England full back Viv Anderson during the big midweek evening cup game against the great Forest team back in the late 70s (?) Anderson resorted to stamping on him as I recall. He couldn't handle Noel at all. I seem to remember a testimonial for him circa 1990 against Kendall's Man City team. A genius on his day and a grafter too.

Sorry Matty, hadn't seen your last sentence. Yes, you are quite right.

I like Graham and would normally agree with you but he hasn't really acted as a focal point for a few games now. The ball isn't sticking to him, in fact he is hardly touching it at all. He is also missing some decent one on one chances. I'm afraid he is looking a bit weak, and dare I say old. For all he is currently contributing you might as well have a Jordan Rhodes type. At least he is scoring.

They started noticeably wasting time today with a mere seven minutes on the clock. We aren't exactly tearing this division up, and personally I would be embarrassed as a player if my manager had instructed me to do this (which he clearly had). I would also be ashamed as a supporter if my team deployed this cowardly tactic so early in a game.

Got Q block two thirds of the way up at 3 o clock today

Interesting that hardly anyone is picking Smallwood. In truth he will be the first name on Tony's teamsheet.

No complaints about the red button from me for this one!

Definitely right about the second bit mate ?

I think Mowbray’s logic was that we needed an outlet for the ball to stick to after Graham went off and he didn't trust Brereton to be able to do it. I can't think of any other reason. Personally I would have brought Rothwell on at that point on the wing and moved Armstrong central for the ball over the top. His pace terrified Leeds all day and I think he would have scored as a striker.

The team we finished with.... Raya Bennett. Lenihan. Rodwell. Bell Armstrong Smallwood. Reed. Rothwell Dack Graham ........looks a lot better on paper than the starting line-up. In fact it looks the strongest team we have put out all season. If Mowbray can find the confidence to unleash us a little bit, this team can make the playoffs . I don't advocate dropping Mulgrew or Evans necessarily but it is always good to look at other options. Certainly food for thought.

Baz Rathbone's "The smell of football " is very funny and entertaining. He is a real character Baz and his book has loads of good Rovers memories as you would imagine. His Russell Coughlin anecdotes are worth the admission price alone.

Danny Graham? ? My bet is Bennett but any of those you mention are a possibility. Maybe Bell too

Very early days for Ben. It can't be easy for a nineteen year old making a move in any circumstances. My initial assessment of him is that he looks to be more of a Shearer than a Ripley A Brereton, rather than a Brotherston.

I was only able to watch the first half but Rodwell looked lean and fit. He talked non stop and organised the back line very well. In truth he had very little to do but looked comfortable and classy. He effortlessly robbed the lone striker of the ball a couple of times and his distribution was simple but effective. On one occasion he burst forward with the ball and looked dangerous. He is quick and still looks like a younger player. He won't have an easier time than this but I was very encouraged by him.

Classic 80's kit. Classic 80's chant from the Blackburn End 35 seconds into the video too. Probably best not to suggest resurrecting that one for our modern audiences!

Palmer will be up for starting this one as he will know Derby well. I would bring Garns back for a guaranteed 5 (five) goal haul. Thirty five years ago to the month ?