Not sure where else to put this, but any news on the Sunday game where a few were supposed to get a run out (ie Siggy)?

I started the thread about this time last season. He has developed into a fantastic player, scoring goals, creating, just generally being an annoying pr!ck for the opposition. I take back everything I said-clearly I know nothing. What is even more positive was that he seemed to have developed a habit of starting seasons slowly before finishing strongly. He's started off this year terrifically!

Gosh we're a touchy bunch. Who cares what opposition fans call us! Besides, with their geographic location and history in the lower leagues they'd probs be far more familiar with Bristol Rovers and their first natural thought when hearing 'Rovers' is towards them.. GA75, I live in Nz now and I'm a big adoptive Welly Phoenix fan (as well as the Rovers of course) Ben Waine was a terrific performer for us, how is he doing for you. It's a big step up..

Should have sold him in Jan 22 when he had scored 20 goals by Christmas and 18th months left on contract. Would have been peak value and we could have signed 4 or 5 to help with promotion. Costly error

Something else I obviously missed over the summer was that con merchant Russell Martin getting the Saints job. After 2 years of midtable mediocrity with Swansea, conceding groundhog day over playing it goals every week, with their fans constantly asking for his head, he's somehow been rewarded?! I assume cos he 'tries to play the right way'. Certainly makes Southampton a lot less likely to go up imo-bear in mind they've already scabbed a couple of late goals.

I know it was only Harrogate, but for the love of God just back the man you utter w**kers!!

I was going to say exactly the same myself. We're not even out of August yet!

I've absolutely no idea why he is still here 2bh.

How do Rovers continously get such simple things wrong? Aside from the 1875 debate, as there has only been 1 away game this season, it should be allocated first to those who have 10 away games from last season, then 8 etc. Otherwise some poor sod might have gone to every away game last season, was on holiday for Rotherham and misses out.

Hahaha. Classic football fan comment. I like to think of myself as the same, but if anything I follow it more obsessively now I'm not in England. I'm in Christchurch, Aotearoa/Nz.

I know it's not strictly championship (although both clubs are), but if anyone wants an excellent example of fannying around with it at the back, check out huddersfield's first goal vs boro in the cup. A good 9/10 on the pissing about with it meter..

Ķ Terracing (old style that is, as safe standing is now allowed) is only banned in the top 2 divisions, so Epl and championship. League 1 and 2 is fine. From my understanding most of the ground is terracing at Harrogate. I agree in part, but football is also about supporters. We've never played them before, it's close by, new ground, so it'll be a fun away day for our fans. Far better then some dreary tie like stoke at home or the like.

New ground for many. Relatively local. Opportunity to stand on a terrace. League 2 opposition so young players will get another chance. Top draw, no complaints.

That's a fantastic draw!

We can't get any of them as wrong half the draw 🤣

As I've said many times one of most important parts about winning these games (outside of the obvious - progression, prize money etc) is that it gives the likes of Barnes, Batty, Gilesenan, Garrett etc games against strong league 1 and league 2 opposition. Games like this are worth 10x those u21 games for their development.

Maybe it's not diplomatic, but my first thought was, 'I really hope that when the clanger happens that sees Pears replaced as #1 is when we're already 3 nil up!'

I guess being positive it can't possibly be worse than last year can it?

Just watched brief highlights of all the games. Great to see Swansea conceding a ridiculous goal on opening day by pissing about with it in their own area. It's like the summer never happened!

Was an excellent finish on his weaker side. For the Wba goal, he was put in horrible trouble by Carter (should have gone up the line) and initially did well to retrieve it. I would start him vs Walsall, he needs minutes and game time.

An opportunity to continue getting some fitness for those who need it. Markanday clearly needs more game time, so I would start him and Ennis on Tues. Both Whartons and then Batty, Hedges, Barnes hopefully to be given an opportunity. Garret too. Unsure on whether to start Leonard or bring him on after 60mins say. Defo a game that we want to win, to not only put us in the next round, but also gives more low pressure games for the likes of Batty, Barnes, Garret etc to build experience and confidence.

Apologies if already discussed, but this insinuates that TK will start as number 1?

Great to hear the DM played well against Barnsley. Won 2 pens, assist and set up other chances. Such a shame he didn't get loan out to league 1 or 2 last season instead of Scotland. 6 months wasted there. Nice to see an exciting friendly with lots of goals. Nil nil in a friendly is just the worst. Concerning news on the injury fitness front, looks like we'll be going into the new season weaker, not stronger

Completely agree. Utterly pointless kit. How many times are we actually going to be able to use that lit away from home? Unlikely against anyone who plays in blue. So we'll be using the 3rd kit as the de facto away kit again.

Delighted to see the new contract signed. Ever since the Junior H debacle I always get a little nervous when a new contract is supposedly a 'done deal', yet weeks go by and you hear owt. Fully deserved, hopefully he carries on his form from last season into this!