Blowing out your hamstring (and him looking like he was holding back tears on the walk to confirm that suspicion) a few minutes after coming on, having been through two consecutive cruciate ligament injuries, managed through the recovery and subsequent to your first intense run of starts… but you’re right, I guess, random occurrence, could happen anytime.

Got to admire the brass neck of this, at least.

Very interested to see how the “Dack not starting is criminal” brigade are currently feeling.

Last twenty minutes have been objectively good football and really effective pressing specifically. Swansea have not been prepped for the gear shift in this half and if it’s been intentional by JDT, that’s great coaching. Not perfect, but really encouraging stuff.

Infinitely better. Higher line of engagement and a nervier Swansea back line, so the momentum is swinging our way.

More an observation that when the opportunity presented itself to sign an identified improvement in an apparent weak area, the opportunity was attempted. You’re right that it wasn’t good enough not to land him, though.

We almost did on deadline day.

Exactly the point. You should treat home and away different to an extent but if a team is going to play a very specific and defined way, home and away, you play against that. I don’t see - with our squad - how we would play any different against these. Yeah, Russell Martin. The footballing equivalent of a trainee painter and decorator citing Michelangelo and Da Vinci as an influence.

Not gonna be a popular opinion, but we’re set up correctly against this side and especially their stubborn, self-aggrandising manager. Now, the players we have at our disposal and possibly even the selection, are suspect. It was not working as expected in the early minutes, hence the touch line bollocking from JDT, but he’s specifically set us up to play Swansea. Yes we’re at home, but there’s no point opening yourself up from the off to be played through. The press is causing the odd mistake to creep in on their end, which is what you do want. I think this will be a bit of a tedious watch, but as they get more desperate with their attempts and we continue to frustrate, we will get chances over the 90.

Watching Millwall battle (literally and figuratively) their way to a deserved victory against overhyped Sheff Utd (my opinion, mind, but they look a side destined for 20 heavy losses in the top flight) is both inspiring and frustrating. A team of grafters (save a couple of visible kids). I’d love to see that kind of mettle in our squad, in a way. Edit: BBD has found his shooting boots and I think Swansea have a PTSD episode from the game at their place. We nearly bottle it late, but catch them on the break to seal it. 4-2 Rovers.

Trav back at it. Good to see. Gally’s days must be numbered.

Respectfully, this is bollocks. He’s clearly still in development, but he’s beginning to shape his role. Key pass in the buildup to the goal today and 4 goals with 5 assists this season. I suppose what you’re saying is we don’t want goals or assists from players?

Hard disagree.

Yes, I’d actually forgotten.

“Portuguese Connection” period aside, I think you’re right. I think it compares interestingly with our opponents today, as well.

The entire of our starting lineup is English today (not having the Chilean association as a defining nationality). Must be a rare one generally.

Great passage of play, starting with a great ball from JRC cross-field and really opened up with his run, cut inside and shot. He’s absolutely transformed, it’s really great to see.

Morton is visibly lost out there. Obviously has some good qualities but he’s most comfortable when the team is in possession and not everything is riding on him creating. Really don’t want to initiate a pile-on, but he’s not much use to us right now.

“Just when you thought it was safe to go back to Ewood…” Although maybe we could get both and finally solve the problem of Gerrard and Lampard in the same position?

If it’s ever Judan Ali, you’ll catch me outside the JW Stand executive entrance/club reception with a guillotine for use on the board.

JDT’s Sky interview and he’s discussing the transfer debacle. Pointedly mentions Wigan signing 6 players and Watford 8, then seems to criticise the two that went out and even that O’Brien’s the wrong position. He’ll be gone and fair enough. He’s been sold a lie.

Jesus, that’s a poor watch. Deadline Day Debacle filtering through the squad? Maybe, I don’t know how these dynamics work. £15-20m + a BBD replacement and we might have a look-in at top 6 next year. First time I’ve said it this season, but this team is only headed in one direction, at present. positives: Thomas, JRC, Trav, Pears. Carter and Dack steady, Wharton shaky but better. The rest: insipid.

Christ alive that was poor

Sorba Thomas has absolutely added something we didn’t have.

JDT looks livid. Maybe we’re reading too much into it, but that’s not the face of a happy bunny.