Tyrone Shoelaces

A few of us on here came in for a fair amount of stick at the end of last season. We were the people who whilst thoroughly enjoying having something to shout about regarding Rovers for once in a long time were less than impressed as to the manner promotion was achieved. The way we seemed to only play for 45 minute in nearly every game. The way we seemed to struggle to impose ourselves physically on the opposition and only got through lots of games because of our superior skill level. The way we seemed to start most games in a really casual and laid back style. The lack of real input from most of our new signings. Of course we were told to " Get with the Programme ", " In Tony we trust " and other such waffle. I thought it was pretty obvious that we needed 3 or 4 new players that would go straight into the first team right away and stay there. When these players didn't arrive and the only real reinforcement was a loan player I was really concerned. Some how we managed to get through to January accumulating a fair amount of points albeit having taken some bangings on the way. Since then my fears as to the majority of the squad not being anything like good enough have been realised. We look a rag tag collection of players who've only just met on the car park half an hour before the game. At the moment we are playing like we are the worst team in the league, there's no doubt about that. If we played Ipswich on Tuesday I wouldn't fancy us to win and they are going to be relegated. That tells me all I need to know. Football is a results based game and we aren't getting any. The final responsibility for this state of affairs has to lie at the feet of the manager. It's come to the point were I have to say - " Tony Mowbray, You're fired ! "

There's a reason why they haven't won anything.

A lot of people seem to be relying on us getting 3 points against Bolton. Do you really think they'll come to Ewood and roll over ? I don't.

Where are they coming from ?

Name me a team who wouldn't beat Rovers at the moment ? My first go - Err Bradford.

That tells me all I need to know. Team Spirit ? Don't make laugh.

Very damning report there.

You've been on the Electric Prunes again !

Our " current style of play ", would you like to describe it for me ?

There are no " shoe ins " for this team !

Peter Dobing played for both Rovers and Stoke. A real class player.

How would you know ?

Our points total suggested we may have had a chance of the playoffs but the way we were playing didn't.

A very elegant and constructive midfield player who could always pop up with a goal or two. Somebody once called him " A poor man's Martin Peters " which give you an idea of his style of play. He'd walk into the current team, he's just what we are short of. I remember him having a wonderful game against Middlesboro in a League Cup tie at Ewood. He got 2 goals that night. Thanks for the memories Barrie.

Yeah, he's quick as well, that's another vital attribute !

That's the issue in a nutshell. Get the ball into your opponents and do all you can to keep it there. Having 4 defensive midfield players will never allow you to do that.

That could easily happen with this lot " in charge ".

One of the things I learnt regarding full back play is that you have to be looking over your shoulder constantly. This means every couple of seconds when the opposition have the ball. That way you don't get ambushed on the back post.

You should always play the system that fits the skill set of your players and not shoe horn the players into a system that doesn't bring out the best in them. Having said that given Mowbray's signings I expect a 1-9-1 formation next season.

From previous experience with the Chicken Chokers it will be somebody so far out in left field they won't be on anybody's list. Who had Mowbray in the frame last time ? My 50p would go on someone like Keith Hill !

I don't say give Johnno the job, I'd give him a go until the end of the season and see how he goes on. I'm well aware of the "successful caretaker syndrome " a la Darren Moore but I can't see how he wouldn't get more out of our existing squad. Knowing these fools they'll sack the whole coaching staff and put Dunny in charge !

To be honest - who would you fancy us to beat at the moment ?

Players can hit the wall all of a sudden. I can remember Bobby Smith playing centre forward for Spurs and England in the early Autumn of one season and playing for Brighton in the old Fourth Division at the end of the same season. One day instead of getting to the ball nice and smoothly most of the time you find yourself sort of " reaching " for the ball. That was my experience anyway. You're just that bit off the pace of the game. It can come on over a close season.

Another one ? He looks to be a tall lad, maybe he can play centre half like Mulgrew, Rodwell, Lenihan etc.

Unless it's Lenihan and Williams ?