Thanks for that Leonard - you've made me feel really, really old!😢

Thanks, I clearly missed it. Somewhat shorter than Workington's glowing tribute!

The significance of John McNamee in the club's history cannot be stressed enough. The club looked destined for relegation to Division Four before he arrived. He galvanised the club, the players and the supporters. He literally dragged the club off the floor with his approach. He brought self-respect back the the club. He intimidated opponents and restored belief into players who were struggling to adapt to life in the Third Division. Away from Rovers he had a great career - Celtic, Hibs, Newcastle - where he won the Fairs Cup - and had a spell in management with Workington. Life after football didn't treat him kindly but he faced up to each blow he received with the same kind of determination he had as a player. Like many players of his generation his final years were robbed by the cruellest of illnesses. He remains one of my all time favourite players, a player who deserves far more recognition that he has received for his part in this club's history. All of his former clubs, including Workington, had recorded his passing with tributes - as yet not seen anything from Rovers, or perhaps I've missed it. R.I.P. Big John.

I image a combination of both waterlogged pitch and potential later flood risk. The ref would simply have been concerned with the pitch - local authorities might have been looking at the wider picture. If the River Darwen is flooded there is nowhere for the water from Ewood to go. Fortunately it doesn't happen often but the ground's situation is always going to put it at risk and days like this.

From official government website. Updated 2:31pm on 23 November 2024 Rising river levels are expected to cause flooding this afternoon. Flooding is expected from 3 PM on 23/11/2024. Areas most at risk include properties adjacent to the River Darwen, including Ewood Park, Stancliffe Street, Griffin Mill and River Mill.

When the River is in flood - and it is today which is why a flood warning has been issued for Ewood and Waterfall in Blackburn, there is little chance of Ewood being able to drain properly. Geography and nature are not the fault of anyone at the club.

Totally agree. A young lad who has suffered tragedy in his life with regard to his best friend and who has built a career after being rejected by North End. He gives 100 per cent every week, never hides, even when having a poor game, and is a more than useful Championship player. Clearly, Eustace, like previous managers, obviously rates him. For me he'd always be one of the first names one the teamsheet. Still only 22 and will get better. I just hope we can persuade him to stay.

Powell and Saadi were both excellent last night.

Totally outclassed today by a Palace outfit that was so much better in every department. Palace had lads who were big, strong but also technically good. Worryingly, the three players brought in over the summer failed to make any impression. Mafoumbi, in fairness, had no service and was unable to get into the game against a strong Palace defence. Doherty, made no impression on the wing but it's early days for both and hopefully they'll settle in time - but today will have done little in terms of building their confidence. Barrett looks very poor indeed. Eastham looks a far superior 'keeper and yet he seems to be the one on the way out. I really don't understand that one. Once again, Jake Batty had a really indifferent game and I'd be concerned if was regarded as back up to Pickering. Jake would be better going out on loan and try to find the form his showed a couple of years ago. On the plus side, Stritch scored a cracking goal and Bloxham looks to have a bit about him. As others have said, it looks like it's going to be a long, hard season for the Under-21's on the evidence of the first two League games.

For me Gent is far better than Batty. I had high hopes for Batty but he seems to be going backwards. Gent has had a good season in Scotland and is now going to a decent League One club. Whereas Batty seems to be drifting in the Under-21's. He needs a move, either on loan or permanently for the sake of his career. I suspect if Pickering is injured, Brittain will move across and Leo Duru, who looks a real prospect, will come in on the right.

The Under-21's and Under-18's both have games tomorrow so it will be interesting to see how we approach the games tonight and tomorrow at Wigan. The squad is going to be stretched to the limit.

Don't the club get some sort of financial grant from the FA if games are played on the home ground? I noticed Aston Villa have moved their games from Walsall to Villa Park for the coming season.

Looking forward to the new season thanks Mercer - as I have done over the past sixty-odd years. I doubt anyone bought a season ticket expecting anything other than a struggle - I've bought season tickets in every decade knowing a particular season would be difficult. Unless something changes dramatically, which I doubt, I fully expect us to be involved in a relegation battle again but I believe we have a decent manager and that he and his staff will keep us safe. I may be right, I may be wrong, but I'll enjoy the ride nonetheless.

Got my Blackburn End Car Park renewal - £220 and, as you say no Cup games or friendlies. That £30 off season tickets is soon going to disappear with extra charges for buying season tickets in the shop and paying extra for cup games.

Got the info from a friend who got it from contacts at Hyde I think. Nothing been on any website.