And our standard defensive suicide act, just for good measure. I hate this team and this manager. I hate Venkys. A part of me is beginning to hate this club

I'm afraid that is just indefensible. What has he done to earn the right to come on, compared to Leonard or even Tyjon? Gueye has just made Eustace look even more of a mug than he is managing, himself.

It felt inevitable. It isnt just about this but it really shows the difference between having an incisive striker and, well, Rovers. 10th and fading fast. This was a golden opportunity to try two up front but bold decisions do not appear to be Eustace's style.

Cantwell running the show but absolutely no support acts to make it matter

Oh, I don't know. Great to finally see some recognition of 'two up-front' (Sorry)

Yes. As galling/infuriating as the comments are, we shouldn't be in the slightest bit surprised by those on the Venkys payroll singing the praises of their paymasters in order to protect their own bank balance/mortgage repayments/families. They might even be contractually required to do so. We have seen in the past what happens when a club employee dares to speak out against the owners. It doesn't make it ok, just not a surprise. The Venkys-apologist comments from Rovers staff are nothing new and will always be heard for as long as this corrupt regime remains in place. Gestede is just another symptom of the problem - although, like Dunny, etc., I'll never forgive him for trotting out lies to, and accusations of, paying supporters, many of whom have been here well before these chancers, all on behalf of the worst owners our club could possibly have - but who pay the directors' salaries.

And the bottom end of the pitch. I also don't see a lot wrong with character. Talent, is a limiting factor.

I did say, "virtually" 🙂

Yeah, you can say Eustace has the players he has got, but he picks them and some of these guys are chronic bottlers and/or ineffectual. So try something different - anything. Hedges has contributed virtually fuck all in his entire time at Rovers. What is the manager thinking is going to suddenly change?!

Ohashi, Dolan, Hedges. All work hard but with very little ability to play a final ball - or even, sometimes, make a simple lay-off. Cantwell is literally oir only attacking player who looks to make any kind of real impact.

Sheffield United play with a bit of pace wide and a decent quality target man up front. It's basic stuff but we've totally failed to build anything like that over several years. Men against boys right now.

Atrocious defending. Absolutely embarrassing stuff.

Someone's been viewing my LinkedIn profile.

Nice one! Really good article and thanks for weaving us in!

There are, sometimes, some parallels!

Morning. Mission very successful, thanks! A decent journey, excellent matchday experience and we both enjoyed the view from the Riverside. It was the first football match at all that my son had been to and he came away buzzing about it, and for his next visit. He loved the game (probably didn't really register to him that it wasn't the best quality!), his new home shirt, the people he met - including a guy in the stand who gave him a Rovers pin badge and both Dolan and Travis, after the match - the result, and meeting Rover the dog. As we left Ewood, my son, grinning at having met two footballers, asked me if we could "come back again tomorrow". We agreed to schedule something soon, but perhaps not that soon! I didn't take in much of the afternoon myself as all I wanted was for it to be a good one for him. I'll take it as a huge success how happy he was. Thanks again for advice, suggestions, and memories shared.

Just home from the game. I'm genuinely impressed we dug out a win whilst playing poorly. Defensive effort was good from most of the team and the central defenders played well. Beck was very good and is clearly already a key player for us. JRC looks a shadow of his former self, very low on confidence. Cantwell was good and looks to be getting up to speed. The big concerns aren't new: A worrying lack of basic ability to pass the ball with much accuracy at all, central midfield lacking in numbers and/or a good balance of players, and no pace going forward. A win is a win and I'm very happy with the league position after 10 games. I can't help feeling it's all a bit surreal...

Thank you all for taking the time to reply. Very helpful advice and suggestions but I also enjoyed reading your memories of first visits as, or with, a child. We are about to set off and I have an excited seven year old in his blue and white, which is already worth the effort and journey!

Thank you, that's really helpful info.

Morning all As part of my duty-bound indoctrination (!) of my seven-year-old, I am planning to bring him to Ewood with me for the Swansea game. It will be his first time at a football match, at all, due to his being a bit anxious about some social things. He is, however, a fan of Rovers, wears the kits to his own football training each week, and I know he is keen to come to a game, albeit clearly nervous. Is there any advice you could offer me in terms of making it a good experience for him, whatever the result!? Also, would any of you who have taken children along recommend the Family Stand or the Riverside, instead, as likely being the most appropriate for this situation? I've not sat in either, before. Thanks very much.

Thanks, although that wasn't necessary - I was just a bit miffed about it without any context (plus, I am grumpy because of the result, let's be honest!) I thought your response was clear and reasonable. I'd agree re indecision about our best front 4 and I certainly get the impression Eustace feels similarly 🙂. Have a good evening.

Fair enough, Chaddy. I disagree on a few areas but down voting you would probably be a rude way to show that. Thanks for the response.

Hi @chaddyrovers I'm interested in what part of my post and my opinion you felt you should down vote without commenting on? I tend not to down vote other poster's opinions out of courtesy but I guess that is your response to disagreeing with something? Not particularly constructive, or impressive, to be honest.

I think we have two very good (at this level) defenders: Beck and Carter (as a centre back, it goes without saying). Other than that, we've not got any real quality and it is really disappointing that CB and RB have not been addressed.

Do you really need to ask that? Mentality, physicality. All lacking. We got some wins and should be grateful for the opportunities to have played against 10 men. This is not a good team and it is not being well coached, selected, nor led on or off the pitch. I think most can see this when not wearing our blue and white tinted glasses. It needs a big rethink and a big shakeup for Swansea. But then it needed that for Plymouth.