By Simon ‘Sprout` Phillips
Hello and welcome to something for the weekend. With the postponement of last week`s game against Aldershot it is a bit quiet on things to say on the Rovers front on the pitch but other events have certainly raised an eyebrow or two. One benefit of the postponement is it has given some of our walking wounded an extra few days to recover, although it appears we are still a bit short in defensive areas as today we have signed young defender Tom Parkes on a month`s loan from Leicester City. Welcome to Tom and hopefully he can be a useful addition and there is also the added bonus of his work with Cian Bolger through Leicester`s youth ranks that should help him settle into the squad and maybe the team.
Away from Rovers but not all that far away, one of the eyebrow raising stories was Bristol City owner Steve Lansdown being officially unveiled as the new owner of Bristol Rugby after being a quiet benefactor over recent times. Bristol aren`t suddenly upping sticks and moving in with the City having agreed to stay at The Mem for another 12 months but it does make future developments interesting depending on how Rovers and City`s prospective stadium developments pan out. Even more interesting/worrying would be if we or Saisnbury`s failed to get planning permission and what Steve Lansdown may want with The Mem site. Of course there have been many theories and counter theories online about Mr Lansdowns potential intentions, but I guess we will never know until anything happens.
The other eyebrow raising story of the week was the resignation of Fabio Capello as England manager. The John Terry trial held back until after Euro 2012 has caused problems which has seen his removal as Captain of the national side. Capello apparently didn`t agree but understood the decision, a decision taken without consulting the manager. I am sure Capello didn`t resign just over this issue, Fabio doesn`t need the hassle of being pilloried in the press no matter what he does, mainly because he isn`t English. Of course this news came shortly after the Press` best mate ‘Arry Redknapp`s acquittal on tax charges and now there campaign to appoint ‘Arry has taken off as we see the usual hypocrisy of the tabloid sports hacks.
We all know the World Cup didn`t go well and the press blamed Fabio`s outdated 4-4-2 tactics demanded younger players after South Africa etc, etc. Fabio did this qualified for the Euro`s and they still weren`t happy, because Fabio isn`t English probably and now we have the campaign for Redknapp who one Journo championed his brave attacking 4-4-2 formation whilst others have moved with the times. Of course Fabio was to old and out of touch, despit ‘Arry being older. I don`t particualry want to Redknapp as England manager. I don`t have any problem with him as such but I do not get the media obsession and in my mind Redknapp is better off out of the England job as, as always the press will soon turn if things don`t go like they` should` and we will repeat the cycle againbut just change the names. Personally I`d love Jose Mourinho (doubt he`d want it mind) just so he could be all brash and really rub the press up the wrong way should he deem it so with his cool authority/ego. He will not be as easy a target as the apparently poor English speaking Fabio who can`t communicate (or more likely doesn`t give you a nice story when you want it)
Anyway back to Rovers and weather permitting as the cold remains around us, sees us have a home game against Morecambe. The club have been doing their best to protect the pitch so that the game can go ahead. It would be nice to get the game on as some of you will no doubt be itching for some football after a couple of weeks off. I however won`t be in attendance should the game be on as my girlfriend is cashing in her Christmas present as we are off to the O2 to see Snow Patrol, which is rather apt giving the weather. Hopefully the game is on we can continue our mini revival so far and notch up another welcome and warming three points and give me something to talk about next week.
Whatever you are up to have a good one. UTG!
Simon ‘Sprout` Phillips
Grea read, always look forward to this on a Friday.