Perhaps “Absence does make the Heart grow stronger," because I find myself feeling it could be the start of something good, this next match, but at the same time somewhat fearful, causing my faith and expectations to waiver.
Mark Hughes seems to be the perennial answer to clubs that are desperate for a big name manager, but his name is more attractive than his record in hauling clubs out of trouble. Warnock, he is not. But perhaps he’ll succeed at Carlisle rather more than he has up to now. 23rd in League 2 may be his last port of call. In fact since he took over they have improved marginally and inthe last 6 they have won, drawn and lost in equal measure 2-2-2. It was 10 games ago when he took over and it is notable that they have never conceded more than 2 goals since then. It has been a slow improvement and not a great one, but they do seem stronger now than they were when he took over. Amongst their results have been draws to Colchester and Walsall and a win v Bromley.
Rovers really need to show more determination and effort and whether they can couple this with skill or not, they surely have it in them to defeat a team who are 6 points adrift from safety and only one point clear of 24th position. I wish I could bet on a win with confidence, but who would put absolute trust in Rovers on a struggling day?
If they fail to win, it really would threaten to freeze us out of our automatic hopes and even darken the play-off consolation.
Oh for something to be confident about! There could well still be members of the back 4 on the injured list, but surely, even reduced in strength, we ought to be able to cope with Carlisle at home.
I suppose we have to contemplate our potential which is real, but not easily manifested currently in the team, so I’m going to be negative, but not completely and say 1-1 (Street/Molyneux) for the DPL and hope for 3-0!
DPL v Carlisle United
posted on 29/3/25
2-1 to Rovers. Molyneaux with the first.
posted on 29/3/25
Rovers 3-1 Carlisle
Street to score ⚽
posted on 29/3/25
Having seen the team, I'll change my score to 2-1 to the Rovers. Obviously I want to improve our goal difference more, but I do not think that is our best defense line-up because of injuries.
To score? I think it will be Molyneux or Street, but I'll say that GIBSON will suddenly discover where the net is, change into shooting boots, and score the first!
posted on 29/3/25
You should have gone with your instinct Donaldo ⚽⚽⚽
posted on 29/3/25
At least Gibson found his shooting boots at halftime having missed two good opportunities in the first half.
posted on 30/3/25
I’m not sure my instincts operate where Rovers are concerned nowadays Mooli; I cannot remember a time when they seemed more unpredictable.
I’m pleased that you are still maintaining friendly relations with us Europeans Micky. A lot of what has been coming our way from your current leaders is tough to take, to say the least. It goes right against the good manners that I associate with American people. I can’t really remember any conversation in the US when I have not experienced model politeness and a seemingly innate ability to present any point of view in a respectful way.
posted on 31/3/25
Donaldo,
While I know this is a Rovers’ blog, I feel I had to respond to your comment.
Even though I’ve lived in the USA since 1976, I’m not a USA citizen, so cannot vote. Even after Brexit, I consider myself as a European Citizen, and hated losing my EU passport for my Royal Blue UK passport. Pauline’s EU passport is only 8 years old so she can still use it in Europe (we go to France at the end of May for a couple of weeks).
It has been several election cycles since we have felt there has been any presidential candidate for whom we would really vote.
I like some of what Trump is doing, as how anyone would argue against trying to make government more efficient. But his economic ideas with tariffs drive me bonkers.
I’ve worked for European and USA companies selling products and services in the world market, and I hated any form of tariffs. May the best product or service win was my motto. Obviously, national security issues can impact sometimes. In the 19th century in England I would have been a Liberal as that meant small government and free trade.
What you are seeing in the UK on things such as the BBC and even The Economist, is a very anti-Trump bias as compared what we see living here. I’ve subscribed to The Economist since we left England, but have cancelled because of the current coverage of the USA.
After we retired, we would have moved back to Europe except most of our savings are in tax-protected accounts and if we emigrated we would have to pay on the total value rather than just on each annual “Minimum Required Distribution” as we do now.
Back to the Rovers!
posted on 31/3/25
Thank you Micky. I think we all have to be guarded in what we say on some subjects on social media. Our British politicians are being extremely diplomatic against a background of very angry noise from the public as well as a lot of the media.
There is a lot to be said for staying amongst friends in retirement, although there was a time when we so enjoyed our annual camping holidays in France that we might have seriously considered moving there, but we didn't and the unfortunate Brexit decision, seems to have made all of Europe seem more distant as the years go by.
posted on 1/4/25
Donaldo,
You are so right about being amongst friends as one gets older. Over here, most of our real friends have passed away, some from cancer, or just getting old.
Most of our English friends and family are still with us except for parents and one niece.
We are seriously considering applying for US Citizenship, not to vote, but to move to Europe without some of the tax implications. Such are the weird USA tax laws!
posted on 1/4/25
Speaking of international politics, I'm going back to the Highlands next month. I wonder what my Caledonian friends will make of it.
It could get raucous after a few malts 🥃