RedRock

Agree, in general, but a very few players are worth persevering with. Semenyo is a possible candidate imo. The problem with the Bobby Reid example is for every Bobby there are at least forty who still won’t make it, even by the age of 89 and playing every week. Our player development strategy is not sufficiently ruthless at identifying and rejecting those who are not good enough. This breeds complacency, in turn, that supresses rapid development of player potential imo.

Superb. Randall, the rugby version of Messi. An emerging master of the game. So smart and brave. Real pleasure listening to the honest and accurate post match manager interviews from the Directors. Such a contrast to football managers.

Always thought I might have trouble choosing which side to support in a big match when Exeter (closest and very successful team, many local born and bred players)) played against Bristol (Bristol Sport, Ashton Gate, my father’s team). The day has arrived ...and it’s easy...... Come on you Bears!

Reminds me of the trip to Twerton. Think it was a 0-0. Arrived early with tickets in the Rovers End. First time to Twerton and surprised you could walk around the 3 home terraces. Had my younger nephew from Horfield and he was immediately spotted by Gas supporting mates on the open end and in their enclosure. Beat an ‘orderly’ retreat to the terrace in front of the ‘grandstand’ and told him to keep quiet. Teams came out and found we were surrounded by a few dozen City fans.....and breathe! Anyone else there? It was on the side terrace closest to the away fans. Remember pre-kick off a few City got a bit of a pasting on the opposite side of the pitch.

Increasingly finding it’s the rugby product as a whole than attracts me, the mutual respect between the ref and players, the clear and concise explanations by the ref of decisions, the lack of feigning injury, the absolute commitment by all players to the cause, even the commentary and expert opinions .... there’s a lot that football could learn. Struth if my (rugby addicted, sadly deceased) father could hear me now!

Am I allowed to say I enjoy watching Bristol Rugby more than watching City?

Ha. Had a look around for some Gas memorabilia for my Saghead friend Xmas gift. Really couldn't part of my money to buy anything that was vaguely celebratory (which was immensely difficult to find anyhow) or proclaiming loyalty (mostly sold out due to the size of their fan base). Did however find a liquid holder that boldly claimed ‘Bristol Rovers ..This is a Mug NOT a Cup’’. Happy days.

He’s growing with every game. Did not look out of place in a back four (with Bents and Nagy) that performed miracles to keep Cardiff out. If you can go 95 minutes and just lose one key header when faced against a bombardment of crosses from all angles and one of the most experienced and difficult to handle forwards in the Championship, I’d say he’s done pretty well myself. Sure footed, calm demeanour and love his attitude. Could be the find of the season for me if he continues to develop at the rate he has over the last couple of months.

Boycott Sainsbury’s. Boycott MansionBet. Boycott Bristol Rugby. Anything that these ‘always the victims’ Sags don’t boycott? No longer Basement Rovers FC, now Boycott Rovers FC.

The next City Manager right there! Brilliant.

Brilliant performance. Edge of seat stuff. Well done Bristol. Now then City, let’s match them. Winning is contagious.

GET IN!!!!!

Keep sharp and you can win this lads.

Well done Mansion Bet, there’s some mileage in this one. In recognition of the complaint, we need to replace that with ‘ There’s only three teams in Bristol’ adding photos of City, the Bears and Flyers. Wind them in, it doesn’t take much to capture the simpleton Sags.

Brilliant. As tense watching that as City on Saturday. Being sucked in good and proper to this Bristol Sport ideal. With Exeter just down the road and a good sporting day out, had split loyalties Bristol being my Dad’s and my home town team, playing at The Gate, and part of the Bristol Sport conglomerate. However, watching them grow from being total lightweights to being ‘in the mix’ and then, now, just the way they play rugby, my allegiance has swung fully behind the Bristol lads. Superb flowing, adventurous and expansive stuff. C’mon Bris! Let’s hope their model is one our football club follows.

Think he must be Bristol Rovers Accountant. So we’re £20 million in debt, have £20 million assets ..... do a quick calculation ..... that means we’re .... ermmm........... £40 million plus a camel in profit.

Well done Bristol. Score was a bit flattering but just about deserved that. Could be a European final at AG! Wrong shaped ball but never mind.

Bordeaux are impressive. Looks like they’ve got an extra couple of men! Critical try that at the end of the half for us though. All down to fitness. Can Bordeaux maintain that high energy?

How’s the guide dog Major?

Just saw the second half, apart from 5-10 minutes of untidy play early on, that was outstanding. Brilliant watch. Developing more than a passing interest in ‘The Bears’ now. Not just the results, but they play really fluid, expansive, adventurous rugby. Not the traditional bore and grind stuff. Lets hope that type of exciting game plan transfers to the footie side! Steve Lansdown’s ‘Bristol Sport’ concept is working, at least in me. Bravo. .

Have we a development strategy in place for the Women? Not much point in trying to compete if we haven’t if it ends up constantly with our name being a laughing stock. We seem to be going backwards - not just by virtue of falling behind the elite who are chucking money at it - the standard of football was abysmal from us in those ‘highlights’. Back to friggin Junior School under 10’s goalkeeping and the defence was all at sea. I thought the Woman’s game was supposed to be getting better.

Sorry, confused. 9-0 This is the performance of the Women’s rugby side we’re commenting on, Shirley?

Was living in Tamworth at the time and got to say all my Brummie mates were massively impressed by our following that night. They couldn’t believe we had the side as well as the away section terrace. Up there with best atmosphere with City away. Ashby was fun too! Still remember that Mardon goal and the Walshy shuffles on the wing. Match was shown on Central TV and still have the video. Happy days.

Given that Warnock is likely gone, Mick McCarthy is a realistic alternative. We’re a mess on the playing side. We need someone with experience and a bit of ‘presence’ to sort us out. Can almost guarantee it’ll be Mark Robins though. He’s a typical SL appointment.

Rumour was that it was 41,000! ‘Ramming’ was the method that achieved that number. Managed to get in earlyish,, so wasn’t too bad in that part of the East End I was stood. Late comers were the one’s who suffered I think. Know a few that were turned away when the gates were closed before the start of the match.