There have been a few occasions this week which have got me shouting at the telly. It was not just the scenes from Upton Park and resulting media hysteria that went with it but also the 'bleeding' hypocrisy that epitomises all that is Rugby. The same old drivel that is always espoused whenever anything remotely controversial occurs within football. "It wouldn't happen in Rugby" or "Why can't football take a leaf from Rugby's book?"are always the default reponses. (That particular piece of literature would make for grim reading.) If an incident like 'bloodgate' had occured with the round ball sport, those holier than thou would again been squeezing football till the pips squeak.

The transfer of Stephen Warnock has also annoyed me. Not the fact that he moved to Villa Park to 'achieve European Football' (hee hee!) but the fact that supporters of both clubs will not find out the true cost of the transfer as it undisclosed. I realise this is a common but increasing tactic used by clubs to hide behind but for the supporters it is yet another example which distances themselves from their team.

I think it should be the rule that clubs reveal transfer fees of both incoming and departing players,particularly if the player in question happens to be one of their prized assets as Warnock was. It would also go some way to clear the air between club and supporters as to how much (or little) there was to find a replacement.So who will be his ultimate successor?

Well it seems that Big Sam is putting his faith in Pascal Chimbonda, an attack-minded right sided defender! Those who know and have seen him regularly will testify that Pascal is a bit of a rascal and tends to favour his opponents half rather than looking after his own. But Alladyce is confident that he can fill the void at left back. I am looking forward to seeing how it all pans out starting tommorrow at Ewood against our bogey side West Ham.

The Hammers hoodoo is never ending. Indeed we have not kept a clean sheet against them all decade. On too many occasions I have witness a Rovers team capitulate at Upton Park against a West Ham side lacking confidence and on more than one occasion, a manager. The same can't be said for the Hammers now but I am confident that the first points will be in the bag by 5PM.

Michel Salgado is in contention to at least have a place on the bench. I said last week that I am delighted he has swapped the Bernebau for Bolton Road, but I am even more entrigued after reading Steve McManaman's comments that he only knows 2 English words....'Cover Me'

It was encouraging to see the back of the net ripple 3 times at Gillingham but we have to do this more consistently at a higher level. Step forward Mr. Roberts and McCarthy.