THE way some were speaking out on Saturday it appeared that Rovers had just been relegated once more, writes Simon Smith.

Admittedly it wasn’t good that a back four that had all played together a number of times were caught napping for more than just the goals, but there’s a long way to go yet.

It was, however, a long way from an acceptable performance and Rovers required not just wins on Tuesday and Saturday but also displays that show their intent to take the game to teams away from home and to make Ewood a place that some managers write off as an unlikely one to take any points back from.

And, in fairness, Tuesday saw a much better display; controlled and zesty, a far cry from the Roots Hall Horror Show. Indeed in the second half at Coventry Rovers were close to rampant.

Coventry weren’t the greatest of opposition but it was exciting to see shots raining in on target after a couple of years of needless sideways five mile an hour passing from central midfield.

Rovers may have to go gung-ho at times to counteract deficiencies in defence but don’t we all prefer 3-1 or 4-2 to 1-0?

And with the Darragh Lenihan/Charlie Mulgrew situation still prone to injuries and clubs interfering it was excellent to see Jack Doyle finally make his debut and look confident.

We can’t judge the new ‘Mowbray’s Mob’ on last night, just as we can’t do so on the Southend farrago.

After 10 games we will know if we are a force to be reckoned with.

Mowbray has not yet had the chance to play his preferred starting XI and may not do so for a few games.

So let’s get behind the lads at Ewood Park on Saturday.

The first home game of the season is a time for joy, which we were quickly denied last season.

And for heavens sake, someone at the club get ‘September’ by Earth Wind and Fire on the PA before the game.

That Richie Smallwood song is the best we’ve had in years.

Enjoy the game and sing the boys home to what we hope will be a victory.