DOWN BY THE RIVERSIDE with Phil Lloyd

IT was the warmest of welcomes for Rovers' returning iceman. No animosity that our new man had been plying his trade in the dizzy heights of the Premiership for a team with red shirts and a manager with a ruddy complexion.

On a warm autumnal afternoon, Henning Berg was coolness personified, stepping back into the breach of our defence (and there sure have been some worrying breaches recently) as if he had never been away.

I can't seem to find my FA coaching badge lately (surely that wasn't just another dream?) but from where I sit it seems that our new 4-3-3 formation makes us look much more vulnerable when the opposition decides to use the width of the pitch to attack us. When that opposition is Rochdale and you still look shaky, it's time to worry.

My solution would have been to revert to 4-4-2. The manager's solution has been to hire a cool head with a wealth of experience. I'd have gone for the method: he went for the man.

Berg suits his name. He's cool -- ice cool -- most of the time and appears to float along the back four, serving as the rock on which many opponents' attacks founder. In times past, Hendry would make the last-ditch block, or the desperate tackle, attaining hero status in the process. Berg is understated, and maybe underrated as a result. A foot in here, a clearing header under pressure there, a calm pass back to Kelly, or a constructive clearance, paving the way for the next Rovers offensive. Quietly efficient. Splendidly unspectacular.

It was all there on Saturday and I have to admit, I wasn't sure about his return before the game. I'd forgotten what a class player he is. Welcome back, Henning.

His return was good news for at least one more Rovers fan, too. My elder daughter purchased a portrait of the aforementioned Norwegian early in his first spell at Ewood, and it graced her bedroom wall during our Championship run and beyond. His departure to Manchester meant it could no longer remain but thankfully, the Berg-man has now returned to his rightful perch.

Two final observations from Saturday - first, Ewood is getting its old atmosphere back. The crowd are singing, the drums are beating, the people are smiling.

Second, what a superb third goal! We knew you could do it, Macca. Nice to know you read this column!