IT would have been expected that, after the last minute heartbreak of the Charlton game, the players would have been like coiled springs, itching to get it out of their system.

Southampton at home is one of the games that would be earmarked for three points, and the fact that it was managerless, out-of-form Southampton strengthened that view.

Unfortunately the coiled springs were more like waxwork dummies after five minutes when Kevin Phillips had the freedom of Ewood to put the Saints one up.

Usually, after such an inept piece of play, it would be expected that the fans would vent their anger at the players.

Not at Ewood these days. It was more a collective feeling that it's the 'done thing' such has been the fare we've had to suffer this season.

This was mirrored on the pitch too, with the players seemingly resigned to conceding. When the players needed someone to drag them up by their bootlaces, they all resorted to staring at them and shrugged their shoulders.

Souness, to his credi,t changed things around at half-time and an equaliser was pretty much deserved, but we never looked like winning the game.

During the week Souness had talked this game up as 'the biggest of the season' yet we plumbed new depths in the first half when you'd have expected us to come out firing on all cylinders. Does it take a half time rollocking to ignite some passion?

To be fair, there were some decent performances on show. Michael Gray played well and Andy Cole deserves great credit for the commitment showed.

Matt Jansen also looked bright in the second half but unfortunately there are players out there who are distinctly under par at the moment.

Earlier in the season I described Brett Emerton as a 'one trick pony' but of late I'd like to abbreviate that to just 'pony'.

Having now witnessed the phenomenon that is the 'Norwegian Beckham' I'm left wondering if that refers to David or Victoria!

That said, Andresen did show more of a liking for finding a blue and white shirt than Tugay, who was frankly awful.

Douglas may be legendary name at Ewood but Bryan's namesake, Jonathan, for all his honest endeavour, will never be as revered.

I could go on, especially about our defending, but what's the point? I'm only repeating myself.

It was bitterly disappointing on a bitterly cold day.

Two years ago we were at Cardiff, enjoying one of the greatest days in Rovers' long history. It was like payback time for all the play-off dejection and Brian Kidd-inspired relegation.

At the moment I feel like winning the Champions' League wouldn't compensate for what's been on offer this season.