Weekly round-up from the Rovers end

Waddle he say?

THERE was precious little to smile about at The Stadium of Light on Wednesday night as Rovers crashed out of the FA Cup.

But I must admit I had to laugh when I saw Radio Five Live pundit Chris Waddle attempting to offer his 'expert opinion' as the tie went to penalties.

For wasn't it the former Burnley boss who effectively cost England a place in the final of the 1990 World Cup when he blazed wildly over in similar circumstances from 12 yards?

Anyway, it would appear that Waddle must have given David Thompson some tips in the art of penalty taking judging by the Rovers star's subsequent effort in the ill-fated shoot-out.

Walking the dog

TALKING of that penalty shoot-out, one quick-witted journalist came out with a rather apt description of Ciccio Grabbi, pictured, and his approach to taking penalties.

"The way he stepped up to that ball, it was almost as if he was walking a dog," quipped the journo.

If you didn't laugh, you'd probably cry!

Hot and cold

IT'S amazing what difference a couple of days can make!

Just look at Sunderland 'striker' Michael Proctor, if you don't believe me.

Last Saturday, everything he touched turned goals -- only the problem was they ended up in his own net.

However, on Wednesday night the young hit-man, who was eager to make amends, then missed a completely open net at the opposite end when he somehow failed to get a telling touch on a shot from Kevin Phillips which had rebounded back off a post.

It just shows. One day you're hot, the next day you're not.

Souness is still relaxed

IT would have been quite easy for Graeme Souness to lose his sense of humour given the nature of Rovers' recent results.

But the Blackburn boss still took time out to indulge in a spot of horse-play with the assembled media during yesterday's press conference at Brockhall.

"I must say you're looking rather relaxed despite the disappointment of the last few results," remarked one observer.

"That's down to the medication I'm on," came Souey's instant retort.

"I took it about an hour ago and it's just kicking in."

Souness is, of course, on daily medication as a result of previous heart problems but he clearly hasn't lost the ability to have a joke at his own expense which is great to see.