It was one of Sheffield’s finest on the radio, “Do you remember the first time?” Jarvis queried as Pulp pounded out their 1994 hit through the car stereo.

To be honest, I’m not totally sure that I do, but after some desktop research and conversations with family members involved many years ago, I eventually landed on Hull City at Ewood Park in March 1969. What exactly did you think I was going to discuss in a Rovers fan column?

I was reminded of this following a delightful thread on (clumsy plug incoming…) the BRFCS.com forum last week, when a poster from Somerset had said they were extremely excited about the prospect of driving up to East Lancashire with their seven-year-old in tow for the very first time.

A request for useful/helpful information had garnered many positive replies and no little nostalgia as posters added their experiences, in the role either of the child, parent or both.

Monday morning saw a reply from dad, which confirmed that it had been a raging success and another Rovers convert had been secured to the cause. What was truly heartwarming to read was the welcome afforded by the folks sat near them and Tyrhys Dolan and Lewis Travis both took time out to speak on their way out of Ewood making the young man’s day…and possibly dad’s as well!

I recall playing cricket at Braunton CC in North Devon back in the early 90’s and a young lad was practising in the nets in his SHEARER 9 Rovers top. I gave him the mini kit out of my car to add to his blue & white collection, which he received with genuine gratitude. I often wonder whether he still cares for the club and watches out for our results? I do hope so.

The game the Somerset contingent saw on Saturday wasn’t a classic. As many observers commented, more Labore than Arte but a clean sheet is always welcome and if opposition forwards spurn their chances, it’s not our fault is it?

There were signs of promise in the burgeoning midfield partnership between Travis/Tronstad and Cantwell. Someone has to do the dirty work to allow the flair players the opportunity to shine and when ‘Travstad’ are struggling to impose themselves, it usually spells problems – see Coventry City (a).

Here, they were on it. I have been especially impressed so far this season, by the resurgent Travis, who has returned from Ipswich much like my phone first thing in the morning – fully charged. Perhaps we can bring back Sammie next season with similar results?

If there is a cause for concern, we don’t seem to find it easy to create many clear-cut chances. In the summer there was much talk from the CEO and the recruitment team of the need to add pace to the side but this remains a glaring omission in the squad capabilities set.

After seeing first-hand the devastating impact having an Armstrong, a Brereton-Diaz or even a Rothwell can cause by some pacy, direct running, the current Rovers incarnation instead has to use guile and cunning to open up a defence. Nothing wrong with that per se but having options and alternatives would give Eustace a chance to try different tactics and formations.

I’ll confess now that I didn’t see Wednesday night’s game. I was supporting a citizen of Blackburn though by going to see Tez Ilyas in Sheffield, with tickets bought long before the fixture list was released. Great show by the way…see him if you can.

Having watched the highlights and digested the social media chatter the consensus view seems to be “fair result, each side could have nicked it…but didn’t”.

The injury to Hayden Carter is a major blow. Carter is slowly assuming the mantle of defensive lynchpin and his absence could prove to be problematic for the manager who is blessed with experienced cover, but let’s be kind to Kyle (McFadzean), not exactly the fastest. Let’s hope his use of positioning and anticipation compensates.

Another clean sheet is not to be sniffed at, under JDT they were becoming as rare as days without a sale being underway at DFS, but Eustace is bringing some welcome defensive order back to Rovers.

I notice that the next three Saturday fixtures are all moved to 12:30pm for TV coverage. When the directors of the club are looking for reasons for disappointing season ticket sales, as well as the economic pressures facing almost all supporters presently, the easy option of remaining in your own home on a cold winter’s day for an early kick-off seems to have been overlooked.

Signing that Sky deal might have provided a welcome windfall in the short term, but what impact might it have on the supporting habits of seven-year-olds in Somerset in future?