New Signings
Javier De Pedro could be exactly what Rovers have been craving providing that balance down the left, and will also provide a suprise element for Premiership defenders. Ultimatley, if he's fit he'll be a success this season.
Dominic Matteo is a versatile player, but I see his primary position as being a centre-back. In a position where Rovers struggled last season, some steel and solidarity is exactly what Rovers require, and Matteo will provide us with exactly that.
Paul Dickov - Personally, I feel the jury is out on him and he has a lot to prove. However having said that, Rovers have always cried out for an annoying, niggly, in-your-face striker to pester defenders. How many times have we seen at Ewood those type of players give our defenders hell. 14 goals in a poor Leicester side last season, let's hope for a similar thing as it looks likely he and Jon Stead will be the strike force this season.
Realistic Targets
So what would be success for Rovers this term? Mid table has got to be the overall aim, once we have achieved that magical 42 point mark, which will come a little sooner than last season I imagine. Overall, the team spirit looks good, the players are fit, and I think we will enjoy the season, finishing in 10th place hopefully, with a decent cup run thrown in with no European distraction. I also expect us to finish bottom of the fair play league, what with Dickov & Filtcroft among others! Of course, trying to repeat the task of coming 6th would be very, very difficult, and the way Middlesbrough have strengthened, the will surley be the favourites, with Birmingham not far behind.
Emerton will have a good season this time with balance on both sides will have less burden of responsibility. Thommo is a great welcome back and if he's stays fit will be more than a huge lift, for both the players and the boss. Dwight Yorke is still a Rover, and as long as he puts his heart into his game, I can live with him still being at the club, maybe he has wised up to Souness' comments and realised he needs to get as many games as he can before he retires. Come on boys, bring it on!