And to think we’d been so full of optimism in issue 109 back in August. Ordinarily we’d do an ‘if a week is a long time in politics it’s an age in football’ gag here, but given there’s no guarantee we’ll still have the same Home Secretary when I finish this sentence as we did when I began typing it, that comparison is a little redundant. Still, it’s most definitely been a rollercoaster start to Rovers 2022-23 season.
Unsurprisingly given we nudged back the printing of this issue to cover it, the change of management at Rovers gets a fair few column inches in issue 110. Glen Wilson and Lazarus reflect on Gary McSheffrey’s ten months in charge, as too do our Fan Panel, who also look forward at what Danny Schofield’s leadership may bring. There’s also been a sense of malaise evident in the stands at the Eco-Power Stadium in recent months, and that is reflected in Rob Marshall’s article, and also in some correspondence we’ve received from Graham Grainger.
This issue is also notable for featuring not one, but three obituaries of sorts, as John Coyle, Glen Wilson and James McMahon pay tribute to a recently departed manager, supporter, and family member, respectively. Away from the Rovers, we take a glance in the direction of Qatar where what passes for a World Cup is emerging over the horizon, through a piece by Jacob Goodwin and a special tournament bingo card. And there’s further light relief courtesy of Jack Peat’s remarkable journey up to Barrow, and a quest to see some wrongs righted from Dave Waugh.
And that’s just scratching the surface. In short, we’re spoiling you. Here’s a fuller breakdown of what’s in issue 110…
Editorial: Will Gary McSheffrey be missed? Glen Wilson doesn’t think so
Bernard Glover’s Diary: Go on, relive the rollercoaster of August, September and October… we dare you
Highlights & Lowlights: What we’re here for, and what we could very much do without
The Fan Panel: Five fans look at the departure of one manager, and the arrival of another
Lee Tomlin’s Golfing Diary: The recent Rovers retiree documents his new life on the golf course
In off the Post Bag: We’ve had some actual sodding correspondence
Spotted!: A trio of Rovers seen out and about
For Peat’s Sake: Jack Peat recounts the story of an unorthodox away day
Follows the Rovers: Mike Follows’ musings on recent Rovers events have a decidedly autumnal feel
Losing. My Favourite Game: Tim McKevitt takes us back to the 1980s and an oft-forgotten FA Cup away day
Voice of the Pop Side: John Coyle remembers the former Rovers manager Sammy Chung
Jacob’s Selection: In a World Cup year like no other, Jacob Goodwin looks ahead to the consequences of Qatar
Waugh, Huh, Yeah: Prompted by an unusual match played this summer, Dave Waugh is keen to see some wrongs righted
All Rovers the World: Harry Nellis explains how he became the third member of some fifth-tier German ultras
World Cup Bingo: Get some joy out of the 2022 tournament by ticking off these aspects as you see or hear them
Gary Brabin Memorial Lounge: James McMahon pays tribute to a man who never got Rovers; his father.
Howard’s Marks: Escape from all this nonsense by following Howard Bonnett to Knaresborough Town
Marshall’s Matters: Feeling a bit of apathy to all things Rovers? You’re not alone, Rob Marshall is too
Ask Reece Wabara: The former full-back turned Twitter philosopher answers your problems
To Elland Back: Could we learn some things from that big club up the road? Ashley Mallett thinks we could
From Beneath the Statue: Glen Wilson remembers a popular face from the terraces recently lost
Lazarus Comes Forth: Being in charge is harder than it looks, as Lazarus reflects
Windmills of Your Mind: Dutch Uncle shares a tale of seven cities
For the 2022-23 season popular STAND is a subscription-based fanzine, however a small number of individual copies of issue 110 wil be made available for sale via our back issue page in the coming days.
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