Right, well onto a quick summary of some Rovers news:

Big Sam has let Mr. Arsenal aka Winterburn go as well as Robbie Fowler who I had forgotten was still alive. Big Sam has also met with Roque one on one and had a chat, then went on to say in a press conference that he would love to hold o to him but would have to consider any large offer that may come in from Man City. Well, maybe not that last bit about Man City but I think we all know what he meant when he said it.

Allardyce also was quoted as saying that he will strengthen the squad this window only if the right quality players become available at the right price. As long as that means anyone except El Hadji Diouf then I don’t think I’ll mind too too much.

Sunderland tomorrow for the Boxing Day match, and hopefully another 3 points. Shall the bounce of the new gaffer be negated with both teams under new management? Or will Rovers continue to ride high during this festive season?

One last thing: my predecessor here at the Blackburn Offside popped back up last comment, and I’m going to shamelessly plug his new site. Dan’s a great writer and a great supporter to boot, so make sure you check it out. The Rovers Return-click.

That’s all for now. Up the Rovers!!!

Ince delighted for Jason Brown — TEAMtalk

Tugay showing no signs of stopping — Setanta

Alan Judge working back to 100% — The Blackburn Citizen

Skipper Nelson hails “Team Ince” — The Blackburn Citizen

Ince: “Our fans were absolutely awesome.” — The Blackburn Citizen

Simpson learning for Nigel — FoxSoccer.com

Ince eying Cup Success — SkySports

Ince still looking for more — 4thegame.com

West Ham eying up Zurab? — The Mirror

That should keep you busy as you kill some time this evening before Monday Night Football or Heroes. Up The Rovers!

It seems our club can’t stay out of the headlines. Here’s the latest in your daily update:

Nigel Winterburn officially named new defensive coach.– Rovers’ Official Site

Aston Villa officially bid for Bentley.—SkySports

More on Winterburn’s appointment.—Setanta Sports

RSC “focused” on Blackburn.—TEAMtalk

Ince confirms the bid for Bents.—Eurosport & Yahoo

Finally, I mentioned the club shop before. Expect a write up on that when the online portion is 100% up. I’ve heard great things about it though from people lucky enough to be there. Until next time, Up the Rovers!

Edit: After the jump I’ve added a match review write up that I enjoyed and thought was quite good. Cheers to RevidgeBlue from BRFCS.com for it.

Very enjoyable evening. I knew Macclesfield were a small club and ground etc. but I didn’t realise they were THAT small, was like a throwback to the old 3rd division days in the early to mid 70’s.

Decent Rovers following – crowd of just over 2000 – of which well over half seemed to be from Blackburn.

As Macclesfield play in dark blue, we donned the red and black halves once again which looked even better with the black Crown paints logo. Hope they go on open sale at some point as well.

We started with a very strong side (including Brad) but no Bentley or RSC. Derbyshire wide right, Roberts and McCarthy up front.

We didn’t really fire first half, McCarthy hit the outside of the post with a curling shot from distance after about 35 mins and Dunn scored a delightful goal after a mazy run and neat shot into the bottom right hand corner after 42 mins. That was the only real excitement of the half although I was extremely impressed with our fitness levels, we seemed a lot sharper and hungrier than when I’ve seen us play friendlies at a similar stage in previous seasons.

At half time we made eleven changes including Paul Gallagher coming on. Unbelievably he scored within about ten seconds of the restart, nodding in an excellent cross from the right wing. The rest of the second half was even more of an anti climax with basically a reserve side being on but again there was nothing wrong with the motivation or levels of commitment. They got one back whilst I was texting tnr.

In the first half I thought Samba was terrific, looked like he’d been playing all summer, his game was bob on. MGP and Reid also looked a lot sharper they did for much of the time lasrt season imo.

In the second half I thought Gallagher looked a cut above the other “reserves”.

What a nice man Steven Warnock is, after coming off at half time, came over to the Rovers fans on the other side of the pitch for photos and autograph signings.

The other highlight was seeing Robbie Savage on the team coach before the game with his young daughter. Apparently he got on after the others got off and subsequently appeared to be getting on famously with Dunny, and John Williams. What a great bloke he is too. Must be worth ten points having him around (unless you’re Derby).

We asked him if he’d come in his 160k Derby coloured Merc and he said he had then we asked him about the latest stories about a Range Rover with diamante lettering and he said it was right about the Range Rover but not the lettering! I was rather hoping we might have signed him back on the cheap but I suspect it was more to do with his daughter who was wearing a Rovers top. I also overheard Sav say to someone else that he can’t get a Derby shirt near her. Sensible young lady!

Met Paul Ince briefly outside the ground after the game and wished him luck. He seems a really bright, bubbly and likeable personality.

So not too much to be drawn from the game itself, although all 22 players certainly looked well up for it and fitness levels seemed excellent.