AT about 6pm on Wednesday evening I was expecting to write this week's column in two parts.

The first one describing an abject performance in Turkey and the second of how we turned it around against Fulham on Sunday.

I was wrong!

I cannot think of one positive aspect that can be gained from either game so if you're looking for something uplifting and optimistic, please turn the page now.

A couple of weeks ago I eluded to the fact that we looked vulnerable to any ball played into the heart of the defence. I'd now like to change that statement to 'vulnerable to any ball played anywhere'.

Like some teams can score from anywhere on the pitch it seems that we've developed the knack of conceding from anywhere!

Our six-week (if we're lucky) annual venture into Europe is fast becoming a nightmare. I'm starting to wonder if I'd rather us finish 12th each season in order to avoid this embarrassment every year.

It's not like we're being undone by slick European play. No, the long punt out of defence to the speedy striker will do the trick.

This isn't difficult to defend against and contrary to popular opinion the pace of Amoruso is not the main problem.

There's no defender in the world that can keep pace with Henry, Owen, Youla etc. The main problem is communication and organisation or should I say lack of it.

One centre half is there to attack the ball while the other 'sweeps' in behind, should the ball clear him. There should also be cover from one of the full backs.

The other option is to defend that little bit deeper and leave no space for the attacker to run into. Hardly rocket science but seemingly too difficult for highly paid internationals to fathom.

If I was disappointed on Wednesday I can only say that I was utterly despondent by Sunday night. The Cottagers rolled into town and we welcomed them with a performance that stank like a toilet.

Both goals conceded produced moments of slapstick comedy at it's best.

Tiny and Brad's 'dummy' for the first, Gresko's loss of possession along with Amoruso's bewilderment for the second.

If Souness had planted a custard pie in the referee's face it would have been more in keeping with the general mood.

Another major disappointment to me was the performance of Barry Ferguson.

When Rovers paid £7 million I was hoping for either a Paul Scholes or a Patrick Vieira type player.

Unfortunately at the moment he looks like a modern day Ray Wilkins only passing sideways and not causing any danger in the last third. I know it's early days and I hope I'm proved wrong but much more is expected for that level of investment.

Looking forward now to the Leeds game and the match up between Roque Junior and Amoruso. It could be a 12-goal thriller!!

Carry on Conceding featuring the 'stars' of Blackburn Rovers. Coming to a stadium near you soon.