ROVERS reporter Rich Sharpe picks out three talking points from Tony Mowbray's first game in charge at Burton Albion.

QUICK LEARNERS

IT WAS quite clear, even from the early moments of the game, that despite having taken just one training session, Tony Mowbray’s ideas were getting across.

There was a fluidity to Rovers’ play, interchanging of positions, a higher intensity and a clear identity of how the new head coach wants his side to approach games.

Cries of “move the ball, move the ball” came from the touchline and were heeded by Rovers who were totally dominant in an impressive opening 45 minutes.

Lancashire Telegraph:

The instructions from the sidelines were constant, Mowbray looking at the finest of details, moving players around the pitch like pieces on a chess board.

Much of Mowbray’s work thus far appeared to have been on positional play, midfielders dropping in to the full-back positions when in possession, full-backs pushing high up the pitch as the wingers tucked in, with Marvin Emnes dropping deep to get involved in the build-up.

Rovers were still learning their new roles, and what their manager wanted from them, as the game was in play, as demonstrated by the number of instructions being passed on.

But it was evident they had taken plenty on board, which pleased Mowbray the most.

GUTHRIE GAINS

A BALL-playing midfielder would have been top of many Rovers’ fans shopping lists in January, and may well have been for some time before that. But it seems they may have had one within their ranks.

Danny Guthrie had been a bit-part player for much of the season, with injury and unavailability not helping his cause. But if he can stay fit, he could play a vital part in the remaining 14 games of the season.

He carried on his impressive display against Manchester United in to the game at the Pirelli Stadium, seemingly enjoying the freedom given to express himself under Mowbray.

Lancashire Telegraph:

His cross-field passing was a particular highlight, while he showed good energy to get about the pitch as Rovers looked to press the ball high up the pitch, something which did slip away in the second half as they began to run out of a bit of steam.

Rovers will need to be wary of over-playing under Mowbray’s new style, but Guthrie could become a key figure in how they’re looking to play under their new head coach.

FEEL GOOD FACTOR

IN THE end this may be reflected upon as another missed opportunity for Rovers to bag a vital three points in their battle against the drop, such was the dominance during that first-half.

But the impressive travelling following may well be more confident of escaping the drop after their first glimpse of life under their new boss.

It was the start of another new era for Rovers, and new songs for the fans to sing, as they began life under Mowbray at the Pirelli Stadium.

Lancashire Telegraph:

Around 1,500 travelling supporters packed in to the away end, with Mowbray admitting he was “taken aback” by the travelling support, and commented how the players had acknowledged that in the dressing room after the game.

Rovers need their fans more than ever now, particularly heading in to three crucial consecutive home games. But it is in the hands of the players, and Mowbray, to give them something to keep shouting about.