The cliché that there are ‘no easy games in this division’ has formed into a truism somewhat since the relegation of Bolton, writes Simon Smith.

This month contains what would be a number of juicy games were it not for the jittery start.

By no means did Rovers play especially badly at Fulham but any team which allows a player of the quality of Tom Cairney that much room is laissez-faire to say the least. Concentration levels have NOT improved so far.

There is also sometimes a feeling that when Bradley Dack looks sharp some players adopt an air of ‘oh, Dacky will win this for us’.

As was evident again on Tuesday against Oldham in the cup.

The only real way to hit the ground running in any league is to have a reasonably settled side or one which is more settled than the opposition.

Rovers have fielded a different centre-half partnership in all three games (albeit one being a cup game) and that can buoy the opposition.

With Charlie Mulgrew’s departure it is an ideal time for Derrick Williams to make good on his claims and step up as a leader.

This is a team still in transition. It may take until September to find the right blend, but Rovers cannot afford to lag behind among the dead men at the bottom, even this early.

Points must be ground out at this stage.

Of course, there is no use formulating a grumble circle or installing a panic room until September arrives.

As far as I am concerned, Tony Mowbray is still the man for the job and while I question his decisions at times I also questioned some of Kenny Dalglish’s (selling David Speedie, Scott Sellars and Simon Garner in one summer; playing the hapless Richard Witschge; using the last day of the 1995 transfer deadline to only buy Jeff Kenna.)

Some look at Middlesbrough and write us off already.

 I’m certain there’ll be at least couple of players hoping to start and prove a point, and a manager too this weekend.

And what price the appearance of young Harry Chapman for a cameo off the bench and grabbing the headlines?