Beard Quota

With the beard quota taking a hit with the departure of Andy Monkhouse it was incredibly important for Will Puddy to sign. Puddy quietly got on with his beard work over the season and finished with a delicate piece of facial fuzz.

The deal to tie Stuart Sinclair was probably the most positive beard news of the summer so far. Stuart's beard was a big character for Rovers this season and helped Rovers a huge amount even taking on work when Stuart was injured.

I was disappointed to see a beardless Lee Brown and Matty Taylor at the Playoff Final. I think this was one of the reasons we played so poorly on the day. I hope Lee and Matty had a good look at their baby faces after the match a realise they need to work on those pre-season.

Tom Parkes has been known to straddle the beard/stubble divide. I can't help but feel 15-16 is the season he steps up into Blessed territory and goes full on beard. I think that could become a stalling point on a new contract if he doesn't make the step up.

I've been disappointed by the senior pro's at the club. The likes of Mildenhall, McChrystal and Mansell need to step up massively and lead by example like the departed Monkhouse. Their futures in football would be in big doubt if all three don't get growing.

Danny Leadbitter will be taking his first steps in the Football League with Nathan Blissett. These two have potential, I'm not expecting full on beards from these two to start with. Maybe a nice pencil moustache or UK Garage Craig David beard? Let's see how they get on.

New singing James Clarke has been sounded out on twitter, the man from Woking has shown attempts at beards before but is currently "trying" but he has found it to be "non-existent".  I'm sure working alongside Stuart Sinclair he can match his former Salisbury team mate.

Jake Gosling last season favoured what I can only describe as "dark haired, hairy man stubble". Don't trim Jacob, power through, may your hairiness shine like a light upon us all.

Two thirds of the management team had at least a deep stubble for most of the season. Stewwy and Yatesy took it upon themselves to show their Gas Legend status by giving us all facial hair to adore. At times DC showed he has it in him with a few five o'clock shadows but he could really show the rest of us how it's done. I'm hopefully of a full beard by Christmas from our promising manager.

Finally, the potential signing of Chris Lines. I don't think Chris Lines can grow hair on his cheeks. It's a real shame. However he does rock a mean goatee at times. That's an act of class Chris and if you sign I hope you keep it.