Sam Allardyce had sympathy for the Rovers supporters after the 2-0 defeat to Manchester City.

An opening day crowd of almost 30,000 roared Rovers on throughout, but ultimately the fans, the team, and the manager, left disappointed.

Speaking to Rovers Player, boss Sam Allardyce said: "There were thousands and thousands of fans that were trooping down the road as we drove in from the hotel today and we had a really good feeling about it.

"But I'm not going to allow myself that feeling again because we've haven't got what we deserved.

"I think it was a day where everybody turned up and everybody got behind the team, and it was lovely to see that sort of atmosphere right from the very start of the season, but we are so disappointed to send our fans away from home with a defeat that we didn't deserve.

"I'm sure they realise that as well as we do, but unfortunately for me I'm in the results business and I want to deliver victories and at least draws - particularly at home - and whilst we have had a good performance it doesn't leave me with much comfort losing."