SW11_Saint

I am 💯confident that will be the case. The reality is, most clubs would probably see them both as good enough for the Championship. For aspiring Championship winners, that’s another matter.

As can Charles if required.

He had a point that you learn a lot more in a game like this than a 7 goal romp. He also appeared to indicate that there is an opportunity this season for Arma & BBD if they want to take it (while others have scared they want to pursue other opportunities).

Better to start shite and improve than the other way around… I attach zero importance to these games. They’re just about fitness and providing a chance for Will to see what he’s up against.

I definitely think Stewart is ahead in the pecking order. Not sure I’ve read or seen anything that suggests otherwise. Finished with a run of games at the end of the season, with no knocks. Hopefully he’ll get through his first full pre-season without issue and if he does I think it’s between him Downs for the central striker (Downs likely the favourite to start in pole). If fit, I think both can make an impact this season. From what I understand Still likes to use wingers and a ‘big man’ in the centre, so that indicates Downs/Stewart will be primary in his thoughts. Assuming he stays, I agree Arma is best used as a second striker or wider - also agree Archer seems to be better as a foil for a main striker. Hoping we see the best of Archer this season, there’s a player there I’m sure!

That’s true. I hope then that our fans - assuming he stays - look at it as ‘clean slate’ for him, and we all just give it another go.

Agree, I know he’s persona non-grata (for some valid reasons), but I do have some sympathy for BBD. I thought he night be a decent, low risk acquisition last season (given his track record at Blackburn & Sheff Utd (1st time)), but like most of our squad he quickly confirmed that he is simply not PL standard, and on top of that was a square peg in a round hole. This level is a different issue, but my biggest fear is whether there’s any way back for him with the fans? He sadly looked a broken man for us, with shattered confidence. If he stays, and hopes to turn things around he’d need to get off to a truly flying start. I wish him well, wherever he ends up (and especially if he stays!).

What hate? Haven’t seen much (any?) disrespect for him?

Well I just mean I think Downs, Stewart & Archer are all ahead of him in the pecking order. Sometimes a move suits both club & player, and it feels a bit like that here. I can see him at somewhere like Boro. Might be that Still wants to utilise him wider though.

Yep. One is younger, has some resale value, is unlikely to get near a starting berth, and needs a reboot at another club. #Context

Not sure what his best position is tbh, but I think it’s time for him to move on regardless. Doubt he’ll fancy being 4th choice (at best) striker either…

High hoops surely?

Certainly not Armstrong. Time for him to move on.

In the past. Arma at WBA? 🤔

Problem with the captaincy thing is Jack pretty much gets it by default - by virtue of being the only one who will open his mouth and bark out encouragement / orders etc. Ideally you’d want a team with “three or four captains in it”, we have a nice, ‘play fair’ group. I thought JWP was pretty ineffective too for similar reasons - Arma was a ludicrous choice (never opened his mouth) and positionally Downes fits the bill, but not convinced by him either. Bednarek was vocal at least, but generally only ever whinged! We’ve been crying out for a Jimmy Case / Alan Ball type (of leader) for years. Someone players knew they had to perform around… or else!

If our strikers from last season were lining up against us we’d be delighted too…

I haven’t ‘changed my mind’ I was just reminded of the context, which I had forgotten. I’m in hospital atm after major surgery and on a cocktail of heavy pain killers - so you’ll have to forgive me if I don’t quite meet your exacting standards from time to time… I promise to do better in future.

Can’t claim it I know anything of that lot… are the youngsters any more promising than Quashie, Edwards or Kayi Sanda? A lot at the end of their career too. The guys at Millwall or Sheff Weds maybe?

“Rinse & repeat”

Serious question- which CB are you expecting us to buy if THB goes?

I stand corrected. I think @hypochondriac has it right - three that Spors was sourcing regardless of sales (two down, one to go) and then others to follow to replace some departures where we don’t have cover. i still don’t think they will replace all key departures. Even if THB goes I think they see Quashie & Edwards stepping in. Goalie - not sure. I’d like them to buy (assuming Rambo goes) but might they think the two they have are ‘okay enough’ in this Dlv, then Rambo goes on loan and returns if we get promoted? We’ll see. If we keep AR & MF I’ll be very confident about our chances.

Yes, sorry, I think you are right. Three they were attempting to ‘get on with’ regardless, but then others to replace some of those who depart.

Absolutely.

Indeed…