SW11_Saint

No, but his Chairman was… (Re contract negotiations) I recall Lowe saying something like “what he needs to understand is that in his country what we’re offering would be an absolute fortune”. Hints of Lowe’s imperialist world view that we know all too well now.

But we’ll never know that will we? I do agree though, McCarthy was great in the semis & final. Godawful in the PL.

So he can’t improve? How poor did you think he was against Brighton?

But goals conceded aren’t always the sole responsibility of goalies. I know it comes with the territory somewhat, but it feels like people can’t wait to blame him for all our defensive ills - when in reality conceded goals might be a result of MF not tracking back, defenders not reading the game etc. (or a combo thereof). Not saying this is your view btw, just making a general point. Does feel though that many are so set against him already that any goal will automatically be deemed ‘his fault’. He’s young, and goalies often take a while to mature. He can improve.. I’m more than happy for him to start the season with a clean slate.

Final Position: 2nd Top Scorer (goals): Downs (18) Player of the Season: Charles Young Player of the Season: Robinson

Pedestrian until the late subs. Switched from 4-2-3-1 which just doesn’t work with our personnel. Looked much better with 5-3-2 and with Robinson’s energy on the pitch. He’s a must start. Bazunu made a couple of decent saves, Charles looks composed and authoritative. Would much prefer Edwards in a 3 with JS & Quarshie too.

It is now!

Not over yet!

IMG_4339.mov

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Penalty!!!

Robinson has to start…

Yessss

Your name says it all…(almost)

Though still better than Arma & Fraser. I’d rather see him alongside Downs.

Another great save from Baz.

Like Sunderland appear to be doing… will be interested to see how they do.

What’s he done wrong? Great save earlier.

Silver lining - Charles looks good. Very composed on the ball.

Watching Rooney vs Davies it’s so crystal clear why Rooney is never going to make it as a manager. Echoes of Still in Davies too I thought, which gave me a bit of hope (focused coach rather than ex-player with a ‘been there’ mentality, clear-headed and analytical, but also tough and passionate). Definite sense there’s a new breed of coach entering the game now…

He’s not involved in the football side is he? I’d say he’s done a pretty good job in increasing off-field revenue with the fanzones etc.

Specific questions like “why did you play ‘so and so’ in a particular game?”, “why are the shirts so expensive?”, “can we get better beer in the concourses?”. And yes, I’ve actually heard all of these questions before…

Two candidates to buy or for the manager’s job?

They are by and large a PR exercise of course, but I generally enjoy listening. I think the panel try to be as open as possible, but the thing that always irks me is the number of idiotic questions from the floor - either irrelevant or too specific “why are you playing xxx?”. Also, people love giving long winded intros to their questions which no one wants to hear, and wastes time. I hope Blackmore vets the questions, weeds out the ridiculous ones, and manages the floor better this time.

Anyone watching the new Birmingham City / Tom Brady documentary on Amazon Prime? They totally screwed up by hiring Rooney, but definitely seem to have it right with Chris Davies, he’s very impressive. Reason for posting here… in the first episode they referenced “Trying to buy a PL club but we got messed around” - before turning their attention to Birmingham. In the back of my head this was maybe Sheff Utd, but I did wonder ‘it wasn’t us was it’?! They have very big plans for Birmingham, including a new 62k stadium.