Shroppie

On the basis of what we've seen of Mayuka so far I'd rather have Billy. He was leading scorer pre-season and looked sharp (excuse pun). We may never know whether he could have stepped up to the Prem as he never got the chance. I do wonder if he had a wish to return closer to the North but I seem to remember it being reported that he wasn't that happy with the loan move.

Did he do anything wrong on Sat? Made a brilliant save in the first minute. Only change for me would be J Rod for Mayuka, if fit. Btw, where is Lee?

Can't see him not starting.

I don't agree. The whistle went a split second before the clearance kick and he neither had time to pull out nor aimed at VP's head. So I'll agree to differ.

I don't think there was any intent. Fergie's comments were disgraceful.

I think that Nigel does pick the team. But it must be uncomfortable when we have a player or players for whom we have paid substantial amounts not meeting expectations. Does Nigel feel the need to try to integrate those ? How does he develop them without playing them? Until recently I thought J Rod was in the same position but then he seemed to be making his way in the team, only to be dropped yesterday. I understand that pace was the issue but don't get the impression from posts that Mayuka overall did well enough. But, as I admitted at the start, this was a game I couldn't get to. If i'd seen for myself, perhaps I'd have a different view.

Ok. On the evidence of recent games, Mayuka gas been given little or no time, suggesting NA is unimpressed. But, just maybe, it's being said that Mayuka needs more game time to show what he can do. So I was merely putting forward a thought that, despite reservations, NA may have decided (or been pushed) to use this game to test that out - give him a start and a chance to show what he could do, or confirm that he won't bring anything to the team. Unfortunately, I think the latter was the result.

No I'm not suggesting that. To me it seems clear that NA has reservations over Mayuka but can't just ignore him and not play him at all. So he was given his chance but doesn't seem to have covered himself in glory. I really wonder if he isn't a mistake and I'd personally rather see Billy Sharp back.

Missed this game and it seems it was a good one not to witness. What puzzles me is why NA chose this game to experiment with Mayuka (or was he giving him enough rope to hang himself?) and then use De Ridder and Guly ahead of Rodrigues, who I was confident would have been starting. Perhaps the strategy was to give them a chance to do something or prove they're not up to it? And it sounded as if SDR did bake some difference. The second half against Reading Jay played well with Ricky in the hole. Why did we try to change it? And in a heavy pitch, wouldn't JR have been more effective? Or is he carrying an injury? From the highlights of the last couple of minutes we made chances with a direct approach. He would have thrived on them.

Can't understand why Rodriguez did't start and still isn't on. Played well with RL against Reading.

Need Rodriguez?

My wife keeps shouting out Hobbit, Hobbit in the night. Think she's Tolkein in her sleep. Found a Lion and a Witch in my Wardrobe. What were they doing there? Narnia business. Thank you and goodnight.

I remember Jeff Astle head butting McGrath. Had no effect but 10 mins later Astle was out cold miles from the ball. No-one in the Dell saw a thing, let alone the ref.

Lots of good performances, but felt Shaw deserved it. I'm no longer filled with terror whenever we're attacked down our left side.

Those saying RL was immense today: Exactly right. That was the game I was watching too.

Handel's Messiah whilst booking tickets for Springsteen. Good to have broad taste.

How could I forget it.

Wouldn't like him to come a cropper. Sorry. Someone had to do it.

Not sure but think Northampton may have done it in the old League 1-4 days.

The stewarding was bizarre. I was in the right side block and everyone stood throughout the game with no hassle. Three feet away, On the opposite side of the gangway the sitting rule was being enforced with a vengeance. And around me the singing was good until mid way through the second half when it went flat.

Assume you weren't at the game. Either way, definitely the award for the most innacurate and inept summary so far.

On my way home from the game. Disappointing but a poor performance. If we'd won on Weds we'd be looking on this as disappointing but not bad Yes we looked tired (btw it was 3 games in 7 says, not 6) but a lot if effort was up into closing down in the first half. Ricky was ineffective in the second half. Gaston trying to do too much. We gave the ball away too often in promising positions. I didn't think Liverpool were poor at all. This was a tough game and it could have been worse. We needed a slice of luck today to get something but it didn't happen. Next week is far more important.

Wonder how many fans will actually be wearing white today? Having bought one because I dislike it less than I dislike the red, and since it is THE white shirt game, suppose it should have an outing.

I'll be in the Ship & Mitre (city centre). Great real ale if you like that sort if thing.

Put him in goal.