Shroppie

I'm uncontrollably happy at the thought of 7 hours driving on what will probably be a miserable January night instead of a relaxed Saturday on the train. I may just have to miss this one.

Chaplow didn't have a bad game, compared with De Ridder and Lee (who looked strangely unconcerned about anything going on). These rwo should have been our creative players causing problems, but they weren't. In fact our only chances came when he pushed forward. Mayuka looked isolated and he's not a lone striker, especially when Kelvin was using the long clearance, which he was frequently forced into. Guly managed that role better, but still with no support.

So all 25 are first choices, then. Pointless comment.

I can respect your view, but how would you feel if Morgan or Ricky had played and been injured? Yes the team tonight were on the defensive for most of the game, but they actually defended well. Yes they lost it in the last ten mins but until then could have snatched something. If we'd put out the first team tonight and they'd lost, yes, I'd be depressed, but we didn't and I'm not. And we've learned who is ready to step up an who isn't.

Why is it, that having actually been at the match, I just don't see it like other posters? The critical thing is to avoid injuries to the established first team, so the selection was sound. Several players did themselves no harm at all. Kelvin was better than any other keeper at the club. Reeves made a strong bid for the LB slot. Chappers worked hard. JWP was solid. Jos had a good game. Even Guly worked hard. But there were missing links. De Ridder and Lee were very disappointing, and without them the attacking force was badly weakened. And we had no height or physical presence up front. With either Ricky or J Rod we could have won tonight. Don't blame the manager. He challenged the players he chose to step up. Some did, but not enough. The league matters. This didn't.

From someone at the game. For a team of 11 subs they competed well. Reeves, Chaplow, Guly ( yes Guly) good, no support up fromt Kelvin is still out best keeper, De Riidder And Lee very poor. Ward prowse solid game

That's 11 changes then. Standing outside Elland Road. This better be good.

See you there. This will be fun. We could make double figures!

Sorry but can't agree. Losing the momentum of the last three seasons by going down would be very damaging and no cup could compensate. So I hope we give the non-regulars a game and a chance to make a point. Chappers, JWP in particular could stake a claim, Butters and De Ridder need a game and if they're close to fitness a half hour run-out for Gaston, Cork or (less likely) Richardson would be good. Would be good to win, but doesn't matter if we don't.

:) :) for my 4 friends.

Not missing this, with a visit to The Vine before the game. Incredible pub, looks like a tiny back-street local from the front, opens up at the back to a huge covered courtyard with the best Indian bbq imaginable. From what I remember, quite away fan friendly, unlike most pubs in the town centre.

Yep. I was coming round to thinking that. Does that mean when I start OWTS I have to do the echo myself too?

Anyone else going, or is it just me?

I've been struggling to find a way of expressing my position, but you've found it for me. Many thanks.

Of course I don't like it as much when we're losing instead of winning nearly every week. But there was always a good chance that would happen and in a way it's better to be struggling now with plenty of the season left to recover. Key things are to keep NA, get behind him and the team. The big danger comes with NA and the individual players losing self-belief. Yes there's a step up from the Championship but the team played well against MC and MU. Two or more points against them and the world would seem very different. Would like to see a settled defence - Gazz, Clyne, Fonte, Yashida, Fox/Richardson until we do everything possible to strengthen in Jan. Going forward we have flair and the potential to put goals past anyone, especially once Ramirez is back. Until then, keep calm, keep the faith, keep NA, keep believing. COYR

How many would Ricky have put past this lot?

Yes it does.

My closest away game. Can get home after by train. I'm over 60, so a Senior for this one (I'm younger at St Mary's) and only £10. Methinks a good evening beckons. :)

Last season he was and he will be again. Can't believe how quickly some forget.

On the bright side, we were without Gaston, Clyne, Cork, and someone I think is called Lee, but has been injured so much I've forgotten, had a makeshift RB and we got a point which should have been three. Fonte is improving. Puncheon had a good game and worked his socks off. I've seen worse from Fox. On the other hand, we can't afford to waste chances like we did especially in the first half. Should have been at least 3 up. And Fox/Lallana were hopelessly beaten for the third. Today won't do Jos's confidence any good which is a shame because he was key for us last season and I have faith in him to make it in the Prem. Adam didn't have his best game. He never seems happy playing in front of Fox. At least we've got 2 weeks to get players back. Gaston and Clyne are obviously important but I don't underestimate how much we've missed Cork. We'll beat Spurs.

Cork is the only one confirmed by Saints. Seems to be enough detail to suggest Gaston is out. Morgan 50/50 - probably sub. Hope we don't have to rush him back. Haven't heard anything about Clyne, Jos. Rumours Lee could be back, at least as sub.

Arsenal are our only live game in this batch so looking good for some traditional 3pm Saturday games.

So they give away, by my calculations, 2420 tickets that wouldn't have been sold anyway. How exactly is that giving the fans the £30000? Seems to me it just goes into the bottomless pit. And even if you allow the lost revenue, it's accounting at £12.50 a ticket, which is a bit steep given most are Junior tickets and they are only a rather poor League 1 club in a sh!t stadium. Cheats.

That doesn't sound good.

For future reference, go to the Ship & Mitre. Good cheap ale, very friendly.