mitch01

‎"Its a consistency that you aim for; I think if you remain consistent, and you've been successful with being consistent, then that consistency will get you through to remain being successful." Wise words, Nigel, wise words.

Fans sound in good voice today! Anyone know what the attendance looks like?

I'd have him in for Lee, who, as sure as I am that he'll contribute this season, isn't the explosive kind of player that I think might need in a game like this. SDR might be frustrating (as demonstrated Blackpool home) , but he has a real turn of pace and tricky feet (as demonstrated Reading away). Imagine if we're a goal up with twenty minutes to play tomorrow; I think thats the time to bring him on. He stands on the last man and runs in behind, relieving pressure and creating chances of our own. He'd be in my 16 almost every week, although I suspect Nigel will leave him out again.

I want to see SDR on the bench at least, if we need a goal he can really make something happen.

My report on the WHU game: http://notplayedonpaper.blogspot.com/2012/02/as-you-were-after-tussle-at-top.html

Wrote a write-up of the day for anybody interested: http://notplayedonpaper.blogspot.com/2012/02/nigels-big-day.html

Lambert, Lallana and Cork were all faultless. The rest were just brilliant.

Heading back from Nottingham for the next 2 games. Massive game on saturday, I fancy a big win. 4-1, two for Billy.

The 'momentum' is just why I think we probably will make 2nd. It has swung away from us since early december, but I think it will swing back with just one or two good results. That can start on saturday. Imagine a blistering start and we're 3 up at half time. Cardiff, Birmingham and Middlesbrough seeing that would say: 'Ah. They're back.' We probably can't keep up with Brum if they keep this form up but if they do they deserve to be promoted. Plenty of time for lots of swings and changes yet though, and I back us to make it with an improved squad and some lessons learned.

I wholeheartedly agree. In Nigel I trust. His management of this football club isn't just about this season and what is best for right now, but for the long term. I still think we have a hell of a good chance this season, but if we fail he will still have my backing as long as we are making strides as a football club, and that does not necessarily correlate to results immediately. That said, I have full faith in him to deliver results in the short, medium and long term.

Oooooh Rickie!

Billy's on the bus, on the bus, Biiiilly's on the buuuus, na na na na na na na na na

I'm pretty sceptical about this signing but I would absolutely love to be proven wrong with a new cult hero.

You don't half talk some rubbish. So his goal at Reading lacked quality did it? I might go so far as to say that was the best piece of finishing we've seen this season, perhaps along with lallana on the opening day. De Ridder has got a bit of the Walcott about him, and not in a good way, but he is quick, skilful and direct. He makes things happen even if he can be frustrating. Should have started vs Leicester.

He's got some serious work to do before he wins everyone back. I fully expect him to score a 90th minute winner to take us up.

Ideal scenario: They survive by the skin of their teeth but get sent back down to the depths of league 1 where they stay for a good few years because they are finally running their club within its means. Back to where they belong, rivalry and our superiority intact.

You are hilarious.

I'm very confident there is work being done, as Nige always says, behind the scenes. I have nothing but confidence in NC and NA. Look at what they've done so far. If we were sitting in 15th and playing like we did last night then I'd perhaps start to question our (in)activity in the transfer market. We're not. We're in the top two and have made some decent signings already as well as the intention to sign a very good striker in Hooper. But we won't pay over the odds and I'm happy that we won't.

Thank God Jos turned up.

Got a Walcott 32 for christmas.

Didn't that include very substantial donations made to the club by the owners?

Nice assessment. I think I remember the finish you are talking about. Was it the one across goal and into the bottom corner, the ball just grabbing enough friction on the ground at the last second to make it in at the far post? It moved like a bowling ball, I remember being blown away by that goal at the time.

What a fantastic human being. Credit to the planet.

I'm going to stop you right there Nige, my 'gluteal' injury had nothing to do with the night out we had after the Brighton game...

Absolute nonsense. In what world was Hooiveld's yellow ever going to be a red?