saintstowin

I will check my facts before any formal accusation of plagiarism but that '....it's for Nods' line is reminding me of one of Sylvia Plath's most memorable feminist poems.

I can't believe how much I like/dislike/respect/am not bothered by/love/hate Mr M Fernandes.

I missed the first twenty (my son reliably informed me how bad we were at times). I thought from half an hour in we played well. I'm sure Norwich were bad but it was nice to see some movement and thoughtful forward play, incisive, and well rewarded. Really wanted a goal for Stewart and Downs. We won!

Joining in with some earlier Partridge quotes!

Matsuki must have a foot like a traction engine.

The build up to and the OG (multiple nominees), the Welington air-shot volley that led to a 75 yard one on one, and the Stephens header to nobody apart from their striker should all make it into the wtf awards at the end of the season.

Being very generous, tonight's was slightly behind him, doesn't justify the outcome but....and being too generous Saturday's had a mitigating circumstance or two. He is at least enthusiastic! That miss sums up rather than overshadows a bad first half.

At the match and having only seen brief highlights since, I thought we fully deserved to win. We were dominant with some nervous mistakes at the back making it harder than it should have been. I thought at times the 3 CBs were surplus and therefore unsure who should take responsibility. First league game, possibly first ever game together. This led to their main chances. When we eventually took over in the second half I wanted us to play through them centrally more often. We were able to cross whenever we wanted and that option was chosen almost every time. I thought Charles came into it more and played really well when Downes went off and his responsibilities increased. Like the defence, they too are only beginning to form a partnership. And I just noted it was Charles who played the pass to Manning for the winner. That was great. What a wonderful end to the game. And the whole day felt optimistic, like the Norwich first home game last time in the Champ. The stuff around the ground is a really good change. Lots to improve yes. But we've got a lot of quality for this league.

Yes I recall being a bit annoyed that he tried to do them for years for us with terrible and predictable outcomes, then suddenly he leaves and it's the biggest threat in all the kingdoms of all the world and universe. Luckily we had Salisu to take over some years later. Have we ever had a good taker of long throws?

Got in a few mins before 930. My son will be very excited for his first ever derby. And no complaints about the system!

Amazing. What a team!

Are members now able to buy home tickets ahead of season ticket holders being able to buy extra tickets - as a general rule? I recall it has been the other way around in past seasons. Or maybe it's just this way around for these opening games, to encourage membership sales.

His lack of learning, development and improvement stands out. Sort of thrown in when Van Dijk got injured in early 2017 and he was about 23, albeit had some experience on loan. It's now 8+ years later and my view is that those 8 years have not shown any improvement at all. That's the key thing. There are other factors such as the club's failings during this era. But there's no indication of him being able to change. And I honestly think he's too laid back to be the great example some say he is. No intense desire to improve (as far as I can see) and for others to follow that example.

Really good performance so far 70 minutes in. Had to win and been in control throughout.

I came for the Downs news and then saw this. I'm as surprised as most. If he had a year left then see how it looks at Christmas and offer an extension (not 3 years) if appropriate, and if not then he can leave like others have. That clearly didn't happen. I don't get it. Especially the length. Definitely not an on-field leader even without the stupid red cards. A leader doesn't regularly leave opponents unmarked through lack of focus and think this is acceptable. I had hoped we would move on after RM inflated his head with platitudes and the captaincy. I don't hate him, and there's a good 90 minutes now and then, but he's not the future I wanted.