Willo of Whiteley

There has been nothing yet to suggest that he is or will turn into a “quality player/singing”. A couple of step overs and a cross into the box doesn’t make him Ronaldo. I would actually argue he slows the game down when he plays. Azaz is in a similar boat, nothing to suggest he’ll turn into anything other than a big standard CM. Handed has looked very composed and impressive so far.

Four and a half hours until the team is announced and already feeling frustrated. You just know it’ll be the same back five/six as previous league games

*Does not include Gavin Bazunu, who has been poor; Jack Stephens who has been poor; Taylor Harwood-Bellis, who has been poor etc etc.

Nearly 24 hours until the team are announced, may as well go with my prediction now: 1-1 I think we’ll score, I think we’ll play a back five and I think Middlesbrough will score a terribly scrappy goal and walk away with a point.

I don’t think it’s a case of not minding if we don’t go up, more a case that so far we are far from good enough to even be considered to be around the top places

Does he discuss how non-attacking he is as an attacking player?

Alex McCarthy or Gavin Bazunu. Like asking someone if they’d rather step in cow shit or dog shit.

I don’t think there’s anything wrong with starting the game again but one of the players was sent off, therefore I think that should be rescinded - and apparently that stands. Make that make sense? That is where the EFL lose some credibility.

If we’re talking goal scoring records can I put forward by record back in the day at Goals when I played seven-a-side? I scored ten over the course of the year, absolutely piss-poor but based on this logic I should be a starter for Saints. 🤣

People talking on here now like Alex McCarthy is bloody Manuel Nueur 🤣 He is absolutely bloody terrible. Picking between him and Gavin Bazunu is like being offered the chance to step in cow shit or dog shit.

If we lose I can see the fans turning quickly. Azaz may be dropped due to being a former Boro player.

I think we can both agree it’s a low bar 😂

Looking forward to buying FIFA tomorrow so I can sell half our squad.

Bazunu is poor. Simple as. He is replaced by 90% of the other Championship goalkeepers. I think McCarthy has been woeful for years, he gets beaten at his mast post, far post, caught when passing out from the back, isn’t a commanding keeper, isn’t vocal to those around him but does punch the ball at corners effectively; if also say he is ok with shot cannoning off him (saves). Bazunu could have the ball shot at him and it’ll bounce to the next nearest attacking player. He fumbles or stays on his line at corners. Hes a bit more vocal, you do see him shout, but in the same we THB does - not effectively or to no one in particular. He can pass the ball out - yay - an absolutely basic for all footballers. Good for him. He strikes me as a confidence player, and he has none. With him I think it was too much too soon at a young age.

Agreed. He has looked a little edgy in early appearances. But if he gets some composure and bulks up he could easily grow into a commanding leader.

He’ll 100% go to Leicester or Ipswich over us.

Azaz has been non-existent since signing. McCarthy is a terrible, terrible keeper. How a professional player is unable to pass a ball five yards is baffling. But let’s not fool ourselves, he can’t save a shot at his near post, or his far post for that matter. The only thing McCarthy does ok is coming for the ball at corners and punching away. But that is it.

I mean if I’m being an old man I’m sick of players who are more concerned by their image than their effectiveness on the pitch. A bit like some players are with their socks and wearing shin pads that are smaller than a Freddo Frog. Downes wears a bandage around his hand, I’m guessing it’s superstitious but I’d be fascinated to know if anyone has ever said “you look a prat like that”. Or someone with their socks around their ankle, that’s just begging any old school defender to go right for the players shins.

What I would like to see, 4-3-3: McCarthy - shit, but keep the ball away from our goal and we’ll have half a chance. Jelert - impressive debut, better than Roerslav at early impressions Wood - hasn’t put a foot wrong Quarshie - clumsy, but better than Stephens and THB so far this season Manning - decent enough Jander - if he isn’t injured Charles - prefer him over Downes Fraser - in the middle CAM Robinson - shouldn’t have been dropped for these new signings Armstrong - by far our best ST and excellent in this league regardless of what you think about him based on his Prem record Scienza - looks a handful Bazunu, THB, Stephens, Downes on occasion and Azaz have looked poor for the most part this season; and that is being fair. Downs has been beyond shit, the fact we paid money for someone who looks like they have such a lethargic workrate has gone down like a lead balloon with the fans. I’d potentially bring Aribo back into the fold. However, I expect him to go with five at the back for this with: Bazunu; Roerslav, Captain undroppable, Mr thinks he is better than he is, Wood, Manning; Downes, Charles, Fraser, Archer, Armstrong

The thing is he could be great behind the scenes. A lot of player interviews seem to be saying they like him etc. The problem is he has to get the fans onside now, and whether it’s him just being deadpan, saying it as things are are sometimes good routes to go down, it doesn’t inspire confidence.

He’s 100% reverting to a back five again isn’t he…

My concern is you have to pick people based on merit, who’s trained well, who’s not made errors etc etc. Not because they’re captain, or they’re the latest signing, on they’re on high wages etc

Because he fits in the bracket of young and higher potential returns. Funny right! 🤣

100% Jack Stephens, Taylor Harwood-Bellis and Gavin Bazunj start Saturday.

Id rather have a cardboard cut out in goal