revolution saint

Got into a conversation with Tony Orlando's tour manager and drummer whilst having a smoke. Had no idea who Tony Orlando was but they were nice enough to explain. Also had a smoke break with Mads Mikkelson and Jimmy White although not at the same time.

Meh, I’ve bought it and I haven’t bought a kit since 1990 or so. I like it.

Bang on with this, the way football is going it’s those wide and withdrawn strikers that get you the goals.

BBD just like he was missing all last season.

To be honest I didn’t check his goals and assists but, yeah, for an 18 year old that’s not bad. He looks slow to me though and can’t seem to get away from players. First impression was he’s one of those kids that develops physically very early so stands out but they often fade away as their peers catch up. Only YouTube so probably best not to put too much store in it.

I might be missing something but couldn't see much to get too worked up over with Lennon Miller:

Was thinking about what would happen if Fernandes goes and who we could replace him with. I've no idea but we'd need to get some decent quality in even if we're planning on getting another additional creative midfielder as competition/cover. If we look at the prem then it would probably be a loan and either kids desperate for game time or someone in a similar position to Rothwell (not actually Rothwell but you know what I mean). Is there anyone that fits that bill? Looking at the champ then I guess Rudoni and Hamer stand out but would have thought they'd be more keen to get prem moves and their clubs definitely wouldn't want to sell to us. Not sure either are realistic and any moves would probably be late on. Then there's the foreign leagues and probably more likely. Big test of Spors so it's going to be crucial he gets this right. Same goes for Dibling if he leaves and we're already light on the flanks anyway.

Nah, I think Alfie was talking more generally about the Fernandes position (attacking midfield, number 10, call it whatever) than Fernandes himself. He did say he thought we would probably play 4-2-3-1 most of the time but who knows if that's based on his own guesswork or conversations he's had with Still wasn't clear.

I think the midfielder will be another low(ish) fee on a younger player Spors has identified as having the attributes he wants. Alfie House was on the football martin youtube thing last night saying he thought it was someone who could provide a bit of cover and competition for Fernandes. Neither Smallbone or Aribo are particularly suited to that role so make sense to get someone in. We'd definitely need to bring someone else in as well if Fernandes leaves.

They the two who were in Razzle a few years back?

He put a decent shift in for the play off final although that was more defensive than pressing but both require a decent amount of energy so possibly. He'd probably be fine as cover I guess. Was thinking about Fraser the other day and remembered his debut when he came on as a sub - can't remember who against but was fantastic for that short period and seemed to beat his man every time putting three or four decent crosses in. He never did that again, virtually always checking back and recycling possession. Maybe that was more RM tactics than Fraser being too conservative.

I’m not as gutted as some people but it’s a strange decision and three years seems excessive. Even if I was inclined to offer an extension then I’d have waited to see what happens with the other CBs - we could almost pick an entire side comprised of them, we’ve got that many. The experience thing doesn’t really add up either. Both Edwards and Wood have played enough games at this level to be considered to have enough experience. Done now so won’t moan about it. I don’t think he’s a complete liability but neither do I think he’s that great.

Cheers for this. For the sake of balance it would be interesting to see a list of recent experienced players we've bought. Off the top of my head, I guess Downs, BBD, Stewart, Taylor, Manning, Ramsdale, Sugawara?, Aribo, Lallana, Wallcot, Bree, Onuachu, Orsic, Fraser. I'm sure there will be others I've forgotten.

Oh fuck me. We need to sign "experienced quality", it's simple but don't ask me who. Just get better players in. Again, don't ask me who, but it's simple. Anyone could do it. Except me because I don't have the expertise in that area. That about sum up your viewpoint?

Of course they are. My point was with trousers saying this is #simple. Clearly it's not.

Presumably because said random supporter doesn't have the expertise in that area? Probably true, I'll give you that, however the correlation is that said random supporter doesn't have the expertise to prejudge the merit of any signings we do make either.

#bottlejob This "experienced quality" argument is a load of bollocks if you're not prepared to put your money where your mouth is and name anyone. Surely it would be easy if it were so #simple? From what I can see we've already got a load of experienced quality in the squad. They've already achieved promotion once and yet we will probably be wanting to move half of them on given the chance. Wrong type of "experienced quality"?

Who then? #simple

Experienced quality eh? Presume that means trying to keep McCarthy, Bednarek, Stephens, Smallbone, Aribo, Fraser, Taylor, BBD? It’s really about signing decent players. The experience part is pretty irrelevant.

I’m not too fussed if Edozie goes although as the squad stands then he’s probably the best wide left option we have (yeah that ain’t saying much). Would like to think we’d have options in mind if he does go.

Brugge apparently in talks over a permanent transfer of Edozie

My money is on Besfort Zeneli for the creative midfielder. We were linked a few weeks ago and hasn't really been any rumours of midfielders since. Plays a bit like Stu Armstrong and has a decent crossfield pass which Still seems to like.

I can definitely understand the argument for keeping Armstrong although I probably would shift him on if the right offer came in. BBD though? I just don't see him working out at all and whatever he once had seems to have gone. Even Sheff Utd fans didn't rate him last season and they loved him the season they got relegated. No pace, no tricks to get past a player whatsoever. Hopefully some mug team will fancy a shot at returning him to previous form but I think we may end up loaning him out again.

You can probably add Brum into the mix for automatic - they've got momentum and cash. I reckon West Brom will fall off a bit and Derby could surprise a few people.

Not so sure now, feels like Des Walker after Overmars destroyed him. Just like his namesake I don’t think he’s anywhere near the player he once was without that pace.