saintant

Agree we aren't ruthless in front of goal but we don't create nearly enough chances. Create more opportunities and some of them will go in so the misses will not be so costly. We create so little we can't afford to miss.

I feel like like I've read this comment before.

If we are serious about promotion we will need a new keeper.

Looked as though he was actually delaying because Caleta-Car was showing signs of a slight injury.

Thought the youngsters did well in general. Also,Tino excellent, KWP good in patches, Smallbone neat and tidy but he does keep it very simple and doesn't try much offensively. Djenepo a headless chicken. Adam Armstrong did ok. Bazunu made a great save - more of that please. Free kicks in dangerous positions were wasted every time because the tactic is clearly to retain possession rather than put a cross into the box - don't think the fans will put up with that for long - makes zero sense. Not a bad work out overall for an opening friendly.

Lots of passing but with no positive intent. Back four all hopeless - we'll need much better if we are to play that risky keep ball at the back rather than hoofing it. Benfica are streets ahead of us in every department which comes as no surprise. Only highlight was the performance of the 16 year old who outshone the rest by a distance. Too pedestrian from back to front in general. Still, it's our first friendly so we can't expect Pep style moves and transition.

Looks a unit with plenty of skill. Great movement gets him into position to score goals with feet and head. Could be just what we need.

At last, a signing with experience and maturity and a good reputation who will add some much needed leadership to the squad. Looks a great signing so well done to those involved in getting this across the line.

I accept he had a poor defence in front of him. However, this does not excuse the fact that he let in far too many shots that should have been routine saves for even a half decent keeper. On top of that he pulled off very few worldy saves which prevented almost certain goals. Those two things together are not a great combination for a goalkeeper although I accept that, given time, he may improve. Right now I don't have faith in him as our first choice and the jury is still out on Bazball.

Looks a pretty tough start and we are notorious for being very slow out of the blocks.

A look at past history for relegated teams tells me it will not be an easy ride.

I doubt everyone is hoping or expecting Martin and a new look squad to tear up the Championship. It is a very tough league full of excellent teams.

Probably as patient as fans at every other professional club in the country.

Don't think we'll go down but less chance of going up if we're relying on Bazunu. We need an upgrade in goal if we are serious about a swift return to the Premier League because he doesn't make enough brilliant saves while letting in plenty of soft goals.

Don't think Tella will set the Premier league alight. I see the Championship as his level but be happy for him if he proves me wrong. Che and Adam Armstrong both found it easy to score when playing in the Championship. We'll find out I guess if Tella does stay at Burnley.

Thanks for sharing and I enjoyed listening. Jason Wilcox comes across extremely well as both a good person and someone who is dedicated to striving for excellence. Hopefully he will make a huge difference because this football club of ours desperately needs more inspirational leaders with knowledge and passion for the game. I am excited to see what he can contribute and what he can achieve in terms of taking the club forward.

Surely we are the club holding out in that we could get him now by paying the going rate as a Premier League club. If we are prepared to wait until we are officially a Championship club to enjoy the reduced rate then that is down to us.

People seem to miss the fact that most players take time to settle but need games to do it. Gakpo at Liverpool is a good example as he looked pretty ordinary in his early games.

Sounds like very easy money to me. I'd expect a little more from someone paid millions for his so-called footballing ability.

Obviously you will know more about Matt Grimes than me. My assessment was based on watching a skills video of him where he looks good in the elements I mentioned - just goes to show that all players can maybe look good in their skills videos 🙂

Step forward Matt Grimes of Swansea.

Would love Matt Grimes. He's just what we need in midfield - aggressive, takes players on, great in the tackle and has a superb range of passing. He'd be a perfect replacement for Lavia. He's nearly 28 so a good few years in the tank. Joel Pirou looks good as well - sign the pair of them.

Are we likely to be in for a new keeper? Can't see us making a serious bid for promotion with Bazunu as first choice. He may or may not evolve into a top class goalkeeper but he's not even ready for the Championship and will cost us from what I've seen so far.

Agree, this interview should have been freely available to all fans and you have to wonder why they decided to do it in such a cack-handed way. Another own-goal I'm afraid.

I thought when they came in they said they wouldn't change much as we were a well run club. That doesn't chime with them saying this situation has been brewing for years. It might well have been but that's not what they said initially.