saintant

Great performance by Brighton. They had the strength, stamina and power to compete all over the pitch and plenty of skill as well. That's what a well balanced side looks like and we're a million miles away from it. Their players ran their socks off and worked like fuck for the full 90 minutes and got the reward for the effort they put in. Meanwhile our lightweights struggled to hold a 3-0 lead against the might of Doncaster. South coast supremacy is a thing we'll never see again.

It's not.

Stoke fans, in the main, seem unaware how bad Bazunu is 🙂

Is he short of money?

This is our problem and needs to be rectified as much as possible in this transfer window. We simply must bring some height, strength and physicality into the team.

We know that Pompey will be well up for the fight and scrapping for their lives when we play them at their place. Not sure we have an eleven to pick who would have the bottle and stomach to match them in what is sure to be an intimidating atmosphere. Our lot will likely be beaten before a ball is kicked.

So that's 3 cone movers in total then.

Somehow and for whatever reason that unexpected 4-0 defeat to Villa seemed to be the catalyst for our swift demise. Never got my head round why that result proved so pivotal.

Agree and also he obviously knows Ankersen so you'd think he would steer well clear of working for him.

Nah, the shortest day was December 21st so his days as Spurs manager are getting longer.

Nicely explained and I agree.

Not sure how any of what Eckert says about Oriel is any different to the rest of the squad. None of them are fit enough to play on a full size pitch as proved by the constant use of 5 subs and the massive drop off in performance during the second half of just about every game. No need to single out Oriel when he's not that much different to the rest of the players.

Sorry, not sure I understand your point. What has comparing the respective height of Manning and Bree got to do with my post? 🙂

You haven't.

I'm convinced this squad has a very poor work ethic led by the likes of senior players Capt Jack, Downes and Manning. They strike me as the type of individuals who will not put in the maximum or required effort when it comes to the fitness training and that filters down to the rest of the group. They need a good kick up the arse and we should bring in a training coach who takes no nonsense and knocks them into some sort of physical shape. My sense is that training is all too cushy and has been for a long time. Will Still alluded to it and, for whatever reason (probably lack of respect from players) he was unable to make us any fitter. Manning is a prime example - he looks to be carrying a bit of timber. If you are less fit than your opponents you are handing them a big advantage.

Disagree. This team is clearly unfit so when they have the 15 minute sit down at half time they then struggle to get going again. It happens every game. They come out second half looking tired and lacking any energy. Convinced it's down to poor fitness levels.

No excuse for lack of fitness. Shows a very lazy attitude from players and coaches. If a team at Doncaster's level is fitter than we are that is a major issue.

Probably for the same reasons the West Ham fans don't like him.

He really wouldn't. Right now the last thing we need is a small, weak ball recycler in midfield.

I reckon he's got another job lined up.

To be fair that's a given whoever is our manager.

Has someone at the club upset Alfie - he seems to be quite scathing recently.

Never lost a game when he's started.

I suspect he already does either live or via Skype.

As did the team.