NickG

strange!

saw a stat while ago that in professional football about 65-70% of penalties converted

Bale started great, his potential was obvious. He score some good freekicks - but missed a lot more, again showing more what he was going to be than delivering at that stage. His pace was excellent, and we built a huge amount around him. Once the transfer speculation started his from dropped hugely and had a lot of poor and anonymous games. This may have been as he was distracted, or more likely that he had exceptional ability but few young players can be consistent when they first started. Huge loss for us - more and what he was clearly going to become rather than how much he had delivered for us. His deadball ability for us was a mile behind MLT- or even Rickie. A great player - who played for us, rather than a player who was great when he did play for us.

how is being in the top couple of the form table falling apart?

couple of decent ones, then taking them all and skiing most! Bale wasn't great for us but had obvious potential.

unforeseen circumstances (cheap I know sorry!)

sounds possible

scored total of 5 goals for us.

although Lallana also got 20 (which is more than our top scorer normally gets). Lallana didn't start the season at last season's levels either so another big difference this season. Barnard got 9 and Papa 11.

sounds more likely explanation - and from better source!

is this where it is showing? http://stats.football365.com/dom/ENG/D2/oform.html

we are top of current form - can't blame him for what happened before (maybe off top after last game - but point is same)

Blackpool wanted him for this season. Bid was turned down Heard they have an appearance clause which is way they stopped playing him

Don't think Ox-C is ready to be relied upon for every game this season, already showing huge differences in form. Shame to lose Puncheon.

Bale's form really dropped

oh yes they did!

not sure Surman fits this - can't remember people saying not good enouhg for us - and not sure he has done it at higher level

would prefer Martin.

very good player, slated because he was the one who would try to beat the last defender or open defence with a cleaver ball through - which inevitably doesn't always work. Excellent ball control. Admitedly form not great but ridiculously poor support from "fans"

Nigel Adkins was only thought of as a cheap option by some unrealistic fans on here. He is well thought of, and imho, a good appointment. Would have loved Jose but Cortesse wouldn't stretch to that

when he scored against us he ran to the saints fans (who hadn't given him stick - probably most didn't know of him) and gave ****** sign

he is more creative than most - but when it doesn't work he gives the ball away and is noticed - ont one to play a safe pass - but the most likely to set up a goal.

reckon if Adkins carries on as he has we will be ok with bit to spare.

Reckon we are on way to championship with NA

Agree, half decent manager should easily get play offs - pretty confident from what I have seen, and results he has achieved, that Adkins will at least comfortably achieve this.