notnowcato

Good, pleased the bin dippers can't afford Lavia.

If shot stopping is shot stopping no matter the league, you have to wonder why on earth he was on City's books, how he progressed since a youngster, why he had a stellar league 1 season when so inexperienced. The reasons for Bazunu's performances last season is clearly more colourful than the black and white observation you make. On many points he wasn't ready for the EPL, simple as, I don't think that's entirely his fault.

So shooting is shooting at any level too...

If we weren't linked with City youngsters no doubt that would get spun as... "Wilcox must be really shit if no City player is being linked with us."

They are? Determine good. Are we talking Champions League level? Or is it relative to the level being played?

You're right, in isolation the stat gives no context. Were we relegated because of Bazunu? Obviously not. Our stats at the other end of the pitch were equally piss poor. The stat that would give some concern would be the expected save stats, which I seem to remember there was some scope for improvement for Gavin. Many were concerned at the start of last season that the step up from League 1 to EPL for such a young keeper was a huge risk. Hopefully a reset for Gavin and the chance to prove himself in the Championship is what he needs.

If you haven’t done so already I’d recommend watching Russell’s Coaches Voice video on YouTube; where he talks about a win v Cardiff. I genuinely don’t think his style is “possession for possession sake” not that I think any coach genuinely intends that to happen, but it is a much trotted out phrase to undermine teams that dominate the ball. I’m hoping the first thing he sorts out is the huge gap we constantly showed between our pivots and the attacking midfielders. I’m looking forward to seeing the team develop this season and like all fans want us to be successful.

Yeah you’re right, he was caught out a few times but that can be rectified.

I want to put the like or laugh emoji response to your post but that doesn’t seem appropriate

Just checking…. You don’t see JWP leaving?

I wouldn’t assume that we will play wing backs with 3 at the back.

Full backs will be very important in the Russell team when we play 4 at the back. Tino would be ideal, technically strong on the ball and excellent defensively. Not certain Bree has the technical ability to play the advanced inverted role. Funnily enough, when we play 3 at the back this could fit very nicely with a ball playing CB like Jack Stephens, particularly in the Championship. (Applies tin hat 😂 )

Agreed. Prepare for a bumpy ride to begin with, if things go to plan I hope we come with a wet sail to snatch a play off spot. Hitting the plays bang in form would be sweet.

I haven’t seen anywhere enough of Larios to make that call.

Nothing?? I take it you don’t rely on your scouting ability to make a living

I’m not sure you do know how City play or have played this treble winning season. One of the key tactics they did employ, particularly against a packed midfield, was to keep the ball at the back, wait until a midfielder lost patience and broke rank to which City would exploit the space the midfielder left. Case in point was the demolishing of Arsenal where Odegaard was tempted out again and again.

Edit

Fuck me, many on here are forgetting to add the “hope to be proven wrong” ending to their Paxman like questioning of SR and the credentials of RM. Truth is no one really knows, the success or failure of this coming season won’t just be down to RM.

Possession for possession sake 🙄

Waiting on Fareham to come out… and say that he’s got a feeling Lavia will stay.

Insane hair

Welcome aboard the Love Boat, Russell. I love your hair already, reminds me of the glory days of Pelle and Shlong.

This is exactly what would happen to me if I decided to be an attention seeking prick on Twitter. I’ll stick to being a dick on here.

I’d be very disappointed if the new manager (Martin) is not in place by the end of June. Realistically, it should be this coming week in order to allow sufficient time to plan pre-season, sort through the transfers in and out etc etc.

There's too much change ahead for us to expect to hit the ground running at the start of the season. We will also have 5 weeks or so of a transfer window to contend with which I can see being an uncertain time for the squad and no doubt we will still be active with incomings. Whether your glass is half full or half empty, whether you agree with the new manager appointment or not; the team and new manager need some space to get things right. There's no point anyone shitting the bed in August.