egg

I take your point, but I understand the thrust of Whitey's point. Citing shots on goal as evidence of exciting play proves nowt. 40 passes in no man's land that results in a shot from 25 yards that lands in row Z is less exciting than a ball from the full back into the channel to a forward which ends up testing the keeper.

That statement had nothing to do with one defeat. Bosses need to be bosses. Nothing controversial with that, surely. RM has mentioned a lack of running from the players, and we've all seen it. If they ain't trying so early, that's a real issue, and it needs tough man management. So far RM hasn't impressed me as a coach. The lack of yards from some players, their inability to follow instructions, their poor discipline (shit loads of yellows) tells me that his management ability is being tested. I repeat, again, let's see if he can turn it around. I haven't written him off, far from it, but warning signs are there.

Behave. There's no "all this". Anyone who's watched us and has even a vague understanding of football will have seen problems. As I've said though, I hope that RM has enough about him to turn it around. Let's see.

Yep. The tactics were naive at best, but in reality they were bloody daft and we are easy to play against and pick off. My concern goes further than the shape of the team. RM seems uber relaxed and pally with his players, but that can be a dangerous thing....he's the boss, not their mate. Let's see if we see a better shape next time, and more effort/discipline. As you say, he's got a great squad, but you can give a shit chef the best ingredients but you'll end up with a shit meal.

There was nothing wrong with being concerned before he got here, and then being concerned after Saturday/Gillingham. Frankly, I think it's madness not to be concerned, but let's hope that he's got enough about him to change the lack of discipline (effort, doing as instructed, avoiding yellows) on the pitch, the completely imbalanced shape of the team, and the renegade tactics.

Thanks, glad you liked them. I thought your cowboy boys and cargo shorts combo looked surprisingly decent as well. The 16 naan breads between 5 was a bit much though.

Witness

Yep, it's the work ethic that's lacking. SA too just ambles back. If we had a team of players with AA's work ethic and attitude we'd be a hell of a lot better off.

And pretty soul destroying knowing that you're not going to play.

Extending Djenepo's contract was daft, ditto signing Tall Paul, but appointing Jones to try to steer us to PL safety was a level of stupidity I doubt we'll ever see again.

I'd be ok with that, but Alcaraz has been really disappointing this season so I'd have AA behind Adams, and Sully (if he's here and committed) wide right instead.

I think it very likely they'll go to the Belgium league before their window closes on the 6th. I wouldn't be surprised by Saudi money being dangled for Sully either.

Thank God for that strong bench.

I think there'd have been interest in Bednarek as well, possibly AA and SA too.

Yep...I shouldn't have. I'll contribute no more, and instead enjoy our drubbing (🤞)of Sunderland.

Oh grow up SoG. There's a game on. We've had a cracking window. And yep, yesterday's thread was really good throughout. One noticeable part of it was your absence. In your own unique way though, up you pop, having a pop, and then later you'll be whining that people are mean to you.

Everton's team today looks dreadful, and they could only find 7 subs, 2 of them being keepers.

Yeah, it was light hearted and I think most took it in the spirit it was intended. Also, the tone of this thread yesterday was decent throughout without any sniping or other nonsense. Spose it helps when the team's doing well in and off the pitch.

I think Stu will play as the 10. Wouldn't surprise me to see that front 3 being quite fluid, including using Mara to come in from the right.

That could explain the delay, and why he described the day as tiring. I'd assumed he meant mentally, but if he'd a day of tests and being prodded about, that would explain it. Regardless, sometimes you've got to take a leap of faith and everything I've seen and read about this lad tells me that, even with an injury, he's much less of a gamble than many of our recent signings.

Curious that we had a crack at that winger from Villa late in the window thou. Not sure whether someone was/is expected to leave.

Not sure why patience is needed of he's passed his medical and we've sorted terms with Sunderland and the player. Bit odd this.

Yep, but it's pointless keeping someone who doesn't want to be here, and nobody will buy him with his injury issues. A loan somewhere where he'll play helps us sell him next year.

No slamming of windows in France, more the gentle closing of little wooden shutters. No idea what time that happens though.

Yep. If Sully now goes and we don't get another wide man in, I guess that brings Djenepo back into the fold. Not ideal.