egg

I don't see their argument. They're not playing more games and have the same sized squads. I'm with you - manage the squads better and stop moaning.

No idea mate. I'm not expressing an opinion on that, or advocating any lockdown. Scientists that know more than you, me and any politician were the ones advocating it. We're having a month lockdown. I'd prefer none at all, but a fortnight would have been better. It's not a hard concept.

Good post and pretty much as I see it. Adams is improving in all areas where players can improve - he's getting stronger, his movement is getting better, ditto his touch and use of the ball. Add that to his raw pace, power and finishing and he's gonna get better. My only criticism is his speed of thought which is what separates the best from the rest. I'm not sure whether that will improve, but regardless, we've got a decent player who'll only get better.

Neither of us are qualified to call "pony" on this. You're as clueless as the rest of us on what's best. The simple fact is that we look destined for a month lockdown. I'm not saying its right or wrong, I don't pretend to know what's best. All I know is that it's twice as long as the fortnight that we might have got away with, thus twice as damaging. I agree with you re the rudderless leadership, but I'm confused about where you say that the government guidance should come from if you're critical of the scientists. Are you suggesting that the sage advice should be ignored? If so, what should the government base its decisions on?

Crescent

Starmer was just echoing the advice form Sage. A short circuit break was recommended weeks ago, but as the government ignored scientific advice, we get a month lockdown instead. Complete farce.

Steel

What about the players? The percentage of black players is far higher than the percentage of black people in society. The percentage of Asian players is far lower than the percentage of Asian people in society. Do we start giving less black players contracts, and more white or Asian player's contracts to meet quota proportions? Or, more sensibly, do we just accept that ability is probably responsible for the proportions in the various roles across the whole football industry?

Elbow

Itchen

I think you're probably right, although I'd like to see him given a chance next season.

Possibly. Still a lot of money in the context of our turnover. Not easy to accommodate.

Market

You were referring to a drop in income not profit. Semantics, but we weren't making any profit pre Covid so it's obvious on any assessment that a reduction in income will only increase our debts. That said, someone has helpfully paraphrased what was said. People can put whatever positive spin they want on the situation, but a shortfall of c£36m a year will hurt us badly.

Eh?

Very sad for the lad. That said, I'd heard that the initial surgery wasn't the best and that he'd picked up an infection. If that's correct, the fact that he's had to have the whole thing reset may have been a blessing in disguise. Either way, great to read that he's on the comeback trail.

Fall (guy)

Thank you. I haven't heard it but I'll take a listen. Sounds like some pretty intensive fire fighting.

Yes.

How do you cut the equivalent of £36m off your outgoings when players are your biggest expense and on contracts that you're stuck with paying?

I work for an Asian. We have just promoted an Asian to partner. Our partners are 75% ethnic origin. All there on merit. Sure, racism exists in pockets. Rewarding people on colour not merit will not help one bit and will build bigger divides than actually exist.

Yep. You could argue that the directors are under represented. On the flip, you could argue that footballers are over represented. That doesn't mean that white footballers aren't given a fair crack. It also doesn't mean that black people aren't being given a fair crack in the board room. Reward talent on its merits, not colour.

Evil

Where is the discrimination in sport? Black people have excelled in many sports for many years and been given due recognition, on merit. Taking footy as an example, the proportion of black players as against the proportion of society suggests zero discrimination. Positive (or reverse) discrimination has no place for me 1. It's discrimination against people who are overlooked, on merit, just because they are the wrong colour. 2 Who would want a job knowing that they're probably not the best candidate, but a token appointment by virtue of their colour. Not healthy on any level.

However you cut it, a £3m per month loss/deficit/income reduction for a club of our size is unsustainable and cannot be budgeted for given that we were losing money pre pandemic.