malcolm waldron

I think thats the issue. In the first half Smallbone and Charles I thought went missing for large parts of it (you could see THB getting increasingly frustrated about the lack of passing options when we had the ball at the back). That, plus giving the ball away, led to a disjointed first half. Stu coming on gave us more drive (and risk) with the ball going forward but left us horribly exposed when we lost the ball high up the pitch - which we did a lot. The lack of any sort of control worried me.

I think we're now starting to get a real insight into RM's philosophy around player management. Dropping Brooksy, for reasons that have still yet to be adequately explained, from the entire matchday squad midweek was unbelievably harsh - particularly as many of us on here were crying out for David to start against Watford. Clearly whatever disagreement between the two existed must have been resolved behind the scenes as yesterday Brooksy looked fired up and with a point to prove when coming on. Well done Russ!

Fairly sure that the rules were changed last summer - and so frustratingly I think we're unlikely to see Brooksy in the starting XI again this week due to playing for B'mouth. Obviously that all changes after the Liverpool game and if we dont beat them then his 'cuptiedness' (?) will be over - so expect to see him make his full debut against Birmingham.

Very painful memories indeed. Is it just me or did he appear to spend most of that video talking to himself? "Romeo done"??

So I'm confused now. Does the fact that we're still in the cup and therefore apparently he's still cup-tied mean that he can't play in the crucial game against Huddersfield on Saturday? If so would it have been better to have lost last night so that he can play now? Can't help but feel this muddled thinking from the club might come back to bite...

It was actually Waitrose in Branksome but I didn't want to destroy Brooksy's hard earned image as a man of the people where every little helps.....

Just bumped into Brooksy at Hamworthy Tesco Extra. He didn't say much (in fact anything) but from the look on his face I can tell he's absolutely buzzing about tonight.

Anyone know why they're forcing him to wear last seasons kit while training with the first team? Is it one of those apprentice wind up things?

Think you've mis-read it. As I see it they're saying their last 16 games feature 9 of the bottom 10. Dont know how many of our last 16 do for that matter - but it seems to me those 4 away games against teams around us will play a critical part in deciding who gets second.

Carried on to the pitch by the medical team to score the 90+7 winner at Wembley in the play-off final would be a good way for him to contribute this season...

My source (who I'd love to name but obviously i can't) tells me we're "relaxed" about transfer activity - and he hasn't seen us this "relaxed" since Les kept spouting all that relaxed guff in the Telegraph, 24 hours before we gift-wrapped a bargain basement Sadio deal to the Scousers in 2016.

I thought the Man City away game a couple of years go put that idea to bed....or am I getting my matches confused?

The only thing i disgree with you in that sentence is the word partly. EVERY time he prepares to receive the ball, or sets himself up following a first touch is with his body fully in field (i.e. back parallel with the touchline). As a result every ball is passed in field, condensing the play, or he is forced to run in field with the ball, condensing the play. This happens every time and so he must be being coached to do this. Why? Is it to create space outside him? I don't know but I'd love someone to tell me.

I always thought Niemi was "funnished......"

Absolutely agree with this point. I didn't go to the tactics evening but did RM explain why we appear to play in a style that allows the opposition to reset and line up in a low block before we arrive over the half way line?

Don't want to nit pick but are you American?! Agree with the rest of your post btw.

Saw this for the first time very early on in the Leicester game (obviously we were already a goal down) and was worried about what it means when mistakes are made. I think there were 3 occasions in that first half when it was Smallbone scrambling back with Mavididi (?) sprinting behind him and luckily managing to get a pass back to Bazunu. We're all seeing this problem so clearly - so why the hell are the players being asked to set up in this suicidal way?

We had one of those in the first half - I think on Tuesday. Fairly sure it was what you're calling 'a break' - when Edozie had the ball in our half with wide open space ahead. I for one was delighted when he promptly stopped, waited and then slowly passed the ball backwards. Why is this? Well there was a high percentage chance he'd have lost the ball in the red zone and thus left us disadvantaged in our against the ball transition phase. The double pivot vs single pivot inverted full backs would then be out of the game leaving the opposition with a clear sight of goal. Hopefully Edozie won't try the 'break' tactic again in matchday 8.......

Martin will simply say "we don't worry about how other teams play, we're only concerned about how we play' won't he?! Kick off will be interesting. If Ipswich win the toss then I know what I'd do - let us kick off with the knowledge that there'll be a strong chance of us conceding a goal within the next 60 seconds. God - I started the season full of positivity, but Friday was so draining. And if Smallbone is the only cover when we have a corner then it's clear we're learnt nothing. QPR cottoned on to this last month, and since then we've conceded at least two from the same approach. Madness..... 3-1 to Saints. 💪

Still 8 hours to go - they'll be back in.

More likely the Dad desperately volunteering to be the one to pick up little Jean-Pierre from Sekou's house after tea.....

Any chance you could do my driveway - and bring that bottle of Burgundy with you too......?

I thought he was 'finished'......? (That's one for the kids.)

I admire your optimism.....

But is he a sick 'baller though.....?