Badger

Agree with you, but the three comments in bold provide quite a challenge, and will be the acid test as to whether he is going to succeed as a manager/head coach, here or elsewhere in his career. Behind the scenes is a big unknown. I wonder if the appointment of Tonda has strengthened Spors position in getting his man in place. How closely will he and Tonda work ? Will Tonda have his ear in making demands (or more likely polite requests) for positions and players he wants/needs, or are others pulling the strings ? Despite Manji’s (for one) comments I think we all fear Rasmus is the one setting the blueprint to follow. Can only hope we see progress in recruitment in January. But the SR track record does not inspire confidence.

Careful. They’ll be expecting to have the vote next.

It’s really up there with other greatest moments in any individual’s career bestest, such as Gaston Ramirez second half performance v Villa once, and Mara’s sliderule pass v Leeds.

This season and next, about 18months at the time of announcement

Good point. Almost forgot they existed

I’ve only seen the highlights. Second goal certainly another one to add to the ‘ could have done better’ catalogue. That’s not to pin the defeat on Bazunu alone. We looked wasteful in front of goal, and then there’s the piss poor defending to allow the bloke to run through.

I’ve only seen the highlights. Second goal certainly another one to add to the ‘ could have done better’ catalogue.

Then let’s hope if the tactical genius manager (sorry, head coach) identifies positions and players he wants to improve on, Spors will listen and act on it. That’s if the head coach is permitted to have a say in the SR world.

Unfortunately there is probably a lot of truth in your first point. Many said appointing someone so inexperienced was a concern, but overlooked by our experts. A lack of backroom experience probably doesn’t help. But perhaps not being Gary O’Neil also worked heavily in his favour. That and the piss poor field to select from. Whilst hoping he turns it round, the five at the back is poor and the substitutions are worrying.

I know you were agreeing with an earlier point I made, so the next comments might undermine my earlier views. But, we can only hope Eckert is able to build something. To do this you wonder whether given his previous workings with Spors means Spors might listen if his head coach forcibly lists the positions or players he wants. Does he have the experience or nous to change tactical elements? Or is it given to him as a mantra to follow ? I suspect the answer isn’t the one I’m hoping for, but that blame lies with those higher up.

Normally I agree with a lot of your posts but don't agree with that part of your mini-tantrum. Players and SR have a proven track record of being cunts, yes, but i'm not sure how you reach that conclusion re the manager. But for me, coming after the totally wooden Still, and dislikeable egotistical bellend in 2023 onwards, Tonda has been a welcome change. Job may be too soon for him as many suspect but I'm hoping he sorts it. Personally I'm not convinced any of the 'bigger 'names, already with a failure against their name (such as Carrick or Solskjaer for example) would be doing better. There are some worrying duds in our squad, and hope January brings some changes, but I'm certainly not on the managers back at this point.

The legacy of Will Still. Inexcusable appointment.

Interesting article on BBC website today about fixtures over Christmas, and being played on Christmas Day. https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/articles/cj69djzyjx6o

That was the era of the Wembley Trophy football. I think every kid had one at some stage. Realised years later the orange balls were seldom used. Bastards. I want my money back.

Don’t really know about Arsenal’s kit, other than I can’t recall them turning out in that combination, especially at home. On the topic of the kits worn that day, I’ve never seen colour footage of our away kit (amber and black). The best games recorded at Highbury and Old Trafford (the Ron Davies match) are both in black and white.

1980, Keegan’s first season, I think we played Spurs at White Hart Lane on Boxing Day, ended 4-4. Then Leicester at The Dell on 27th. Gets on my tits when Wenger, Klopp or Pep moan about fixture schedules.

Here you go. Snow covered pitch, orange ball, take your word for it, as still in black and white for tv. Possibly the only time Arsenal wore dark shorts (presumably red).

I think that was widely regarded as his best game for us.

Winning 2-1 at Nottarf Krap in 1975. No bubble in those days, or segregation just pay on the day. Can’t imagine the Old Bill agreeing to the fixture on Boxing Day now. Beating Cardiff 3-1 (?) in our promotion year in 1977 at The Dell stands out for personal reasons. I think Ted MacDougall scored in the first minute.

Part of the natural diet, and appreciated by Badgers 🦡 everywhere it would seem

Stilton, called the King of Cheeses for a reason. No cheeseboard is complete without it. Local cheeses worth going for are Double Gloucester, and Yarg. From the continent a ripe Camembert, smoked German cheese, and Danish Blue.

Watson arrived at Saints with a good reputation, and at the time it seemed a bit of a steal getting him. Wasn’t he involved in the England set up ?

I can understand him trying to stop the ball going out of play in that position as it was rife for a good throw into the box. Presumably he was attempting to put it out of play further up the pitch, instead of which the stupid sod put it back into play in the danger area in front of the penalty area. Straight to a Coventry player as I recall. Not his finest moment. But not a completely isolated brainfart either

Also worth throwing in that it was Mannings half-arsed skewed clearance (trying to prevent a throw in as I recall) that gave them possession to build the attack from. Edozie - no idea, it seems the club are happy to gloss over him, I don’t recall many mentions at all.

GK, CF, and commanding CB in full agreement but perhaps a bit too ambitious given what the club have publicly stated