Badger

Just to make it clear, I know Sulemana arrived before Mowbray’s appointment so I’m not laying that fuck up at his door.

Some good points you raise there, over the requirements of the scouting network, and DoF (or whatever title is given .. DoF Operations for an alternative option). Probably worth a thread in their own. In all this I’d like to know the extent of input from Darren Mowbray. He was credited with unearthing some decent players for Aberdeen, but (Fernandes aside perhaps, and who spotted him I wonder), the question now is has he lost his touch, poorer scouts on the ground, or are the selection committee ( including RM we believe) ignoring him ? Seems an incredible change from the days when Ted Bates would reportedly make trips to Scotland to watch say, Jim Steele, and decide if he was up to it. Or Lawrie telling the board who he wanted. Contrast this with the alarming stories from Bowen (Hughes assistant) of signing Elyonoussi, and that they didn’t want Vestergaard. Then the story that Ralph didn’t rate or want to sign AA. But the Reeds, Semmens and the like always know best. We know where that has led us.

Think he was highly rated when we signed him. Don’t we also have a 17 year old wonder boy joining from Japan in January as well ? Although probably spending six months in Turkey first as seems to be the way.

Another left back 🤔. Are LB’s becoming the same as MF players under Burley who seemed to have a policy of stockpiling them ?

Perhaps a case for Lawrie’s “road sweepers and violinists”.

Agree about WGS, he'd have sorted the 'slackers' out.

What became of Dalek ? Once upon a time he'd have been all over your post like a rash.

It’s a failure over the last three summers in my book to sign a decent striker.

Interesting point though whether there is any truth in the six month break clause for the end of the season.

No wavy hands bollocks at the end then.

All well, and good, but cold and wet Wednesday in Stoke spring to mind ?

Agree with you, but should WBA be interested in him he probably wouldn't get an offer from a bigger club. (Unless he hold's out for Norwich should that become available).

We really have a knack for unearthing them don't we ?

Except in front of goal, although just creating chances is a step up on recent stuff. Personally, I can't consider it "unlucky" to lose when you spurn chances as often as we do, and fail to take advantage when you're on top of the game.

Just a welcome change not to have one preening himself, either hair or beard in the coaching box or elsewhere.

The other name to appear which I haven’t seen before Dirk Gerkin. Might be a stage name though.

Last thing I recall was that her shareholding had been reduced to 10%. Not sure we can read anything into the possibility of people looking to buy into the club or have I missed something?

Now checked, the end was still open in 1984. What a glaring miss by Worthington for Saints, something Long or Adams would have been crucified in here for.

Think I might have confused the north and south bank at Moulineux. I don’t think the Hillsborough end was covered when I went there (1984 for the Saints FA Cup QF match). But not certain - a lot of beer pre-match in those days.

Went to Hillsborough in the 80’s and thought that end of the ground huge. Sheff Weds fan I met at Uni said the only time it was given to away fans was Man Utd in their 2nd Division season c1974 who filled it. On subject of large terraces, I was told the largest was the Wolves north bank in 1960/70’s holding about 22,000 in its heyday. (But nothing compares with the Chocolate Boxes of Milton Road of course).

I’m hoping he’s the second greatest Ivan in our history, after Golac

The Norwegians I knew some years ago would take exception to this. Danish dickhead is more appropriate surely ?

Yes but just wish I had the same energy as I had in 1980 to enjoy it again.

Rohl was probably the option with most potential, though you don't know how he'd have fared if we'd have suffered a nosedive into relegation. How would that have affected him for next season ? Keeping options open perhaps. Better than lumbering ourselves with someone starting next season with 'give him 10 games' in EPL. I'd certainly welcome that if it happens.

Don't know much about him other than the name, Ivan Juric, and he's been described somewhere as a good defensive coach. Wonder if he attended the interview and on the topic of goals conceded said "hire me, and stop one.." * * 1970's graffiti for younger readers