Badger

Not taking issue with what you said, I agree that Smallbone does look weak. ( His tackling reinforces the stereotype). But no one would have said David Armstrong looked ‘sickly’ or weaker because of his bald pate. But then again Armstrong did carry a bit of bulk that Smallbone lacks.

Unless Rasmus has already tapped up Williamson on leaving Carlisle this week.

An interesting thing to come out of one of the interviews posted is a reference to an assistant and someone he’s worked closely with, Marcel Klos. Quick google of him and does appear to have followed Spors around in his appointments. So, perhaps another name to watch out for in the recruitment team.

Ivanka Juric should grab a few headlines and media coverage.

I don’t think Downes has ever really wanted to be here. He was instrumental in promotion and credit to him for the part he played in it. If you remember the ‘promotion party’ he couldn’t resist blurting the word ‘irons’ into an answer to Blackmore’s question. Went down in my estimation from that, I think it showed exactly where he wanted - and probably expected to be - this season. Quite pathetic if he is still in a strop due to Lego going. Not sure where he hopes to be next season, could well be back with Lego in a season or two. At MK Dons level or similar.

Are you saying we couldn't have spent the c £25m on Archer and BBD any better ?

We can demand all we like, but there won’t be many Championship clubs looking to spend £15m on a striker. The exceptions might be the three relegated teams, plus perhaps Birmingham. Our best option of maximising the value from him is as part of a deal with a player coming to us. Unfortunately any player of that value will probably also be subject to Premier League interest.

Have wondered if Vitesse might fit in with the Sports Republic model. A club playing below its usual level with potential. ( Would fit the Rasmus ‘broken’ model). Not saying this would necessarily be a good thing, and I’d rather they concentrate on getting us sorted, but can see mileage in it.

In the Spors translation, slightly concerned by the sub-titles and which was intended as correct: Translation of Serie A to ‘Syria’ ….

That’s a good findMLG, well done. Interesting bit , at about 1.30: “ we don’t want to have possession just to have possession “ Music to my ears

Thanks. Hadn't seen full article before but you're right.

Interesting that it states Group Technical Director , not specifically Saints. But pleased with the appointment if he is a move away from those responsible for this season's shambles.

I'd forgotten that bit, that was the Chris Nicholl/Tony Barton connection from their Villa days. Shame it didn't come off.

Thanks. I had wanted us to sign Rideout from his early days, remember his hattrick for England Schoolboys v Scotland in 1980, thought he'd be the England No9 for years to come. Disappointed we didn't bring him here but he went to Villa, and i didn't think he lived up to expectation. Thought he might recover his potential glory with us, but didn't really, perhaps eclipsed by the emergence of Shearer. (The he gained legendary cunt status by playing for Everton, and scoring against us for Tranmere just to rub salt in the wound).

Not sure that makes them a "Nod", think that just exemplifies the joy of following a less fashionable club. (Not to detract from the point that we have got a number of 'nods' in our ranks though... but celebrating a promotion is a reflection on the club achievements rather than individual supporters).

Didn't MLT play that day, as sub, and score ?

Premier Kitchens used to operate out of Gloucester a few years ago. Think it was their head office as well. Howdens seem to have the edge though from discussions with a few involved in the building trade.

Silla obviously missed out on his move to Italy then. And Mara, had forgotten about him… perhaps surprised he’s still playing football.

Guaranteed to score more goals. I also remember the summer when people thought Phil Boyer couldn’t replace Mike Channon. That didn’t turn out so bad.

Had hoped for Edwards to feature this season. From everything I’d read I was quite optimistic about him. Hope he returns to fulfill the potential with us next season

Hope you’re right but seems a bit premature to make this claim after one match v a piss poor Ipswich

Well intentioned but posturing lot of bollocks.

Only player I recall who even looked shit in his YouTube highlights

A common factor is that both windows started with having managers out of their depth for the EPL. Winter 2023 was a desperate throw of the dice to try and retrieve a dire situation. ( Partly brought about by failures in the market 2022. No striker for Ralph). Summer 2024 was a different thing as it gave an opportunity to set the club up and build on the momentum and success of the previous season. But we totally ballsed it up. 2024 is the more damning of the two. (Been pretty crap every year since Koeman left really)

Don't worry the SR Geniuses have still left us the mouthwatering prospect of the Sheffield Utd dream team of BBD and Archer , who may even be adequate in the Championship. Should be at a combined £25m