Dark Munster

So basically he seems to be saying he struggled because the managers were crap. Actually, he does have a valid point.

Let's hope it's not the same as Tommy Fourpast's weaknesses: left, right and centre.

Just to add to that, if a first teamer is rested he can’t get injured (assuming he doesn’t drop a bottle of salad cream on his foot at home).

Exactly, use feet only to determine offside. That's similar to what they do in ice hockey (the puck mustn't enter the opponent's "defensive line" after the skater's feet, and they don't look at the rest of the body). As they say, KISS (keep it simple, stupid).

In summary, a lot of blame to go around then! At the end of the day it was a good finish, so I can't complain too much.

That's all this time? Not quite as optimistic then.

Not on the bench, still injured presumably.

I was going to suggest getting a coyote. But on second thoughts

I watched most of the second half. They really looked crap, and QPR were unlucky not to win. Hopefully they've shot their wad. They're definitely looking nervously over their shoulders.

Apart from a perfectly good goal being disallowed.

Here comes Fraser. That means goals goals goals.

That's true, plus paying compensation (on top of Ralph's and Jones').

Good grief, who says that? So many straw men there that I think I'm having a hay fever attack. For example the QPR 1-0 win was a good performance and what we're looking for, but we didn't win 4-0. That we only scored one goal was down to SR not bringing in a non-crocked goal scoring CF (again), not down to RM.

Still hiding after the Jones/Selles/relegation fiasco. But if we go up I'm sure he'll come out from behind the sofa and give a Powerpoint presentation on his brilliance in appointing Russell and Jason. I was one of RM's fiercest critics, and still have my knives sharpened and ready if we fall back into that awful plodding, possession-obsession, propaganda football again. But if RM can finally ditch the crab football completely, have the team play consistently as they did against Swansea, and finish in the top two, I'll be delighted to sing his praises. As I've said before, he seems to be a very good man manager, which is essential for long term success. There's no point in having great tactics if you lose the dressing room. So the bones are there for a good manager if he learns from his mistakes, unlike that plonker N. Jones. I might even give begrudging credit to WAnkersen.

Exactly this. Maybe those who are now pompously criticising RM's critics should actually be admitting they were right, because against Swansea and Blackburn the team is finally playing in the way they've been demanding i.e. less sideways possession, and more direct attacking with our superior players. We didn't thrash those teams (and Leeds first half) with his default crab football, did we? Also RM has tightened up the defense, as his critics have also been demanding.

Plus it doesn't seem to happen when Bree plays. So it must be a Manning issue rather than deliberate tactics.

Understandable. But if I were RM I'd take Fraser aside and say he's been playing brilliant, but so has Sam, and he does well against tiring defenders. Also let him know that he wants to keep him fresh for the many upcoming matches, and he'll come on in the second half whether we're winning, losing or drawing. Changing the tag team so that Fraser starts and Edozie comes on later is possible of course, but Fraser does much better as an impact sub.

I wouldn't change the excellent tag team. Edozie can tear them a new one for about 60 minutes, with Fraser replacing him to put the knife in. Rinse and repeat in the next match.

Yep, a great tag team.

He's forming a fantastic partnership with Fraser.

The Ipswich manager would be perfect for them.

Well done RM, he got the tactics and subs perfectly today. Today, and against Blackburn, shows that our squad is far superior to almost all other teams in the division, Leicester (and maybe Leeds) excepted. If he now can keep them playing to their strengths, and not waste half a match with crab football, it's going to be a fun second half to the season. Ipswich will be looking over their shoulders nervously.

Just need Ipswich to lose and it's been the perfect Boxing day!