Saint Fan CaM

Afraid I don’t agree with this entirely. When there’s the mentality to play slowly and pass the ball backwards or sideways, so they’re able to marshall 11 players behind the ball, it invites those crunching tackles on Scienza. Yes Watford are notorious cloggers who had a game plan to nobble Scienza, but we don’t help ourselves. And it’s not a one off for Manning - he’s shown time and time again that he’s brain dead when it comes to closing down attackers, not helped by Scienza not being a hard tackler himself. And from the reports I’ve seen, Manning repeatedly couldn’t cross the ball past the first defender…again, another trait of his. If Tonda is not willing to use the players at his disposal effectively we’re in for an even more disappointing season than last I fear. And for those who are already looking forward to next season and ‘becoming a Swansea or Stoke’…I fear we may have already got there.

A draw if we’re lucky. Not feeling particularly optimistic and won’t until I see a return to the more positive forward play we saw after January. Would love to see Stephens dropped for Wood and Manning dropped for Welington. Would love to see Scienza back on the left. Would like to see Fellows start on the right to help get us out of defence. Fuck me, just play your best players Tonda!

Late to the table and didn’t get to see the game unfortunately due to other commitments, but I called it right - didn’t think we’d win that. Why? Historical data on season starts said so. Plus the pre-season games didn’t increase in quality to high enough level and the performances were meh. Whoever put together the pre-season programme needs sacking IMO. Despite the squad ending last season on a high somehow that impetus was lost over the summer. The squad has been weakened once again rather than improved and the weakest players are still plying their shit trade - Stephens, Manning, Edozie, BBD. Having Stephens and Manning in defence invites the pass, pass, pass, lose the ball bollox that loses us games. Having said all that, there’s a long way to go and there’s every opportunity to improve. But Spors needs to act fast to sort the big holes left by Stewart and Charles.

Yeah I saw that, but I would have thought he would be on a personal training regime if that’s the case, rather than risking further injury in what was a high intensity session. Anyway time will tell if he’s a Saint at the end of the window and if so, whether he’s a ready for a tough season.

Well let’s hope he gets his shit together because he didn’t look particularly impressive compared to many of the other players who looked really sharp.

It’s a lot of money, however the property re-development potential to build new flats for migrants will be hugely tempting to someone. 🤣😉

Maybe - as I said, I really don’t want us to lose a quality player. Let’s hope it’s nothing more and his heads not been turned.

If you’d been at the training at SMS you’d have noticed the body language of Jander - he was either unfit or uncommitted or both. He’s a good player and it would be a shame to lose him, but what’s the point if he’s unhappy?

Given he was known for poacher type goals plus his undoubted free-kick skills, you’d have to say he represents a decent Charles replacement for a season. If we don’t make it happen now it never will, but I’m easy either way tbh.

JWP - it’s time?

Good luck to the lad - thought he was a great player who seemed to have a knack for finding that little bit of magic when we needed it most. He will be missed, however I do wonder whether Dobbin is a sort of replacement - just in a more advanced role.

Archer has almost the same job to do one on one and…flops.

He called for it - Azaz gave it - and the lad did the rest. Lovely. That’ll be another £20m in the coffers.

Brilliant goal from Romeo A!!!

Romeo A coming on for us. 2nd senior appearance.

Not closing down properly - if I was Tonda I’d be going apoplectic!

Archer holds the ball beautifully - then flops his shot horribly.

I think he gets a bit of slack given the time he’s been with the squad.

Braggs already looking very assured - easily as good as Downes.

Even that one was a lucky bounce onto Cycle’s head…didn’t know what hit him!

Hoo bloody ray!

Oh no. New signing from Wolves on for them. Bound to score.

Another example of BBD’s expert striker ability.

That’s a reverse thingy right? 😉

BBD heads it…yeh..yeh…yeh…nope.