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Russell Martin's footballing ideology seems stubborn and uncompromising. Will he learn? I don't know. The Swansea fans probably have a better idea. Is his brand of football just inherently brittle? It seems so easy for opposing teams to slice through us like a knife through hot butter. Norwich, Plymouth, QPR split us open. Sunderland tore us apart. Martin seems unhappy, but continues to ignore options a lot of us are suggesting, namely Charles as holding CDM; wing backs playing more as defensive fullbacks.

The centre of the team is still so weak. Martin's selection and tactical choices throughout the game were a bit baffling, really, and seemed to entirely miss the lack of central control we had over the game. Where's the fight and presence in the middle? I pray Swansea fans' comments about Martin's defensive tactics don't play out across the whole season. If they do, automatic promotion is a no-go. From memory, our last promotion team was exceptionally tight at the back. The worry this season is that we genuinely cannot see where the next clean sheet is coming from.

He is porous. He has a particular ability to make the goal look absolutely massive, and his wrists are made of fucking crisp packets. The bread and butter of goalkeepers is made to seem like rocket science by this young man.

That was a shite performance. No control at all.

A perfect shitstorm. Some terrible defending and some really poor protection from our midfield. Slopping passing at times, slow, laborious movement. Been one to forget, this one. I feel for the travelling fans.

Interesting tactic, giving them a couple of goals to lull them into a false sense of security... let's see if it pays off.

Saints Final position (3rd) Saints top goal scorer (Arma) Player of the season (Downes) Breakthrough/surprise player of the season (Amo-Ameyaw) Top 6 in the championship in order (Leicester, Leeds, Saints, Norwich, Ipswich, WBA) 3x promoted clubs (Leicester, Leeds, Saints) Championship dark horse (Ipswich) We have a strong squad, but will have a few bumps as we fully adjust to RM's style. I think going from last year's whipping boys to this year's clear winners will be a stretch too far. I think both Leicester and Leeds are used to turning out more dynamic performances than we are, and both have strong starting XIs. It will be a fun ride and I think we will come out as or close to being top scorers.

I forget how big both the Stadium of Light and St James' Park are. Proper supporters up there in the chilly North East.

The kit just fucking suits him. Hope he really starts blazing a trail until January. I imagine he'll have some suitors in January from the PL if he does.

He didn't get his opportunity to explore, then! We shall see how professional he is now. If he tears it up, as Tella has shown, there will be interest from PL and abroad.

Get better soon, Ross. Welcome onboard. Hopefully Che can hold the fort until you recover fully.

It'd be ace if we loaned him out and then he came back to us a more resilient player when we make it to the PL for next season.

Woops

Perhaps Roberts is off because Sully has had a change of heart?

Agreed, but would Ings ever drop to the Championship? Nah.

Perhaps Everton will shift their focus to Cornet, and Wolves to Ings? Fingers crossed.

Agreed. Reckon we're happy to take a big loss on him. Loan or permanent transfer, do you think?

Easy flight, fun and games in the city, lovely stadium.

I'd love to head to Amsterdam for an away game.

Still pretty minimal reporting on this one, just that we've offered a £5m package. No response from Sunderland yet.

Still in talks with Leeds for Gnoto, too.

Heavy breathing in that clip.

Looking at those subbuteos, when on earth did we sign Ricky from the Kaiser Chiefs?!?!

I mean, wow. What a strong signing. Excellent work by Wilcox, Martin and the rest. Hopefully he settles in quickly and really solidifies the spine of the team. Whereas before we've seen the likes of Sargent strolling through the centre of our defence and scoring with ease and players unmarked in the centre of the box, hopefully now we will see a real presence there.

Morning all! Here's hoping for a productive day. 🍻