Minty

Woah. Deja vu.

All our CM's played well yesterday, Deano's goal was superb, and it's great to see such variety and quality in the squad in that area. Deano will have poor games, as will Cork, Chappers and Morgan... the important thing to remember is that when this happens, not to get on their backs but support them back because we know they are all very good and capable players. We are lucky to have them all.

Completely agree that the players looked sharp and lean... Lambert was the one who stood out the most for me, you could see he was quicker off the mark and looked less sluggish as he started to run, especially when trying to close players down. The other thing I noticed was in the 93rd minute when Lallana and Hammond were closing players down like it was the 1st minute, despite having done shed loads of running already. Adkins deserves great credit for this, and although we need to see how the players are after 10/20/30 games, it looks like he's prepared them superbly. It matches my belief that pre-season should not actually be that different from during the season when it comes to training and conditioning. By training every day to a similar intensity, the players get used to how they will be training during the season a lot quicker. Pushing players harder in pre-season, when their bodies aren't yet back to their peak, is more likely to cause injuries. Frankly, we looked fitter and sharper yesterday than ANY pre-season I can ever remember.

A mate of mine did too, how coincidental! He used to post on here but I think life got in the way.

Lest we also forget that Chaplow was chopped by two players when trying to latch onto his shot that was pushed onto the post... an equally good shout for a Pen, similar to Gradel's first. The handball hit Martin's chest, and then possibly *brushed* his upper arm, nothing more, nothing less IMO. Very soft, and wouldn't be given most of the time.

What is it turning into The9? I've criticised NC for various things in the past and I judge him on individual actions. But this is a non-starter. It simply does not matter.

Oh come on The9, don't join the overreaction club, I thought you were better than that. ;-)

lol, I really couldn't care less.

Oops, no sorry, Yorks are batting again, my mistake.

McKenzie out for 237, a stand of 523. Carbs got his triple century before we declared and brought things to an end.

Wouldn't have happened in my day.

I actually quite like them...

Dune agrees with a Labour/Lib Dem/Green party backed idea. Wowsers. ;-)

Which is all fine, except Le Tiss himself did state that he scuffed it...

Adkins apparently stated on Solent this morning that two more should arrive before Leeds. Add that to the two we already have, that makes 4 (I know, my maths is **** hot isn't it?) Analysing the exact timings of signings is, IMO, petty and pointless. Adkins said he wanted to make some additions, he is doing so, and I believe he has earned my trust, so I'm happy.

Yes, that.

Adkins' comments are good IMO, and typical of his psychology: "He has a lot of strengths not only as a goalkeeper, but as Club Captain too, where his great leadership skills and personality come to the fore," the manager explained. "His professionalism is an example for the rest of the dressing room to follow, and he is a firm part of the vision put in place by Nicola Cortese for the future of this great football club. "Kelvin has so much Championship experience behind him and he's played in the Premiership as well. We've allowed both Kelvin and Bart to have a balanced pre-season in terms of game time, and I'm ever so pleased with the progress that they have both made." That suggests to me that Adkins views the situation very much that both keepers have a part to play and that like any good business, Bart is part of his succession planning, as long as he continues to learn and develop. Kelvin's contribution to the club goes far beyond simply what he does on the pitch, which is in keeping with the club ethos overall.

The only contract Bart should be worried about is his own, this doesn't affect him in either a good or bad way... If Bart is deemed good enoguh, he'll also be offered a contract at the appropriate time. And if Bart is deemed worthy of a chance ahead of Kelvin, contracts won't come in to it. Anyway, good news that so many players are committing (for what contracts are worth!).

This... for a large metropolitan city, there is a great cultural community feel to the place, with some great food and drink and crafts... you spend time here just soaking it all up. Teens may not be quite so keen, hopefully they will, but definitely go there: http://www.stlawrencemarket.com/

I struggle to understand the extremes of opinion on this subject. With some of our previous keepers I could perhaps understand it more, but I really don't think there is that much between the two in terms of ability, and that Bart has a lot of potential to be our No. 1 for many years to come. At the moment, KD has possession of the shirt and thoroughly deserves it, so it is his to lose. We are lucky to have them both IMHO and have other areas of the team which need improvement or better cover before the 'keepers.

Having read the Sun article, I actually think he comes across quite well, and wouldn't begrudge him a move at all. My personal opinion is that he would do just fine by playing a season here and learning a bit more, but the more I hear from him I think he comes across as a very level headed guy who is not making rash demands or ultimatums, but has spoken to the manager about the situation and is being honest. Put simply, I trust Adkins with it. He handled Puncheon well, and if he felt Chamberlain was having a negative impact on the squad I have no doubt he would do the same.

I knew it was a matter of time. manji, Weston simply posts what he feels is appropriate, and it's up to us to judge and decide for ourselves. A lot of us don't get to the Rose Bowl and it is interesting to hear what he posts, as it would be had anyone else posted it it. If any of it had proven to be wrong then naturally we would be more sceptical. As it is, it has all proven to be correct and so those of us who don't get along learn to value his posts. If anyone else did the same, exactly the same would happen. I don't think it's fair to label him an ITK, as this tends to be used for those who are trying to gain praise or reward in return. IMO he doesn't do it for kicks, or to claim any kind of kudos, just to be helpful to fellow fans.

That will be one hell of a job in the wake of current events. Anyone going for that should be under no illusions about the task at hand... the one saving grace will be that you're not the one directly responsible FOR the cuts, but you have to go in and maintain a service taking them into account, probably with further efficiency savings expected. Good luck to any prospective candidate!

So, Sussex move to 106/4 approaching lunch, Prior out for only 5, Wells the opening still there on 47no. They're scoring slower than we did (2.46 v 2.57) and have lost 1 more wicket than us at this point. So, expect that tail to wag big time this afternoon...!