Harry_SFC

Archer - Ok in the box but non existent outside of it. Fraser - Can put in an occasional decent cross but other than that, pretty non existent. Armstrong - Ok in the box but non existent outside of it. BBD - Non existent all together. Our "current" attack basically offers bugger all in terms of anything other than half decent finishing when the ball is on the deck. No genuine pace, no creativity, no aerial threat.

I see your point. Fernandes is not a creative midfielder - he's all action and very good at driving with the ball but not a natural number 10. More of an 8. Whilst Dibling has huge potential and shows flashes of it, he is a bit too selfish ATM and hasn't yet shown he can create big chances for other players.

To be fair he should have done. If that was Bazunu we'd all be slating him. AR clearly has a chip on his shoulder. Should probably just let it go..

You're being as kind to Stephens there as you were to Russell Martin.

I really would like to know what Stephens has on all these managers. Because 90% of the fanbase can tell he's crap.

Based on pre season Stills favoured front line is Archer, BBD, Fraser and Armstrong. That is hideous. Signings needed and quick. As for Stephens - he is a complete disgrace of a footballer.

As much as I can't believe I'm saying this but if we do the unthinkable and sell Ramsdale without replacing him then it's got to be Bazunu as number 1, McCarthy is way past his sell by date.

From that picture you either pass it back to the keeper to punt upfield or just do it yourself. Clearly no team mate free so don't fuck around with it.

Yep

Obviously they won't all stay as we'll have to raise some funds but we really could have one hell of a team for this division with this set up. As you say, full backs providing the width and two decent holding players to cover. Example (4-3-1-2) Ramsdale; Sugawara, THB, Edwards, Welington; Downes, Charles, Fernandes; Dibling; Archer, Downs/Stewart.

I respectfully disagree. He probably doesn't ping it around because he knows he can't. He keeps it simple. Stephens can't seem to even make simple passes, let alone when he attempts ludicrous ones.

Stephens seems to have had this label on him saying ball playing defender yet he's probably our worst centre back at it. When do you see Bednarek giving the ball away across his own box. He doesn't because his awareness is so much better.

Yes Downes has injured his groin so if he's not there it'll be pretty obvious why, he certainly isn't going to be leaving. Dibling though apparently had a "tight quad". You'd think that's not enough to keep you out of a training camp so let's wait and see.

How often does he do this? He's a complete liability. Extending his contract is up there with McCarthy levels of stupid.

Early signs showing that we are looking to get the ball out to the wide players to cut the ball back as much as possible. Sensible, just need a decent winger or two first!

Wasn't there talk of 12 points at one stage? They've probably got away lightly with 9 given all their rule breaking and how they got away with it previously.

Agree. He's not great defensively but as others have mentioned hopefully he won't have to do as much next season. I wouldn't be shocked if he scored a decent amount of goals as he can clearly strike a ball.

Imagine loaning out one of the best CBs in the league during the second half of last season...

Will Still on players leaving: “I’ve had conversations with a few people who are looking elsewhere, want to move on and want to go to that next step, which is fine. I’d rather have those conversations early on.” #saintsfc [bbc]

Bazunu, Sugawara, Quarshie, Edwards, Wellington, Downes, Charles, Fernandes/Dibling, Robinson, Armstrong, Downs. Team I'd currently pick based on THB, Bednarek, Ramsdale and one of Dibling or Fernandes leaving. Not a fan of AA but our other wide options are poor. The clear upgrade there is the keeper.

Yep, as has already been mentioned that first half was just shades of last season. Too many lethargic players out there. You can certainly see why Spors is targeting more athletic players.

Seriously lacks composure but overall he's better than Fraser and BBD that's for sure

Hopefully he changes the lot because the bench looks a lot better to me.

So many poor players out there today. BBD, Armstrong, Fraser, Smallbone, Stephens, Bree, McCarthy etc

I'd be shocked if they weren't in for Fernandes now. At least we can charge top dollar. He's on a long contract and we know Forest are flush after two big sales.