Harry_SFC

I think Valenciennes have been relegated two seasons in a row? SR have got a lot to do to turn them around..

Probably because they are in third tier of French Football.

Alcaraz deal agreed between the clubs, apparently just up to Charly himself now.

With a keeper seemingly signing permanently I'd be shocked if we didn't wait for the end of the window to see who becomes available on loan.

Just watched a video - you're right.

Deal for Alcaraz to Flamengo is progressing and apparently they have agreed to include Victor Hugo. Looks like he's a young centre mid so presume he will be loaned to Goztepe.

I think Steele may become available at the end of the window when Verbruggen is back from injury as they have Rushworth as well.

I wonder what's going on with Petrovic. Played a decent number of games last season and actually looked quite good but now he seems to be third choice. Would definitely take him.

Yeah the ones I bumped into on Saturday seemed really sound.

Just out of interest, what sort of side do you think he would do better in?

I agree. The fact Hoffenheim have done this to 3 players/clubs now speaks volumes.

That's one less signing we'll be able to make then.

I think you're being incredibly harsh on him. He was a relatively solid player in my eyes, nothing more, nothing less.

Not sure but from what Martin said before and after the Newcastle game, we are clearly looking at bringing in another attacking player.

Lumley; KWP, Bednarek, THB, Sugawara; Downes, Smallbone, Aribo; AA, BBD, Archer. Subs - McCarthy, Stephens, Taylor, Bree, Les, Fernandes, Edozie, Dibling, SAA. A bit conflicted on formation but as Saint Matty says, the onus should be on us to go out, be positive and win this one. Basing this on Onuachu, Alcaraz etc not being available for obvious reasons.

Agreed. It's a rarity but if Bazunu is playing we win that game.

Yeah all keepers make errors but as you say, it's about limiting them. McCarthy seemed to make a mistake when passing out/sweeping in every pre season game and then yesterday. Bazunu only made a few in pretty much most of the season last year. Just a shame he can't save anything!

Linked with Jason Steele again.

Well yes we are perfectly capable of it but the space we were enjoying before the red card closed up completely - before the sending off Newcastle weren't really pressing as well as they should have and it gave us a lot of encouragement.

https://x.com/Ben_Mattinson_/status/1797681339011076353?t=sAbyo9jjycV-A4w94CBkNg&s=19 This thread on Fernandes is a good read.

Yeah the red card was probably the worst thing that could happen to us. We're just not very good at breaking teams down and as soon as you sat back I knew we'd be in for a long afternoon of watching us pass the ball around infront of your box.

Sporting fans on twitter seem a bit gutted he's going. I'm going to say he's a replacement for Alcaraz. Sign this guy for €15m and sell Alcaraz for €20m could make sense.

Downes, Ugochukwu, Smallbone, Aribo, Fernandes. That would be 5 options for 3 positions. Can't see us signing O'Riley as well.

That's why we badly need another option up top because AA and Archer are very similar players.

You're not wrong. The amount of corners and free kicks that were put into decent areas in that second half and we had absolutely no aerial threat what so ever.