Boyyou

Mentioned this on another thread, Diggle. He's saying 3 or 4 new recruits - and the time is now, new manager or not. Him and NR know where we are weak and must surely be highlighting this to the board. No matter who is in charge, it is clear that this squad will not get us up. Drastic action needed, starting in midfield.

Interesting listening to ST post match. He says it as we see it. Suggests players have to stand up and be counted, be braver in possession, not switch off after a good 10 minute spell. Reckons we need 4 new players who can handle possession and get the team on the front foot - and that will be the case no matter who is manager. Sounds like DU wanted work horses signing and ST wants ballers. Fresh blood cannot be delayed if we are to have a prayer of making top 7.

Phil Parkinson (Wrexham) and Luke Williams (Notts County) had never managed at this level. In fact, Williams got Swindon relegated from League 1. Don't buy this 'must have experience of this level'. If you are a decent coach, a good fit for the club and have the board's backing, you should be able to take this club forward.

Had a cracking pre-match hour in the pub with a few of theirs on our last visit. Nobody deserves dickhead owners like they, and we, have had to endure.

Surprised GMP didn't insist on an all-ticket match.

They went seven games without a win, including our smash and grab at their place, and struggled for goals. Think their squad is stronger this time, but we know this is a tough, unrelenting division and anyone can beat anyone.

Freeman given time off after his missus gave birth but played in an in-house friendly t'other day.

ST said Lundstram thought he was ready but the physios were not as convinced and didn't want to rush it. Suspect another week of training should put him close to a squad place, if not this Saturday then for the following game. Certainly need him and Ward back to offer options in a busy schedule.

There are no guarantees, whoever is in charge. ST has done well improving the confidence and output of the squad. That may fade after the "honeymoon" period. A new manager may, or may not, bring further improvements. Then again there might be a bounce followed by a slump. We simply don't know. Is it becoming a case of "better the devil you know?" ST, NR and PM know the club well, have extensive coaching experience between them - at a higher level, too - and seem to have an affinity with supporters. I'm beginning to lean towards giving them the gig.

You mean on non match days? If so, what about visits to club shop?

Unbeaten in seven. Beat Borehamwood 4-0, Hartlepool 5-2, scored 3 at Solihull and 2 at Eastleigh for draws. Why do we have to belittle our own performance? Oxford were tidy but toothless. We did what we had to do. Hope I am bored 4-0 every home game.

"We don't overload them with information" "We won't overwork them in training" "I 'm not the type to bring them in on a Sunday, I trust them to rest up properly" "We will come in later on Monday and talk about what the opposition are good at but concentrate on what we want to do" Common sense from ST. And implied criticism of the previous regime?

Possibly the fittest player on the books. Never seems to run out of steam despite covering miles every game. There are more technically gifted, but I like Sheron's attitude.

A few good results could certainly make it interesting. I am warming to ST. Down to earth, knows the game, experienced, no bullshit, can hopefully instill confidence in the players. Time will tell but so far doing himself no harm.

Just imagine some of our lot being apoplectic. "Stop pi**ing about, gerrit up t'other end"

Wonder if Director of Football might be an option, with a younger head coach?

Bookies trying to tempt people who follow the money. As you say, 1/20 or suspended is when you know the Latics board have piled in!

Think that should be STAKE! Agree about the samosas. Not cheap, but at least they taste good.

Is there such a thing as a safer gamble? We've had the likes of Neil Warnock without success. It's all about the right fit. Luke Williams didn't have a great time at Swindon, but it clicked at Notts County. I'm not saying Clemence should be the one, although he does have good experience as a first team coach at some big clubs. Whoever we get will be a risk. It's the nature of the game. But I wouldn't rule out the likes of Clemence cos he hasn't managed at this level. A good coach should be able to get a tune out of this squad. DU clearly wasn't. Pinning my trust in the board getting it right and will back the new man with an open mind.

Jimmy Frizzell, Joe Royle, Iain Dowie, Lee Johnson had little coaching experience when they took over and did okay. Yes, we have others similar who have been crap but there is no guarantee that an experienced manager will be a hit. It's pot luck.

Thompson as assistant to Pete Wild

Wouldn't surprise me if a long term RB and a CM are on the agenda

He did say after signing Dickenson and Freeman that the squad reshaping was an ongoing process and more could follow. If it really is two more in and 3 or 4 out then it should help balance the budget. As for this weekend, I suspect Dickenson will fill in in CM with Tollitt maybe wide left, although Couto is also back in the fold.

Looking at our current situation, some fans want to paint it black and, as for the manager, there is no sympathy for the devil.

What happens if him and Paul Murray are invited to take over first team duties? Do we still boo them - and any random player we take a dislike to?