nzlatic

Fear is playing a big part. If someone could get England playing without fear then we may actually see some sort of attacking intent. Until then we're always going to be trying to not lose to minimise the slagging off in the gutter press.

Totally uninspiring bollocks.

Last night on the other hand was amazingly refreshing to watch.

Hopefully we're challenging come January, because on that sort of form we'll struggle to keep Smith and Tarkowski in the next window.

Lack of build up was poor but not surprising. A plus point was the commentator who has either watched us a few times or has good researchers.

Whether its coaching, attitude, fitness or just natural maturity, he has become an outstanding prospect since last season. Always thought he was pretty good but that was something else tonight. I've not been as impressed with a centre back performance since Mark Hudson (was overseas for most of the Gregan years).

The difference for me between this team and others that have had spells of great football under Dickov and Shez for example, is that every single player looks comfortable with the ball at their feet. Not one of them worries me when being pit under pressure.

If we stay injury free and keep the team together, we have good chances of pushing for play offs later in the season when we gel up front.

They were either straight in to the keepers arms or effectively shots on goal!

 

I do agree in a sense though, set pieces badly need to be worked on, delivery and movement in the middle not good enough on them tonight.

They were lacking runners across in front of them. Some cracking deliveries, movement let them down I felt.

Wholeheartedly disagree.

Likewise. I think the forward play was generally good but it'll take time for them all to gel. Rooney was a bit disappointing but he's the top scorer so worth persisting with.

Can't see how the defence can be questioned. Outstanding performance from the back 4. Tarky was turned once but apart from that looked the complete central defender.

Not sure how that performance compares to his season so far but really can't see how we can hold onto him in January if he keeps going like that.

Not to mention the blatant handball on the line not given

Great read. He comes across as so much more than sound bites and cliches. Exciting times ahead...

I wouldn't get too excited about pre match build up. 5 minutes isn't it? So 4 mins of Kevin Davies then maybe a quick bit on Brendan Rodgers' son or something.

I hate those boots. Mainly because they remind me of many failed colour-blindness tests. Is there a teapot on them? Or a number 42?

He will cost us at least 4 goals this season

This has got the makings of one of those playershare donation bets... I'll donate £10 if he directly costs us 4 or more goals this season if you'll donate £10 if he doesn't.

I know those sort of videos are heavily edited to make average players look great, but he really does look the business. Strong, composed on the ball, dominating, nifty tricks. Excited by this signing.

A bit harsh on Schmeltz. I thought he was very good considering that was his first league start (I think?). The final ball will only get better with practice and he should get more composed the more he plays.

 

To say Baxter wouldn't have made a difference is bizarre. That type of player was exactly what we were missing.

 

We might have had more success from the wings if they had to worry about us through the middle aswell.

Playing devils advocate... Baxter played in the 0-1 against Walsall. I can't comment on the 2 games as I wasn't there for either but by all accounts the team performance against Walsall was worse.

Before the season LJ talked about different options/formations for different opposition. Maybe he thought a straight forward 4-4-2 was appropriate for Port Vale and he might think differently for Tranmere.

Good call he made either way you look at it and refreshing to see there are no undroppables.

Blayney

Arber

Lee (David)

Hall

Wilkinson

If that's Wes Wilkinson, I played 5aside against him a few times at the Trafford Centre. Ran rings round us so he's clearly got pedigree! Bit of a :censored: though, felt very weird cheering him on when he played for us.

i know Durham is paid to disagree (mainly) so callers phone in and argue their point but over twitter surely he should offer his true opinion!

I heard him argue on the radio last season about how high ticket prices for away fans are a disgrace - think he quoted Middlesboro away for them. Everything he says is to get people's backs up. His "opinion" counts for :censored:!

How do they class us as category A? 150 miles away and have been lower end of the league for years! Who isn't category A for them??

Would have considered it but not at £28

 

 

wrong decision. i'm sure LJ has had a word.

If he did I hope the word was "unlucky". Keepers always come out and narrow the angles, spreading themselves to give the best odds of them saving it. You can tell with strikers in England that they are coached to play the percentages in one on ones so it's refreshing to see someone try something a bit different. Much harder for a keeper to save.

His crime was just not putting enough on it. But he got it spot on against Stevenage so, although frustrating, if he's going to miss I'd rather him do it that way than a bog standard blast that hits the keeper in the chest.

Same as Zorro, if one/both of my 2 season long bets come in then I'll donate:

Chelsea, Forest, Peterboro, Northampton win their leagues - £500

Palace relegated, Wigan, Oldham, Northampton all promoted - £100

Latics related donation - last day of every month I'll donate 50p per league point earned in that month. If we're in the top half at the start of the new year I'll double that to £1 per point.

I'd be interested to hear his thoughts on whether the job is as he expected management to be. Does he get to spend the time he wants to on first team coaching/tactics/recruitment or has he been drawn into helping with other aspects in the running of the club that in an ideal world someone else would be doing?

Mainly basing that on interviews with lower league managers who seem to be involved with all aspects of the club (scouting/diets/reserves/youths etc) as opposed to richer clubs who have much more staff. Not asking if he has to cut the grass!

It's not unheard of for teenage footballers to actually improve with age and experience. I never understand why so many of our youngsters get written off so early.

Clattenburg. Don't remember when it was but think it might have been his first game ever. I do remember thinking there was no way this guy will ever get anywhere as a referee. Shocking.

What's James Hayter's situation at Yeovil?