Bristolatic

I thought AL/FB had confirmed that FB makes the decisions on who to keep and who to bin. Maybe FB sees a footballer in there somewhere, so is giving Benteke every opportunity to show it.

Maybe I've missed something, but anyone know why Byrne and Baxter haven't featured in the last two games? I like the sound of the reports about the team ethic and work rate, though. Can only be good for the coming season.

Why is he allowed to play a crossbat stroke. He'll get caught in the slips.

And you have come to that conclusion after seeing him in 45 minutes of football. I think I'll trust the opinions of FB and AR, who see much more of him, until they're proved wrong. Of course, as far as we know, he hasn't actually signed, so we'll just have to wait and see.

Who was making the excuses and what were they?

Thanks for all of that. Great feedback all round, guys. It really helps us exiles to know what is going on up there. It certainly sounds as if you're getting a lot of honesty from FB and AR; they seem to be telling it as it is and for them (or one of them) to say Byrne must conform shows that they won't tolerate any nonsense. Good to hear they're not having players lumped on them that aren't up to scratch and they have the final word. Feel really sorry for Fane, poor lad. I honestly believe that he could have done a job for us in League 2.

Decent signing, I reckon. May not be a regular starter, but I guess it might depend on what happens with the rumours about Jack Byrne. Coke is certainly experienced at a much higher level than League 2, despite his short stint with Chesterfield.

But, as we have Sam Graham for the season, do FB and AR see him as a replacement for Edmundson? Pure speculation, obviously.

In that case, may I respectfully suggest that you've rarely been to a pre-season game?

Christ on a bicycle. Second pre-season game and it's only about fitness and gelling together, plus a look at a trialist or three at this stage. I honestly don't know what some folk expect at this stage. If you make even a remotely positive comment, you won't be struck down by lightning and sent to hell in a handcart. Don't expect miracles against FCUM; it's another training exercise. Nottm Forest and PNE games will tell us more. We might even sign a player or two that everyone is happy about.

Any ideas who the trialist was who scored the second? Were Missilou and Branger-Engone any good. I don't know why I'm asking. They're #frenchlads so they must be crap. Apparently.

That'll do for me. No mug, that Prozac.

Oi, stop all this positive stuff. Doesn't work on here you know.

He's strong by the looks of it and got a fair old shot on him. If FB and AR saw glimpses of this, they may well have felt it worth giving him a go. But lest we forget, he's French, he hasn't played in Ligue 1 or the Champions League, so he had to be one of AL's pile of crap and our management team had to lump it. OWTB Law. Apparently.

So you don't think that there's just a glimmer that FB and AR saw the kid in training and at Ashton and thought, "we'll give this a go. He's got some promise" OK

Here we go again You obviously know the inside workings of that particular department Now, just stop it, you. Putting a positive spin on another moan and gripe. Have you forgotten one of the rules on here?

Ok, cheers. You're assessment makes more sense now. As said earlier, maybe coaching is the difference.

I didn't see any, which is why I've not commented on his performances last season. I'm genuinely interested to know exactly how many times you watched him "live" last season to form that opinion. I'm not saying you're wrong in believing he's not up to the mark, but what performances are you basing it on?

Oh, THAT Wes. Thought it might have been Wesolowski.

How many of his games did you watch?

Nuneaton have signed Hoolahan. Bloody hell.

3-1 FT

1-3. De La Paz adjudged to have fouled striker. Pen.

The puns have started, I see. *snort of derision*

3-0 (Baxter) assist by Trialist