Excellent article from Robin Sainty and sheds some light on DF's decision to test players least Saturday - http://www.pinkun.com/opinion/robin-sainty-column-1-5344042
Very good article JMF. Three points struck me. First: "Bristol City’s Lee Johnson, in complete contrast, made only one outfield change in their three games over the holiday period as he stuck with what he felt was his best team, but his tiring players picked up just three points, and were hammered 5-0 at Villa Park on Monday. It’s a difficult balancing act for managers when fixtures come so thick and fast." Also, the Burton pitch is very poor and IMO even Maddison and Pritchard would have struggled to complete passes on it. Second: "I suspect that the hangover from Burton contributed to the outburst of booing at half-time in the Millwall game, although in fact City had been almost totally dominant and created chances only to fall behind to a goal out of nowhere. I can understand people expressing their disappointment about poor performances, but I’m not sure that booing an unrepresentative scoreline does much to help anyone." Even Paddy Davitt tweeted that Millwall deserved their lead. It's the very sort of knee-jerk reaction that leads me to give little credence to his 'gut feeling responses'. As with many on here, a goal out of nothing suddenly means we are rubbish and Millwall are magic. In fact they just keep lumping balls forward hoping one would fall right. I'd say Morison could try that shot again 20 times and miss 20 times. The final point is about our need for a third option up front and Sainty's views are worth reading. I agree with him that it is precisely what has kept us mid-table this season.
Thanks for your comments Rick and I remember after the Burton game DF commented about the state f the pitch at the Pirelli - perhaps it was a little 'tire!!' <getscoatemoji> Morrison's goal was in the same category as Howson's of last season when the ball came down from above the stands and as you say - they come off maybe 1 in 100 attempts, but when they do ..... As you quite rightly point out, we'd played quite well up until then and boy, did we make up for it in the 2nd half??? I don't like saying it, but I can see canario's thinking that it may be a good idea to start with Jerome and then bring Basil on for the last 20 minutes. I'm looking forward to taking my old seat again today, as I know several of the fans who sit in QL (River End) row J go to cup games.
Very impressed with Fleetwood, they gave Leicester a torrid time and so nearly nicked it at the end. Uwe Rosler showing his style there
I've really liked Ashley Hunter at Fleetwood this season. He looks class. He reminds me of Vardy with his pace, work rate and finishing. He's the kind of player I'd love to see us go for, like we did with Ashton etc. Just watched him play against Leicester and he looked fantastic. Would love it if we made a bid for him.
Bloody hell. Just seen that Wolves went out and bought Rafa Mir from Valencia! He's a class young talent! "Wolves to beat Real Madrid to signing of Valencia youngster Rafa Mir after lodging £1.8m bid for 6′2″ striker" Now sounds like they are going to bid for Andrea Pinamonti!? From Inter Milan! Who, like Neves, is known as one of the highest rated young players in world football!! FFP who?
Yes, I've just seen that!! I wonder what odds I'd get on a Hart bloomer costing Wet Sham a goal?? Edit - I see people in Salop can't spell. It's 'Beccles'.
Shrews are much the better team. Passing well, positive, lively. Godfreys name has been mentioned a fair few times.
If this was a boxing match. West Ham would be on the ropes and wobbling all over the place. They can't get out of their area. Great game.