Thoroughly enjoyed the highlights and whilst there are a good few moments to pick out, one of my favourites is Mara holding off two defenders (with a third about to join the party) to set up the fifth goal. Beast.
Yes very strange comment, over the time you would have played most of the teams in the division. I do think second spot is yours, I'm sure we'll keep plugging away and Ipswich aren't finished, like some may think but you're looking too strong. Last game of the season would have been very interesting but I think you'll be over the line by then.
I think the rest of February will make or break Ipswich. They have: Millwall Swansea Rotherham Birmingham They really need to be taking 9-10 points out that lot to stay in with a shout and put the pressure on us. If they fail to win two of those games then I think their wobble will have gone on too long for them to turn it around. With regards to us I think this week will tell us a lot. Two tough away matches at Bristol and West Brom and with Downes out, whoever his replacement is will be a huge drop in quality. If we come through these two with 4+ points then I think we'll see it through.
I'm worried about both games, because Saints, but the Baggies could well end the run. On another note, I'd probably start Mara over Adams right now. He deserves it.
I'm just used to us ****ing up over the years, I only live in hope we'll do but honestly don't think we will.
Yep, that's another possibility. Depending on fitness levels, I wouldn't worry at all if we started with Edozi, Mara and Brooks as a front three. We have scary attacking options. The main thing is who replaces Downes in that holding role. Time for Charles to step up?
Yeah that West Brom game will be the toughest fixture we've had on paper for a while. Not hugely confident going there without Downes and a draw would be a great result provided we win on Tuesday.
Agree, they need to start winning games asap or the rut will well and truly set in, interestingly the rumour mill is gathering that Palace want McKenna to replace Roy and want to get it done now,not wait until next season, they're ****ed if he does go I'd say. Bristol were awful against us last week and it should have been 3 or 4. The baggies will be a different kettle of fish, hard to break down at home and could see that one going either way, probably our best hope of you losing a game presently. The PL leagues the place to be but nowhere near as exciting as this for clubs like ours.
I've probably missed things, blinded by the tears of joy, but what, exactly, is Downes' injury? Is it long-term, or could he be back in training (fairly) soon?
One of the things that interested me prior to the game yesterday, was RM saying that Kamaldeen was "working incredibly hard" and basically like a dog with a bone in training. That's always been one of the points where I've worried about him - the thought that he believes himself a bit too good for the Championship. Now the transfer window is closed, for him to have come back and be putting in the hard yards to prove himself - that's a really, really good sign.
I worry that Mara will have less impact from the start of a match. Him coming on against tired defences is working well atm and I'd stick to that personally.
So now the dust has settled some thoughts from yesterday. 1st half was poor. Huddersfield were dominant in their press and really physical. At half time I said to Mini Lincoln that other teams would use it as a blueprint on how to beat us. No one individual was responsible for the goals it really was a team effort in switching off and not taking Huddersfield seriously. 2nd half subs and team talk obviously worked. I've no idea what Russ said but **** me clearly he is a brilliant manager. That first goal was the most beautiful volley I've ever seen. Simply stunning. A quick second goal had the whole stadium believing again. At the start of the season I hated Russ' 1000 pass football. I thought it was boring, and didn't achieve **** all. I couldn't have been more wrong. The final 15 minutes of most games has the opposition so knackered we're scoring for fun. Coupled with the fact we're now mixing it up with a few long balls from Baz, I cannot believe some of the football I'm witnessing. On a final note, and I'm normally against having a pop at other fans (you've paid your money yada yada) but what the **** was the booing about? The atmosphere at most home games hasn't been great recently. Constant songs about Pompey from the Northam and a few rounds of when the saints is not supporting the team! Not sure if it's a hang over from last season or just a general gentrification of the game but we really could be doing better. Or......they could make the beer cheaper and we could all enjoy ourselves (well I couldn't because I'm driving but anyway)
Think I agree, although we have to play the psychology card too. He’s deserving of a start (much like Fraser was when he was doing same). At some point we need to give him that chance.