Hi all, Terrific win at the Etihad yesterday, thoroughly deserved and a wonderful way to end the season. I notice we have finished above a certain Paul Lambert's Aston Villa! We have also finished above the Fulham team who trounced us 5-0 on the opening day. We've finished higher than last season, we've won the FA Youth Cup, signed an £8.5m striker... Now some of the football has been disappointing but you have to say that looks like a bloody decent season, all things considered, so I hope everyone who has had doubts about the manager and the players now gives everyone a clean slate in August because I sense, as I have done all season, that there is good reason behind Hughton's methods this season. Anyway, the reason I popped on here was to say that I have heard on 'decent' authority that talks are on-going between ourselves and our neighbours down the A140 to have a 'friendly' at Carrow Road this summer. I cannot for the life of me see the point in this as it will cause more trouble than good, but I can certainly see the £££ signs glowing red hot at the thought of a full house for a domestic friendly. Would you want this game? The word 'friendly' means little to these two teams when lining up â a couple of meaty challenges (from either side) and one of us could be without a key player for the start of the season. I don't personally see the point in risking it, both on and off the pitch. Thoughts?
Can't disagree with any of the above. Our season ultimately has proven to be a success regardless of the significant stutter we had on the way. I can see no merit at alll in playing Ipswich in a friendly. Potential for crowd trouble and things getting out of hand on the pitch unless we try to even things up by playing our reserves or U-18 team.
From an injuries perspective, there are certainly safer ties! Not really sure what to think to be honest. If we come out of it unscathed I'll think it was a great idea, if RvW breaks a leg I'll be furious. And seeing as that would probably give the Ipswich player involved cult status, it wouldn't surprise me if there's some hefty tackles. Agree with NB that picking the side to play it will be tricky too, if we put out a reserve side and lose that's not going to go down too well either.
No It'll be more hassle then it's worth. Imagine if it was an evening kick off on a hot summers day? Everyone on the drink, intoxicated fans who haven't got tickets turning up.
I understand where you are coming from. It would be a supporters day out that's for sure. I remember one in the early 70's and we hammered them 4-1 from memory. I don't remember the players kicking lumps out of each other though. But the supporters tried to. But I think those days may be over. And do the players really respond to a "derby" match anymore? It is a hard call. What are the normal prices for a pre-season friendly nowadays? If it's for financial reasons, then I think it is silly. While all money is useful, we are guaranteed a nice sum for the next few years so why worry about a bit extra? And if we need extra security etc, those benefits might be eroded anyway. Maybe Sporting Lisbon instead?
Dumbass idea if you ask me. Both clubs know the intensity of these fixtures - both on and off the pitch, so I'd be very surprised if this went ahead. Leeds current boys versus Leeds old boys would make more sense - then we could all run the rule over Sam Byram at the same time
Terrible idea unless it was behind closed doors - Might as well bring back the England v Scotland International games Supers, I was always prepared to give all concerned a clean slate to work from in August but I am sure I speak for a good number of people that if we start the new season the way we ended this one (until last weekend), unhappy noises are going to rear up a darn sight quicker than they did this season. While the last two games have been really enjoyable they have only helped to raise the expectancy levels because we have all now seen that he can get the team to play in that way, so are going to be expecting from the first game.
Can you imagine if RVW got injured in this "friendly" or one of our other key players such as Snodgrass or even worse Bassong? The idea is a good one, but it could cause serious issues. If we do it why don't we field our under 18's FA cup winning side or an under 21 side with a few 1st team fringe players like Tierney and Simeon? This should still be more than enough to see off the binners and give valuable experience to our younger players. I'm not convinced we need it though.
I agree with most of the points here. The potential risks and negatives outweigh the benefits and positives.
