Changing a squad that is used to winning will be an interesting test of how Cotts means to take us forward. A bit like GJ did back in 2008; Cotts has formed a band of 'brothers' who will fight and die for each other and win or lose together - and that includes the subs (like Waggy - and for most of the season JET - who are 100% behind the team, even when not playing). If we believe what we read in the press then the dressing room is in a good place right now. Tamper with that at our peril - but tamper we must or we will find ourselves back in L1 (hark at me - its like we have already been promoted!!). I have said before on other threads (and been slated for it) that we have 'got away' with some mistakes that we won't be able to in the Championship, so some changes are inevitable. Gary wielded the axe and brought in some 'quality' players (Hartley, Snow - what a laugh) and it blew the dressing room camaraderie to pieces. GJ fell on his sword and we have spent the best part of 7 years trying to recover. Lets not forget that despite the current euphoria we are still half an entire division BEHIND where Gary left us. Lets not make that mistake again. I have been VERY impressed with Steve Cotterall to-date - I am both excited and nervous in the same measure about what he does next!!
'Snow - what a laugh' Pretty sure you'd have been in Swindon when we played Ajax in a pre-season friendly. That day 'Snow' played in central midfield had had a standing ovation from the City crowd when subbed late in the game. He was absolute class that day. The genius GJ never played 'Snow' in central midfield, he played him left wing. R&W - Your starter for 10 : Even you will get this one Why didn't GJ ever play Evander Sno in central midfield ? BCFCDOTCOMDUDE. Punctuation would help. I presume you agree with me about Agard but not Fielding. Sincerely hope you're correct about Fielding.
Hello Redprintt! You're correct - I didn't see the Ajax game, but I did hear about the standing ovation. However, to use the logic that you yourself have applied on occasion when refering to a cetain Barnsley manager: If he was so good, why did Ajax let him go and why weren't better clubs lining up to take him? R&W - Your starter for 10 : Even you will get this one Why didn't GJ ever play Evander Sno in central midfield ? I know the answer I am supposed to give here! Maybe you're right - or maybe he was just poor and the Ajax friendly was a one-off? That wold explain why we didn't hear much about him again once he left - until his heart attack that is....
'If he was so good' Sno's latter demise was down to ill health and there go we but for the grace of God. The Runts demise was solely down to his Father being thrown out of Ashton Gate. No other manager wanted him before and those after, in Pub football, couldn't wait to get shot. It doesn't matter what you or I say about the Runt. History will show how many games he played under his Father. And how few he played after. Retired - aged 31 ffs. Sno and Junior in the same breath - come on !
The core of the team will remain and be allowed time to demonstrate whether they can bridge the gap to Championship standard. I expect 5 or 6 newcomers the quality of which will depend on the budget SL sets. My concerns relate to Agard and Little being able to improve. I suspect Jet, Wagstaff and the older players will be moved on
we need to keep a bit of stability, I think running with a squad of 18 has been a real,gamble. hopefully will not trip us up in the next few weeks............
