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Hurricanes. Magnificently destructive. Heartbreaking in their aftermath. The entire population of Barbuda has now been safely evacuated by the Antigua government. 1600 people have left what remains of their homes behind in the aftermath of the most powerful hurricane in recorded history. In a week of unprecedented storms in the Atlantic and the Caribbean, not to mention the biggest earthquake off the coast of Mexico's Pacific coast in a century, we are returning from a fortnight hiatus in league football. Spare some serious thoughts for the remaining path of Irma, re-strengthened to a Category 5 overnight as it tears through the northern province of Camaguey, Cuba. Before that it made a direct hit for my brother in Anguilla, following its destruction of Barbuda, St Maarten/St. Martin, St Barts, the British and US Virgin Islands, the Turks & Caicos Islands and parts of southern Bahamas. Not to mention causing severe flood damage in parts of Puerto Rico, Dominican Republic and Haiti. Now it heads for Florida where a mandatory evacuation is in progress. Miraculously whatsapp still functions in Anguilla and all are well but the island is devastated as all of those mentioned are to a greater or lesser degree. Then, just to rub some more salt in and as the chain saws go silent again another category 4, near 5, approaches with landfall in about 10 hours over Anguilla. At least Barbuda, also to be hit again, is deserted and quiet now waiting to be finished off by Jose. With Hurricane Katia in the Gulf you have to go back to 1950 to find 3 hurricanes simultaneously wreaking their havoc across the Caribbean. We may look back at the record books 50 or 100 years from now and say this is when global warming smacked us in the face to wake us up. If only 'Football Saturday', which we all love so much, could detract all of those poor souls experiencing a nightmare, again. My friends and family in Cuba are safe and sound and the island uses its Soviet era efficiency to mobilise the masses to safety; although that does sound a little like an oxymoron I admit. I think Cuba takes a more pragmatic approach to getting people to safety, probably through necessity, than does the USA. The latter tends to become whipped up, excuse the pun none intended, by CNN and Fox News showing a mass exodus north on I95, massive lines at Miami and Fort Lauderdale airports that creates not a little hysteria. While the UK Gov't is criticized by its apparent lack of response yet before Irma arrived they had Marines positioned, they are already cleaning up and have Anguilla airport open, the hospital electricity back and shelters rebuilt and they are doing the same on the BVI. Transport planes have been flying more supplies and troops in and more support is on the way. I would say its under control but like the Florida Governor says, you cannot help people during a storm. The two countries likely not to cope too well are the Dominican Republic and Haiti and they will be the last to moan. These humble people will be glad of any support and it will come. 10 dead so far, 60+ in the Mexican earthquake in numbers that will surely rise. I thought it appropriate to say a few words about these tragedies before we, privileged to be out of harms way, can enjoy our Football Saturday' lest we always take such pleasures for granted. Now, who are we playing? OH yes, Jaap Stam's Reading. What a poor record we have in recent times against a team which seems somewhere between Division 4 Elm Park and Steve Coppell Premiership in my mindset; I cannot remove that juxtaposition of Reading from my mind. I mean no ill will toward Reading whatsoever but they seem incongruous as a Premier League or even a Championship football team. I cannot explain it. One thing is for sure though; Stam has them on an upward spiral once more so much credit must go to him. City could turn up and blow them away with Taylor, almost like a new signing, along with the other new faces; ie City will be a real threat to Reading because of this unknown quantity. But, by the same token, we may be undone by that very fact; City may not gel if Lee Johnson gets his formation wrong, his pre match team talk too off pat and makes the wrong substitutions when it does not work. He has a very mixed record under such pressures. Hopefully the relatively short distance down the boring M4 motorway will swell the away bank at the Madjeski and help the club avoid a defeat and at least put on a performance worthy of the money Steve Lansdown has sanctioned in transfers. Enjoy the match you'all and say a prayer that Hurricane Jose turns north soon and avoids the Northern Leewards.

This line up. Whilst I don't think Vyner is anywhere near championship 1st team level, he is in our squad as the back-up right back, so if Pisano is injured then he's next man up. I'd rather this than moving others to unfamiliar positions. However, I'm not happy with dropping Pack. Our most consistent performer for 2 years now. And if you watch each of the 90 mins back again on BCTV you'll see what an absolute shift he's already put in this season. Smith has been quite frankly awful this season. If LJ wants Brownhill central its Smith who should be dropped.

LOVE THE DONKEY FLINT

SPAFF ON MY TITS

I've not read most of this as on the way back but I'll give some of my thoughts anyway. Thought we were good today. First half quite boring and wasteful from us. What really impressed me is a very young attack and midfield grow in confidence against a top championship side. Lucky to win but even some passing reading fans were impressed with our passing and movement second half. Another thing that made me smile was watching 2.5m worth of wingers in Callum O'Dowda and Jamie Paterson matchup with 12m of wingers in Barrow and Aluko. Aluko much like Paterson. Works hard finding pockets of space and making things happen cutting inside. While Barrow showing similarities with COD by taking players on and using pace to get into good areas. You know what else? He doesn't have much end product either. I'm quite happy with the pair of them and can't wait to see what Eliasson brings. Anyway, think they had decent enough games between them. The back 4 was strong especially Flint through his left side. Vyner ok but he doesn't have much experience and wasn't embarrassed or anything. It'll be vital for his growth. Joe Bryan looks every bit a top LB. Good to see Flint in there. So much more dangerous on set pieces with him out there. Korey and Brownhill strong pairing. Prefer it to Pack and Smith. Think Brownhill needs to be the partner to either. Maybe depends on matchup. Good choice today. Fam has his own thread. Doesn't need much more attention. Hope he gets acclimated soon. Thought Bobby was outstanding second half in particular. He not only links the play well but our best threat in behind. Makes so many clever runs and many don't get found. Just harasses CBs and keepers on the ball. Never stops running. Quickly becoming one of my favourites. Always rated him but the position change has highlighted his best attributes. Leko looks a bundle of energy when he gets on the ball. Maybe to the point of overconfidence. Gave one away around out box but didn't cost us. Not afraid to take players on(successfully I might add) and quite strong on the ball. Came on as a striker but looks a winger to me. Not had any time with us so solid enough debut. LJ got tactics spot on imo. Reading never really threatened outside of counter attacks and that was remedied after HT. Think we are seeing a good manager blossom in front of us and a young team doing the same. I don't know where we'll sit in the table come end of the season but I'd be surprised if it was anywhere outside of 12th. So solid defensively and growing confindence in our ability on the ball.

Good job Flinty didn't '**** Off to Birmingham' as some suggested on here Well done Warrior

Contact Wael and see how much he wants for The Mem if that's the case.

You have to give youngsters time. Do you think Gerry Gow was given "legend" status in his early days. My goodness, he was raw but we could see the talent. If any Academy player can get 6-10 starts in a season early on in their career, it pays dividends later when they become established. Look at it this way, everyone on here knows my views on LJ, but would you prefer that he played a thirty year old reserve, if we had such a thing, or helped another youngster on the pathway to maturity? The answer is a no brainer. And ask all his team mates how Zak did today and they'll be singing his praises because they went through the sort of game he had at the start of their careers. Take the positives from it and work on the things not done so well.

What a thread

But the Vuelta a Espana doesn't finish until tomorrow. Surely you know by now that cycle races have a major effect upon their gates. Please keep up.

Just got a fantastic result and your first reaction is to look for a problem where there isn't one. It absolutely should be Bailey's position to lose after Flint's representatives made it clear that they wanted to look for an opportunity elsewhere. Flint has done all he can to put himself in contention and he himself would be the first to admit that it's up to him to work himself back into contention.

What are you doing?

Not sure what the problem is. He's told a player who hasn't been involved that it's someone else's to lose - and so it should be when the other player has been looking for a move away. Flint has done what he can do to change the managers plans. As usual looking to find something to moan about when thing are are going well.

Ashgabat. A forum for dyslexic Rovers fans.

I always do but then, I am an international pornstar

******* great result. Well done LJ, city and in particular Aden Flint. Cider O'Clock.

I need a massive dump

Some one please give Lloyd Kelly some Coke or a similar upper please. Jeez

To be fair, the racist incident was reported with accompanying evidence. So hats off to those supporters who took the time to do that. A lot of people would have ignored it.

A horse that a gashead cant reach to punch its head

Attendance today 8,544 (482) Tick Tock.

No, you're not. i was impressed with his team play just needed more goals but i believe they woiuld come. i still do

2 now...

O'Dowda is good defensively and protects his full back well in games I have seen, I would guess that's why he's in here.

Treating the wife to a day out at the Madejski. What a good husband I am

Thak you for putting everything in perspective Hav, glad to hear you and yours are safe, I have been lucky enough to visit 4 of the places you mention in that report and I know how few options they have when something like this happens. At least the Floridians have the option of evacuation! Looking at the tracker, Jose does appear to be on a far less destructive course, so fingers crossed. I'd take a draw today, but I for one wont be defining our season off the back of any negative result.

We truly are kindred spirits.... maybe some of those who have no wish to see them crumble to dust and blow away, weren't around in 82, when we thought we were losing our club, when there were collections on paydays ( Thursdays, as we were all mostly weekly paid back then) in pubs to raise funds, when people bought shares and rallied round. Whilst the vitriolic glee that those bastards showed, they circled like vultures, just waiting to feast on the carcass, they can **** off and die and the sooner the better. Detest isn't a strong enough word to help express my contempt for them.

£5 accumulator Brighton/Charlton/Blackburn/Accrington/Exeter all winning needed one more for £842 thank you flinty

If we are in top half at Xmas, our professionalised analysis and recruitment systems should allow us to tweak team to reach playoffs, but that will depend on keeping our best players and bringing in class in weaker areas. Something we have largely failed to do at this level in the past. The time to buy is when we are on the up not on the down. This may well be Ashton's role, to loosen the purse strings and push the club forward COYR

Just waiting for this now.

Hill Coles Carey Orr

You all have little faith... This isn't a I told you so post. I am aware everyone sees a game differently. I saw us put in a well organised performance and really don't understand the negative posts when a game is still fully in the balance.

I am, and it is! Great to dip into a classic OTIB match day thread when you're a long way from home...

Let`s be honest, how many of us would have happily taken two points from Reading and Wolves? I know I would. COYR!

We are doing the basics right. Nothing that will cost you a fortune if you are not stupid.

I've never felt this positive about City. I genuinely think if we start to gel and put in more performances like that, grinding out results when we need to, that we'll challenge the play offs this season. We have strength in depth, a superb defensive unit, we've been well drilled. It's looking great. We've just brought a 12 (?) game winning run to an end. I'm excited.

Slut.

Been following this in Turkmenistan where I doubt I'd find many fellow Reds to go out and celebrate with this evening - were there even many places to celebrate...but a great win. Well done all.

https://mobile.twitter.com/bcfctweets/status/906544049632550914/photo/1

Mate im buzzing

People are always going to debate team selection - sometimes they'll be proven right, sometimes wrong. Doesn't matter in the scheme of things.

Frantically deleting their tweets, hard drives, the lot

just enjoy the win ffs. we all support city

Clayton Donaldson scored two for Sheff United at Sunderland Didnt realise he'd gone there Always wanted us to go in for him always gives a return No offence to Woodrow - Would have been great alternative to give FD rest

Except a goal or an assist in a league game..!

My eldest daughter lives in Jacksonville. FL and has property on the Keys which has been evacuated, she is in touch with me by phone daily and is boarding up her house assisted by my 4 grandkids !! Son in law is US Navy and a City supporter who has gone on emergency patrol so cant help out so down to her. And we moan about a bit of rain here !!!!

Exactly, the letters in the Evening Post bemoaning the the fact that BCC were comtemplating loaning BCFC £50k in order to save the club from winding up, then BRFC stating that if BCFC were to get money then so should they, Martin Flook and The Boycee lookalike circling and praying for BCFCs' final breath, so they could get their hands on a real stadium. All they have ever been is a club who wants everything everyone else has, but wants everyone else to pay for it. **** em.

Spot on. They had been so envious of our stint in the top flight that our plummet towards being extinguished was met with absolute glee by the other club in the City. To say they were "over the moon" was an understatement and they so desperately wanted Ashton Gate. They never once stepped in to help us out, so **** the lot of them. They haven't changed either, they still can't handle the very mention of our name without going into total meltdown. The sooner they are gone for good the better.

I would love them to go bust. I don't know a single Sag who doesn't mind City. They would have seen us go bust would have gladly stolen our ground remember? Would I miss the rivalry? Not at all. The sheer hatred I have seen in Rovers supporters eyes over the years convinced me that they are just a horrible club with a childish, thuggish and jealous fan base. I believe their existence has hindered our progress. Without Bristol Rovers I really do believe that Bristol City would have had a nice 40k stadium somewhere on the outskirts of the City instead of having to settle for improving Ashton Gate. They are a parasitic drain on the life of our club. I wait patiently for administration and subsequent folding. Only then can Bristol football move forward.