BUTOR

They want a derby then let’s give em a ******* derby. Into them from the start, set the pace, press hard, get in behind, Cornick chaos, TGH terror, send them for an early pasty. Come on City

They could have, of course. And let me be clear, the communication policy from the club at the moment is an absolute breeding ground for speculation. I blame no one for doing so. I just think very often the truth is a lot tamer or lamer than we like to imagine. If anything, theorising that the Lansdowns are playing some kind of semi-evil chess is probably giving them too much credit. I think most of the time they are just a bit crap. But there’s a whole host of reasons why that doesn’t necessarily mean I want them gone.

Is it? I wasn’t aware I had an agenda around Lansdown either way, I’m fairly neutral towards the guy. He’s made mistakes and continues to make them. I’m more in the stick than twist camp because of associated risks but I understand most angles from the anti-SL camp. I guess from my previous posts you’re suggesting I come across as an OTT pro-Sl’er. I’m not, I just try to focus on the situations at hand and struggle with the way oddly dark intentions are often assumed of SL/JL. I just don’t buy it because I believe that broadly speaking, and from having conversations with people who know and have worked with them closely, the Lancdowns, despite their howlers, have the good of the club at heart. Maybe that’s the fundamental disagreement, which is fine. Based on the posts I see from you, you’re far more accomplished at basing perspective on the evidence/actual situation at hand than myself, particularly in the heat of post match (which is bloody hard), so it confuses me when I see you suggesting things like PA has gone because he wanted to give Nige a contract and Lansdown didn’t! That’s a real deep bitterness and pettiness you’re suggesting SL holds towards Pearson, that he would dismiss a senior executive primarily because of a personal vendetta. I guess I’d like to know what is that actually based on? It just seems to me that it’s beyond reading between the lines and drifting into completely unfounded speculative territory. If he was capable of that sort of thing then with a life spent in business and football I think it would be more generally understood that he is a bit of a ***. There’d be more cases of similar conduct to point to. The truth has a way of escaping these days. We all know the stories around MA, who is genuinely the type of man to sack someone based on personal vendettas. So I do think the dark conspiratorial assumptions are unfair and I tend to call them out. Still don’t really see that as an agenda. Goes without saying this isn’t a dig as I always enjoy your takes regardless if I disagree.

This is at least what people around the club understand. People are moulding this to suit their own agendas/opinions around Lansdown (don’t disagree with a lot of what’s being said) but on this occasion I think it was genuinely a case of SL acting early on someone who was underperforming. Far easier to join up those dots than the more conspiratorial ones. Pretty much a whole thread thought he sounded clueless giving the RB interview. He certainly didn’t live up to Gould who by all accounts was a really impressive CEO and person, but most importantly a great fit for City. Following him was probably part of the issue too. Perhaps after so long in the game and at higher levels PA couldn’t find the passion to give the role his all here. It happens.

It was only last week. I guess they’re working out how to communicate it. It depends on the situation which is anyone’s guess at this stage. ‘Sacked’ was the word I heard on Saturday, rather than resigned. I wouldn’t jump to a Lansdown bashing conclusion on this one.

Is another possibility, if he is indeed gone, that Alexander simply wasn’t pulling his weight? Gould may have been a tough act to follow.

Ah, well that wouldn’t contradict the rumours at all. Said to have all happened in the last week. I’ve no idea of the specific reasons, I don’t think anyone does really

When was the golf day?

I heard dismissal, but yep. Gone.

Note the significant absentee, and the rumours going around yesterday…

Would be very surprised if so. Coming from a 100% track record.

Big news regarding a change at the top floating about today. It will please a few.

Oldham - Did well, left them in a much better place than he found them Barnsley - Mixed bag, struggled for a period but had turned a corner and had laid some strong foundations down by the time he left. City - Led us to our highest finish since 07 and a League cup semi final. Overstayed his welcome and things were past stale when he was eventually sacked. Spent large amounts of money but that was down to our strategy, no stick to beat him personally with, can be argued he always did better with a tight squad anyway. Sunderland - Seemed to capitulate but was still sacked when challenging for autos. Also won a JPT and secured a play-off finish whilst there. At smaller clubs sacking him at the point Sunderland did would have been deemed crazy. Hibs - Probably his weakest stint so far, but still a mixed bag. Ups and downs, always trying to win over the fan base much like his previous two jobs. On the balance of things his dismissal was fair. Looking the facts of his CV I think it would be seen as a sensible appointment for a club like Fleetwood. It could still take off for him somewhere but he will need to achieve something above expectation soon. Great chance to do that here. There are managers on the merry go round with far worse CV’s than that. He has no relegations, but the way people speak about him you’d think he does.

Fair shout. Think it’s more of a worry for myself that the culture of the club has changed (or been manoeuvred) irreversibly towards that type of PG comfortability you mention. Which is what I mean when I ask whether we’re actually capable of getting that sort of Rovers 2013 atmosphere back anymore. I’m actually fascinated by what the atmosphere would be like if the Gas came to the new AG. I’d hope we would turn out in ferocious voice but there’s such a divide between generations now in terms of the importance of the rivalry. It would be interesting. I remember in 2013, getting out the car near the ground and just feeling it in the air. The intensity. For a first round JPT game. It’s just different. Don’t know if I’ve felt that since barring Man United but even that had quiet periods.

These conversations have been happening on repeat since the rebuild and there’s one common denominator throughout that time - us! We are perfectly capable of creating a good atmosphere. But we need to organise and put a bit of effort in on match days. A Block seemed to be the turning point and for the first few games the atmosphere was really improved. This also proved the club are willing to, if not work with us, turn a blind eye to such movements. But it fizzled out fast, there was even some (understandable) backlash to it from within our own fan base and this all leaves me wondering whether there’s actually enough appetite to turn it around, or whether we’re the type of fan base who puts atmosphere down as a priority anymore. Perhaps we are just used to comfortable, modern, sleepy Ashton Gate and aren’t that bothered about getting embarrassed by away support every week.

That’s why I much prefer American coverage of boxing. They don’t milk excuses and detract from the winning fighter. And they call a spade a spade (bad points decision etc) most of the time.

Honestly he can’t be that much of a gear head no ticker can take it (mind you there’s blokes in the maytree who’d disagree). But some sort of facial spasm issue surely!!

Arsenal reckoned they had the same problem as is being suggested here and birthed one up out of nowhere last season. Now the whole stadium joins in on match days. Maybe a similar campaign here? Any City fan artists kicking about at the moment?

That right is it? What a shame. Their energy is unmatched live. Still a cracking line up, gutted to be missing it. I had a ticket but in the arse end of Hungary. Smith late for me, Eubank looked a little broken in the build up. Behind the facade. Strangely excited for Clarke vs Allen too.

Strong league on paper but so many sides finding their feet with a bunch of new players. Quite a few that have overhauled their squads. The market returning somewhat back to regularity has encouraged a few clubs to happy shop. And obviously relegated/promoted clubs are never the most stable. It’s going to take time for them to figure out what can generate a sustained period of form and what can’t. The core of our side being together for a while now could be very beneficial for consistency. Most already know their roles and the system like the backs of their hand.

Why can’t it be Drink Up Thy Zyder, sung properly that is absolutely an anthem!

Don’t underestimate how determined this group are not to let this season slide into mediocrity. I honestly don’t believe they will.

Yep my thoughts too. This is now where the progress either shows or doesn’t

Ex-Derby striker Chris Martin is available on a free

Very similar game to the Hull one so far