Kid in the Riot

Let's be honest, there's absolutely no way this England side are chasing anything north of 200.

Any 3 will be nervous with our batting line up, you are likely walking onto the field within the first 10 overs, so need the skills and temperament of an opener. Pope has neither. Bizarre selection.

Why on earth are they playing him at 3? Would genuinely love to know the rationale for that decision. Agree though, he always looks wobbly when he comes in.

It also tells me that we lost 5 wickets from our upper/middle order for 2 scoring runs. That is utterly pathetic, no matter what excuses you can come up with.

And 6 of those 8 runs were byes!!

Maybe. Though NZ are very short of match practice. Has it been brilliant bowling from them today? I'm listening, and it doesn't sound like it. Once again the mental fortitude of England is non-existent. Got themselves into a good position and then another calamitous collapse. Getting pretty boring. Just when you think England hit a new low, there's another one around the corner.

Incorrect. Pearson recommended her.

Please make it to day 3

Essentially a Nigel Pearson appointment.

I think you're doing Griffiths a bit of a disservice. His CV demonstrates he's much more than just an account. He too has years of experience in the hospitality and hotel sectors. Him and Kelly are the stand-out off-field appointments made by SL over the years.

It's really poor and a not insignificant reason as to why we have been pretty poor throughout SL's tenure despite enjoying significant financial backing. I remember looking at the make-up of Burnley's board pre-takeover, and they had 5 local businessman types on their board. Mind you, the last decision they appear to have made, doesn't look a very good one.

Other clubs have better, more egalitarian governance and corporate structure than us though. This just demonstrates (what we already know tbf) that Steve is the only show in town. I mean the Holdings co is as flimsy as it gets, his son and the club accountant! Looking at it another way, the decks are clear for any future investment and directors to come on board...

Not too dissimilar to when Brentford took a punt on QPRs previous manager Mark Warburton - who also never made it as a pro footballer. I think fair play to QPR for thinking outside the box and avoiding the usual suspects on the managerial merry-go-round.

Not surprised. £180 pp which you have to pay up front. Wine flight £120 (which I had) or £13 a can of Keller Pils. No dietary requirements considered (you get what you're given), so if you're gluton intolerant, dairy allergy or even a vegetarian or pescatarian then that basically rules you out from visiting. Venue is decidedly average for a kitchen charging that kind of money too. You just can't run a restaurant like that these days. By not considering dietary requirements, you straight away alienate a load of potential customers, and you aren't going to have many regulars when you charge that kind of money in Bristol, with plenty of other great options at a fraction of the price. Things must have been going very badly, as by closing down, they lose their Michelin star, which they've held for years. One of the best restaurants in Bristol at the moment, for sure. Might take Casamia's star in the near future!

I expected you to win promotion last season. Paul Cook has an unbelievable record of delivering the goods, and with serious financial backing, I thought it was a near certainty. But you made a complete mess of it, and Ashton's relationship with the manager is, like it was at City, a big concern. Ashton is the power broker, and uses his contacts to recommend and sign players for the club that fit HIS criteria. It was no surprise to see a head coach appointed who will be subservient to Ashton. If Paul Cook can't get a tune out of a v good L1 squad, then I'd suggest there are significant problems. Big season coming up, one in which you really need to win promotion. Not convinced that'll happen based on what I've seen so far.

You're so right on the Dolman, it looks tiny when you're on the pitch! A full 17 years since I last saw The Killers in Bristol, and they were superb again. I'm not into their later stuff at all, but just to hear them reel out the hits from Hot Fuss was enough. Manics were decent as always. They played a sort of greatest hits set. 'You love us' to finish was superb, I was going mad ? ?

I actually thought Rhianne Baretto as Rani was brilliant. Very talented actress. But you're right, Jess Gunning steals the show in many ways. Eleanor Tomlinson is v good too, playing a spoiled brat.

Really looking forward to this....first series was excellent. A clever mix of drama and comedy, and casting was superb.

Haha - BUSTED! At least it won't be long until you're serving another ban ??

Are you the playground bully formerly known as @BobBobSuperBob? Very similar posting style. I made no comparison with Klopp...it's a week night, don't drink too heavily...

Hehe you are genuinely clueless I'm afraid. And yes, I can remember your staunch criticism of both SL and MA. Furious you were at SL's management of the club. Very sweet that that's all now forgotten. You made no mention at the time to me that you found my posts so amusing, on the contrary, it was like after like... Very strange about turn. Hope you're OK. Doesn't show, I'm sorry to say.

You STILL don't understand how a transfer committee works, do you? There's plenty of articles out there explaining it. Not exactly hard to work out Brownhill, and indeed Watkins for that matter, were LJ suggestions, is it?

I usually enjoy your posts but you've been pretty aggressive and insulting on this thread, which is disappointing. So, I'll keep this short... It's hugely ironic that you excuse me and Harry of being "conned" because you think we believe one side of the story, whilst you have clearly taken Steve Lansdown's version of events (whatever they are) as gospel. That makes you look a little daft and naive. And if you are gullible enough to fall for the "he's Jamie's mate" bs then even more fool you. You & others are generally clueless as to who my sources are in football. They are certainly not restricted to players and managers and go to the very top of football clubs, including City. But come on please, tell us what Steve's version of events are? I'm up for a laugh.

You've just illustrated @Harrypoint perfectly, that recruitment didn't match the system/style of play.

Yes, they were but LJ wasn't interested. Whilst Sunderland might not be in the Championship, it was the biggest job in L1 and they are a huge club. Should be in the Prem and a far bigger club than us. So, I'd argue not exactly your typical L1 job.