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When I look back only a few years to the player who was recalled from Newport County, it is almost Bobby Reidesque transformation. That player, was all over the place; couldn't read the game; and was completely bypassed. Culminating in his sending off against Derby for over eagerness. I'm sure fans at Sunderland now, can't believe that the Semenyeo they had on loan is the one touted as one of the hot prospects in the division above them. He's added pace, power; and at times composure (not always of course). He must be an absolute nightmare to play against. Looking at the Sheff Utd defenders, most of whom had been in the PL a few years earlier. They breathed a collective sigh of relief when he went off injured. Unlike players like Eze, we're still talking about 6 months of play with him; and any potential purchase (like Scott) would be about potential. But Scouts can help by being impressed by what he demonstrates. Still a lot to learn, under contract for another 2 years at least. I think it would take a decent 8 figure bid for us to consider parting ways with him.

I think we are slowly changing, NP has been trying to implement defensively a much less passive approach. The trio of Cundy, Klose & Atkinson; alongside Idehen over the past few days demonstrate a willingness to eliminate that from our culture. Whilst I would agree over Weimann being passive up front ( and in defence when he has to come back); Semenyeo's goal yesterday was all about pressing; and being on the front foot. Sort out our defensive failings, and then the forward line will take care of itself in my book. That's the area we should be focusing on, not really our goal scoring for me. With a better defensive unit (rather than attack) we won't be bottom six next season in my opinion.

I think Idehen typifies the type of CB/Defender that NP wants. He's described the way we defend as "Passive"; and obviously wants physically strong people at the heart of his defence. Idehen seems to tick some of those boxes. Yes, the current trio of Cundy, Klose & Atkinson haven't been pretty at times; and the days of a Websteresque great footballing CB may be behind us somewhat. But the last 4 performances in particular have shown a willingness to compete at a level of physicality that I think NP will have been impressed by. He loves Baker of course, but we all know where that story is probably heading. So it's a goodbye to players like Vyner, Moore & probably in a way Kalas who NP probably thinks are part of the passive malaise. Towler will hopefully have impressed his physicality during his injury break, so it maybe a fresh start for him in pre season friendlies. Let's see how he gets on, and hopefully banishes the memories of that Millwall game. Kalas is a wonderful defender on his day, and certainly a top defender in the championship. But as a unit, he's quiet, doesn't take control (You only have to look at the difference Klose has made in that regard in the last few months); and sometimes seems to be trying too hard to cover for the deficiencies of others. That has had an effect on his own performances of course. He's on huge wages, we can't afford them really; and neither can we afford to let him leave for nothing next summer. I've no doubt the operation he has had to "clear up" problems he has had for a few years, is in preparation for future medicals elsewhere. Interesting where we go with the keeper situation (both OOC summer 23, but MOL has an option year of course). Plus JD entering his last year of contract. I've been so impressed by his return to form of late, after a really poor 18 months due to injury and form. Roll on the summer ?.

I think the amount of PL linked with him will ultimately force the price up "IF" we consider to sell. I'm not convinced that a load of PL sides won't be waiting to see if Scott is returned to his favoured position next season; and how he adapts to a Championship season in that role. They're certainly not going to be looking at him as a RWB, there are better examples of those already in the division (Spence at Forest being a good case in point). Looking at the squad as a whole, if NP wants some sort of revolution in terms of the playing squad, I think he would have been greatly encouraged by the play of some of the players over the last 4 games. Maybe instead of 7-8 players, he's now only looking at only 4-5. If however NP wants to fund the 7-8 strategy then the only way would be increase income into the club through sales. HNM is an obvious one, but that money would probably only plug any potential gap in our FFP status. A Weimann sale could have potentially catastrophic implications, if next season he carries on like this one. Semenyeo will start to have suitors no doubt, is there any Ghana games over the Summer? Again like Weimann, we've stayed up this year due to the amount of goals we've scored not our defensive prowess. To break up the WSM trio would put us at a disadvantage. So then we come to Scott. Huge potential there for everyone to see of course, and the way he's adapted to having to play various positions within the team shows maturity beyond his years. But for me, at present; as described above if i was going to spend £15-20M upwards on an 18 year old, I would be looking at where is his strongest position; and his performances there. We have of course not really seen that this calendar year due to him deputising at RWB. I can see the feeding frenzy starting in earnest in the January window next season, if; and only If he is playing in CM, and his performances reinforce his upward trajectory. Until then, I think Scott will stay a City player into the 22/23 season. Unless of course, a team really gambles, and goes £20m+ on him. I can't see it myself.

Bizarre wing back situation for City now isn't it? Two 18 year old midfielders by trade, making do in those positions. Can't help feeling putting Benarous there today against Ebiowei is akin to the Sam Bell against Chong mismatch at the Birmingham game; and we all know how that turned out. Oh well, onwards and upwards.......

Bizarre wing back situation for City now isn't it? Two 18 year old midfielders by trade, making do in those positions. Can't help feeling putting Benarous there today against Ebiowei is akin to the Sam Bell against Chong mismatch at the Birmingham game; and we all know how that turned out. Oh well, onwards and upwards.......

Starting to really really hate Elliott Anderson. He is single handedly keeping the Gas in the play offs. No-one else is scoring for them, and he is the difference unfortunately.

30 days, I've had it for 5 months now. Moving back to Sky Q, at no extra cost. The finance deal around the TV stays the same. Had enough of it now. Quite funny after I spoke to Sky. They all knew that Sky Glass wasn't up to it, and was dependant on the channels working with it (which they don't). I was the first one to phone up, and ask to be put back on Sky Q. They had to double check I could actually do it.

Closer to 50 i reckon?

Bo Anderson?

Loved Jan Moller, but in more recent times Sieb Dysktra (albeit he was only on loan) was very good as well. Strange really when you consider the promotion teams of the last 45+ years, that the keepers haven't been more of the standout players. Basso always got a lot of press, but for me with him it was more about personality; than actual skill levels.

I think with his comments at the weekend, NP has drawn a line in sand. In my eyes, it's in the Lansdown's court as to whether they get behind him; or decide that the revolution he is asking for, is too much for the club to support at this time. I personally see no point in a summer of 3 free transfers; and the only outgoings being not renewing the OOCs. How is that going to take us further forward in any way? If what is needed is the selling of players like Scott, Semenyeo & HNM in order to reshape the squad; and allow him to get rid of players off the playing budget; then you either regretfully support him, or not as the case may be. It's only through getting sales into the club, that the current FFP malaise can be resolved. Getting rid of players for fees that don't cover their amortisation; and probably subsidising that move is not going to help the balance sheet; or provide additional funds for the necessary replacements. You can see NP's stance now that his credibility will be called into question if he's not able to do, what he believes needs to be done. He's been pushing the mantra of getting rid of players; and bringing in replacements for the last 14 months in his own unique way. There has to come a point where that either happens or there's a parting of the ways. Of course if the trio of players with potential sell ons move, then maybe the position is a bit brighter. But we can't base our strategy on that, as it's out of our hands.

Completely agree with your points here @ExiledAjax I just think NP is now calling out the hierarchy, and there will only be one winner. It's not as if he's slagging off the CEO, he's calling everyone at the club passive and strange including the owner, and the chairman. Would he be feeling like he needs to do that, if everyone was pulling in the same direction?

This was one of a few interviews he did on Saturday. Each kind of overlapping each other, many thanks to @Curr Avon for transcribing. In this interview, it's the second paragraph for me. When he talks about the passiveness of "EVERYONE" at rhe club; and that it is a strange club. In my place of work if i spoke about the senior leadership team like that to the press, they would be down on me like a ton of bricks. He's not wrong about what he says of course, just the manner in which his frustration is coming to the fore. It's definitely confrontational on his part though. NP knows what he is doing.

Yep, no problem with the message coming from Gould, if the chairman; and owner are just really really busy?. Doesn't matter who delivers it, there just needs to be one in my eyes....

Fair point. But for me, we've only had the voice of NP bleating on about the changes that need to be made for the club to progress. I think if SL or JL were keen, and supportive of the points that NP is making; then sitting in on one of his Thursday pre match press conferences, and saying as much would go a long way to clearing up what is currently a confusing picture. At present it's almost akin to a boxer calling out an future opponent; and in truth it's not pleasant, and is getting very repetitive. Either you back NP or you don't. Silence gets us nowhere as a club. JL comes out and speaks like a fan a few months ago. He's the chairman, what does he think now? What did he expect to happen after those words? What do him, and his father want now? Cue we go into potentially the most important transfer window in the last 10 years with no clear direction, identity of what we are trying to achieve; or even in the knowledge who will be manager come July. Clueless in my eyes at the present.

@GrahamC I generally try to steer away from stats, and quotes like that. It is conjecture after all. I think it's difficult when people say things on a live chat, that they sound so definitive about (however much you doubt the actual facts of what they are saying). I think it's fine to have an opinion, but when you claim that the basis of that opinion is being ITK, or that someone from the club has told you some sensitive information or such like; it kinds of cheapens the point that you are trying to make it my eyes. For the record, I know nobody at the club personally and have never been told anything by anyone connected to the club in confidence. I may get hearsay, or third hand information from others closer toindividuals at the club; but I would never try to pass them off as definitive or first hand information. Maybe it's just the job I do, that causes me to question the veracity of such claims.?

You're more in the know than me on this. But it does make me laugh now, when you look at those transfer fees, and realise we have absolutely no scope for anything like that in the current FFP picture, and that was 7 years ago.

Really hypothetical isn't it? We've never really seen the side put under relegation pressure in each of the last two seasons. Who knows how they would of reacted? Maybe it would have been positively fighting, and battling for every point. All i know is, that without that threat, the 20/21 & 21/22 teams have drifted through their seasons in a somewhat apathetic state, that on the whole has infuriated the fans. I don't think we'll be able to pull that off for another season. Relying on other teams yet again for the 22/23 season may well be our downfall.

That would be a massive interview to get for @headhunter. With regards to Cotts, my eldest was a mascot at Leyton Orient away in the 13/14 season when we won 3-1 (Tyrone Barrett's only goal for us). They were top, and flying; i spent time in the dressing room before the game, and with Cotts as well. Absolutely a top man, and you could tell he was building something special even then. Not sure of this "i went on holiday" angle; and everything went tits up. Can't help feeling such massive transfers as Gray would have been, then he would have made sure he was here to see it all get signed. What i've heard, not unreasonably. Is that we were miles apart in terms of wages from what you would expect to offer someone signing for £6m+. So maybe the whole deal was badly executed from start to finish? Still it would be good to hear SC's version of events.

What was the issue with Fredericks in the end? I was on holiday, when he signed; and then 23 days later he was gone. Another elusive right back that could of been. As for Maguire, how close did we actually come to signing him from Hull? Instead we potentially a couple of years later got Webster, possibly the best centre back i've seen for us since the seventies.

Defensively Bryan was poor, not only for the points you raise, but he also used to switch off at the back post for his marker on multiple occasions. Luckily for him, and in the modern game of wing backs; being sound defensively is seen as a poor second to offensively being good; and he certainly stood out in that regard. I think Fulham have had their worth from him (playoff final double at least). But no other club of any standing has come in for him, even though he's not really a first team regular for them. I think that tells us everything about how he is regarded.

As bad as Saturday was, i was reminded last night that Peterborough in their previous 3 games had drawn at home to Luton; and beaten QPR away. Yes, we should have won, particulary after they went down to 10 men. But bizarrely Peterborough decided to sit back, and play for the draw? The way they celebrated at the end left me completely confused, what use eas a point to them, rather than 3? Anyhow onto Stoke.?

100% @Davefevs A couple of months later, and results haven't got better; and response from the chairman is ......???? It's one thing being a fan, a whole different thing being a chairman getting called out effectively by the manager.

Don't disagree with your points there. However have we ever heard the Lansdowns come out, and say NP is doing a good job; or has achieved their expectations? To the contrary the Chairman expressed his own views that we should be doing better, on hisnfleeting visit. Cue NP's terse response. That'a why i can't see them getting behind his comments from yesterday this summer.