Crimson Crayola

They're so different. Think Roberts actually has a more rounded game to him and a potentially higher ceiling. Classy.

Sorry for the conspiracy theory and I'm no sports therapist but could spending 80%+ time on 'the grass' where the grass is ill suited, have a cumulative impact on our players, making them more prone to strains, pulls and generally less robust?

Pretty much agree with most of this. And the table doesn't lie, Pearson had us in a better position than Manning does now. But how many counter-attacking, high press teams with tragic injury records get promoted or even challenge? And do you really think we would have not dropped off had Pearson remained? They took a punt and it hasn't paid off.... But the rationale is and was solid. Jon and Tins have been made to look fools by their words rather than their actions. Finally this whole argument is becoming increasingly reductive. We have no idea what happened behind closed doors other than two things: Pearson was (understandably so) becoming increasing inflammatory about his contract situation, and his health was affecting his ability to fulfil his responsibilities (I'll be the first to retract this when he takes on his next managerial role and smashes it). Both of these factors would have an impact on anyone's job security, let alone someone in such a high profile role.

He also set up knight for the goal.

Tanner was exceptional in a 3 at home to West ham.

I know, its not like Jon or Tinnion are browsing this thread so why subject the rest of us to it.

Are we having our bellies tickled or is Jon in this scenario? Or is it a 'you go, I go' kind of thing??

The data would say otherwise

Really quite like it. It manages to be suitable for today's applications yet still distinctive. And I think it manages this better than our own 'chilli on a stick'.

It's not minimalist. It's functional.

The bloke is up there with the best defenders in the league.

I think you need only see some of the coach and player interaction to know that last sentence is bull. There are more facets to being a good leader than 'being that guy that you'd want next to you in the trenchs' that nige undoubtedly was.

Sounds like (and understandably so) we're both mentally and physically fatigued from Tuesday.

Is this the player Ian Gay refused to name I wonder?!

Same here. Flawless.

Hold the club to account needn't mean punishing us with the same old gag every bleeding time.

Agree with this, and getting tired of people constantly using it as the benchmark for Manning. Jon was an idiot for sacking Pearson and saying what he said, but surely we're adult enough to realise he should be held accountable his words rather than Manning and how he performs. It would take a miracle and a fully fit squad to get anywhere near the top 6 come the end regardless of who's in the hot seat.

So, we could get a point, but their attack is really good, so we'll probably just get a point. Right?

I guess yes, I'd take an entertaining loss with some early green shoots of more appealing football, over a dull/lucky win with no signs progress or tactical difference. My thinking is the former may lead to more long term improvements (and points), but perhaps that's me being naively optimistic. I also think that Nige with a fully fit squad was more than capable of producing dynamic, exciting football. Had Nige been in charge based on home form I could see it being 0-0. With Manning, I expect a loss. But I also see more potential for there to be a home win, than with Nige. I have such little to base this hunch off, other than what we've heard from him time at Oxford and Mk.

For me, the performance has never been so important, with the score almost playing second fiddle. An entertaining loss with an upward shift in how we play will buy Manning some time and even get some detractors on-side. A dull game, with few chances (a continuation of pre-Manning form) will see fans further question the sacking and the leadership. Boro are a good side, with great form, it's going to be a squeaky bum Saturday.

Does feel a little bit like that, though as Fevs mentioned above he did the same with Nige? Maybe he's like those weird angel statues in Dr who, creeping ever closer, and when he's close enough he gives you the sack (as opposed to sending you back in time).

Interesting to see Tinnion in the background of a training session. Am I right in reading somewhere that Sykes stated they'd have material to mull over while away? If so it will hopefully mean him, Bell and Knighty can get their heads around the new system and fancy lines on the HPC pitch.

What on earth are you going to challenge him about? It's not like we have anything to judge him by yet?! It's bonkers how quick "fans" are to start sharpening their pitchforks.

Nothing like good customer service and non spontaneous aggression.

I know Dave, your posts (always good btw) are easy to recognise. I'm just s**t stirring.