Taylor10

13 minutes ago, Red-Robbo said:

Anyone think Naismith might be more effective in mf?

The Klose/Kalas injuries, Baker retirement and lack of experience of other players in the CD role, means Pearson is more or less forced to play him there.

The return of the "big K's" might allow him to absolve himself for his clangers in a more creative position.

People keep suggesting this RR. 
 

I guess my question would be, other than being good on the ball, what other attributes does he have which make people think he can do this? I’m not convinced myself. 

44 minutes ago, harrys said:

He was a crap league manager who should never had been near the England job, his extreme luck has finally ran out, I find it impossible to understand how he could start Maguire last night, Webster anyone?

I am really surprised Webster hasn’t had a look in. Not saying that through City tinted glasses but I think his style & ability would be very suited to international football. I think the issue at CB goes way deeper than Maguire though & Southgate’s over the top loyalty appears part of the reason why this side is stagnating.

Do I think Maguire should be playing? No, but his involvement is easier to argue given his strong tournament displays for England. Personally I find the inclusions of Dier & Coady pointless.

We know all about Dier. He’s not up to the level so why go back? Why not have a look at someone different? He’s simply not going to be part of a future England defence. Same with Coady, he’s been in and around the squad for a while, has never broken in to hold a regular starting place, likely never will & couldn’t get in at Wolves but because he’s good around the squad he’s included? Surely that’s just stopping others getting a chance. Seems so odd. The likes of Guehi, Tomori, White & of course Webster should be getting a look in.

We could lose heavily to Germany on Monday and it will make little difference.  It’s too late to make a change now for the sake of it. Granted we have been poor of late but as Southgate has a good tournament record he will obviously be given this WC. 
 

Personally I have never been his biggest fan but you have to recognise he has done a good job. However for all the good, tactically in the WC semi & Euro final he was found wanting. He hasn’t learnt or evolved from that either and it now looks as though this side needs a fresh face to take us in a different direction, which I think will happen regardless of what happens at the WC.

5 minutes ago, The Coach said:

If Southgate goes. Who comes in? That’s the question. 

He won’t go before the WC. No chance.

Cardiff hitting the panic button but to be fair I think he would of taken them down. His interviews were absolutely embarrassing. Not the sharpest tool in the box is Steve.

1 minute ago, old_eastender said:

Yes, but the Norwich break that led to the corner was all down to sloppy pass from James when we were attacking.

Agree. So poor from James in such a good area. He’s looked tired last 5.

3 hours ago, old_eastender said:

Norwich Weds, Burnley Sat, these games will show whether, or not, we can be viewed as realistic play-off contenders. 

Personally think 3 pts from the 2 games would be an excellent return. Anything more and I'll really start to get carried away!

A lot will depend on how well our wing backs can offer defensive cover, as well as getting forward. Sunderland showed just how the holes behind our wing backs can be exploited. 

Nice to be looking at the top end of the table, rather then the bottom even if we do get beat in both games.

 

 

 

 

Personally think it’s way too early for this or for anything to be ‘season defining’ as such.

The champ is such a crazy league we could win both then lose our next 2 home games. Winning both would be a huge statement but I don’t see it shaping our season if we were to lose.

14 minutes ago, Jeez said:

I still can’t get my head around how the FA didn’t have a plan in place already agreed by clubs, where everyone knew what happens in the event the queen dies.
 

Completely and utterly inept, that’s why. Just a bunch of out of touch blazer wearing clowns.

It’s like it from the county FA’s right to the very top sadly.

6 minutes ago, BTRFTG said:

So the Government line (which couldn't be clearer,) is:

"There is no obligation to cancel or postpone events and sporting fixtures, or close entertainment venues during the National Mourning period. This is at the discretion of individual organisations. As a mark of respect, organisations might wish to consider cancelling or postponing events or closing venues on the day of the State Funeral. They are under no obligation to do so and this is entirely at the discretion of individual organisations.

If sporting fixtures or events are planned for the day of the State Funeral, organisations may want to adjust the event timings so they do not clash with the timings of the funeral service and associated processions. As a mark of respect, and in keeping with the tone of National Mourning, organisers may wish to hold a period of silence and/or play the National Anthem at the start of events or sporting fixtures, and players may wish to wear black armbands."

Of course all licencing sanctions such as the approval for events to proceed via the local Police Commander would still apply and these may be curtailed at short notice. But its clear from on high that business should continue as normal, in a respectful manner.

 

Not going to scroll back through the entire thread but it doesn’t surprise me. I disagree with it but I can almost understand professional sport but why grassroots? Kids sports? Haven’t the kids suffered enough with missing out on sport, school etc & the vital socialisation & interaction these things bring at young ages. To me it’s just nonsensical.

8 hours ago, Stortz said:

It's a great fight imo, a good clash of styles and the genuine beef makes it that much more intruiging.

Savannah hasn't been in with anyone with Clarrisa's pedigree in the pros (but of course has the win over her in the amatuers), but she is so strong and punches like a mule. I've not seen a female boxer before who can punch with such brutal efficiency. I can see Shields having a fair bit of early success- she's an excellent boxer- before Marshall walks her down and takes her out late.

Opinion seems fairly split though and a fair few pundits have Shields putting on a clinic, staying out of range tand taking the decision- but Marshall has far too much power for her I reckon.

Mayer v Baumgardner is going to be a cracker too- another boxer v puncher match up with real bad blood between the fighters.

About how I see it mate. I worry Shields will take the decision. As you say she’s a good boxer. I get they have to promote the fight but she’s vile. I want Marshall to take her out in style.

@Stortz going away from Fury v AJ for a moment, what’s your take on Marshall v Shields? 

3 hours ago, Cowshed said:

So has VAR made decisions worse? Has VAR helped referees? Are they respected more? 

Decisions made with VAR cannot be instant because of the nature of football rules e.g. A ball hitting the arm/hand leads to the question of is it a penalty.

I would say no to all of the above, which is my point. With the additional waiting around to add to that, just what purpose is VAR serving currently?

27 minutes ago, mozo said:

Surely we'd have had about a dozen more penalties and therefore loads more points if we had VAR? Nige seems to think so.

Without doubt more penalties, but we could also have had more go against us too. The standard of officiating is poor but even with the help of VAR things are still not great, plus there is too much waiting around.

Goal line tech was great on sat, it was instant, no questions asked.

13 hours ago, And Its Smith said:

We were told that VAR would stop the headlines being about decisions so we could concentrate on talking about the game. If yesterday is anything to go by, VAR is showing no signs of improving despite now being in place for a good while.  Decisions are still being made incorrectly and big decisions at that but this time it is two referees getting it wrong instead of one….value for money?!

Michael Oliver took over a minute looking at a monitor yesterday whilst everyone waiting for him.  The Championship is better for not having VAR…we know a goal is a goal and can celebrate accordingly.  Personally I don’t go to games to watch perfect refereeing performances. Take the rough with the smooth and be careful what you wish for!

Yeah bang on. I love the EFL for many reasons but I personally prefer not having VAR in our games.

It is a case of be careful what you wish for. Ironic how it seemed almost everyone around the prem, managers and the media were pushing and pushing for VAR, now are either against it or moaning about it. 

Met a few very realistic Blackburn fans before the game. Really good bunch to chat to and they did mention they were worried by our fire power. They also said Big Ben goes missing at times, thought he was very quiet yesterday apart from the goal.

I have been to Blackburn a few times now and always enjoy it. Friendly bunch of fans generally.

14 minutes ago, redysteadygo said:

Webster has only been gone 3 years, how many would you have expected? Have been watching City for 67 years and I can't recall many if any.

That’s my point. The system is evolving and we as fans aren’t used to a centre half that can play a bit.
 

I like Naismith and I like defenders that defend first and foremost, but also can play/are comfortable on the ball. We certainly haven’t been spoilt with many of these over the years. I would probably say the last before Webster would of been Caulker.

27 minutes ago, Davefevs said:

The big question then becomes - how do you get the ball to Naismith without Naismith being at the back to pass it to him?

You can’t just move a player and move all of the “play and patterns” 15-20 yards forward with him.

Same argument / question for those who say he should play LCB3.  1) that means he only becomes an influence when we play down the left side, so you negate “half”of the positives you bring.  It’s a similar argument to Better Red saying Antoine should play wide forward…it lessens his chance of getting on the ball, because a lot of the play will go down the opposite flank.

All (!!!) Kal needs to do is just make the odd decision better, some of his defensive work last night was very good, so it’s not like he’s a one-trip “passing pony”, he can defend too.

We are still evolving this system.  I’m not blaming Atkinson at all for the bad pass, but maybe he comes a bit narrower next time, because he sees the threat of an underhit pass.  As understandings and partnerships build, these things can be reduced.

Have you got any stats from here on how many times people call him ‘Kai’ as opposed to ‘Kal’

In all seriousness though you are bang on. The system is still evolving and we need to allow it time. Plus we haven’t had an accomplished ball playing centre half since Webster.

1 minute ago, red colin said:

              Bentley

      Vyner klose Atkinson

Sykes  Williams naismith Dasilva 

Seems good to me adding height and quality in front of back 3 and adding naismith passing quality further forward  ,pack used to win headers there and we don't have that at the moment in deep midfield. 

He was signed as a CB. Honestly don’t know why people keep trying to run with this one. Highly unlikely he will be used in centre mid.

10 minutes ago, Logical-City said:

Conway has to be dropped simple IMO Semenyo is undroppable at this time 

Not what you were spouting the other day

Tomorrow could well be a long day. If we can keep him we could well be in for an exciting season, however I fear the vultures will be circling come Jan and he will be going to an established prem side. I don’t see how we can keep him beyond that.

He’s the difference. Sides at this level can’t handle him when he’s on it. Enjoy him while we have him.

Sadly as expected but his health is priority. 

I have very fond memories of Bakes time in a City shirt . He was an absolute warrior and his ‘take the man and ball’ approach was an absolute thing of beauty when he got it right.
 

My favourite example of this has to be away at Reading in our first season back in the champ under Cotts. He smashed Nick Blackman so hard he went over the advertising hoardings, of course taking the ball in the process. 
 

On his day he was class. I wish you all the very best of luck Bakes. Thank you for always being prepared to put your body on the line.

2 minutes ago, Curr Avon said:

............................................................................nothing.

Ian Gay will probably award him with an assist for a good performance….

In all seriousness though, his performance matched his hair. ******* massive.

20 hours ago, bristol red said:

The deal is dependent upon positive medical reports and the loan back based on financial insurances regarding fitness at end of season hence initial deal circa £15m.

From whom? Me.

Thanks for the update Ian

5 minutes ago, AppyDAZE said:

Hopefully a lesson learned, because he is the loser losing his place in the team.

A chance for Wilson now to show why he needs to play in that position.

Hopefully a lesson learnt yes. I guess on the plus side Wilson/Tanner will know they have to play very well to stay in side, which hopefully might generate a big performance from either.

Absolutely brainless and could of cost us. Real shame as Sykes has been superb.