Philly The Kid

I was in the army at 17 and posted to Germany. Like lots of guys my age I struggled at first but had an epiphany when I tried to chat up a girl I fancied in the cookhouse and she told me via someone who could interpret that if I learned German she would date me. I quickly realised loneliness and not being able to communicate went hand in hand. So I learned German and everything changed. I was no longer stuck with the insular band of guys I worked with. Things opened up and I ended up living there for a while after I left the army. This was in the '80s. Alex Scott had an advantage in as much as he didn't have a language issue. HNM learned to speak reasonable English and from what I understand was popular with his team mates. Someone I know who met him formed the impression that 'team Massengo' always had a plan long term, and that we weren't part of it unless we got promoted. He came for the experience. If we went up then fine, a win win for everyone. If at the end of the contract we weren't competitive he'd move on. The internet and technology make the world a much smaller place these days and staying in touch is far easier than it used to be. I personally think he's been getting the wrong advice from his father. His head was probably turned about something which hasn't happened. Shame because in full flow he was a good player.

There I was thinking football had become more inclusive when it turns out trannies have been coming for years./......

Ha yes! an old Army saying! Given the pain and suffering physio's used to put you through in the course of your recovery they were lovingly called Physioterrorists! Don't worry, it was a term of endearment!!!

Didn't he do a piece about players mental health and highlighted his own issues? (I could be completely wrong there), but it could be he pines for home and providing we're prepared to pay him competitively he would be open to a return. He's probably made a bundle since leaving and the fact he did, played premier league football and saw a bit of life elsewhere it could be that he's a homely kind of bloke and is happy to come back. I always got the impression with Joe that football wasn't his highest priority but whilst he was good at it he would give it his best attention. It's not always about the money, he certainly never struck me as the greedy type. He knew he was good enough for the prem (at the time) and wanted to take advantage of what you'd have to say was a once in a lifetime opportunity. You can't begrudge anyone for that. Even SL has always said we won't stand in anyone's way if a prem club comes in. So yes, I could see it happening as long as we're not looking to get him on the cheap and the deal suits all parties and agendas.

Telling to me that we haven't activated the additional year on Zak's contract. Improved though he has been this year, and is a candidate for player of the season, He still makes me think there's always a mistake around the corner that will cost us. Probably a bit unfair but that's my view. I think for the right money he's a squad player at best but probably won't accept that as he could be a regular in a lower half championship team (like us!!!). So I think if he stays it'll be on reduced terms but I suspect he's survived so long because he's reasonably reliable (with limitations), our other injury issues and the lack of ready replacements coming through. I personally think NP doesn't really fancy him and would replace him in a heart beat if someone was available for the right price.

Always remember the Leicester cup game away when Jackie torn them apart and his excited description on final score followed by his complimentary commentary towards us during the game. Absolute legend and was my favourite above David (Incredible) Coleman and Barry(Know it all) Davies. Had a genuine love of the game which came across in the commentary. The piss take they did on the fast show with him (Harry Enfield & Paul Whitehouse) interviewing Julio Geordio was brilliant... Wonder who's getting the sheepskin coat..

Not sure about that!! The huge losses we've incurred will always dictate we have to sell. I take your point about when it suits us but AS is that rare commodity we've not had for a long time whereby he's that good his value will jump considerably in the next few years. It's only right we try and protect our asset before the inevitable happens. It also sends a message to AS and other young players that we will reward some loyalty (Inasmuch as we can afford to... If you really want to be here). In terms of actively trying to sell, clubs don't have to do that much these days, the right conversation with an agent will lead to word spreading and players also talk amongst themselves whilst on international duty etc so the word soon gets around you're up for a move. TBH we should always be looking to improve contracts for players where we feel they have value beyond just being a squad player. I know it's not directly related and whatever your feelings are about Famara there were 3 sides to his contract story so the club couldn't have felt he was worth any more than we offered. AS will go on and play for England so an investment now to reap a bigger dividend later is the right thing to do.

C'mon chaps, let's be Civil about this...

IMHO the lack of atmosphere in most grounds these days is directly attributable to all seater stadia. On cold days standing around encouraged you to stamp your feet to keep warm and do a bit of shouting!! Anyone who's been to German grounds will tell you the standing areas are always more raucous. I used to go to Union Berlin at the Alten Försterei which is a brilliant little ground, they've got the balance just right. St Pauli at Hamburg too. We need to get standing back. This corporate matchday experience for the average fan is all too American. Probably just a bit too old fashioned! but the days of the east end and the open end freezing your tits off but shouting and balling, stomping and clapping you felt so much more involved.

The club aren't pushing anything at the moment. We've got an owner who's silence is deafening, a chairman who only seems to pop up when there's good news and a CEO who's leaving (although the replacement seems an astute appointment. I wonder how much RG had to do with that one). The team should definitely be doing better though the injuries we've had have been to key players we simply don't have the depth to replace. The argument about players being better than other players who are/aren't playing is a complicated one. Attitudes, commitment and effort both in games and training plays a part. Pearson says players showing all of those qualities will get the nod over those who aren't, so I can only assume the likes of Bentley and others who people say are better than their current replacements aren't giving enough in training.

If Toney gets a ban why not Brentford? Both similar in styles though not necessarily like for like. That said, there is obviously a difference in quality with Toney being established and Antoine just potential at this stage. If I was a betting man I could see this happening... ?

The booking agent is Hoggans Promotions tel 07923 827352. He's based in Aztec West and books most of the pubs in the Bristol Area. My band has played the fanzone which was booked via Brian Hoggans. TBH it's a nightmare for parking as you don't really get any so loading in and out is challenging.

What? they're announcing it without telling us? How dare they!!! Whoever would do that ????

What if..... Semenyo gets sold and we offered Wells a two year contract spreading his wages over a longer period? Not saying I'm up for that, obviously they're different types of player but IF we can't get rid of him (Wells) then at least have him play. IF we got a good offer for Semenyo and we didn't stand in his way then the dynamic could change. Personally can't see it happening but it's the one thing I haven't seen anyone else mention!!! ?

Naive if that's really your view! Whilst that might be true from a romantic point of view, any player confident in his own ability will say they CAN go on and make a name for themselves in a premiership club. That's certainly what his agent will be telling him. If you get the chance to go and earn silly money while young and still have the chance to step back down to the original level if you don't make it then you've got to be barking not to.

I was a bit taken aback by the advert for season ticket sales on sky last night, wasn't expecting that one!!

Not if you believe the club. We were inundated with top quality candidates. It was the club who made it difficult by drawing it out, ignoring quality coaches (at this level), and eventually going for another yes man before succumbing to the inevitable. FWIW, If Pearson went (and he won't), we won't have any problem filling this vacancy. Even if we were to drop into L1 at the end of next season, we'd still be an attractive proposition for young ambitious coaches.

Well, by that logic, most of the wasters here who that will also apply to should be putting themselves in the shop window. I'm sure there are conversations had with players about their futures for next season (NP has a reputation for being honest and forthright) so anyone who's in the slightest bit worried as to their future should get their fingers out. I doubt they will though. Players have poor seasons at clubs, get released and nearly always seem to pick up a new club. Maybe not on the same money, but wages going forward are something of an unknown quantity anyway.

And if he comes in, looks classy, hasn't cost a mint and contributes around the club people will be saying what a great signing. I don't think we'll go down either but it'll be nice to go into next season with some momentum. Starting the season on the back of a load of defeats and other teams points deductions can't be great for confidence I suppose. It's all about value for money.... and trust. Does Nige trust Cundy, Atkinson and Pring if Kalas gets injured? Most definitely not so if in his judgement he's getting a safety net in that's fine by me.

Tell 'em to get stuffed. No good trying to curry favour, just keep a breast of everything. I'm off to listen to some WISHBONE ash....

Not under the current coaching set up he won't. Here's to change. I think to a degree NP has one hand tied behind his back. The budget simply isn't there to make wholesale changes to the backing staff. Our kids seem to make good progress up to first team level then hit a brick wall. Desperately hoping this will change.

Nice to see they're making progress with the new stadium.....

They still need to learn the error of their ways...

Lets be honest, given our form and position, any sort of a win we would've taken before the game. yes we haven't played well, but we've ground out a result and done a (reasonable) professional job..