Kibs

Back to reality everyone!!! We rarely lack effort, but we are seriously lacking in quality.

Why are people reading so much into possession stats anyway, and assuming they KNOW Liam Mannings intention? NP was quite happy not to have the ball, yet there were games when we had more possession than the opposition- and LOST!!! We suddenly have slightly less possession against 2 good teams, which was expected for me, but we’ve apparently now abandoned “Manning ball” and reverted to how we used to play!?? So have improved??? Or is it possible Manning takes it a game at a time? Or that the players are now carrying out his instructions more accurately? Or that there’s two teams which dictate how a game goes, not one!!! Or that Manning has made adjustments due to what he’s learned over the last few weeks!? Any of the above could be true. Can we please stop with the tiresome comparisons which are based only on prejudice, and best guess!!?

I get that Pops! But you’re comparing results from last season when there is: Different squads Different Managers Different injuries/suspensions Teams are in different runs of form/momentum. Its a completely pointless comparison IMO. And no, I wasn’t alarmed before these 3 wins. It was similar to many runs we have gone on over the last few years. And after 3 wins, I still don’t see us as playoff contenders, but I’m going to bloody enjoy it and I hope I’m wrong!!

You keep saying stuff like this Mr Pops, but what the **** has last year got to do with this year? So much has changed (for all teams, not just us). Why even look to compare? It’s completely pointless. Regardless of what’s gone on (didn’t agree with the NP sacking, and he’s my second favourite all time City manager behind Cotterill), but why can’t we just be content and hopeful that NP has put some brilliant foundations in place, and that LM can continue to build on those. 3 wins in a row, over Christmas, absolutely unbelievable. Goals galore too which has been my concern for ages. Massive respect and thanks to both managers, COYRs.

Rumour has it that Nige rang around a few players early Friday and told them to ignore everything that LM says!! Well done NP, we’ll chalk that one off as another win for him!!! COYRs!!

I think that’s nonsense, and I don’t know why people keep saying it. I’ve defended LM a lot when he’s come in for some unfair criticism but I honestly think the results/points return would be roughly the same. And for me, that’s a positive because it shows the players have reacted the right way to LM coming in.

The difference being, I don’t think there were 9 sub spots when Cotterill was in charge.

I thought it was interesting position to take. To be fair, there were occasions Nige only selected 8 subs, and there are 3 very young players on the bench so it’s not as though they aren’t getting a sniff. Aside from the fact that 9 subs is ridiculous, or am I just old fashioned

Manning said in an earlier interview that academy players wouldn’t always sit on the bench just to make up the numbers. He said he wants them to earn the right to be there, not just be there due to us being short on numbers. Not saying whether that’s good or bad, just thought it was worth clarifying.

I mean, you could say the same about Manning couldn’t you? Agree about Roberts though, not seen anywhere near enough. Thought he looked decent in his early appearances.

My opinion - It was for NP, it’s not for LM. Like it or not, I bet that’s the case.

Me too! I was very content with where we were, and positive we were headed in the right direction……..just cursing our luck with injuries!

We’ll agree to disagree then Rarely happens in the Championship, especially if you’re a mid-table team, which we are. Games tend to ebb and flow and you need to take your chances in those periods where you are on top/playing well. And we haven’t.

I think our performances deserved more than 5 points from 5 games….hopefully that’ll catch up with us to.

It’s an impressive turnaround. They’ve just won 3 in a row. When did we last win 3 in a row?

Stop with your logic. He said exactly the same about QPR. “One of the worst sides ever in the championship”…..and they’ve just won 3 in a row.

Yes but it works the other way too Dave, and for me it’s even worse. People who gave NP plenty of slack are not willing to do the same for LM because he has replaced their man. They actively look for and find fault in every possible thing he does…..and it’s tedious. It’s making this forum a really hard place to read and discuss things because every bloody topic goes the same way. FWIW, I don’t believe LM will get more from this squad than NP. And what’s gonna really annoy people, I think he’ll be backed financially because JL and BT will feel their man has to be seen as making progress. I also don’t align to the view that’s being pushed about LM taking over a team/club in a good situation. We were bang out of form when he arrived, we can’t score goals and the injury situation is still ridiculous. Such a shame this whole situation has created so much division in the fanbase because I really felt the team and vast majority of fans were fully invested and together. It’s going to make it even harder for LM to succeed sadly.

The point at QPR (apparently one of the worst sides the championship has ever seen according to a few after our draw)is not looking so bad now. As mentioned, back to back wins, something we haven’t achieved for a VERY long time, funny old game!!!

Yes enjoyed the Pre-match press conference. Good response to the empty spaces on the subs bench question - could fill it with academy players, and we may see more in the future, but part of getting in the first team squad is “earning it”. I liked that. Also like what he had to say about Tanner. Real blow losing Naismith We could really do with one or two back to help us through the December schedule.

Not a dig at anyone, because it affects us all, but it just goes to show how unconscious bias can play such a big role in our opinions. Southampton unbeaten in 10 now btw since their poor start to the season.

Because you stated “The early signs are we have gone backwards”….is that not referring to the arrival of LM and/or departure of NP? Or is there some other major event that I missed? Apologies if there is.

How the hell have you arrived at that conclusion? Even if you were stupid enough to form a judgement over 3 games, 1 of which LM had just arrived, 1 of which was against one of the form teams in the division and the other was away at a team 4th in the table, and expected to go straight back up……We gained 4 points over 3 games which is 61 points over a season…..more than we’ve ever achieved under NP I believe, and more than he was on target to get this season!!!! But of course you don’t have an agenda I feel bit sad for you tbh, if you were genuinely expecting us to mount a top 6 challenge because you believe the crap we were fed from BT/JL, I can’t help but feel you’re going to be very disappointed!!!

Theres lots of points to counter the view that this is a problem pattern. 1. Its far more common in the Championship for games/performances to swing, rather than a team dominate the whole game. 2. This criticism was also levelled at NP a lot (playing well for half a game/periods of games). 3. We have played 2 top teams in three days with significantly fewer, and lower quality resources available than what they have, to change the game and momentum of the game. 4. you have to take your chances when you are on top.

Get in! 4 points from two tough games. Solid start. QPR away - apparently a gimme against “one of be worst this league has seen” Absolute rubbish by the way, new manager, nearly took points from Leicester, decent point. Anyone see Rotherham take points off Leeds on Friday? It happens. Or are Leeds that bad? Some claiming the the first 40 against Boro today was dreadful!!?? get real FFS. You do realise there are two teams in a game? We have no divine right to outplay anyone in this league, let alone the in form team, and one of the better teams. Absolute madness. Yep, gutted to see Nige go, but it’s not Liam Manning, or the teams fault so let’s get behind them rather than hold them to some unrealistic standards. You never know, maybe we could threaten the play offs after all. COYRs