Edgy Red

Its all about opinions Dave. I liked Nige but i really didn't see how the football was evolving in his 3 years in charge, however i appreciate others have a different view. I understand what Manning's philosophy is and i just want to get behind the team. It may end well, or it may not!

But..... isn't this actually Nige's squad? With the exception of Twine (who has played 1 game) and Mebude (who looked Dire on Saturday) this is the squad that Nige built. So, from what you are saying, Nige was underachieving too? Results and performances under Manning have continued to be inconsistent, as they were under Nige, however Manning has only had the job for 3 months. Lets just get behind the team and give him some time.

Yep... Tinman is a s******d for me too

Possibly... i like Williams but his injury record has been pretty poor for the majority of his time with us. We've got some talented midfielders in the squad now and i think James would help their development

Others may disagree but i would rather we keep James than Williams this summer. I appreciate that Williams has produced some decent performances of late but James is Mr Consistent. Knight, TGH and Bird would benefit from him still being around too.

Maybe, and this is just a hunch, Middlesboro are a decent side and Carrick gave his players a rocket at half time and they improved in the 2nd half? I would guess that Manning was worried about players tiring after the tough schedule we have had recently and so changed shape to make us more solid. In hindsight, it didn't necessarily have the desired effect, but as per my first paragraph, Boro were always going to come out firing in the 2nd half, regardless of what formation we deployed. Lets just enjoy the win

I might be in the minority but i'm happy to watch us in The Championship. I don't think The Prem is all its cracked up to be and is so heavily obsessed with the Big 6, that it wouldn't be as enjoyable as people think. Don't even get me started on VAR! I would rather see us in a few Cup quarter/semi finals, playing attractive football with a sprinkling of local boys in the team. I think as i've got older its become more about the day with my mates, and while a City defeat still ruins the weekend, i don't feel like i did 30 years ago. I go to games with a number of mates who support other clubs and they all enjoy coming to The Gate and the matchday experience that we have.

Currently it has to be 4-3-3. Unfortunately Tanner isn't good enough and it allows us to play a front 3 and therefore hopefully creat more at the top end of the pitch

I agree with almost all of your choices apart from Mehmeti. I think there is a player there who is comfortable accepting the ball and he deserves some time and a run in the team. He may come good, he may not, but we don't really have anyone else like him. The only other one i'm slightly unsure about is Tanner. If he's a back up right back then maybe, but i just don't think he's good enough to be starting regularly.

Completely agree, it was very poor, but just 3 days ago we played well at an inform Coventry and got a good point. We don't have enough players who can handle the ball. Twine was brought in to improve that and he's already injured. Leeds, Leicester and Southampton are a class apart.

If Nige was still in charge, the result tonight would have been exactly the same and anyone who thinks differently is living in a fantasy world.

Leeds pressed our back 5 as well as i've seen any team do. Sadly Tanner, and to an extent Vyner, looked like rabbits in the headlights when the ball came to them. We were completely dominated all over the pitch and whilst our performance was disappointing, we have to realise that Leeds front 4 are worth the best part of 100 million on their own.

I agree Dave... i think 4-3-3 is the best way for us to progress. A back 4 of McCrorie, Vyner, Dickie and Pring is more than capable. Tanner has done well recently as the right sided centre back but it removes the chance to be able to select another attacking player when we play with the back 3/5.

None of them would be in the starting XI in an ideal world (Cornick off the bench) but injuries and the need to rotate meant they were tonight. Mcrorie, Sykes and Twine would be the preferred options We are where we are and Manning needs some time and 3 or 4 new faces of his choice. I am still positive in what he is trying to do.

Completely agree with you Kev. The idea of reaching The Prem is great, but the reality is often how you have described it.

Very good Joe

I genuinely don't think we're that far off from being able to challenge for the top 6. Twine could make a difference and if we could add a Semenyo clone up front then it could all click. With players like Atkinson, Naismith and Sykes to return, we're looking pretty strong.

I couldn't make it tonight so watched it on TV. I thought we handled the ball really well and were in control for large spells. I am encouraged by what Manning is trying to do. It will take a bit of time and a few of his own signings, but i think the signs are positive. Special shout outs for all of the back 5 and Mehmeti (first half), who i thought looked a threat.

Shaun Taylor is another who was similar to Wilbs. I remember when he played for Swindle with that stupid headband and i thought he was a bit of a liability. When we signed him at the age of 34 (IIRC), I honestly thought it was going to be a disaster. He turned out to be one of the best bits of business we have ever done and is still one of my favourite players to have worn the shirt!

Its listed to be shown on the Betfair app too

What are the wages like out there?

Only just read this Silvio but thanks so much for making me laugh. The comments about Martin, Robinson and Bent are comedy gold

I thought you were a decent side Mark. You've got some big physical boys in that team, but also have some pace and ability in the final third. Both teams had their moments but lacked a bit of quality/composure. I will certainly keep an eye on Kone's development. I think you could have a top player there.

Apologies if this has already been mentioned as i've only just got home and haven't read the full thread. The Watford number 11 Kone looks a real player. He was quick, athletic and technically very good. I thought it was an average game and a draw was about right. We pressed more than Watford in the 2nd half but just lacked that final bit of quality. On to Friday!

Hallelujah Tony