AshtonRobin21

I'd honestly consider playing Joe Williams as the Right Centre Back, and a midfield two of James (if fit) and Scott temporarily. There's no doubting that Klose is the better defender, but we cannot play 3 left footed centre backs. Our right hand side will continue to be targeted in the upcoming games, and I don't see Vyner being able to cope positionally with the gaps made available when Sykes or Wilson advance forward. Williams is a calm individual. He communicates well, and would settle into the back line comfortably. He was outstanding in the 'sweeper' role against Middlesbrough last season.

This is LJ and MA's idea of a wet dream. 'retain' and 'trading' being other personal favourites of theirs. I think your absolutely right though, the language used does reference where we are in the market. I think it's fairly obvious that both Scott and Semenyo will have clubs "keeping tabs on" them, possibly with some even getting to the enquiry stage. One thing I think is for certain, if there is to be a bid, it will become common knowledge very quickly. So no news is good news in this case.

That's my fault for misquoting. However, if interest in there for Scott, I would imagine clubs testing the water with a starting bid to see what it would take to sign him. Semenyo's injury may have protected us until January.

Interesting that SL stated that we haven't yet had any bids for Scott or Semenyo. Pearson's comments about receiving bids for players we don't want to lose seemed to point in that direction. Perhaps the Bournemouth (now ended) and Bentley links were correct.

I'd put good money on our next owners being American. We have the infrastructure that they like to inherit. Plus the size of the city, and the fact the club has never made it to the Prem. SL won't sell to someone who doesn't have the clubs best interests at heart. He still loves the club.

All Vyner needed to do was keep guiding Simms away from goal. Watch the replays and you'll see Vyner slows down before Simms has full control of the ball and allows Simms time to cut back in. He is not good enough. Please don't put Van Dijk and Zak Vyner in the same conversation. Van Dijk makes a mistake once every 100 games.

My main concern from today was that Sunderland looked a threat every single time they attacked. Pritchard was at the centre of every attack, and he is the supply line. You stop him, you limit their chances Yet we couldn't work it out. Players like him need to be man marked out of the game. But he kept getting the ball in dangerous areas time and time again. The second goal was a complete embarrassment. The time Simms had in the box against Vyner. It's as though time stood still (which Vyner literally did). From an attacking perspective, I think we look great. We are dangerous, but seem to need to score 3 goals to even have a chance of winning games currently.

Seemed like the ball was getting caught under his feet for most of the game. There was a moment early in the second half where he didn't know what to do with it, then lost possession. Needs to take the opportunity when it presents itself. Without knowing the extent of James' injury, he could have used today as a chance to push for a regular starting place. Didn't do enough today.

As long as it means Vyner doesn't have to start again.

Priority position is a new right centre back. I was going to give Vyner some credit during the first half. But my word that defending for their second goal is criminal. He looked as though his feet were trapped in cement. Made no effort to get to the ball. Far too inconsistent to be a championship regular. Overall I felt we gave it a good go. In possession we look like a top half championship club. Out of position a bottom half club. Too keen to play out from the back for the first go. I feel that Bentley shouldn't be giving the ball to Naismith there to begin with. But Bentley was solid throughout, not alot he could do for the goals. Alex Scott was a step above. If the Prem Vultures aren't circling already, they might well be after that performance. He controls the game so well.

Tactical (masterclass) -> masterKalas Pring the Bell Look a little Klose Towler loves a Growler 99 problems but a Bajic ain't one (personal favourite) Apologies in advance, there are some terrible ones in there. Spent about 20 minutes thinking of those. What a thrill.

Of course. But as he's one of the players rumoured to be available to leave, it obviously peaks interest. FWIW I thought he did well on the weekend. Looked much more composed, and I think Naismith will help all of our centre backs this season. But he still has some way to go to prove he is capable of being a starting championship centre back.

Very interested to hear why Vyner was absent today. Could mean nothing, but also could mean everything. He looked more settled on the weekend, but I still hold my breath every time he attempts to pass the ball. Especially when he brings the ball into the midfield area.

No Vyner apparently.

What an incredible advert for women's football! As a dad to two young daughters, and as a primary school PE teacher who tries to promote a pathway for female inclusion in sport, this is special to see. What a huge statement that is for both the current and the next generation.

Absolutely appalling standard of refereeing.

Enjoyable first half. We look organised and everyone looks to be on the same wavelength. Mark Sykes and Kal Naismith look very good, they definitely improve us. Some good touches from Alex Scott in the number 10 role. The Right wing back role has some serious competition this season. Encouraging signs.

City to win 2-1 is boosted to 12/1 on Bet365. I have this as a single £15 on. Also added it to a double where Norwich are boosted to win 2-0 at 12/1. - City 2-1 and Norwich 2-0 is 168/1 (£5 returns £845).

Burnley look very good. But yet the commentary makes it unbearable! I've heard, on at least 3 separate occasions, the commentators refer to them as "Vincent Kompany's Burnley". Safe to say most of Burnley's games will be televised this year.

A couple of singles, and a couple of accumalators. - Cardiff to be relegated - 17/2 - Bristol City to be promoted (bit of fun every year) - 20-1 Skybet - Bristol City to finish top 6 - (8-1 Bet365) - Middlesbrough to finish top 2 and Coventry to finish top 6 - (12-1 skybet special) - Middlesbrough and Burnely to finish top 6, Luton to finish top half and Reading to be relegated (16-1 skybet special) - Middlesbrough to be promoted, Everton to be relegated and Sheff Wed to be promoted - 37-1 (£10 returns £380 Bet365).

I remember GJ freezing out Bradley Orr once upon a time due to him refusing to sign a new contract. Orr then back-tracked and signed the deal. Peterborough take a harsh approach to players who won't sign new contracts. They are instantly placed on the transfer list, regardless of their importance to the squad.

I can't help but wonder if HNM was sold false promises upon his arrival. Being greeted by a brummie in a suit smiling like a Cheshire cat. He was likely told, "we will raise your profile and secure you a good future move". In order to accelerate HNM's development. HNM is now approaching the end of his 4 year contract and is expecting the interest to intensify for his signature (so far nothing...). However, the sad truth, is that HNM hasn't hit the heights he was expected to. Even 3 years into his time here, I don't think he would be in many people's strongest starting 11. He has undoubted potential, but as I have mentioned previously, we haven't seen enough of the 'Preston - Away' or 'Millwall - Home' performances. He was unplayable in both of those games. But those performances have been few and far between. The rumours upon him signing, was that he was being lined up for a future move to Chelsea/Arsenal. And whilst those rumours proved to be false, he was then linked to the likes of Leicester, Nice and Watford, which again came to nothing. And more recently being linked to Diddly Squat FC. If I were HNM's representative, I would encourage him to look at signing a new 2/3 year deal, he would only be 23/24 at the end of that contract. His development would continue to progress in a team where he could compete for regular game time, and would likely be approaching over 200 competitive games at that age. If he then wanted to move on, he would be in a much stronger position that he is currently.

There was certainly a couple of nods to previous regimes regarding overloading the squad, and LJ's pathway comments. Nige is fully aware of what needs/has been addressed during his tenure. I have full faith that at the end of Nige's time here, he will be remembered for what a great job he has done. He has had everything against him, and continues to put the clubs long term stability at the front of his mind. Am I correct in thinking that the only two players he has paid a fee for are Atkinson and Tanner? If so, that's a testament to the work he has done so far, especially considering that the squad now looks the strongest it has been for some time.

What impresses me with Pearson is that there is no moaning or need to make excuses. He works with what he has, and is fully commited to steadying the club in all aspects. No Kalas and Semenyo would be a big loss to some managers, but Nige is completely relaxed about the situation. Previous regimes would be quick to get the excuse book out and list all the things not in their favour. But Nige just keeps working and finding solutions to problems.

There was a brief but special mention for Dylan Kadji towards the end when discussing loans. Keep an eye on the lad this season. Nige is a big fan.