AshtonRobin21

Seb Palmer-Houlden and Josh Owers.

The new robins uncut is a good watch. One of the best bits of business Nige has done is the decision to bring in Curtis Flemming. What a motivator. Passion in every word, and a really likeable guy too. A real good group of coaches, who seem aligned in their methods. Great to see the section where Andy King was discussing ideas with one of the coaches, shows his wealth of knowledge. There's a different energy surrounding this season, and it's a much more positive one.

Pearson's comments clarify what I posted the other day. City are doing everything in the right manner. I think what we will see occur is the club stand by Baker, very much like Tottenham did with Ryan Mason. I believe city will look to keep Baker close to the club, and possibly even on the payroll in some capacity. Club ambassador type role could be a possibility. Pearson's comments suggested that we are unlikely to see him this year, and I believe his contract is up at the end of the season. So I get the impression that we will continue to look after him in whatever way possible.

Wonder if a return to Plymouth may be viable. Their current manager was assistant to Lowe during Bakinson's previous loan there. He was impressive and they were keen for him to return previously.

Would be a perfect loan for either Conway or Bell. I'd like one to remain to challenge this season. But could be great for their development to test themselves in League 1.

That's a great kit to be fair. Subtle, keeps a similar tradition to the clubs previous kits. Mason Bennett seems to be a big fan of the new kit...

It's a huge topic within the game, and a sensitive one of that. The club has been a credit to themselves for the way they have conducted this process. They have allowed Baker to recover, whilst also protecting his privacy. The focus has always been on his health first and foremost. When we look back on this in a few years time, the club will be recognized for having led the way for following the updated protocol. An announcement will come when the time is right, and whatever the decision will be, everyone should be wishing Bakes well.

It's a lazy opinion from Hendrie, but at the same time I understand why. To a lot of people outside of the club looking in, they have seen us on a decline over the past few seasons and our financial situation has been made public. However, that does not paint the full picture, as many of us fans know. Nige is slowly building something here, and this summer is a real turning point for us as a club. The true fans understand the journey we are on, and excitement is finally starting to build. Very few pundits/fans of other clubs, have taken the time to take a deeper look into us as a club. They see the headline, and decide not to look at the layers beneath. I think Lee Hendrie, and many other pundits will be shocked to see where we finish this season.

Liverpool, Barcelona and Dortmund all rumoured to be interested in him.

Indoor training pitch. We don't have one at the Robins HPC. City and Bears use both areas of the site regularly.

A move works for all parties, but for me this will always be a 'what if' signing. His link up with Afobe and Weimann looked to suit his style. But there were too many gaps in other areas of his game. Showed moments of brilliance, such as the Northampton cup game, where he seemed to control the tempo of the match. Wish him well, and I think Coventry is a great move for him. Just one of those deals that didn't work out. The main thing for us, is that we are now turning a corner and no longer offering these ridiculous wages. Nige will build a squad based on equal pay.

For me, the ball possession drill highlighted strengths and weaknesses of certain players. As you mentioned, Naismith talking throughout is a big boost. Vyner doesn't look comfortable with the ball in comparison to others. I don't mean to single him out, but his passing is a lot slower compared to others. General fitness levels seem sharp. The likes of Sam Bell, Matty James and Taylor Moore looked impressive during the running. Great viewing watching Matty James next to Chris Martin during the running drill. Side note: Nige's message to the squad included a welcome to new players and staff. Possibly a nod to Andy King, but are there any more staff arrivals anyone has heard of?

Robins uncut has been released on YouTube. Andy King features regularly, so I would expect an announcement on his new deal soon. No sign of Cundy, and I also didn't see Kalas during the actual training (albeit he was pictured arriving at HPC), perhaps he is still being monitored post-injury. I can only judge on a few minutes worth of content, but Sam Bell looks determined to force his way into the squad regularly this season.

Didn't the press reports say that Palmer was due for a medical in the week (last week)? From the looks of it, he's still on holiday. I would hope for some movement during this upcoming week. Teams are starting to return for pre-season training, Swansea are already back for instance. You would assume that Coventry would like him there for Day 1. Can't help but feel that this deal is one of the most important bits of business we could conduct this summer (from an outgoing perspective).

Likely waiting on international clearance/work permit confirmation.

Louis Carey any part in the link? Potentially pointing Tins in their direction.

Possible loan to a top end League 1 club, challenging for promotion. Plus, the chairman is Irish and will likely be aware of O'Leary from international duty.

O'Leary to Peterborough? They are set to announce 2 new keepers tomorrow reportedly.

I think the players may have been grouped, into groups of 11 of 12. But not 100% sure on that. Group 1 (see Kane Wilson signing video) contained many of the younger players within the squad + Klose. Players such as Bell, Idehen included. Group 2 I would assume would contain the more experienced members of the squad, bar a couple of exceptions. Semenyo, Weimann and no Max (called up late to Ireland) are obvious exceptions due to international commitments, with Semenyo also suffering an injury. Naismith and Sykes are likely to have completed the tests upon signing. Sykes signing video showed him being put through his paces. Joe Williams may have a separate fitness plan in order to continue to carefully monitor his recovery. Kalas possibly in this bracket also. The likes of King and Cundy wouldn't be expected back unless contracts are sorted, and I would assume that Baker would continue to be missing due to medical reasons. Plus Palmer still being away. That's a total of 11 players potentially absent. It's also worth noting that this isn't the 'offical' start of pre-season. It's a case of hit the target scores and enjoy more time off, or you are back in for training immediately. The press reports suggest that all parties are confident the Palmer deal gets done, so perhaps we are relaxed enough to tell him he isn't required for fitness testing.

My opinion is similar. I didn't word my post very well the other night (RE: flying back from holiday), but the point I was trying to make was that I would expect KP would be keen to get a transfer done ASAP in order to get his career going again. There's no doubt he has ability, but fitting him in a system is very difficult for any team. FWIW, I hope the deal works out for him. I was extremely excited when he initially signed on loan, and he has shown sparkles of brilliance (the Northampton cup game he was unplayable).

I love the player Semenyo has become, he has be one a focal point of our attack, and has all the attributes required to play at the highest standard. But £20m is likely to be peak value for him. He has 2 years (1yr + 1yr option) left on his deal. If he stays and has a brilliant season, it's likely we will still only be in a position to demand £20m next summer due to his contract situation. Unfortunately, if someone is willing to pay the £20m this summer, it will be hard for the club to refuse.

Don't like to compare players often, but you look at the difference in mindset between Palmer and Kane Wilson. Wilson flies back early to complete the deal and take part in fitness testing, before returning to his family holiday. Whereas Palmer, who hasn't played football for most of the season, has a team waiting for him to sign, and is in no rush to return to complete the deal that could get his career back on track. It might sound harsh, and Coventry are obviously willing to wait for him to return, but I would have expected him to be keen to rush this deal through.

I took inspiration from all the people that I saw get Forest at large odds last season. If our attackers can repeat last season's form, and with a stronger defence, we should be in a good place this year.

I got 15-2 for us to have a top 6 finish. Plus 20-1 promotion (we can hope). Also got Cardiff to be relegated at 17-2. I don't think their squad has enough goals, and they have released key figures in midfield and defence.

Without naming who, is the interview something we should all have a keen interest in?