AshtonRobin21

Bakinson had a years option in his contract. We activated it when he was in the team (around the time of the Stoke home game, where he scored the winner). He then left for Ipswich on loan, and they have an option to buy.

6-0 now

If ever there was an advert for why parachute payments are making the league non-competitive. This is supposed to be a match between league champions and play-off contenders. The sad thing is that once Fulham are inevitably relegated from the Prem once again next season, the standard of their squad is to increase once again. Norwich will be the same next season.

It may not be clear at all times, but Pearson is getting this team to play some good football, and we look a more solid unit. The front 3 are a product of evidence of what Nige has contributed in his time here. Consistency with selection has been a positive factor, allowing each individual to understand eachothers strengths. Today's first goal is a reflection of that. Semenyo, Martin and Weimann all played a part in the goal. Year 1 complete, now time for the next stage of progression to begin. I'm really looking forward to the summer. We will operate within limited resources, but I have faith that Nige already has targets in mind. Up the City!!!

Has he replicated his previous performances since that incident? I would argue no. FWIW, I do like Pring, he's done well this season, and has adjusted well to a new position. But we must remember that he is now 24 years old. Some parts of our fanbase seem to treat him in the same bracket as Scott & Benarous who are only 18. To some aspect, he is fast approaching the mid-way point of his career, much like Vyner, who fans judge appropriately.

Been a positive this season, but only in phases. I feel like Preston away marked his card with Pearson. It's easy to forget that he is now 24 years old. He has shown inexperience on occasions. But has adjusted well to his new position. Would certainly be disappointed to see him depart, if it came to that.

Can't help but feel that Preston away was a turning point for him. Showed inexperience to not run to the corner flag, but at 24 years old, I can't imagine Pearson being too impressed with his decision making. Plus costing us the win. I think he's done well in phases this season, considering he has been playing in a new position for large parts.

Looked to be battling through a slight knock towards the end of the game as well. Didn't look too comfortable when running. Looked like if Chris Martin stepped on a pin. Everything to like about him as a defender. A bit of fine tuning and I feel he could end up being a top end championship player. He is very similar to Rob Dickie (QPR) who gets rave reviews.

Very enjoyable second half. Considering the prize Sheffield United are playing for, I thought we put up a fantastic fight in the second half. A clear game plan in mind, that we followed very well. Defensively I felt that we looked very good, other than the goal. Positive signs.

Proper love story between the Sky commentators and Sheffield United. You would think Gibbs-White has just scored from 45 yards out with how they described that.

10th assist of the season for Semenyo. That's a fantastic return considering he's missed a large amount of games. Talent.

Bentley looks like he's had 15 coffees before the game. Decision making is all over the place. Massengo has done well on a couple of occasions to break up play. Klose, Atkinson and Cundy have done well. Get the basics done and clear the danger. James looks like he's overhitting everything. Semenyo looks like he could be the one to create something, and if nothing else, both Basham and Egan are on yellows so get at them and try force a red. Keith Stroud is consistent as ever with his performance. Overall, it just looks like an end of the season performance.

I'm feeling rather confident that we will get at least another season out of Alex Scott and Semenyo. Massengo will likely move on in the summer. Out of the 3 youngsters, I would be most open to HNM leaving. I don't want to criticize Massengo, but I feel that the level of performances we have seen from Scott this season, is what we have been waiting for Massengo to produce since he arrived. Scott's ability to influence a game is incredible for his age. He has so much talent when in possession of the ball, but it's also his willingness to put his foot in to a challenge that I enjoy. Semenyo will be monitored by clubs this summer, but I can't see anyone matching our asking price just yet as he is still raw. He has aspects of his game that can still improve, and that may be what allows us to keep hold of him for at least one more year.

His performances have been good enough to earn a new contract. Plus, Nige will see the bigger picture of what Klose can offer to the squad with his experience. In particular the likes of Atkinson and Cundy, who look much more assured when playing alongside him. I would still expect 1/2 new centre backs to arrive in the summer. 2 being if Kalas should depart.

Surely it would be Ade Akinbayi. Not quite the same in stature, but something tells me Paul Hartley would enjoy a scrap.

Lovely 3 points. Even better with a clean sheet.

Much better play from Semenyo in the build up to the goal. Took 2/3 of their players out of the game and then able to find Dasilva out wide. Wonderful cross-shot

Not bad strength in depth for Stoke when you can bring on Sawyers and Maja.

I wouldn't actively go looking to quote LJ, but on this occasion, Semenyos first half performance reminded me of the comments made about Kodjia. LJ pointed out that Kodjias lack of time spent in Academy football meant his footballing IQ wasn't where it should be. Semenyo's first half performance seemed to replicate that for me. He has undoubted talent and I do believe he will go on to play in the Prem. But his awareness to what is going on around him needs to improve. A bit of composure during that chance in the first half and it goes in, but instead he's decided to hit it as hard as possible.

I'm assuming today's game plan is to try and bypass the midfield every time we get the ball.

Adam El-Abd

Apparently his team talk is him telling each player to take a long hard look at the man in the mirror.

I think this is a good opportunity for the club to 'trade smart' to us an LJ term. Kalas can be seen as a source of income, which can easily be replaced with free agents this window. There's no doubt in my mind that we already need one new centre back as a minimum. If we were to sell Kalas then that would be 2+ required. As previously mentioned, Raggett is a like for like replacement. This would leave the club in a healthier position with reduced wages and a transfer fee of around £2m.

FWIW, I do like Kalas, but I feel we simply haven't seen anywhere near the performances we should have for the money we paid for him. He is one of our highest earners, at a time where our finances our stretched. Many factors may be responsible for why we haven't seen the same version of Kalas since his loan season. The main factor being that in his first year (loan), he was playing alongside Webster. And has since played alongside multiple 33+ year olds whose careers are on the decline. I do however feel that if a suitable offer for Kalas should arrive, then we should accept. There are more than enough centre backs becoming available as free agents this summer. Sean Raggett (Portsmouth) would be a like-for-like replacement, who would cost a fraction of the wages. Huddersfield are an example of where free agent centre backs could get you, both Matty Pearson (former Luton) and Tom Lees (former Sheff Weds) arrived for them in the summer and formed a strong partnership alongside the loan signing of Colwill (Chelsea). A not so popular suggestion, if looking for an experienced centre back who can still operate at this level for 2/3 years would be Sean Morrison (Cardiff). Now granted he has had a horrible time this season, with both form and injuries being a problem, but he has operated at the highest level of the division for a number of years and could offer leadership qualities that our defence is severely lacking. The arrivals of Raggett and Morrison could shake up the back line and offer much needed grit. Both have been club captains in the past. And both could arrive without costing a fee.

Through injuries he has been pushed up the pecking order. However, in a fully fit squad Cundy would be a squad player at most. I don't mean for that to sound disrespectful, as he has shown consistency in his performances, but we must strive for better if we are to improve. He could be useful as an extra defender to be used to see out games (if we ever figure out how to do this).