HappyClapper

I’ve been feeling pretty positive about tonight. That was until I read this thread.

Now the gnawing doubt and fear has returned. Thanks OTIB. 

12 hours ago, Davefevs said:

I’m caught between two stools here, that a) we were in an inflationary market b) Chelsea upped the price a bit because we got Dasilva relatively cheaply.

He has still been pretty good for us overall, but 2019’s prices look bad in today’s market...and that’s what makes the decision difficult, on both sides, Tomas and the club.

Part of me wants him to stay, part of me thinks we could do good things with the money he’d generate.  Over to you Nige, Richard and Tomas.

12 hours ago, IAmNick said:

£4-5m would be very tempting if offered, especially with his contract situation if Pearson can't convince him to extend on a reduced deal.

That said I'm currently looking at it in terms of windows - who (or where) do we need to replace in the first, second, third, and so on. I don't think Kalas is someone who needs to be replaced this summer, he's more than good enough quality wise for us. I guess then it comes down to quality vs cost, which is where the reduced deal comes in.

I get we need to improve at the back but don't think we need to throw the baby out with the bathwater, and if we're replacing Bentley too then I'm not sure an almost entirely new back 4 is the way to go.

He's provably good enough for the top of the Championship - what is it, two promotions and a play off final loss? We don't have too many we can say that about! He's a great age for a CB and could well improve. Hold and build around him would probably be my choice.

Agree with much of this and am torn between keeping and trying to generate funds.

My feeling is that at least one of our saleable assets will be gone this summer together with Wells and Palmer (hopefully - value for every £)

In terms of the rebuild and 3 year plan I would prefer to keep Massengo, Scott and Semenyo, although I’m getting slightly anxious that we haven’t got Massengo to sign a new contract. I’m guessing his agent might be out there testing the market. We won’t let contracts run down so he will be off in the summer in that case. Must be attracting attention from much higher up considering his pedigree.

I also think we should renew Semenyo on better terms and look to do the same with Scott next season.

In an ideal world I would like to keep Kalas and especially the younger players, but it is not hard to see a set of circumstances where at least one of them is off. 
Although unfortunate, this might accelerate the rebuild but we are relying on recruitment being on point if this is going to take us forwards.

6 minutes ago, Redtucks said:

My nan is dead so is anyone else's nan available?

 

My Nan is unfortunately no longer with us. My son’s Nan however is available. She’s just had a replacement knee so won’t be out on the training pitch for a while.

As for style of play. I quote “ I don’t mind watching the football (as opposed to Place in the Sun/The Chase). As long as they don’t try that tippy tappy rubbish “.

In the running?

Just now, The Original OTIB said:

Which sage stated thus?

Was it the great Ian Gay?

2 hours ago, brad blit said:

I decided to wait till overnight before replying, as everyone is guilty of saying things whilst being frustrated.

Result yesterday was disappointing with so many poor performances across the board, but I was expecting a hard game against a team with direct yet unique style suited to their ground/weather conditions. We can’t expect young players to play well every game and it’s part of their learning at this level. 

I do think 9 games conceding at least 2 goals is concerning and needs addressing, I’m sure Pearson will eventually want to go 433/4312 so let’s start now and give the players chance to learn new formation ahead of next year. 
 

                      Bents/O’Leary

Vyner       Kalas.          Klose.    JD/Pring 

          Scott.     Williams.     HNM

                          Weimann 

                Martin.         Semenyo 

One final note and I think the most important of all, is that we all knew this would be a difficult year for the club, full of ups but probably more downs, whilst blooding youngsters into the team and staying in the division which I believe we will achieve. The majority on here can see the performances have improved over the last month or so (there had been glimpses before too in odd games) and that’s important going forward as it will give players confidence to look forward to next year, hopefully stay (like HNM).

Sometimes we are own believers in thinking we should be doing better in this league or higher up, but we have to be realistic in knowing there are bigger clubs with more resources than us, and we are one of 10-16 clubs who could be looking up or down, it just takes one run of results either way. Don’t let one bad result/performance doubt what I believe will still be a season achieving our basic goals, and probably a little more……

Totally agree bb. Made a similar point on the Cundy thread. Time to go to the preferred formation. Those players who are going to be here next season can learn to play it effectively. Realise we are light at fb but will need to play with Vyner/Tanner and Pring/DaSilva injuries permitting.

FWIW I think we should revert to a back 4. Nige is on record saying he doesn’t really like a back 3/5. And whilst I understand why he made the switch, it isn’t working.

Despite what some posters believe our position in the championship and Nigel’s as manager are safe. Perhaps it’s time to experiment with 433, if that is going to be our preferred system going forward. Gives certain members of the current squad the opportunity to play themselves into (or out of!) contention for next season.

How’s Simpson doing? Good prospect?

3 hours ago, weepywall said:

I think they were a couple of strippers from a strip club called Vickys....so I've been told, I wouldn't know !!

I cannot confirm or deny that I was taken to Vicky’s as a young man. I’m waiting for Sue Gray to tell me if I was there.

1 minute ago, Ska Junkie said:

Don't forget we could well start next season on -9.

How??

He hasn’t put a foot wrong on or off the pitch. Early days but I like what I’ve seen so far.

4 minutes ago, Monkeh said:

Isn't it for uefa to handle the international clearance

UEFA are based in Switzerland!!

We look so good.

Alex Scott…wow.

5 minutes ago, Denbury Red said:

In which case we need to agree a new one soon - I know we can exercise the option but agreeing a two/three year deal would seem a worthwhile risk!  

We should also up his wages to reflect his status. Trying to keep him here on the cheap is a recipe that builds resentment. Nige has talked about trying to get some degree of the wage parity. Makes complete sense to me if you are trying to build team spirit and a cohesive squad.

1 hour ago, Silvio Dante said:

We always have the tunnel camera footage after a win, but I think Joe Williams has taken it to a new level:

 

I can’t wait until he’s properly fit and back in the team.  We’ve missed having someone like him for years.

12 minutes ago, Street red said:

People say there isn't a Pearson effect but for me there is today semenyo looked class but he had something about when he was on loan at Newport but Pearson gives the players confidence and semenyos stepped up a gear those with the talent will shine under his guidance just like Scott and the other younger players they will only get better.

Semenyo’s goals today were outstanding. I’m sure he must be being watched/tracked by a number of clubs high up the food chain. Pace, power, strength and technique. Unplayable at times. If he can gain some consistency we are looking at a prem club offering £ 15/20M +.

Just now, Curr Avon said:

No fans phone in on RB tonight due to the rugby. And I was going to be nice too. Never mind.

In short, well done to the fans, you were superb.

Congratulations to Semenyo on 2 fantastic goals.

Lets sort out those defensive frailties, please,

Shame. I was looking forward to Ian Gay’s take.

Tough one to take today, but a much more important game next week.

Just now, Marina's Rolls Royce said:

It's official- we are slightly less crap than Reading

And Blackburn!

I know it sounds stupid, but quite enjoying the game. If I squint a bit I can’t make out the score.

This will be a big wake up call for some of our players about what it takes. Good learning opportunity for the younger ones. We will see what we’re made of v Cardiff next week.

Next goal wins?

Looking forward to Hampshire reds thread later.

Wow. Breakthrough moment. Best 30 mins of his career so far.

2 minutes ago, Better Red said:

                            Max

Scott      Vyner           Kalas.       Pring

                    King         James

                         Massengo 

Weiman.           Martin.         Seymenyo

I think he may go 4 at the back to accommodate  playing Scott and 3 Up top

I would prefer Wells to play instead of Martin so we are more quick to transition from defence (Fulham will have a lot of the ball).

Means Bench has Atkinson, Wells, COD and JD who could all have been in the starting line and don’t weaken the team to much if/when they are brought on.

Bench Also shows that our squad when all fit looks pretty good. Add Williams, Tanner and Baker (if fit), Bentley shows that we really only need to add 1 or 2 max in the window.

No Bakinson?? 

59 minutes ago, Davefevs said:

 

Not a great deal of sympathy from twitter. 

Marcus Browning and Marcus Stewart. Both Hartcliffe school boys. Unfortunately both picked up by rovers at an early age as our youth system at the time was poor.

40 minutes ago, Davefevs said:

Yet the all-knowing Ian Gay, critical of his selection on Saturday, was a big advocate of him playing last season?  He’s 6’2” and likes a tackle.  So why was he happy last season to select a less experienced, less physically developed player but not now?

Is this a quiz?

My answer is because Ian Gay is a bit of a *#*#!