TommyD68

Kept us in the game with some fantastic saves! The goal certainly wasn’t his fault either, good forward play by Bowen and understandably didn’t want to bring him down and give away an early penalty. I’ve always liked Max but I think we’re really starting to see the best version of him, his reflexes are great.

I do agree, but I guess you could use that argument for Knight as well who has been performing very well without it. I guess Vyner more of a vocal leader and maybe doesn’t need the armband. Anyway pleased for Knight had a great season so far. COYR!

Knight captain over Vyner is an interesting call, not sure I agree with that one

Dickie has been a very very good signing! Not sure why QPR let him go and why their fans seemed so unbothered at the fact he was leaving. Him and Vyner at the back looks like it could be a great pairing for years to come provided they’re not snapped up by another club. I’d still have Vyner as number one on the team sheet for me though, his leadership and athleticism is key. Having Dickie, Vyner and Atkinson fit for the remainder of the season could determine where we finish I think.

There’s always one. Max is more than capable of being City number 1 and that’s not just based on today’s performance. I think his regular inclusion in the ROI squad speaks volumes, even if he is there as a backup gk he wouldn’t get a look in if he wasn’t championship level.

I think he gets a lot of unfair stick, he’s more of an old fashioned right back and plays to his strengths. He may have had a few off games this season but I’m a fan of his and love his attitude. He’s young and will only improve, I think I remember Nige saying he was essentially chucked in because they had no choice due to injuries and learnt the hard way through making mistakes in champ games opposed to u21 games. Kept one of the best wingers in the league quite, good work George!

No idea what Williams brings to the team apart from yellow cards..

Tbf reflecting on this I think we have a number of players who could move onto another club and comfortably play in a team pushing for top 6. Such as Knight, Vyner, Dickie, James and Sykes. Outside of those players I’m struggling to name anyone who would improve most squads. I would have said Conway but on current form he is struggling a little.. I still think there’s a great player in there though.

Much closer to a relegation standard of squad rather than play offs

Billy Sharp available for free in Jan.. whilst I don’t see him as a permanent solution by any means, especially given his age. Could someone like him be really good to have around the squad? I’m sure the younger lads would learn a thing or two, and I think he’d still be capable of chipping in with an odd goal here and there. Like others have said rarely do you find the perfect signing in January that hits the ground running, that will be more of a summer transfer window objective I imagine. Maybe a short term deal for someone who knows the division might be the way to go for the time being

Whilst I didn’t necessarily agree with the sacking of Pearson and timing of it, I struggled to see us progressing any further than mid table under him. I think the majority of fans will be underwhelmed by the appointment of Manning (if what we hear is true), I actually think it’s the most sensible appointment to make. Someone young who wants to prove and challenge himself in a new division, similar to when LJ was appointed.. a lot of questions were asked but arguably turned out to be the best appointment in years. If a bigger name was appointed, Lampard for example, he would either do very well and probably move on at the end of the year regardless, or be sacked for underachieving. An appointment such as Manning makes a lot more sense longer term in my opinion, especially considering he’s over achieving with a team who I imagine don’t have lots of money to spend.

I agree, I think all of them fit what it is they’re looking for. I’ve always liked Schumacher and what an incredible job he’s done at Plymouth. As soon as the news came through of NPs sacking I was shocked not to see him as a front runner.

I got sucked in and put £10 on when he was 7/1, half an hour later he was 2/1 whilst I think it would be good for publicity and putting city in the limelight a bit more with him being associated with the club, not sure he would be the right appointment footballing wise. He did very well at Derby but their squad was very strong and expected to finish top 6. Not sure how well he’d do without being able to spend. That being said if he does get the job I’m £80 richer so every cloud

Good choice imo.. young, hungry manager who will want to prove a point given how he left Birmingham. NP has built a great foundation for the new manager to build on, I still think the sacking was very unfair and a shame how things turned out, but this appointment would definitely soften the blow a little.

I really don’t know how to feel about this, have a huge amount of respect for Nige and what he managed to achieve in a very difficult situation. He did exactly what he was brought in to do, make the club stable again. I did always struggle to see us ever getting further than mid table with Nige though, that being said I doubt any other manager would have achieved more than he did with the limitations he had during his time here. I’d like to think the foundations are there now to build on for whoever comes in, the only ‘realistic’ name that excites me is Eustace. Based on what he achieved at Birmingham in a short space of time, and their fans clearly think the world of him. Rowett not entirely sure about, I think would be a snooze fest, Nathan Jones… the less said about that option the better Dean Smith is the less realistic candidate who I think would be great, but I imagine he might wait around for something else. Time will tell.. wish Nige all the best as I’m sure the majority do!

There’s always one isn’t there the fact is he’s a very good shot stopper, to put a spin on your own words, always has been and always will be it’s a great stat for Max, and I think the majority of fans are now starting to appreciate we’ve become a much better side with him in it.

Nice little stat for Max, one of the best shot stoppers in the league so far this season ??

We’ve not sold Vyner yet have we? ??

All step overs and no end product. Doesn’t really have that burst of pace that effective wingers have either. He looked promising in pre season though so hope I’m proven wrong!

A great shot stopper and has great anticipation. I actually don’t mind him trying these quick passes/throws that don’t always come off. I’d rather see that than have a keeper who slows everything down and rolls it to the CB every time. Without spending millions, which seems to be out the question anyway, we’d struggle to find a better keeper at this level in my opinion. I also think there are others areas on the pitch that are much more a priority in terms of recruitment, like others have said my only concern is the lack of experience if Max gets injured. But I have no issues with Max being our number 1 this season. I’m much more concerned about the lack of creativity at the other end of the pitch..

Even if he walks for a free at the end of the year, I don’t see this ever being an option. Currently the most consistent player in the squad by some distance and building a great partnership with Dickie, why hinder the teams chances. Look at Gundogan at Man City for example, even if he doesn’t sign and leaves at the end of the season, not everything has to end on bad terms. I think this is actually more on City not offering him the improved terms he deserves and doing it sooner. Anyway fingers crossed it gets resolved as he’s a rock and vital to the team progressing in my opinion!

Looks as though we have two very strong options at left back! like others have said would love to see him start against Millwall to see how he fairs against tougher opposition, not that Pring doesn’t deserve his spot.. But pre season friendlies and a cup game against Oxford maybe aren’t the best indicator. Very promising though thrilled for the lad!

Agree re Knight, however someone who has just come in and only played a couple games for the club I can’t say is the most important currently. Im talking about over the past few months going back to last season and leading into the new season. Vyner has been crucial to the turn around since last Christmas, I feel a lot (not all) don’t rate him as high as they should as they remember the shakey player from previous years. Completely different player nowadays and will do well to keep hold of him.

Now that Scott looks as though he is finally moving on, it’s time to start rating Vyner as our most important and consistent player. After last season and a very strong start to this season, as well as taking up one of the vice captain roles, he’s got to be number one on the team sheet. He is finally getting the praise he should, however If he was brought in as a new summer signing last year everyone would be absolutely raving about Zak even more than they are already. Crucial we get him to sign a new contract if we want to push on this season.

I was having a little think to myself last night and for the first time in a while I think the squad actually has multiple players for each position, making it quite hard to pick a starting 11! I also wonder if Weimann plays a bit better without the armband.. might be slightly harsh, but I wouldn’t mind seeing James captain next season and Vyner vice captain (provided he signs new deal). I think playing Scott and Weimann gives a bit of flexibility as they could both play either out wide or in the CAM role allowing them to interchange. Assuming Scott stays of course.. Which he might not, wishful thinking putting him in I think ? That team would leave players like Wells, Mccorie, Roberts, Atkinson, Benarous, Cornick, Mehmeti, Williams etc all fighting it out to make the bench. Shaping up nicely!