MarcusX

It’s felt like several times weve had a chance to break we’ve stopped and passed it backwards to the defence though, killing any chance of a counter. Its definitely there to be won at the moment, and we would deserve it.

Not sure how I feel about the first half. Firstly, if I Take it for what it is - 23rd in the form table against a promotion chasing team with 5 wins in a row - then you have to give credit it’s going better than many of us expected. It’s not a bad performance and it’s what many of us wanted to see: work rate and effort is definitely there. Defensively strong, fairly good shape and largely nullifying Ipswich. They’ve had a bit of luck on the wings, but tbh Max has probably been troubled more by our own defence’s couple of poor back passes than by them. Now to be negative. It’s an absolute snore fest - from both teams. On the ball, we’re doing nothing. Pass pass pass lose it. Our front three have worked a couple of balls into the box (and pounced on a mistake at the end there) but nothing really of note. I’ve seen Ipswich twice now, and I hesitate saying this at HT, but there’s nothing special about them. They’re well organised, dogged and combatitive, but there’s no “flair” or excitement about them. They’d have a lot to do to avoid being next years Sheff Utd.

Interestingly Jason knight says the team are travelling “full of confidence”

“An exciting team” sorry what?

Niggle or knock yes, injury no. after listening I’m assuming he means a knock

Yup and I’ve hated Chelsea Dagger ever since

Absolutely not. There's no guarentee it would fix anything, and it would be very embarrasing

Maybe reach out to Tinnion or the SLO on twitter (Matt?) both have helped me in the past, they may be able to do something for you

Why is Lewis Capaldi a "gob shite"? Seems one of the most genuine people in the business. Anyway back on subject... Not expecting anything tonight, don't know why I'm bothering to go but it's just my thing, I don't get many opportunities so I go to any game I reasonably can. I just want to see something different to Saturday. Something to suggest that Manning has taken stock of what's not working and at least attempted to change it - and I want to see a reaction from the players. I don't actualy blame any of them for what's happening yet, I haven't seen any downing of tools as such, but I want to see them running through walls tonight.

I guess the question is, would you take being competitive and successful almost every other year in the championship if it meant almost definitely being whipping boys at least once in the Prem? Yes they are shite this year, but no doubt both will be in the top 6 next season with parachute payments. There's obviously a chance you can give it a good go like Luton, and even the almost miraculous that was Brighton / Brentford and pushing on further.

I assume you mean for Arsenal rather than Sheff U

Ah yes, you're absolutely right. JL reportedly said he didn't know when the accounts were out and they were released a day or two later. OK, a clear opportunity for better comms that was completely fumbled, or worse a lie to avoid any tricky questions in person about the accounts.

I think we will see something different to the last three games, but it won't be through choice. Ipswich will dominate possession and we'll have to press and play on the counter. Arguably we're better at that, but it won't be by design. FWIW as an overall Pearson fan, I was questioning him that Xmas/New Year and wasn't sure he could turn it around - but he did. I'm not calling for Manning's head yet, I'd love to see him turn it around. I'd actually love to watch a City side play "manning ball" possession and dominate teams and be successful if he can do it. I haven't seen any evidence he can actually turn it around though, or provide a plan b or c through design as opposed to just coming up against better teams who stop us playing.

Which grass roots we talking about though? 12:30 on Saturday meant I could watch most of the game before going to my game. 12:30 on Sunday does arguably screw me over, I'm playing for a mates team in Bristol sunday morning, but with a 10:45 KO I wont finish til 12:30 so can't make it - but if I was just a Saturday player I'd have been able to watch both games due to these changes.

I suppose the counter argument is what comms are we expecting? Vote of confidence? Admission that it's not going well but everyones working hard to fix it? I don't think they could actually come out and tell us anything we don't already know - or that couldn't be twisted / misintepreted. I agree comms is crap, but sometimes I wonder what can actually be said. I know there were other things mentioned such as under 21s games etc. and from what I've read on here that hasn't got better.

No chance, there’s only 2 places up for grabs and 1 of those were 9 points clear of (10 with GD). There’s worse teams than us, we aren’t at risk IMO.

Agreed. They had something that doesn’t really happen in football, despite us being mid table and a bit hit and miss, almost everyone was together and supporting the team and the club and as you say pulling in the right direction. There was a poll wasn’t there about sacking NP or renewing his contract or something and it was over 90% in support of him. Thats unheard of for a club that wasn’t really “successful”. That was only a couple of weeks before the sacking. They ruined all of that hard work and that’s what I’m most bitter about.

Unfortunately I’ve now got to get up and play, and yet I’d quite easily sleep right now

Yea tbf as I posted that I thought perhaps it was a little harsh on Knight

So a month then?

Sykes absolutely bullied by Ng there put so much effort into that shoulder barge and sent himself flying. Agree with the little risk taking, a few times Williams has received the ball and could have turned but has given it back. We’re crying out for someone who can carry the ball

This, tbh. Atmosphere sounds poor too but could just be the way it’s carrying on TV. Can hear Cardiff occasionally but not a lot for a derby.

He’s not got anything right yet

He must be injured?

Why on earth would any City cheer if he scores