Leveller

Free pass? He’s been taken to court, prosecuted and pleaded guilty, leading to fine & costs of £260, plus a ban by the club and attending a course to get that reduced. Now has a criminal record. Not exactly free. Seems commensurate.

I’m sure there’ll always be a place for him at Eastenders.

I think you’ve got our demographic wrong there! I’m pretty sure 75% of those sitting near me were born before 1974.

72-0 with a Duckett half century already. Fun to watch. will it last though?

Because, arguably, at this point we are nowhere near ready to cope with the PL and are unlikely to reach that point in one close season. Getting close this season and getting automatic next season might be better. That’s all.

Not such a strange post, since you’ve virtually replicated my OP thoughts.

Yet there have been plenty of posts in the past from fans who don’t want to play in the Prem. At all. Let alone too early.

I don't think the rules allow that by May 2024.

So, at this moment, where do you actually WANT us to finish this season? The recent performances and wins have prompted renewed debates about whether we could, even now, scrape into the playoffs. There’s clearly an assumption this is desirable. But what do you actually want? As far as I remember, before the season I predicted we’d be in the middle third (ie 9th to 16th) with the hope that we’d be in the top half of that (ie 9th to 12th). As it stands, we’re on course for that. What are the possible outcomes from here? I’d suggest – 1 – have a great run in, make the playoffs, and by some miracle, win them and get promoted 2 – as 1 but disappoint in the playoffs and carry on in the Championship next year 3 – carry on with the current good form, but fall a bit short in 7th or 8th 4 – continue fairly well and end up 9th to 12th (top half finish) 5 – return to inconsistency (or worse) and end up back in the bottom half I’ll assume no City fan actually wants option 5. What about the others? For me:- 1 – much as I want to reach the top flight, I’m not sure I’d actually want it this season. If we went up now, would we crash and burn more spectacularly than any team has before? It’s possible. But no doubt some will argue that we might do a Brentford, or at least start a beneficial yo-yo era. 2 – making the playoffs but failing could be the worst disappointment of all! It’s the hope that kills you. To get to 6th would require a fantastic run. To lose the playoff matches then would really hurt. 3 – might be the best result. 7th would represent a great improvement on last season and on the early part of this. It wouldn’t be a disappointment unless we reached 6th then fell back again. It ought to provide great platform for next season. 4 – like 3, but not quite as good. I wouldn’t be devastated if we achieved a top half finish and no better. 5 – God forbid. A return to inconsistency and finishing, say, 14th would be a real disappointment now. So – I hope we win every match I watch, but I’m not sure if I want the EPL yet, or defeat in the playoffs! What about you? PS – please don’t take my views TOO seriously. By the time you read them, I will have changed my mind.

I had family visitors with me - Arsenal fans- and they remarked how brilliant the pitch was, considering rugby is played on it.

Why is the season over?? A third of the season is left, we are three points off 10th, four points off 7th and six points off sixth. We have been very inconsistent but our good games have been fine. With fifteen games left, a reasonable run of good performances would easily see your expectations achieved.

Only if they actually come to games.

Welcome back!

From the reactions, presumably nobody can see any similarities!

Reminds me of Akinbiye. That would do nicely, if true. Big, strong, fast.

Why are you so sure he’d sign for us in the summer when he’s a free agent?

It always amuses me that City fans use the “dirty Leeds” tag, referring back to the Revie era. We, of course, signed three of their hardest - Hunter, Cooper and Jordan - who rapidly became good guys and fan favourites!

Yet when the news emerged that Manchester United were signing him, the reaction was universal disbelief and laughter. We thought they’d signed the wrong chap. So clearly, despite his obvious flair, he didn’t do that well for us overall.

Not at all. I get proper chips at the Willow Garden. Haven’t come across any edible chips at the stadium yet!

Interesting - personally I find the Forest one very dated. I’m sure it was a leader when it was new, but it shouts 1970s to me. And I’m an OAP.

With Somerset resident Val Singleton, of course.

No - they know each other but aren’t related.

I think that sums it up.Theyre saying he’s been offered a one year extension on reduced money.

Strange goings on at Sunlun who’ve just announced that Pritchard wants to leave and is refusing to play. Fans are split between those who think he’s in the right and those who think this is hugely unprofessional.

Not sure he touched him.