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Two New Signings in January


Port Said Red

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At least that's what it will feel like when Rob A and McCrorie are available. 

I think that they will give Manning to play a 3 - 5 - 2 with a more expansive right wing back and Dickie playing on his more natural right side. 

Whether there will be further additions is still to be seen, but the rumour mill is in full flow as usual.

Edited by Port Said Red
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I know McRorie came in as a rb and Tanner is coming under a lot of scrutiny. However, I’d be real tempted to try McRorie in midfield with Hickman and Knight.
 

We talk about Wells cameo and how he got us up the pitch. I also thought we were much better because Williams come on for James. It isn’t in possession that worries me. However out of possession and breaking up attacks I thought James really hurt us last night.
 

James and TGH are also way too similar to me. Neither is willing to really make runs into the area or down a channel. I know this isn’t a big role for CMs but you look at our crosses last night and many only have Conway to find. Knight was often out wide helping create the overload which is fine. 
 

I am not convinced going 352 will make us better. We now have 20 minutes of Wells in the new BCFC and it led to two goals, granted we were chasing those goals but it looked good. Especially with Sykes form and Mehmeti possibly turning the corner. Also, really enjoyed Bell’s cameo. We still need a couple of players for that front 3. We need to find that bit of magic like Sunderland have with Roberts and Clarke. Like Hull have with Delap and Philogene when fit. 

So yea, both their returns give us options and depth and versatility. Looking forward to it. Them coming back plus an early January signing could see us maintain this top 10 form. 

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19 minutes ago, Port Said Red said:

At least that's what it will feel like when Rob A and McCrorie are available. 

I think that they will give Manning to play a 3 - 5 - 2 with a more expansive right wing back and Dickie playing on his more natural right side. 

Whether there will be further additions is still to be seen, but the rumour mill is in full flow as usual.

Exciting!!!

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I can see Williams and James going in the summer so wouldn’t be surprised to see a midfielder come in to prepare for that.  I love James but the only way I can see him staying is if he agrees to a pay cut and a bit part role. Williams not good enough in possession.  A striker is a clear need but can we sign better than we have in January with low budget ?  Hard to see that. 

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3 minutes ago, And Its Smith said:

I can see Williams and James going in the summer so wouldn’t be surprised to see a midfielder come in to prepare for that.  I love James but the only way I can see him staying is if he agrees to a pay cut and a bit part role. Williams not good enough in possession.  A striker is a clear need but can we sign better than we have in January with low budget ?  Hard to see that. 

With limited budget I wonder what will happen. 
I like James, but I can see Manning wanting someone more mobile or dynamic , but would be handy to keep.
Williams can add that bite and dynamism and what would you pay for a similar player ? It's a balancing act , small increase on Williams decent wages or a couple of millions spent on a player you don't know . 
I would say it could be cost effective to keep him , specially if James isn't offered anything. 

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Issue for us has been the number of injuries.

You expect 2 or 3 to be missing but even excluding Benarous, we have often had 5 or 6 out.

We are by no means unique here this season in the Prem there have been more than ever.

Getting Atkinson back & McCrorie available certainly will be good news but we have to expect the excellent availability of those 15 players who have slogged through the first half of the season won’t necessarily be as good as it’s been so far.

To me we need another midfielder & a 10, defensively if those two return (& in time Roberts & Naismith too) then we have enough but the injury record of Kal in particular is really starting to concern me.

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10 minutes ago, And Its Smith said:

I can see Williams and James going in the summer so wouldn’t be surprised to see a midfielder come in to prepare for that.  I love James but the only way I can see him staying is if he agrees to a pay cut and a bit part role. Williams not good enough in possession.  A striker is a clear need but can we sign better than we have in January with low budget ?  Hard to see that. 

It wouldn't surprise me, I think James would probably prefer to get back to his home life these days. He looks quite a lonely figure sat outside Costa, Portishead on the eve of a match day. 

He does amaze me the way he uses his experience to save his legs and to stop more nimble midfield players out running him. I wish I had seen him more in his prime.

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29 minutes ago, JoeAman08 said:

I know McRorie came in as a rb and Tanner is coming under a lot of scrutiny. However, I’d be real tempted to try McRorie in midfield with Hickman and Knight.
 

We talk about Wells cameo and how he got us up the pitch. I also thought we were much better because Williams come on for James. It isn’t in possession that worries me. However out of possession and breaking up attacks I thought James really hurt us last night.
 

James and TGH are also way too similar to me. Neither is willing to really make runs into the area or down a channel. I know this isn’t a big role for CMs but you look at our crosses last night and many only have Conway to find. Knight was often out wide helping create the overload which is fine. 
 

I am not convinced going 352 will make us better. We now have 20 minutes of Wells in the new BCFC and it led to two goals, granted we were chasing those goals but it looked good. Especially with Sykes form and Mehmeti possibly turning the corner. Also, really enjoyed Bell’s cameo. We still need a couple of players for that front 3. We need to find that bit of magic like Sunderland have with Roberts and Clarke. Like Hull have with Delap and Philogene when fit. 

So yea, both their returns give us options and depth and versatility. Looking forward to it. Them coming back plus an early January signing could see us maintain this top 10 form. 

Big shout out to Williams who was exactly what we needed at the time.  He won the ball back and then kept it for us.  I know he wasn’t on long but was superb on his little cameo.

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34 minutes ago, JoeAman08 said:

I know McRorie came in as a rb and Tanner is coming under a lot of scrutiny. However, I’d be real tempted to try McRorie in midfield with Hickman and Knight.
 

We talk about Wells cameo and how he got us up the pitch. I also thought we were much better because Williams come on for James. It isn’t in possession that worries me. However out of possession and breaking up attacks I thought James really hurt us last night.
 

James and TGH are also way too similar to me. Neither is willing to really make runs into the area or down a channel. I know this isn’t a big role for CMs but you look at our crosses last night and many only have Conway to find. Knight was often out wide helping create the overload which is fine. 
 

I am not convinced going 352 will make us better. We now have 20 minutes of Wells in the new BCFC and it led to two goals, granted we were chasing those goals but it looked good. Especially with Sykes form and Mehmeti possibly turning the corner. Also, really enjoyed Bell’s cameo. We still need a couple of players for that front 3. We need to find that bit of magic like Sunderland have with Roberts and Clarke. Like Hull have with Delap and Philogene when fit. 

So yea, both their returns give us options and depth and versatility. Looking forward to it. Them coming back plus an early January signing could see us maintain this top 10 form. 

I agree  think james is ok to come on if we need to sure the game up  but hopefully mcCrorrie  is the answer .

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35 minutes ago, And Its Smith said:

I can see Williams and James going in the summer so wouldn’t be surprised to see a midfielder come in to prepare for that.  I love James but the only way I can see him staying is if he agrees to a pay cut and a bit part role. Williams not good enough in possession.  A striker is a clear need but can we sign better than we have in January with low budget ?  Hard to see that. 

I think we’ll keep James, has mentioned in interviews he wants to stay. Realistically James/King/Williams are all out of contract and nothing is confirmed around TGH signing. So will need some continuity and James is the perfect man for that imo 

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33 minutes ago, Port Said Red said:

It wouldn't surprise me, I think James would probably prefer to get back to his home life these days. He looks quite a lonely figure sat outside Costa, Portishead on the eve of a match day. 

He does amaze me the way he uses his experience to save his legs and to stop more nimble midfield players out running him. I wish I had seen him more in his prime.

Costa….ffs. I’ve lost some respect for him now. 
 

In all seriousness, I personally wouldn’t be surprised to see him stay. He’s actually comfortable with the ball at his feet which LM will want from anyone. Williams however, I’d be truly amazed to see kept on. 

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22 minutes ago, Shuffle said:

Big shout out to Williams who was exactly what we needed at the time.  He won the ball back and then kept it for us.  I know he wasn’t on long but was superb on his little cameo.

Williams is a class act when fully fit - it’s his temperament that can let him down on occasions.
 

 In my view he and James are very similar in style and they don’t complement each other too well and I was glad to see that TGH was in for Williams last night - that said,  it could have James on the bench instead of JW.

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2 hours ago, Port Said Red said:

At least that's what it will feel like when Rob A and McCrorie are available. 

I think that they will give Manning to play a 3 - 5 - 2 with a more expansive right wing back and Dickie playing on his more natural right side. 

Whether there will be further additions is still to be seen, but the rumour mill is in full flow as usual.

If poor Ayman’s rotten luck ever improves, he would also feel like a new signing. 

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2 hours ago, GrahamC said:

Issue for us has been the number of injuries.

You expect 2 or 3 to be missing but even excluding Benarous, we have often had 5 or 6 out.

We are by no means unique here this season in the Prem there have been more than ever.

Getting Atkinson back & McCrorie available certainly will be good news but we have to expect the excellent availability of those 15 players who have slogged through the first half of the season won’t necessarily be as good as it’s been so far.

To me we need another midfielder & a 10, defensively if those two return (& in time Roberts & Naismith too) then we have enough but the injury record of Kal in particular is really starting to concern me.

Sounds harsh but I would give Naismith one more injury , if he stays fit we keep as I think we are a better side wit him in it , problem is he doesn’t seem to bit fit much of late to be in it 

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1 hour ago, Southport Red said:

If poor Ayman’s rotten luck ever improves, he would also feel like a new signing. 

Based on the multiple times I have seen Ayman play I don’t get the expectation that he would command a place in the first team 

He’s had a nightmare time with injuries and the lad has talent but when he last played for the first team he was physically lacking 

I sincerely hope he makes a full recovery and gets back to playing but he’s yet to prove himself capable at this level 

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3 hours ago, Port Said Red said:

At least that's what it will feel like when Rob A and McCrorie are available. 

I think that they will give Manning to play a 3 - 5 - 2 with a more expansive right wing back and Dickie playing on his more natural right side. 

Whether there will be further additions is still to be seen, but the rumour mill is in full flow as usual.

Just need to get them up to speed and full match fitness which will take time though.

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For me Atkinson was the first name on the teamsheet before he got injured at Sunderland last season. With the addition of Dicky in the summer (who for me is fighting Knight for player if the season) and a on form Zac, we should have one of the best central defences in the division. 

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1 hour ago, redkev said:

Am I right in thinking Ayman is out for the season again 

My hunch is it’s probably worse than that.

He hasn’t played now since April 2022, since when he’s had 2 ACL injuries & subsequently two hamstring ones.

Next season is the last year of his contract, I think you would have to be a real optimist now to think he’s coming back from this.

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35 minutes ago, GrahamC said:

My hunch is it’s probably worse than that.

He hasn’t played now since April 2022, since when he’s had 2 ACL injuries & subsequently two hamstring ones.

Next season is the last year of his contract, I think you would have to be a real optimist now to think he’s coming back from this.

I would agree, such a shame for the lad. 

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6 hours ago, JoeAman08 said:

I know McRorie came in as a rb and Tanner is coming under a lot of scrutiny. However, I’d be real tempted to try McRorie in midfield with Hickman and Knight.

it’s definitely an option.  You may recall he reminds me of Marv Elliott in the way he moves / plays.  Physical and can run all day.
 

We talk about Wells cameo and how he got us up the pitch. I also thought we were much better because Williams come on for James. It isn’t in possession that worries me. However out of possession and breaking up attacks I thought James really hurt us last night.

Giving James an excuse, I wonder if he was one who was ill. He was always a yard off, a split second too late last night.  Most unlike him.  Williams did just what we needed him to do.  I like Joe.
 

James and TGH are also way too similar to me. Neither is willing to really make runs into the area or down a channel. I know this isn’t a big role for CMs but you look at our crosses last night and many only have Conway to find. Knight was often out wide helping create the overload which is fine.

I think that’s a little bit unfair on TGH who is the one of the pair to drive forward.  We’ve seen that a large number of times since he’s been here.
 

I am not convinced going 352 will make us better. We now have 20 minutes of Wells in the new BCFC and it led to two goals, granted we were chasing those goals but it looked good. Especially with Sykes form and Mehmeti possibly turning the corner. Also, really enjoyed Bell’s cameo. We still need a couple of players for that front 3. We need to find that bit of magic like Sunderland have with Roberts and Clarke. Like Hull have with Delap and Philogene when fit.

yep, no need to change formation imho.

So yea, both their returns give us options and depth and versatility. Looking forward to it. Them coming back plus an early January signing could see us maintain this top 10 form. 

⬆️⬆️⬆️

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With wells back , I would like to see knight played a little deeper, we definitely need more energy in the midfield and there where time last night where we really struggled to press them, would love to see us line up like this when all injuries return.

                           O’Leary 

Mcorrie      Dickie          Atkinson    Pring

                           Williams

           Knight                      TGH


          Sykes                      Memetti    
                             Wells

 

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8 minutes ago, Johnr1986 said:

With wells back , I would like to see knight played a little deeper, we definitely need more energy in the midfield and there where time last night where we really struggled to press them, would love to see us line up like this when all injuries return.

                           O’Leary 

Mcorrie      Dickie          Atkinson    Pring

                           Williams

           Knight                      TGH


          Sykes                      Memetti    
                             Wells

 

I don't think we will be dropping Vyner, you would lose too much mobility at the back.

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17 minutes ago, Johnr1986 said:

With wells back , I would like to see knight played a little deeper, we definitely need more energy in the midfield and there where time last night where we really struggled to press them, would love to see us line up like this when all injuries return.

                           O’Leary 

Mcorrie      Dickie          Atkinson    Pring

                           Williams

           Knight                      TGH


          Sykes                      Memetti    
                             Wells

 

Vyner has to play 

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9 hours ago, Port Said Red said:

At least that's what it will feel like when Rob A and McCrorie are available. 

I think that they will give Manning to play a 3 - 5 - 2 with a more expansive right wing back and Dickie playing on his more natural right side. 

Whether there will be further additions is still to be seen, but the rumour mill is in full flow as usual.

Any "inside " knowledge @Port Said Red? 😂

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5 hours ago, GrahamC said:

My hunch is it’s probably worse than that.

He hasn’t played now since April 2022, since when he’s had 2 ACL injuries & subsequently two hamstring ones.

Next season is the last year of his contract, I think you would have to be a real optimist now to think he’s coming back from this.

I hope not for the poor lad 

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1 minute ago, johnbytheriver said:

how do we know if Rob A and McCrorie will make full recoveries and be back to he same standard they once were? Especially McCrorie who has been through hell. 

Who we’ve not seen play yet.

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46 minutes ago, Midred said:

Any "inside " knowledge @Port Said Red? 😂

I said on another thread that "just after the West Ham game" seemed to be the target for Rob. He's been busy moving house this week so I don't know if that's changed, but I will ask when I see him. He did say that McCrorie looked very fit as well, the damage wasn't ligament or muscular as such, which should help.

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6 hours ago, GrahamC said:

My hunch is it’s probably worse than that.

He hasn’t played now since April 2022, since when he’s had 2 ACL injuries & subsequently two hamstring ones.

Next season is the last year of his contract, I think you would have to be a real optimist now to think he’s coming back from this.

Sadly, I fear for him too.

Bare minimum, posters hoping they'll see him at some point this season are mental.

Personally, I'd be amazed if he makes it now. Which would make me very grumpy indeed.

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Whats been very obvious to me for all of last season and this one is a CF to lead the line. The number of occasions that Sykes, Bell, Pring et el get into promising crossing positions and only Conway is likely to be in the middle. Last night was a perfect example of that - it was far more threatening when Wells came on adding an extra body in the opposition box.

That said it seems that LM isn’t a fan of two up top preferring to try and find space in behind utilising Sykes, Conway and Bells pace 

Everyone knows that January isn’t a good time to business with every deal being overpriced so it’ll almost certainly be be the summer before we see a new signing - unless a deal on Brannagan is already done of course.

 

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9 minutes ago, spudski said:

Fingers crossed he can still have a great career. 

It can happen, look at Roberto Baggio...his career, and early injuries. 

https://www.transfermarkt.co.in/roberto-baggio/verletzungen/spieler/4153

Not sure he was ever asked to play front foot, gegen pressen, high tempo Englosh football, Sat-Tues-Sat,  ever mind away to Stoke in the rain.

The game's completely different now.

Benarous has a mountain to climb. But I'm praying for him 100%.

Edited by Merrick's Marvels
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8 minutes ago, spudski said:

Fingers crossed he can still have a great career. 

It can happen, look at Roberto Baggio...his career, and early injuries. 

https://www.transfermarkt.co.in/roberto-baggio/verletzungen/spieler/4153

Hope so but coming back from 2 ACLs is really very rare, Afobe did so (though never quite the same player) & although Baggio had one, a 79 day absence suggests that the other ACL tear was relatively minor.

As Rob Atkinson shows this is a 9 to 10 month absence usually.

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9 minutes ago, Merrick's Marvels said:

Not sure he was ever asked to play front foot, gegen pressen, high tempo Englosh football, Sat-Tues-Sat,  ever mind away to Stoke in the rain.

The game's completely different now.

Benarous has a mountain to climb. But I'm praying for him 100%.

He could play Sat-Sat and skip the Tuesdays? 

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10 hours ago, And Its Smith said:

I can see Williams and James going in the summer so wouldn’t be surprised to see a midfielder come in to prepare for that.  I love James but the only way I can see him staying is if he agrees to a pay cut and a bit part role. Williams not good enough in possession.  A striker is a clear need but can we sign better than we have in January with low budget ?  Hard to see that. 

Yes lot of  logic there. I don't see Williams and James as effective enough. McCorie I think will be a good defensive midfielder so maybe not just a right back. Still need a 20 goal striker, I know not cheap. And have yet found a good enough effective forward thinking midfield player.

Just what I think as a supporter.

A lot comes down too SL and how much cash is available.

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21 minutes ago, Merrick's Marvels said:

Not sure he was ever asked to play front foot, gegen pressen, high tempo Englosh football, Sat-Tues-Sat,  ever mind away to Stoke in the rain.

The game's completely different now.

Benarous has a mountain to climb. But I'm praying for him 100%.

And surgery and understanding injuries and recovering is better these days, so fingers crossed. 

 

20 minutes ago, GrahamC said:

Hope so but coming back from 2 ACLs is really very rare, Afobe did so (though never quite the same player) & although Baggio had one, a 79 day absence suggests that the other ACL tear was relatively minor.

As Rob Atkinson shows this is a 9 to 10 month absence usually.

But look how much time he had out due to so many knee injuries. Amazing he had a career...let alone a very good one. 

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31 minutes ago, Rocking Red Cyril said:

Taken from what ?

Manning's interview post Sunderland for the BEP

Bristol City head coach Liam Manning believes George Tanner is "right up there" in terms of defensive full-backs in the Championship, with the 23-year-old just requiring the right level of self-belief to continue to enhance other aspects of his game.

https://www.bristolpost.co.uk/sport/football/bristol-city-sunderland-tanner-manning-8982817

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7 hours ago, Rocking Red Cyril said:

I am taking that to be Conway. Which yes I can see. But will we have the team around him to give him the chances to score 20 +

I think it's as much to do with how we play or how TC adapts.

Just my opinion, but....

I think Conways best football was with Wells.
I think he needs a partner to switch positions with.
He looked most dangerous when dropping deeper and moving the CB's around. 
He has been feeding off scraps since the Rotherham game but still has something like 6 in 14 .

Tommy needs to adapt to having to stay in that CF area as Manning wants, it's new to him so is taking time. Not sure Knight has played that sort of deep striker, 2nd striker role before either. For me I like Knight deeper too, later runs into the box and more involved in the cut 'n thrust of MF.

Hope TC starts to score from open play, at current rate he gets about 16 and that rate over a season would be 20 (rounded up) .

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17 hours ago, Davefevs said:

⬆️⬆️⬆️

The only thing I’d argue is TGH. He will drive with the ball but he likes to occupy deeper positions to start. My point was we don’t get enough people in the area on attacks imo. I’d prefer one of the two “deeper” midfielders to take the risk once in awhile as it stands. We scored 3 but generally struggle for goals and think it could help

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13 hours ago, The Dolman Pragmatist said:

Manning really rates Tanner…

It is here he comes under scrutiny. I don’t really mind him. He just isn’t going to bomb up and down the right like a lot of rb/lb do nowadays. He is dependable and there is nothing wrong with that. I’d like for him to gain the confidence to overlap once in awhile but that can come with time. He doesn’t let the side down

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2 minutes ago, JoeAman08 said:

It is here he comes under scrutiny. I don’t really mind him. He just isn’t going to bomb up and down the right like a lot of rb/lb do nowadays. He is dependable and there is nothing wrong with that. I’d like for him to gain the confidence to overlap once in awhile but that can come with time. He doesn’t let the side down

George Tanner has huge boots to fill considering how many very decent RBs we’ve had over the years. Scott, Brennan to name just two. He’s still relatively inexperienced and the more he plays the more his game will improve.

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1 minute ago, Robbored said:

George Tanner has huge boots to fill considering how many very decent RBs we’ve had over the years. Scott, Brennan to name just two. He’s still relatively inexperienced and the more he plays the more his game will improve.

They were both LBs.

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28 minutes ago, Robbored said:

George Tanner has huge boots to fill considering how many very decent RBs we’ve had over the years. Scott, Brennan to name just two. He’s still relatively inexperienced and the more he plays the more his game will improve.

Plus you forget Mickey Bell & Darren Barnard, we have had a series of quality right backs.

Shame our left backs (apart from Bradley Orr) have been so poor.

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