The Kraken

Just reinforces how much a strong spine is vital. Changing Bazunu and Armstrong/Archer for Peretz and Stewart/Larin made the biggest differences last term. Having a four of Downes, Charles, Jander and Bragg was a privilege. Big chance for Bragg to be more of a CM cog if Charles goes as expected. Thank god the Bazunu experiment is over (as you say, hopefully). His disastrous spell at Stoke really only served to enforced his quite obvious flaws.

Second half much better but that’s understandable, Colchester pressed really well in the first half but couldn’t keep it up. Our lot seemed to gain in confidence, having big Cyle up top made a massive difference. Azaz for me ahead of Dobbin so far. Delighted for the lad Romeo, great finish to culminate a super move. Braggy in midfield really shored it up too. Our formation just relies on a big man up top and a strong two sitting in midfield. Jander is a miss but hopefully Bragg and Downes do the job until he’s back. Manning’s delivery is quality. When he’s on it, he’s one of the best at this level.

Lovely goal, lovely finish.

Yay

I’m choosing to decide that this is still pre season and Watford is a whole another week of preparation away yet….

Pundits just said BBD has the fewest touches of anyone on the pitch, with 9. Surprised it was that many tbf. Hopefully big Cyle is available for a 45 minute run out. Also not enjoying Mat-ser-kee in CM. Aside from that, it’s our first team (Azaz aside) so not good at all.

Yep. Will Still’s tenure demonstrated that we missed a focal point up front. Getting Stewart back and then Larin in allowed the team play the way it should. This is like watching us with Armstrong or Tasmin up front on their own again.

At least with Carlton Palmer his second touch was a tackle. I’ve seen traffic cones hold the ball better than BBD.

Better.

BBD scored 6 goals in the Premier League in just under half a season. Lord knows how.

I imagine the thought was that against lower league opposition we’d have more license in centre mid. I always see that 2 holding CMs is a must to get the best out of what can become a front 4 when attacking.

Blackmore and Tessem used it all last season.

I quite like the black shorts black socks combo.

BBD up top with Larin on the bench is interesting. Maybe a (final) chance for BBD to stake a claim of staying.

Laughably bad. The panel on the back is quite apt as it somehow makes it look even worse. It’s a shame the shorts and socks are plain blue, as having that pattern run all the way through really would be quite something. I reckon it’ll be quite popular with kids, if any adult thinks of getting it they need their head seeing to.