Saint_lambden

Good omen perhaps is that we’ve won all 5 games that tonight’s ref has taken charge of us before.

He wouldn't be my first choice but the more I think about it, the more I think Carrick makes sense (do probably no chance of SR appointing him). 1. Worked with Archer/Azaz before and got a tune out of them 2. Possession-based (but not to the extreme of Martin) which is more suited to this squad than Still who was a counter-attacking coach (no coincidence that our worst performances came against sides that sat deep and we had to try and break down) 3. Decent player himself back in the day so would hopefully command a bit of respect that our last few managers haven't had given their lack of profile during their playing career 4. Actual experience of managing in the Championship which we've been desperately lacking Cons of course are that it all went stale in his last couple of years at Boro where they looked one-dimensional and lacking pace/purpose.

It’ll be Ralph.

He would. Not sure we’d be able to tempt him away from Bristol City so early in his reign though.

The attendances have been dwindling as the season’s gone on. The top of block 19 in the last two at home has been very empty. Last season sucked the life out of so many and then the Pompey game was the only thing for those that were left to look forward to. That being a bore fest, people are voting with their feet now. We’re going to be here for a long time unless they’re a fundamental shift in mentality, quality of recruitment and culture at the club.

Says a lot about how far we’ve fallen that Carrick is considered a good appointment. Bored everyone to tears at Middlesbrough who are now playing much more to their level now he’s gone. Better than Still and more experienced at this level sure, but perhaps says a lot about the lack of quality candidates available that he’s high up the list. Don’t think anyone would have touched him with a barge pole in the summer.

Those which he employs. Wankerson may have fucked off to Turkey but his legacy still lingers. If it ain't broke consider breaking it, after all

He's always had superb technique. Interesting that he's been playing in a more advanced role for Charlton in the past couple of weeks. I suspect they'll try and buy him permanently when his loan expires as we've just got too many options here already for him to force his way back in with us.

Onwards we go then. I think most would have taken 4 points combined from Sheff Utd and this one beforehand but now we have a win, it would be a big disapointment to not follow it Tuesday's success with another here. Derby just 1 win in their opening 8. Eustace sides are not pretty to play against but we should have the confidence and ability now to kick on and beat them. Potential only change to the team might be Fraser in for Azaz. 2-0 Saints.

Putting aside the goals, the bit I was most pleased with is that he was putting himself about and being much more of a physcial presence than he has done previously. He should be the striker that suits Still's system more than any other we have, it's just how we manage his minutes from here on.

Not pretty at all and rode our luck but who cares. Time to kick on.

I don't think he's a total write-off so early on but he's not adapting to the physicality of the English game. When your first touch is so poor you need to be able to hold off defenders but like Stewart, it's frustrating how he's not using his size to his advantage at all. Suspect he'll be shipped out on loan in January back to Germany.

Reality is that it'll be a mixture of the two. If it's a switch to a back 5 (which wouldn't surprise me as Boro play that system so it would match them up), Wood should come in and Jelert too as RWB who offers more going forward than Mads. Downs shouldn't be making the squad after the start he's made. Not what I'd go for but suspect it will be: --------------------Baz--------------------- ------THB--------Wood------Stephens----- -Jelert------Charles--Downes-----Manning- -------------Armstrong---Fraser------------ ------------------Archer--------------------

Playing the league leaders who have won 5/6. Expectations low. Will it be like Leeds at home from a couple of years ago or yet more misery? Feels like Armstrong has done enough to get a start up top with Archer and perhaps Wood and Jelert will get the nod too after their Liverpool showings. Beyond that, who knows.

Well he's right. Played well but missed a sitter to go 1-0 up, gifted it to them 30 seconds later and then switch off for their second goal.