CWD

Finally a win. A much needed confidence boost at a good time. Shouldn't mask the frailties of this team though as we got out of jail slightly - we look weak in central defence and lack ideas going forward (cross cross cross). Work to be done but happy day.

Christ how much time do we spend passing it around in front of their midfield and defence? We don't look dangerous at all

Your last post was 10 days ago, it's not like you've been on some decade long ITK sabbatical Well done though, this has all the hallmarks of a classic ITK post; Limited actual info TICK No mention of source TICK Late night TICK "Wish I was wrong" reverse psychology TICK Odd suggestion that your posts are somehow endangered TICK Mic drop ending TICK 10/10

Disappointed to be spot on with my prediction as obviously we should have won the game. Unfortunately we don't have any natural finishers other than Austin, but when Austin is on we lack movement. I thought we played some decent stuff but we are so bad for playing in front of the opposition. How many times in that second half were we knocking the ball about but with at least 9 Swansea players between us and the goal? I also thought we were pretty lucky that Swansea didn't test our defence more. The couple of times they got up in our penalty area we didn't exactly look comfortable, but that's what happens when you start a season with the 3rd and 4th choice CBs from the previous season. Romeu is excellent but if the play gets past him we look fragile. Thought Tadic looked to be the best player on the pitch despite his usual woeful finishing, and JWP also looked good. Potential is there but work to be done.

Surprised at people continuing to suggest Tadic and Boufal in the same team. It doesn't work and leaves us too exposed (especially until Lemina gets in the side and provides a bit more defensive cover). No idea where Lemina is in terms of fitness but would be good to see him get minutes from the bench. Forster Cedric - Yoshida - Stephens - Bertrand ---JWP ------- Romeu ------ Davis ---- Redmond --- Gabbiadini --- Tadic ---- The first game of the season never fails to disappoint (Leeds aside) so I'm going for 0-0, or even 0-1 with added meltdown.

Would be a bit odd to sell him after he just signed a new contract. Personally I'd keep him in the squad, I think he gives us a different option and eventually will turn into a more mobile Austin

Ah yes, the day I accidentally put a quid on a 4-4 draw. The week after when I realised was the best night at Uni.

I can see Liverpool and Everton struggling to compete on both domestic and European fronts, wouldn't be surprised to see us finish above either or both of them. Spurs also have made no signings and the Wembley factor could play a part. I think it's shaping up to be an interesting one.

Still no Cedric. Anyone know when he is likely to be back? Seems to be cutting it a bit fine - returning after France only gives him two weeks to get ready for the season

In terms of believable, substantiated incoming rumours this must be one of the quietest summers we've had since returning to the Premier League. I mean there's the odd mention of something here and there but nothing widely reported. Shows to me that the club are doing a great job keeping everything close the chest.

Yes I know... think you've misunderstood my point. #6 was free so they've given it to Jones, why not give Gallagher (or Gabbiadini) #9? Suggests that they could be looking to add another attacker but happy with defenders as they are. I'm aware this is reading a lot into something which has very little meaning and is subject to change but hey, it's preseason and tea in the cricket

Alfie Jones wearing number 6 for people who are interested in that sort of tuff. Gallagher wearing 15 -and no number 9. Striker incoming?

Pahars all day long. Soft spot for Dan Harding too after he told Portsmouth to **** off

Pahars all day long. Soft spot for Dan Harding too after he told Portsmouth to **** off

TWITter even

First interview with him going up on YouTube soon according to the club ****ter account

Perhaps we'll get some proper interviews with MP as well today then

Don't Doncaster play in Red and White hoops?

Everything seems to have gone very quiet after the early flurry of info. You'd expect more to have leaked to the media by now, especially as they hope to appoint someone by the end of the week. Really we have no idea who the club are looking at.

I think it's time for Howe to step up to the next level. Absolutely no disrespect to Bournemouth who are now established in the top flight and is a decent job for any manager, but I don't think he's ever going to go from there to a top 6 side. He needs the chance to work for a club with a bigger infrastructure, a more European makeup and slightly more pressure if he ever wants to progress. He plays good football, he's English, he's young, he's done enough in the management game now to command a bit more respect. Alright he's a skate, but apart from that what's not to like? I know his stint at Burnley was average but they were in a mess when he took over, whereas we are very stable. I think he's a good fit for us and we're a good fit for him. He's my first choice. HOWEver (see what I did there?) I don't think it'll happen. I think a foreign coach is more likely. FDB seems to be the most likely, although the reports of negative football don't fill me with confidence. And I'm struggling at the moment to see what Pellegrino brings to the table that CP didn't have. I've seen people mention AVB a few times and must say I think he'd be an excellent appointment, but compensation/wages are gonna be an issue. Jokanovic looks a good option too - did brilliantly with average players at Watford and Fulham, playing some great stuff. Might give us a slim chance of getting Seesgnon too!

Yep. I want him gone, but to say he can stay if we don't find someone better is downright disrespectful. Say what you want about CP as a manager but he's been honest and hard working and doesn't deserve this treatment.

I think this guy is just a random blogger - doesn't look to be at all ITK. Glad Puel's gone in all honesty. Decent bloke and clearly a capable coach, but not the right fit for the club at the current time. It's a shame but despite getting to a cup final his tenure never really seemed to ignite. Wish him success in the future

Hahaha we've all had a moment like this over the last few years. Don't worry mate, the next step is acceptance and we'll see you there

Whatever happens there's going to be some truly infuriating "I told you so" posts in 8 months time

Wasn't awful but another uninspiring performance. Never felt like we were going to score and once we went one down I just knew we wouldn't get back into it. I'm a big Davis fan usually but he was very poor last night, and Gabbiadini just has no chance to influence the game when he's so isolated. Whether you're in the Puel in or Puel out camp (I'm just meh about him) the fact is our home form has been very poor. In fact it's the 4th worst in the league. That's not good enough - especially as much of our recent success over the last few seasons has been built on SMS being a difficult place to get results