Saint86

Has anyone said its absolutely fine? I think best case there has been a general acknowledgement that needs must and we are gambling on no injury to Larin.

Yeah ofc, but my point is that we really shouldn't be needing that sort of run this season.

Suspect there is a view from the club that (as per last season) we can strengthen in January and go on a run. Probably with a great degree of confidence that we'll be in a far better position come the start of 2027 than we were at the start of 2026.

I think hell will freeze over before you see this government cut taxes. I think we've got a real issue with youth unemployment and lack of prospects currently - goes under the radar with all the defence / welfare / migration politicisation, but we've got to get these people into work, gaining experience, and giving them the tools to start their adult lives.

A fairly easy goal to score when you can pass the ball back to your keeper (from halfway), and then forward the entire length of the pitch for a tap in goal - all without the defending team making even the semblance of a tackle. This is Russel Martin Propaganda football at its finest -They've also only played stoke, derby, watford, and sheffield united. Stewart is out injured, and Opuku (a very good and promising attacker for this level) suffered an ankle injury and had to come off in the first half. They look decent, but they'll be happy to be fighting for 7-10th come may i reckon.

I'd be very surprised if they manage to make autos.

He's probably still the best keeper at the club, so I can only assume there is a financial reason we refuse to play him.

A promising young career ruined by bad injuries - sadly for him.

Is it hindsight? A great many of us have said he's a goalscorer who should have been kept and should have been re-signed.

Agree with all of that tbh. Peretz distribution and command of his box (after the west ham goal last week as well) was really poor last night. Put us under pressure numerous times with terrible passing straight to the opposition. There was one moment where we'd had about 20-30passes, Brum parked the bus in a compact shape and pushed us back up the pitch to the back line, who then played it all the way back to Peretz (under no pressure himself, only for him to play it straight to a Birmingham attacker about 35yards from goal, leading to an attack for them and then a corner. He can't be doing that. His first touch in particular was terrible last night - if he can't play that way then Eckert needs to realise it and stop trying to create a Russel Martin "Macca" error scenario. Also thought schlotterbeck was looking knackered 2nd half - can't really blame him - it's been a bit of a whirlwind introduction to English football so could see him being rotated for Lincoln (and Stephens and wood, maybe with an abbot introduction 2nd half should be adequate there). Schlotterbeck looks a promising player though, and it was a cracking goal. Bragg as well I agree, first half in particular he was struggling but he did grow into the game. He's young, this is his first season of starting regularly - need to manage his minutes and take him in and out of the side to protect his confidence and allow him to learn at a sensible pace. I think JWP will be taking his spot on the weekend anyway - bragg has played a lot of minutes this week. Dobbin a weird one - there is a good player there (last season shows this), but agree with hypo and others who query quite why we've signed him as he isn't going to replace azaz or Larin in the starting 11, nor does he favour the left wing slot or look likely to replace scienza. Could be one of those who needs some game time - perhaps we will see him start at Lincoln.

Don't disagree on your last part, but I think he also needs to be given time. Larin has a very good understanding with the other attacking players, and azaz in particular. It was obvious last night that the new players aren't quite there yet - there were numerous times where short passes or through balls were made involving jwp, schlotterbeck, or Mubama that went to a run that didn't happen or a player who had moved and wasn't there for the pass. I agree though, he (Mubama) could have started better - but the reality is that eckert wants to play a specific way and Mubama in particular needs to learn larin's role to be fully effective in this system (I think he has the attributes to do this though).

St Andrews under the lights vs a very tough and ugly Birmingham side. I think thats a solid point all in all. Especially given we're missing Jander, have had THB just taken out of the side with a new CB starting, and have JWP settling in. Onwards and upwards.

Didn't get to see the Millwall game, but i think Prowsey looks good for the level. Would like to see him start on the weekend.

I thought manning had good free kicks. But that was on another level even if the keeper saved it. You could see the fear and panic.

Ref has been weak on a number occasions with blatant fouls on our players just being waved away.