SherborneSaint

Agree about the contract extension, if only to maximise resale value. Salisu looks like a player who the club could make a considerable return on…

Have the work permit rules now changed post-Brexit? This might be the type of new opportunity that sometimes gets said

Didn't Bednarek also pick up a record? First player to score an own goal, give away a penalty (!) and get sent off (!!)...

With the player exodus from Sporting seemingly going ahead, I hope that we might be quietly sorting out contracts for some of these... https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/amp/football/44489158?__twitter_impression=true Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Does the fact that a succession of managers have only played one up top tell us something about the quality of players (especially centre backs)? I think that it was obvious that Mope was only taking the team in one direction (so should have been replaced much earlier), but serious questions need to be asked about player recruitment. We effectively sold both Fonte and VVD without a replacement. When Hughes has tried to put two up top, we have lost any kind of control elsewhere on the pitch- he obviously thinks that he can’t rely on just a pair of centre backs (and the evidence suggests even playing any 3 of those we have available is not very good either). Whatever happens in the summer, I would like to see us get in some kind of no nonsense CB who is prepared to head the ball and hoof it out if needed... Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I'm not sure this is the type of game for him yet... Give him a year to bulk up in the gym and he would be a good option, but at this stage (and against some pretty old school style defenders) he would just get brushed off the ball too easily. He is one for the future.

Hopefully this will give the team a bit of confidence to continue to play in the 2nd half. Time to resume last seasons normal service?

Pelle!!!

Whilst we haven't had many clear cut chances, I'm much happier with the playing style today. The ball being on the floor is much nicer to watch

I think that one of the most important aspects to consider is the management of the club. Despite having lost (and likely to lose some more) a number of key players over the last couple of seasons, it appears that the club have got a plan that everyone is buying in to. At this stage, we are not able to compete financially (or in terms of achievement/reputation) with the top clubs, and are therefore likely to struggle to keep all of our better players. However, we are building momentum, and are generating a reputation (of not only playing good football, but also being a club that recognises talent rather than names and giving youngsters the best resources and a chance to play). This means that each year we will be in a better position to compete. We are already a club that most players/managers want to join, and are moving towards being a club that all players/managers want to play for. Trying to replace and improve the players that are currently leaving is going to be a difficult process, but we need to trust the skills/judgement of the experts we have put in place, and recognise that the club have gone above and beyond (the black box) to recruit the right players at the right price. I am optimistic for the future, but know there are likely to be some challenges to overcome as part of the journey.

I'm looking forward to next season when both Long and JRod have had a full pre-season with Keoman. The prospect of being able to play both (or even one providing competition for places with the other) would continue to stretch opposition defenses, and create space for the main (central) striker (add in the potential signing of Austin to keep Pelle honest/score goals when Pelle is struggling, and I think this would be a striking force that a lot of other teams in the Prem would be wanting)

Perhaps this is just some elaborate ploy to be in a position to be in a stronger position to pick up a new keeper from a certain North East based club...

That will be a new keeper for next year then!