I have to say straight off, I didn’t see it.
It would seem Stoke were the better side and my Stokey mate (who’s very reasonable in his judgement) said we were lucky.
If that’s so, I think this was a decent result, although obviously not the one we wanted.
We all know drawing games is no good if you want to get promoted.
But I looked at the run of games up until Xmas a few weeks back and feared for us.
The reality is that while we haven’t got as many points as we might have wanted, so we we’ve done pretty reasonably too.
Let’s not forget we’re unbeaten in five games.
And after Leeds, I think we have a much easier run of games, which will hopefully lead to a decent accumulation of points.
Will our run-in be good enough to be promoted?
I still firmly believe so, because of our squad depth where it matters.
If you consider that our defence is considered poor, I believe we’re doing better than I expected and Smith will improve us, come the winter window.
I don’t know about you, but I thought Nyland should have saved the penalty, seeing as he dived to the correct side.
He needs replacing, simple. And he surely will be.
I continue to find it disappointing that it seems we were quick to blame Hutton for the other goal, when it wasn’t really his fault.
I agree, he gets caught out far too much postionally, but he also seems to get stick when it’s not totally fair, in my opinion.
Two full backs, a centre back and most importantly, a goalie should sort most of our problems out and we’ll be good to go for the second half of the season.
I’m quite comfortable with where we stand, for what it’s worth, as much as it seems many of us are panicking.
It’s a long, tough season and I suspect that given our squad, particularly up front and in midfield, coupled to some decent aquisitions, we will see us at least challenging.
Is that overly optimistic?
Maybe.
But at least I’m enjoying watching the football.
When I get a chance, that is.
Ah, sorry Badger. didn’t realise you were joking. Every day, I come across adults who were bullied at school and the impact stays with them. It’s a serious problem and seems to get ignored because it’s considered normal and that it toughens you up. It isn’t normal and for many, it doesn’t toughen them up but damages or even destroys their lives.
Ah, sorry Bill, didn’t realise you were joking. Every day, I come across adults who were bullied at school – physically, mentally, emotionally you name it. The impact can be devastating and life changing. It shouldn’t be considered normal and a way of toughening people up. It isn’t normal and is destructive.
Interesting how McAndrew admitted he was in a dark place himself when bullying the youngsters and even apologised to one of them when he saw him later in life. That says it all, really.
*sorry for the double post – it went to the next page so I thought the first one hadn’t uploaded.
According to the BBC Kalinic has agreed to a four and half year deal –
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/46649332
(Sigh of relief)
Excellent news- like all greedy fans a CH and LB and we should be good to go.
UTV
One down two to go Pat57. Good to know we hopefully solve that goal keeping problem, left back next and a midfielder will do me. I think that centre back will solve it’s self . šš
How efficient was that? January window not open yet and the job’s done. Similar to the efficiency shown when signing Smith and Terry. I think we finally have people in place who know how to run a massive football club. It’s a far cry from Lerner, Faulkner, Fox, etc etc…long may it continue!
This lad is only 28. He could potentially be our number one for the next 10 years, if he doesn’t outgrow us. I hope he’s as good as the last GK we had with ‘ic’ at the end of his name! š
Grealish and Lansbury definitely out, and Adomah 50-50. If Whelan starts against Leeds we will struggle again because they will overrun us. Bjarnasson might be available but I would imagine it is too soon for him to start. Unfortunately I can also see Hyland playing till January. To have any hope of top 2 we will need a win on Sunday. Iām pleased they have acted quickly to sign Kalinic. Just need to get a LB and a back up CB ASAP.
I wonder how Nyland will react, knowing that his number’s up? I hate to say it, but 3 points might be too much to ask. I’d take a point and a win at Swansea, although a win would be an earthquake of a result for the league. It will really make a statement that can’t be ignored. Could be another classic…
Swansea will conclude the 8 game horror run, so if we can come out of that unbeaten, albeit with a couple of draws more than we’d hoped for, then we can kick on over Christmas and in the New Year.
Much more favourable run of fixtures coming soon. 4 more points in next couple of games and we’re just about still in touching distance, which was always the aim looking forward to the January window.
UTV
Leeds have injured players too. I’m still hopeful for a win against them, and will say 2-1 Villa. A couple of additions in January to improve our back 4 and we will be in good shape for the second half of the season.