bald reynard

https://www.leicestermercury.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/marti-cifuentes-makes-emotions-request-10767653 What Cifuentes says, is the main reason is he should go. Whatever the quality of the players, if the Manager can't change their belief in themselves, or motivate them to 'buck up', he's not the guy for the job. I was reading about Martin O'Neill's recipe for success and how he has inspired Celtic recently - and it's mainly due to his 'man management' skills, more than anything tactical nous or technical Coaching ability (he relied on others for that - eg Steve Walford). Flexibility was also his strength - changing approach when things weren't going right. We desperately need a Manager who's got those strengths now, with a squad who are mainly very average Championship quality, at best (just the likes of James, standing out).

It doesn't, Warwickshire Cricket took on a Director of Cricket at the start of last season, who's only experience was in Athletics & Rugby (good though it was). He took a whole Summer getting to grips with the peculiarities of Cricket management and either left it to others to make decisions, or made the wrong ones (eg with choice of Captain, or the recruitment of players way past their sell by date). The jury is still out on whether he's got it sorted yet.

Their AFCON squad has already been announced, he's not in it. I think they (had to?) stuck with the same squad they used in Qualifying. However there is a fair chance he will be in their World Cup squad.

For me, the belief that Cifuentes needs to go has been set by his attitude towards Ben Nelson. The fact that this guy has been totally overlooked for over 2 months (not even getting on the bench) and then comes in, without ANY match practice (not even a game for the U21's), to be Man of the Match against Boro, is such a black mark against the Manager and his ability to man manage the team. Clearly, Cifuentes can't cope - in his team selections, tactical abilities, awareness of substitution needs and general skill in dealing with the players. Any future with us can't be justified.

Although a couple of people have said Popov is not near First team quality atm, I still think he deserves (and could well get) a call up for the squad tomorrow. He's got a few goals for our U21's this season (including one against Southampton last week), as well as Wales U21's. The fact that he was withdrawn mid 2nd half in the U21 game at the weekend, gives an indication that he might be in MC's mind for Boro, though perhaps only on the bench. I think Aluko is a very likely starter tomorrow.

Popov 3 goals recently for Wales U21, he could be the Central Striker we need. Aluko definitely would be a good call for the Left Back spot.

https://thefosseway.net/2025/11/02/leicester-city-0-blackburn-rovers-2-oh-its-bad-its-really-really-bad/ I've rarely read an article, so perceptive! Well done Fosseway.

Isn't the Saudi transfer deadline quite late in September? So if they are keen on signing him, we don't need to rush to complete in the next 48 hours?

I think you can, you just do an edit.

21 now, or on 1 September? If the latter, is that why you've got 20 year old Alves in?

You've got a few 21 year olds in that list, doesn't the date they reach 21 make a difference? And Michael Golding - 29 - really?!

FLW's source is journalist, Pete O'Rourke - has he any reputation for reliability? IF true (a big if), I'd say this is a promising rumour.

Didn't we play a Ukrainian club in pre-season? Not this one, but perhaps we might have scouted in that League. A high scoring attacking midfielder, an ideal replacement for El K? And I guess, would be pretty cheap, with low wage demands.

https://foxesofleicester.com/leicester-lose-vital-coach-to-national-team-amid-captain-s-injury-news OK, fair cop, so I got all that info from the Foxes of Leicester site, but I didn't want to post all their junk about Okocha. I must admit, I didn't read the linked Sky article. I'll try harder next time!

https://www.skysports.com/amp/football/news/11781/13411057/scotland-steven-naismith-named-steve-clarkes-assistant-as-leicester-citys-andrew-hughes-joins-as-set-piece-coach Set Piece Coach, Andrew Hughes, has left to join the Scotland Coaching team. I wonder whether he'll be any more successful with them, than he was with us! The Sky report says a replacement Coach will be appointed.

I see this as the way things will be going this window. Clearly, MC won't have any significant funds for buys, but at least there are a few decent potential (PL) Loans and Free's (and I agree, that it does allow for Brownhill to come - there could be money for biggish wages).

https://www.leeds-live.co.uk/sport/leeds-united/leicester-city-drop-major-transfer-32191450 Sounds like he might on his way to the Damned United - £6m.

All the talk now, is about Hamza as a back up right back, which is fine, he can do a decent job there, but he is also a decent holding / central midfielder, certainly at Championship level. A great tackler (if a bit headstrong!), good pace & recovery, really enthusiastic and has an eye for a pass. Why are we going on about Skipp & Winks in that role (if Wilf is going) and the lack of an alternative, when Chouds could do it. I know it would be nice to buy in a first choice holding / defensive player, but HC is a good back up.

I agree. I think Daka would be a good squad player, as Striker back up and regular Sub, but we desperately need a first choice, 'proper' striker. I'm surprised that no one is mentioning Ayew as a 'false No 9' / attacking central midfielder. Given his age and slowness, but good awareness, hold up play and passing ability, I think he could do a good job there.

Probably no further additions until the squad fly back from Austria. But you're right, we definitely need a Goalkeeping Coach and an Analyst, at least.

That's my take on it. QPR were quite keen to keep Calm (!), but there wasn't really a position for him - their new Head Coach, brought in his own Assistant. I am confident Cifuentes & Calm will be announced together, but whether its today, is another matter.

Good, he's important to the mix.

Yep, a good chance. The (almost) equally important decision, will be if we manage to get his (regular) Assistant in - Xavier (Xavi) Calm. He's still at QPR. We're negotiating to also bring him in. Be good if we can get both, now.

Just 2 out of 200 who voted in the poll, wanted O'Neil! Says it all, really!

Chris Powell in NOW as Coach, to work with Kingy (again), then when his boss comes in as Manager (whenever he can sort out his stuff with that 'looney', Chansiri), CP to be Assistant.