oxford blue

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/m002j62q Worth a listen (1:29 into Today programme) Sports section presented by a Leicestershire supporter - about 3.20minutes including an extended interview with Lewis Hill. (And commentary on rather underwhelming moment when game was abandoned with realisation of promotion to few spectators there.)

I agree. Mclintock was a club legend in early 1960's but he joined with no coaching experience, replacing Jimmy Bloomfield his (last season 11th/22 clubs). He let Frank Worthington leave signing the totally forgettable Alan Waddle - 1 goal - as replacement .Nearly a season later, with 4/5 win from 40 games, and relegation certain he left - probably the lowest win percentage of any City Manager in charge of more than a handful of games. Mclintock was a disaster from start to finish - Taylor was good until Wycombe loss, then it all fell apart.

Another interesting stat from weekend. Billy Bodin scored for Swindon - 13 years since his last Swindon goal

Interesting to read in local paper after Oxford defeat at Hull a CB is needed: Last season, the U’s had both Brown and the exceptional Ben Nelson on loan from Leicester City who could play the left-sided centre back role to a high standard. He needs an extended run in team: he must surely be better than Vestergaard's woeful defending to concede winning goal v Preston

Having seen him play a few times last season, no thank you.

Are there some similarities between Kone and Toney (who you will recall signed for Brentford from Peterborough, having scored the most goals in previous League 1 season)? A similar initial asking price. Kone was voted best League 1 player last season and in the team of the year. Kone's goalscoring record from first season to second(last) season demonstrates the improvement (4 from 21 appearances, then last season (21 from 52 appearances). However, no-one would be surprised to read https://www.lep.co.uk/sport/football/preston-north-end/richard-kone-transfer-news-rumours-preston-north-end-swansea-city-wycombe-wanderers-wrexham-5250540 I am not sure City even interested (apart from speculation in press, presumably because it is clear we need a striker for little money, and Kone would that criteria). Is it the case we don't spend any transfer fees until a player is sold? By which time, very little available. I might be doubting the strategy (if there is one?) of Rudkin et al!

I think this is likely to be pragmatic- I think you will find most QPR fans are wanting a new striker next season as a priority. Goals scored last season were barely above 1 per game.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/teams/queens-park-rangers would suggest not. Interesting to read he fell out with chief executive; if he signs how long before same happens: https://www.thesun.co.uk/sport/34713968/marti-cifuentes-qpr-gardening-leave-exit/

If City appoint Rohl, I expect it will wait until he has negotiated his exit from Wednesday. Copied from local paper speculating about their new manager (article 30 June): With talks between Sheffield Wednesday and Danny Röhl ongoing amid hopes the saga over his future comes to an end sooner rather than later, the markets are already priced-up and out there. The Owls are in the midst of crisis, with financial issues having ripped the heart out of their pre-season preparations.

I think you overestimate the forward planning and strategy of the whole management hierarchy...it has not been evident over recent seasons. I cannot see Carsley even considering City; joining a club in turmoil with no league experience would not be a good career move. He has a record of doing well with talented players who are somewhat lacking at City.

Is he contact bound to attend - I understand start is just gym sessions/general fitness? Assuming RVN is sacked, I would like Roh (particularly as I think it would be good for the young players we have on edge of first team), but it's reported he has a £5m release clause in his contract; just cannot see City paying that as well compensation for RVN. Just cannot see this happening, but would like to proved wrong if alternative is Dyche

English version: This won't be an answer to our immediate need for a striker. Born in 2007, Abdoul Karim Traoré has emerged as one of the National's revelations this season. The 18-year-old striker has scored three goals for Bourg-en-Bresse, who are fifth in the league. According to our information, his performances have not fallen on deaf ears abroad Newly relegated to the Championship, Leicester have made an offer for the native of Kankan (Guinea), as have Belgian club Westerlo, who finished ninth in the regular season. Traoré is under contract with Bourg-en-Bresse until June 2026 and is expected to attract considerable interest this summer.

It seems certain RvN will be out of s job on Monday. In earlier posts, reference has been made to being out of his depth. It's true he perhaps had not appreciated the lack of quality players we have, and unlucky with injuries to Fatawu and Pereira. Nevertheless, of possible replacements mentioned, I do not think anyone could make a significant difference compared to RvN.. I realise I am in a tiny minority who think he should be given a chance next season, hopefully with one or two new players - who knows given incompetence of Board. Unless he chose to resign, we have to pay his contract when that could be used for a new player - and that is assuming we appoint an out of wok manager. WE know we have several good young players who he will play, as ahs been shown already. If he is sacked, can see no replacement lasting more tea season, or just over. We could be in danger of entering Watford territory, no decent recruitment of players and money spent on new managers. Is there anyone who actually wants Dyche, Martin et al - is anyone who we can feel optimistic about? I doubt it.

https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/what-russell-martin-said-when-he-was-sacked-by-southampton-fc-as-he-heads-for-leicester-city/ Hopefully not. So his answer to his only style of play is more athleticism and more fouls. Such a depth of strategy suggests the Board will likely wish to appoint him!

Just going back to early in the thread - I agree we should have a statue. However, it's very easy to get a statue wrong (remember the Ronaldo statue in madeira airport (now removed). Therefore, I think King Power should draw up a short list of designs (once a reed at the end of season hopefulyl) and put to all STH's and members. I would like one with hand in air celebrating. A long link but this picture demonstrates: https://www.alamy.com/leicester-uk-23rd-apr-2024-jamie-vardy-and-conor-coady-of-leicester-city-celebrate-at-full-time-during-the-leicester-city-fc-v-southampton-fc-sky-bet-efl-championship-match-at-the-king-power-stadium-leicester-england-united-kingdom-on-23-april-2024-credit-every-second-mediaalamy-live-news-image604131666.html?imageid=9A340DD5-4BE2-470B-9618-C17C734B9EC8&p=1839372&pn=2&searchId=a482e74dcad10423e8b42f2839435159&searchtype=0 Other ideas?

I take your point. I always thought we would have been better to take the points deduction with KDH, particularly when we 'saved ' £10m in buying Skipp. (i realise a different accounting period) When it comes to Nelson (and Chelsea have an interest if rumours are correct) we should most definitely keep. There is no point in selling players unless there is an obvious replacement eg Stolarkysk)- or past their best with reference to too many of current squad. Nelson has been with City sine he was 9; I cannot see he would want to leave to become a squad player with another club in the PL. He must stay for at least next season, and hopefully beyond. Consistently good with Oxford: not sure if we could have said same about other central defenders we have.

Two interesting posts. I agree with andy peake in post as far as Vestergaard comparison; is there a comparison apart from how different they ar?. As you say he has good positional sense, play a pass (looking to move forward) but also will move forward with the ball when situation allows. I think he will continue to improve next season in a better team than Oxford, and no doubt his physical presence will increase. However, good positional play is far more important., and difficult to coach into a player. Alongside a player like Souttar we could have a decent centre back partnership next season. It's a pity he got injured, but he has come back the same player with consistently good performances.

Interview with Gary Rowett, Oxford manager (after Oxford 1-0 win v Sheff U) : GARY Rowett foresees Leicester City loanee Ben Nelson having a ‘big future ahead of him’. The 21-year-old centre back has made 12 appearances for Oxford United this season, with four of those coming under Rowett. A significant quad injury has disrupted Nelson’s campaign, but the defender has made a big impression with United. Nelson suffered cramp in the closing stages of Saturday’s 1-0 win at home against Sheffield United, but played on as the U’s had already made all of their substitutions. READ ALSO: Our player ratings after U’s upset the odds to beat title hopefuls -Nelson got 8 United head coach Rowett said: “I’m proud of the team. Someone like Ben Nelson, a young player, got cramp for six or seven minutes. “We’ve made all of our subs, and he’s just got to dig in. It’s men’s football. You’ve got to dig in and do whatever it takes to get the three points.” Rowett added: “He’s got a big future ahead of him. Games like this where he’s got to learn you’ve just got to go and do the hard yards, put your head on it, and go and compete against people like Kieffer Moore, which is a good learning curve for him, and not make mistakes. “That’s the thing. You can play really well in these games for 88 minutes, and if you make one mistakes, it’s game over. “I thought it was a big performance from him. He got cramp near the end, but these are the things that build that resilience and build that belief in a young player.”

This does seem very likely. I have averaged age of a few typical teams (excluding goalie) and it s around 29. It must be one of the oldest teams across all the divisions. Technical expertise in the oldies may counteract their runs etc but there is not a huge amount of that evident either in current squad.

The Life Scientific is nearly always an interesting listen; this recent episode about this very topic , with Brian Schmidt who won a Nobel prize for his work on this https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m00298nf

I am surprised there is a majority (currently) who would want him back. It is true many Chelsea fans would like to see him dismissed because of the boring football they play. Wasn't there similar boring football at Leicester last season - how many times were you frustrated with 20 plus passes to end back where possession started? Interesting article in Guardian: https://www.theguardian.com/football/2025/mar/16/chelsea-sancho-maresca-premier-league-analysis Given the ability of the Chelsea squad, they have under-performed this season. Of course , most notable (apart from first few games) is Palmer; he must be so frustrated with playing style. Given the talent (or lack of it) in the squad, we would be in a similar position in PL had we stayed. And if reports are true, it was Maresca's call to give Vestergaard a 3 year contract - which made no sense at the time and even less now.

Good news is he is back playing. Played nearly 30 mins in midweek (as a sub) and started today playing nearly 70 mins

https://www.skysports.com/cricket/video/33723/13325079/three-absolute-stunners-but-which-glenn-phillips-catch-is-better And this is just from Champions Trophy And from Christchurch: https://www.tiktok.com/@tntsportsfootball/video/7442618537631436065?lang=en And v Australia: https://circleofcricket.com/category/social_scoop/90705/nz-v-aus-2024-watch-glenn-phillips-plucks-a-one-handed-stunner-at-gully-to-dismiss-marnus-labuschagne-in-2nd-test And v South Africa: https://www.dailymotion.com/video/x8sqf5u The most extraordinary fielder!!

I have looked through most if this thread. Is there anyone who thinks we should Rudkin should stay in his post? It would be interesting to know if anyone thinks he is doing a good job. If we have seven pages of agreement could thread be locked to show unanimity? (It would be a problem for Top, as he seems inextricably linked. Of course that raises a different question as to the ownership of the club.)

Yes, goal nets in football (UK) do have to meet certain standard size regulations, though there is some flexibility regarding the amount of netting used. Standard Size of Goalposts and Nets: According to the Laws of the Game, as set by the International Football Association Board (IFAB), the goalposts and the surrounding netting must be of a certain size: The goalposts must be 7.32 meters (8 yards) wide and 2.44 meters (8 feet) high. The netting itself should be positioned in such a way that it doesn't interfere with play but catches the ball when it crosses the goal line. Netting's Optional Amount: While the basic dimensions of the net are regulated to ensure consistency and safety, the amount of netting or how the net is designed can vary slightly from club to club. The net must be strong enough to withstand the force of the ball but doesn't need to cover every inch behind the goal. Clubs can adjust the depth of the net or the material used based on their preferences, as long as it does not hinder play. So, in short, the size of the goal and the net's position behind the goal are standardized, but clubs do have some leeway in terms of how much netting they use, as long as it serves its purpose of catching the ball without disrupting the game. [Courtesy Chat GPT!]