oxford blue

Although I don't want a managerial replacement (I think there still some who agree?) , I wouldn't object to JM. A name I advocated before Maresca was appointed when there was no doubt a very lengthy thread!. He had done really well at Oxford in a player coach role, well respected as as PFA chairman,. Got Portsmouth promoted after appointment in Jan 23. A few setbacks with Pompey but does seem to learn and Pompey are some places above relegation zone. An intelligent manager with a good future in management.

Choose the best manager in the world and we still get relegated. It makes no sense to sack RVN now, nor over the summer. He must be given the chance to work with his players; we had no arrivals during the transfer window apart from Coulibaly, described by RVN as a good back up and addition to the squad. Don't forget both Ipswich and Southampton brought in several players; both concede as many as we did on Friday. We must stick with RVN and give him a decent run next season. And Dyche is not going to be our saviour!

I don't think that's right. He has PL experience which was key to Cooper's and Rudkin transfer strategy to ensure we are a PL team next season. It's players like de Cordova-Read, Edouard (and perhaps to a lesser extent) Ayew have demonstrated how successful policy has been. We should be grateful Fulham could not meet his justifiable wage expectations and offering a three year contact was a master stroke. (Separately, as Edouard has proved so successful perhaps we can sign him on a permanent basis next season - he is out of contract at Palace.) Perhaps too radical a suggestion, but could we change Foxes to Carthorses; a few more sublime signings and I think we would be there. Long live Rudkin!

Judging from posts above, I am in a minority (of one)? City were well set up today; furthermore they were still pushing forward to the last few seconds. It is not RVN fault he inherited a squad which he was unable to strengthen (only one in and one out)during transfer window. We don't have the quality in the squad to stay up (whoever is managing) but I think RVN can take us back up next season. We lost today but it was a good performance. (Probably for match thread but I do wonder if Mavididi had passed to Kristiansen, who had created space with a long run, instead of turning into Arsenal players who immediately broke quickly and scored the crucial first goal, with VK initially out of position, it would have been different). We must stick with RVN; he sets up the players well; compared to Cooper, I feel there is a plan and more structure to the team and the way we play. Give him the chance in Championship; I think we can have a an exciting season under RVN with local talent like Alves, Braybrooke, Nelson ready for starts, and Page, Monga, Evans coming through.

Unfortunately, probably not . Caden Voice has made a few appearances for Wolves U21, but given he is only 18 he will probably have a career in football, even if not with Wolves.

replying to Nelson was probably Oxford's best player during the period he was playing. He shows great potential - defending good but his ability to move forward with the ball is even better - he should be fit from mid March onwards - unclear whether he gets to play as Oxford signed a new centre back - essentially because of his absence as I understand. Souttar was shown he is, at the very least, a good Championship player. If this meant selling Osoli, Faes I would be happy with that - provided funds used properly (not sure of this under Rudkin at al),

Not sure I agree. Assuming the season effectively ends when we know we are relegated, it is likely to be quite short. I can see we end transfer window with no meaningful signings; not for the first time a manager has been let down by vacuous Board promises.

For Cannon, this will be a great move. almost certain to be staring in PL in August, rather than a substitute in Championship. This makes no sense to me given his goal scoring record in Championship (and the 3 teams that went up are clearly the 3 weakest likely to be relegated). Similarities to decision to sell Chris Wood?

If you have not seen, tise most extraordinary headed goal has to be seen: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/videos/c6274yn9px6o About 1.45 in (or 1.15to enjoy again Faes goal before )

Totally agree Well articulated in this Guardian piece: Danny Ward had not started in the league for Leicester since March 2023 but was called upon to replace Mads Hermansen against Wolves. He never looked comfortable, making an early error with the ball at his feet and, once the first goal went under an arm, his day was not going to get any better. The goalkeeper has enjoyed an impressive career but a lack of regular football has affected him, leaving his reactions slow and confidence short. It cannot have helped the Wales international that his own supporters booed him and then sarcastically applauded when he did manage a simple save or to intercept an aimless ball over the top. Supporters have a right to express their views on the team’s performance but it must have hurt Ward to suffer such targeted criticism from those supposedly hoping he would save the next shot. He performed poorly, but there needs to be some recognition that footballers are human beings.

The opportunity for many witty one liners in a forum thread which has made me smile. Merry Christmas everyone!

Interesting article on Chris Wood https://www.theguardian.com/football/2024/dec/20/born-to-score-chris-woods-journey-from-hamilton-to-premier-league-ace My favourite goal was against Watford Nov 2013 when he started to charge down Watford goalie; it hit him went into the goal. So unexpected - magical!

Mr Expert - Could you please clarify the point you are trying to make in relation to this thread? Perhaps I don't understand football either, but I think there are some good points made. One extra point, and not speaking as an expert, - playing short to a teammate centrally with opposition players is always fraught with danger, and we see this across many teams. I am not worried about opposition but I do wish we could stop this practice.

The 4 goals conceded against Newcastle at St James Park is one better than in 1990, conceding 5; although City did score 4. Remarkably, the other result in 1990 v Newcastle when City were at home was 5-4 to City. (The games were in different seasons but the only times those two sides played one another.)

Ok, a different point (not worth a separate thread) but why can't attendance figures show the attendance! (The club know these.) Judging by the empty seats from the start (let alone the end!) the attendance was not 31647, which I guess is tickets sold, including all ST holders. I tam fairly certain this standard practice across all clubs. Time for it to end.

I wasn't aware of his recent medical challenges; I wish him well: The former Leicester and Watford manager Nigel Pearson has revealed that he had to learn to walk again over the past year after recovering from a “neurological situation”. The 61-year-old spoke of his “frustration” with his health when he was seen on crutches towards the end of his tenure at Bristol City in October 2023 and posted an update on social media thanking those who have supported him during his recovery. “Learning to walk again has been an incredible challenge,” he said. “My appreciation of support from family, friends, colleagues, supporters, and medical professionals has been profound. I had the wonderful opportunity of travelling to the US with my dad to meet family for the first time in Wisconsin.” Pearson spoke about his love of the outdoors in an interview with the Guardian in February 2023 and has recently been able to get back out into the countryside again. “I’ve been able to cycle in the Peak District, and swing golf clubs at the driving range, although my follow through needs some work (I’ve not fallen over yet!),” he added. “Although my prognosis is still uncertain, believe me that positivity and laughter can prove the best medicine as I experienced with old friends from school on a canal narrow boat on my birthday. There is always light somewhere ahead – new possibilities, new challenges.” (from the guardian)

I agree. Even if we get relegated, I would be confident of an immediate return (unless points deduction unreasonable); it does seem he will only improve as a manager. He is a class above Cooper. Just hope he can strengthen squad and that wn't be dictated by Rdkin.

For some illogical reason (well, beyond me) the FA Cup decided to avoid replays. I can understand (but disagree) at third round and beyond but surely not for first and second round. What a great game that would have been for Harborough - an almost certain televised game, packed ground , and the enthusiasm throughout the town. The FA should change their policy; not going to help Harborough but for similar clubs for next season.

From my knowledge in this field, it is important to keep talking, as others have noted; and exercise will help too. The fact you have been so honest on this forum shows you can sort this; it's a great start. As been suggested Turning Point are a great organisation for problems such as yours. I would strongly suggest calling them tomorrow 0300 3033 6000 or, if in Leicester, visit 38 Friar Lane (9-5 weekdays). Your situation is far from unusual; TP can help you through this. Alternatively, Talking Therapies https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/talking-therapies-medicine-treatments/talking-therapies-and-counselling/nhs-talking-therapies/ may be very helpful, or contact your GP, or 111. Best wishes; when you get through this (as you will) let others know what worked for you and to show everyone can do similar.

Begs the question - why take 3 spinners and no reserve w/k? NZ is never going to the country to have 3 spinners, and if an injury to the w/k, which has happened before, a (proper) reserve should be in the squad.

An extraordinarily dominant second half (in a ten a side game after both teams had a player sent off in first half) by Solihull Moors v Ebbsfleet. I think their 6 goals without reply is the record in top 5 divisions in England for an away team, having been level(0-0 at half time). (Brighton beat Walsall 7-0 in 1976 (all goals in second half), but they were at home.)

Swindon’s manager, Ian Holloway, has suggested their form could be because their training ground is haunted. (They are just a point above relegation zone in Div 2. Their captain, Ollie Clarke, recently ruptured a tendon in his ankle during training last week. Holloway claimed there are “some really, really strange things happening” and said he would be asking his wife to “cleanse the area” because Swindon’s training ground, in Calne, is near an ancient burial site. “I’m absolutely devastated so I’m going to try to cleanse the training ground area because people are telling me it’s haunted,” Holloway told BBC Radio Wiltshire. “Seriously, there’s a graveyard somewhere near. I’m not joking. “I think our training ground is very close to an ancient burial site so I’m going to get my wife to come up and say sorry to all these people and hopefully we’ll have a bit more luck. But you have to earn your luck.” Somehow I am not surprised given it's Holloway!

Yarm & Eaglescliffe's 6-5 away win against Sunderland West End (Northern League div 2) was extraordinary. In 7 minutes of added time they pulled back from 5-2 down to win. Goals were scored after 92.93,94 and 96 minutes!

I am sure most fans would too; trouble is I am not sure he would take City. Given the way Man United's form (and structure as a team) has turned round since he took over (ok 2 games were against a poor City so perhaps not a proper reflection of his ability), he has done his profile a lot of good) If he does leave United, I am sure he would be wanting a bigger club than a struggling Leicester.

But surely marginally better than Edoaurd - hopefully he can go back soon? I think BCR was still in contact discussions with Fulham when we signed him - I presume he thought he could get 3 years of decent wages for doing little to nothing.