oxford blue

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.

I think you're both right. Most of money received was ring-fenced - for the government. Councils only allowed to keep a portion ie a very small amount given in early years discounts very high. Then in the 1980's two acts greatly reduced capacity for councils to build any social housing; it became very difficult to borrow to build housing. Firstly, there were expenditure limits, then a ban on using sales receipts for homes bought through RTB unless the Council was debt free. In 2012 there was a policy of a 1:1 replacement for properties but it did not have to be like for like ie new social housing not needed. Research from 2 years ago showed only 5% of homes sold through RTB were replaced with similar social housing. The government will reduce (from 21 Nov) the maximum discount someone can receive to £16.000 in some south-eastern areas, £24,000 for East Midlands (£38000 max in some locations in south-east - highest across country ).

Tamworth won last night thanks to an own goal from a Tonks' long throw in. Rory Delapp was the master, but Ben Tozer (FGR) and in women's football Megan Campbell (remember her long throw a little time ago v England) are all great proponents of the art. (Fuchs pretty good, and City's best?) A long throw is something you rarely see in top flight football. I guess it is probably never even considered by coaches, so players don't practice. An effective long throw is harder to defend against than a corner. Teams may have more control over a corner, but as a long throw seems to create chaos in defence, it should be used more. Why isn't it?

Vardy is now the oldest top tier debutant (at 27) across all clubs to have gone on to score 140 goals since Arthur Chandler, who made his debut at 29 in First Division, and also a City player (Of course, he is City's greatest goal scorer - despite never scoring a penalty. If Vardy is still with the club and scores after 15 Feb 2026 he will become the oldest scorer!

This final test in Pakistan was also Jonathan Agnew's last test as BBC correspondent. I'll miss his enthusiasm, knowledge and ability to convey that and position of match in a limited time he had available. And of course, his part in

Many fans want a new manager. It would be interesting for a poll to be set up with possible candidates - but to include Cooper remaining. Moyes, Potter have already been mentioned. Not sure who else may be a realistic option in English or Scottish football, except for Chris Davies, (Birmingham) who is doing a pretty decent job (an assistant with BR., so links to the club). Others with a better knowledge of European managers could suggest some names other than those mentioned. However, although I am one who would like to see Cooper replaced, I can't see it happening with current leadership at the club

Unless game is at Oval is must be time to drop Ollie Pope. These are his last 10 scores excluding his 154 at Oval 1 3 22 29 0 7 17 1 6 6. An average if 9.2 is what might be expected from a number 10.