oxford blue

I would be happy with Tomasson: I see he has not relocated after first year at Blackburn yet so probably not difficult to persuade him to sign https://www.lancs.live/sport/football/football-news/blackburn-rovers-tomasson-future-leeds-26942819 Rob Edwards is another person I would be happy with although not a realistic prospect if Luton win play off final. Given the rebuilding that will be necessary, I do think it is a younger manager our best long term prospect.

A great early afternoon at Court Place Farm; Oxford City played exceptionally well and thoroughly deserved the win. The crowd of over 3000 (tickets were sold out) was more than a thousand more than previous record. So Nationals League for City - where Oxford United had dropped down to for several years ending 2011 Separately, I thought the National League play-off final was a terrific game; the standard of the lower leagues has improved considerably over the past few years. Good substitution on 119 minutes by bringing on Mair who saved 2 penalties. Players Penanka style pens should be fined - Bostock tried to be clever with the penalty that would have won the game; better than Kermorgant's pitiful effort v Cardiff but still unforgivable.

I am surprised very little blame is put onto the players. Even if collectively they are not good enough to stay in the division (and I think they are even given injuries), there is no reason why it appears they play 'like they don't care' borrowing words from another thread (first half against Bournemouth at home a prime example). Having said that there was clearly a lack of communication between Rodgers and board during last close season; Rodgers identifies players (and likely some contact was made) he wants at the club, but there are zero funds available (Lookman would have cost a relative pittance but there was no money.) Rodgers was clearly annoyed as was clear from his subsequent press conferences and for a period it appeared to me he had lost drive and enthusiasm. Perhaps a long way to suggest all are as much to blame for what has been a disastrous season.

Leeds City Council . in a review of links to the slave trade and colonialism, have concluded that Billy Bremner had no such connection, so his statue (outside the Elland Rd ground) can remain. In a similar review, Birmingham City Council have concluded the statue of Tony Hancock is 'low risk''' as he did not have any links to the slave trade (but he had some outdated views 'reflective of the time'.) [Given the budgetary pressure local authorities face, are such reviews the best way to use a limited budget? Was it really necessary to consider whether Bremner had links to slavery?]

National League South is pretty good too. Oxford City's win last Sunday in play off semi was an intense game with a lot of quality - I am hoping for similar this Sunday v St Alban's (hopefully similar result). Both finals are on BT sport 3; I recommend watching if you have this. {Oxford's artificial pitch is better than the mud pitches before it was installed but ball does bounce unnaturally particularly if it is dry.) For me Zac McCreachan is City's best - certainly most skilful - player (he is Josh's younger brother) . He was previously enrolled at Jamie Vardy's academy when he was at Banbury not so long after he was released by Chelsea.

Great comment, not many posts make me smile

Iversen could be one of he best keepers we have had in recent years (yes, better than Schmeicel) but we all know his distribution skills need to be improved. Of course, Kasper's were not great either. Is the goalkeeping coach (Stowell) effective as a coach for the requirements of a modern keeper? There seems to be little or no improvement since he was been with us. I would have thought distribution should be easier to coach/practice than shot stopping etc?

Did BR keep Stowell too long? Certainly loyal to the club but as a goalkeeping coach is his input noticeable? For a long time Kasper's weaknesses remained the same. Iversen is a very good shot stopper and better than KS in corners and other aspects in 6 yard area. However, distribution has always been a problem and stopped him getting a regular first team spot until recently. This has not improved since he came here. I would have thought this would be one of the easier techniques to improve - although does this require a goalkeeping coach younger than MS. I think he has been at club 18 years; is there evidence in improvement in goalkeepers?

There has not been much information in press coverage about details of the abuse. Considering the numbers of similar surnames, I would speculate this is pure sex abuse of young children rather than grooming (as previously implied). I think an important difference, although the abhorrence of the crimes is similar

I mat have missed a reply about Kasper Schmeichel interview with the Times on Saturday (behind a paywall so can't send link) when he very complimentary about BR - the best man manager he has known. Although the BR project may have run its road and a refresh may be what is needed, I do think this can only be made at the end of the season so it would be better to get behind the team rather than demand BR out for now. I am not sure we could do any better at this stage of he season and fulsome hoe support can only be helpful, even if performances disappoint (and with better finishing we would have had at least a draw on Saturday.)

Given a similar law was adopted in Russia - who still occupy two the Georgian states of South Ossetia and Abhazia - and can be used to designate any opposition to the government a 'foreign agent', I am not surprised at the opposition. If you want further info: Introduction of new law: https://civil.ge/archives/525575 Currently: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-64882475 The election of the current Georgian Dream party in Oct 2020 was called fraudulent by all the opposition parties; and the PM resigned 5 months later to be replaced by a 'radical.. Most Georgians cherish their freedoms since the split from the Soviet Union; it is not the first time there have been demonstrations outside parliament at anything which may restrict democracy (and the current bill has been widely condemned internally and by many external organisations).

Why not try a free software? https://uk.pcmag.com/antivirus/120817/the-best-free-antivirus-protection

Couldn't agree more! Drummers just seem to make a noise at any ground I go to; any drummers viewing this - please try to play a tune! It would be great if a drummer could play in tune with any chants, or initiate some...wishful thinking I know!

I don't. Pontus Kaamark; his skills brought more joy than any Swedish furniture (although I have not any!) Coming back to original thread: Ward is showing his form from earlier years particularly when he played for Wales. Rodgers did well to stick with him; whilst I thought Rodgers should stay, I did think Iversen should have started when Ward was making mistakes. I would see no reason for buying another goalkeeper as has been speculated given limited funds w have.

(Excluding Sala RIP) Leeds signed Augustin from RB Leipzig in 2019/20. They had to make signing permanent if they got promoted by 30.June 2020 (promotion confirmed after this date because of Covid break)). The agreement was they had to pay £18m: he played 40 minutes of football over 3 appearances. Leeds have lost appeal at CAS. (I understand appeal has now been made in Swiss Supreme Court.)

Does the collapse of FTX signal the end of cryptocurrency? I think it might; hope no-one has lost too much money with any holding on bitcoin etc given collapse in price. For me, I can't think anyone will invest now and I can only see price falling further, unless there is an official regulator which is not going to happen. Is there anyone with confidence in this?

I don't think he will be given a chance- he has missed 3 out of last 4 penalties

I don't think can be right given he was only elected to parliament in May 15. and only became Chancellor in Feb 20

https://www.theguardian.com/football/2022/oct/14/leicester-wout-faes-chelsea-david-luiz-english-football Worth a read. Good to s he has settled (in Rutland)

Watford appointed Rob Edwards in May; their 16th (I think if I have counted correctly!) manager since 2012. He had built a successful team at Forest Green R, and it seemed that the owner (Pozzo) were seeking a new strategy in allowing a British manager to develop and build a team. This new approach was overwhelming supported by Watford fans. Yet 10 games in, he is sacked; had Watford not conceded in last 5 minutes in last game, they would have been 5th in table. After Watford's abysmal end to last season, it would have been very difficult to build a team, particularly as unclear who would be still at Watford. I get the impression the vast majority of fans are despairing in that the club have returned to 'hire and fire' within a few months; Edwards had not lost confidence of supporters and I think most would have preferred staying in Championship if it meant that the basis of strong team able to get promoted next season and have players to stay in PL. While fans will get behind new manager - Stefan Bilic- it has not been a good week for Watford supporters.

Alex Neil was not properly backed - he was still on a 12 month rolling contract and his expectations in new signings were not met. Perhaps unsurprising he was happy to leave with certainty of a longer contract and he believes he will be able to shape team with financial backing

I was just looking at Chelsea figures; they show a loss of > £145m for y/end 30.6.21. This summer have spent nearly £120m with no income from sales, before Cucurella, let alone Fofana which would more than double the deficit on transfers (and Fofana would earn £10m a year - reportedly). I realise CL will be hugely beneficial this season for the club, but are they gambling on a long run? I do struggle to understand the FFP rules!

Thoroughly recommended podcast on BBC Sounds. It follows both Rotherham & Oxford managers over final few months of last season and gives a real insight into .the role a manager has at any club. It really goes behind the scenes, and, as the warning at start says, not suitable if offended by 'strong' language!. I think any football fan would find this interesting.

Could Wes tell him that a move from Forest to City is a sensible decision?

The parallel universe which Russia exists in was well explained by Putin's spokesman on Sky earlier: https://news.sky.com/story/ukraine-war-putins-spokesman-denies-war-crimes-but-admits-significant-russian-losses-12584552 It was a goodwill gesture to facilitate peace to leave Kiev. Civilian deaths are faked or the result of Ukrainian troops occupying all the destroyed infrastructure. With most Russians getting their news exclusively from state media it explains why most Russians continue to support the war (military operation!).