MancFox24

I know everyone will just be delighted to see the back of him but I hope this question gets asked of Martin. If he was forced to play him in a competitive game just to prove his fitness to another club then it really does show what a tinpot club we've become

Think most fans would begrudgingly agree he's the best defender at the club and has been for some time. But that's what's made his performances and attitude over the past couple of seasons even more frustrating. There were even a couple of occasions in that first half where he flung his arms up in frustration like a spoilt child. Agree that he wouldn't get so much flack if he had a short back and sides though

It's way too early to draw any conclusions, but the disappointing thing is that it looked a lot like performances last year just with a bit more of the ball. There were flashes of good stuff in the first half but the team looks weak physically, seemed to tire quickly and the defending was all over the place at times. Would have been good to see just a bit more energy in the team even if the performance wasn't there

Never good when these things are made public before a deal is done. It's a sign that somebody is trying to leverage their position.

It's not an inspiring choice and he wouldn't have been my pick, but it makes sense in terms of the possession based footballing style the club clearly favour. I think it's the wrong strategy because football has moved on from the era of dominating possession for the sake of it. But it makes far more sense as an appointment than Cooper or Cifuentes. I was one of the ones who was critical of Maresca's tactics but I've learnt to be careful what you wish for so if it's dull to watch but effective then so be it, we just need to get out of this league this season

Lost all 4 of our 12.30 kick offs at the KP this season. Oddly enough have won all 4 of our 3pm kick offs. Away form at both times isn't great but still better at 3pm. So we just need 3pm kick offs for the rest of the season and we'll be fine

Much better organisation. Ricardo's best game for a while, Nelson was really good, Winks and Skipp put in a shift, Daka worked hard. Get Lascelles fit so he can play once a week and we stand a chance

Nelson has been very good tonight

Mukasa is levels above anything we've got. Not sure how you fit him and James into the same team but there's a glimmer of hope there. Have to just play to outscore the opposition for the remainder of the season. I don't think anyone could sort that defence out

Oh Luke

Their winger had chance to bump into one of his own players and still nobody got within 5 yards of stopping the cross

Can you imagine in any other line of business being able to spaff about £15 million up the wall with no consequences

Don't think I've ever seen a worse player with the ball at his feet at this level than Okoli

Get some minutes for VK and experience for Aluko. That's about all there is to be gained from today. That midfield looks very lightweight

You're right, they have started to use bank loans secured against parachute payments, which is a worrying sign. But they do still have access to a £40 million loan from KP if needed. Like you say, when the parachute payments dry up, that's when the shit hits the fan. Best case scenario for me is we survive this year, somehow manage to rebuild in the summer and get promoted next year, and then the owners sell. I don't see another quick way out of this