theessexfox

I was in my early teens when Pearson’s second spell started, so all I’ve really known is an upwards trajectory, clear identity and pride and increasing success until 4/5 years ago, and now it’s come to this. I’m completely numb now and feel a complete lack of connection to the club. I have a vague memory of going to games when I was little in the Championship when we were very average and eventually got relegated to league 1. Genuine question: in those years did it feel equally soulless, or was there more of a connection and identity and fight within the club that allowed you to connect and fall in love with it?

Honestly the student loan system really winds me up now I've started properly repaying it - my wealthiest peers at uni don't have any debt and so get an extra £400-£500 each month from their take-home pay vs my take home. Given it's structured as a tax, it feels unbelievably regressive that the wealthiest don't pay that tax and build up their savings much more quickly, from the good fortune of having parents who could afford to pay the fees and maintenance up front.

Wasn’t it royal blue either side of us?

Nathan ‘the Fonz’ Delfounso for my money.

The last game I managed to catch was Derby away so I’ve got a weird perception that we’re perhaps the best team in the country.

I was at both days, great atmosphere and a lot of fun, but it didn’t feel like test cricket at all. Was hoping ro sit back and take it all in, but it was such a quick game there were no slower periods to enjoy and relax! But still great to be down with the Barmy Army for the start and end of our second innings, and good atmosphere in town afterwards. I really wish it had been to make it 2-2. I had day 4 tickets here and I’ve only got day 4 at Sydney, so hope it’s a bit of a flatter deck there.

As well as the fact he’s not good enough for their bench

KDH is on a mad tear

Better than Kante this lad

He may be the best player in our history

Pope needs dropping for good

Didn’t we beat them about 8-0?

Does Rio know his geography or is he getting whispers in his ear?

Is group L going to be prophetic?

Carlo’s Ancelotti

Powered by Aramco is very funny

Surely Tim Howard is next out?

Brook and Stokes both completely brainless

I was at West Ham tonight, genuinely sad to see how lifeless and apathetic and dead it was all round, on and off the pitch. I was in their end when they beat us 2-0 last year and it wasn’t much better.

Good limbs there. Also a sequence that reminds you how good top level footballers are.

Is Jakub paid based on how much hang time he gets on his clearances?

Think I’ve grown up and decided I really like Harry Kane

Just wait until next year.

Always rated him

Golden duck and 4 overs for 56 is a tough debut.