An Away Move

London. Used to drive from Sydenham, which was horrendous. Sometimes 2 hours to get to the M1. Now just off Finchley Road so hit the motorway in about 15 mins. I think this will be my last season as a STH. I’m so torn as I have an amazing seat with no one behind me aside from hospitality. The row behind me costs £2300 more than I pay per season. It’s the amount of rearranged/midweek/tv fixtures that are the killer though. Trains are often screwed up or finish early and if I want a pint it means staying over at extra cost. Not sure I can justify it anymore, especially as I have a 2 year old. Hats off to people coming from Scotland, Devon and Cornwall, etc.,

We can still survive. We just need to be better than Ipswich and Wolves. Achievable.

Different result if Vardy had his shooting boots on? On that basis is it arguably a good performance, i.e., we created the chances from open play to win. Clutching at straws here.

We’ve also been ****ed by Chelsea. Being scalped of Maresca was a real killer blow before a ball was kicked. As if staying up is not hard enough for a promoted team.

Top is too distant. Rudkin runs the place. Our malaise is a symptom of their chumminess. It’s not a professional relationship based on the metrics of success from the academy through to the first team. Reminds me of Newcastle’s former owner who put made Derek Llambas CEO of NUFC. The latter used to run Mike Ashley’s favourite casino.

I saw this and got that feeling of doom. Match day commentary running behind.

West Ham could have said the same against us. 30 shots they had.

Sounds like Palace are defending well and way more clinical than us. We just have to take any chances left in this game. Vardy having a shocker.

I like Cannon. I like his work rate. He has quality too and seems quite a natural finisher. Looked good the few times we played him in The Championship.

Which is either ultra-conservative and/or ridiculous IMO. Meanwhile Spain play a 16 year old in the European Cup Final.

What do you think it’s done for his confidence and enthusiasm that the club talked him up when the contract was offered and then brought four players in in his position? He’s a talent but only human. The club can do the talk but actions speak louder than words. The pathway to the first team has become much more difficult as the emphasis is on experience. When Ayew and Cordova-Reid drop off Alves will be near the end of his contract. He should walk IMO.

Rodgers was about to give him a first team run before the horror tackle from the Wolves lad. Enzo rated him highly and wanted to play him but niggles got in the way. The lad is fit now. Got assurances in the summer he was part of the first team plans and then, turned down loan moves and the club then got Ayew, Cordova-Reid, Buonanotte, and Bilal in in positions Alves can play in. Him not playing is nothing to do with lack of talent. His development has been royally ****ed over by Rudkin/the club. We seem very slow to progress our academy players compared to other clubs. KDH and Barnes come through late. Other clubs and indeed national sides are playing their talented teens. Not us. It makes no sense. Not in terms of player development or increasing asset values. Clubs are using their academies to generate profits. Where is our strategy in terms of talent development, or indeed from a financial perspective. He’s an incredibly bright prospect being treated badly.

You know this how?

I’m pretty certain he was niggle free, which is why it was so disappointing.

He can put on muscle for fun if he wants to. It’s not great for your game though. Also is Winks physical enough? Was Mahrez?

To almost quote Jack Nicholson you know nothing of the truth.

Pretty certain Alves was told he was part of first team plans at the end of last season and turned down loans at beginning is this season. No doubt told how important he was when offered the four year contract. What has happened since is diabolical from the club. Bought four players in that can play in his position. The lad has been shown that the club is two faced and can’t be trusted with his development. Other clubs are playing their talented teenagers. He deserves better. Pains me to say but I think he should leave Leicester at the first opportunity.

Get Alves on.

The EPL is more like F1 than a proper sporting competition. Our owners are wealthier than the Glaser family but can’t use their wealth like Man Utd can. Their turnover from competition will be hammered next season, but their shirt sales will mean they can still invest more than our team next season

This is why I think the club have a very poor strategy. I’m pretty certain he was made to feel part of first team plans under Maresca and before Cooper came in, and most likely turned down loan moves. Then El Khannous, Cordova Reid, Ayew were signed alongside Buonanotte on loan - all of whom play in Alves’ positions and have started ahead of him. What does that tell him about how the club value him as a player and his development? I suspect he’ll now choose to go off on loan in Jan. It wouldn’t surprise me if he chose to leave on a Bosman once his contract is up, especially if we’re relegated and struggle to return first time. I think he’s probably learned that he might not be able to trust the club to put his interests first. Stupid really, because he’s a very bright talent with big sale value potentially.

4:0 Liverpool.

The table does not lie. Would not surprise me one bit if the season ended with this bottom three.

You could argue that Justin was at fault for the goal more than Ward was. Also that he was unlucky when the third hit the post and went in. What you can’t argue with though is that the fan base has had it with Ward. Getting loudly booed by the fans and ironic cheers for making basic saves should spell the end of his team involvement.

Shall we talk about our new 37? - probably our most exciting prospect for years. Told by the club he was part of the first time plans then the club buys Cordova-Reid and Ayew who play in his position on the wing alongside two new 19 year olds (one on loan) who are also now in front of him. BcD and Ayew are short term squad fillers due to age. Buonanotte being nicely developed for Brighton. Alves should be being developed - even from a purely financial perspective. He could be worth a lot if he delivers on his promise and potential. I believe the current trajectory is that he’ll find a loan, do well, and potentially leave because he’s learned he can’t trust this club to best serve his interests. He could be a real asset on the pitch and to the club’s bottom line.

He hasn’t. We’ve mostly played with one up top whose job was to hold up the ball and release wingers or others from deep. We’ve never played Daka in a counter attack like we used to spring on the opponent in 15/16. He’d have thrived if we had. His pace as a weapon has very rarely been utilised as it was last night.