Vardinio'sCat

It's a real pity he wasn't ready to make an impact in his best position, which is presumably dmc. This stuff about changing him as a player when we bought him, pushing him further forward, was a bit of a red flag to me. It suggests we had no data on him playing in the position we wanted him to play for us.

the lad has done well, for me, well worth the suggested fee.

Very good. I some how thought there were locals involved in the Boer War battle, but perhaps that is a common error.

Toffee bonfire

One on one he is exceptional, reminded me of Des Walker at points, almost toying with them.

fofana hasn't lost his pace, has he. Perez has that unusual talent for a no10 in the modern game, in that he will give the ball back.

Soyuncu can play DMC, he did well in Gernany as one, I think.

I thought he looked almost too burly at points previously. Perhaps too many weights in an effort to get PL proof.

Papy and Wilf are almost direct opposites in how they go about the game, but Papy is a proper thinking man's player. Wilf is a beast, obviously, one of the most destructive midfielders you could imagine. But I just instinctively like clever players, especially in midfield.

Too big for box to box imho, at least Wilf's absence might give him some opportunities in an easier position for him.

That would be pretty funny actually, because Dan is a hardened stopper now. I'm sure he could still do a decent job as a defensive midfielder, especially against more physical sides, he has had good games for us playing there. The opposition midfielders would be a bit scared of him rampaging about in front of the back four, I should imagine. But I guess Soumare will get first dibs after Mendy.

page 666, and Brendan has turned it around, by the looks of it. Even some of the recent criticisms on his selection/subs seem to be partly caused by fitness issues (Sharky/Lookman etc). He has had a bit of a nightmare season, but we can still have a good run in.

It was thought he wasn't in favour, questions were asked, but it basically turned out he had been ill.

He has a top drawer short game, no doubt about that, and he is clearly an excellent pro. Papy is on a roll, sadly he would be most useful in European games, but I gather it is not to be.

Funnily enough, we had some shocking decisions against us in our early European adventures under Martin O'Niell. I think it is gutting beyond measure to walk away from an unprecedented european campaign with a bitter finish. Much as VAR can be problematic, I would like to see it used in such games. I think one of the refs was done for corruption not long after our unjust exit (against Atletico Madrid?), and if I remember right, Garry Parker got booked in a way I have never seen before or since, then later got sent off for a 2nd yellow. I think it is fair to say that the Spanish police and that ref took some of the shine off of our brief taste of european football. I hope you get more chances on the big stage, and I really hope we get there too. It's worth remembering our european route through PL position looks really tough, so we made compromises against Arsenal to help us stay fresh.

A decent game for a player who is struggling, and some don't like him being given some limited credit for it. When the facts change, my opinion changes, what do yours do?

Gets plenty written about what he isn't good at, but his positive qualities should also be recognised when we are sticking the boot in.

What a relief that was, he did well apart from the field goal attempts.

Not interested in the quibbling, Rennes are quite something and I hope they continue to shine. I never thought of Brittany as an obvious hotbed of football, but thats european competitions for you.

Actually, the park is next to Fullhurst college, it is called Westcoates Park. I approve Krefelder Fox's above post, it's all about the same walking distance whichever side you try, afaik.

Near our gaff on Winchester Avenue. There is a park with a lot of space round it at the far end which does fill up quickly from about an hour/45 mins before kick off. If you are late just park anywhere that isn't total idiocy, and cross your fingers. It's a good 20 minutes walk to the ground, but on the way out you are well positioned for J21, only joining the narb outbound traffic by the KFC. Any farther towards town or Upperton road and you have residents parking everywhere on our side of the narb.

He has risen.

Nice to see a bit of balance in your comments. For all his limitations, he does try to press, and his impressive turnover stats were reported as being a factor in his purchase. I think he might of been fortunate on the day, but the more you press the luckier you get, and he deserves some credit for the hard work if nothing else. He could do with moving on, as he is a squad player for us, and we have all seen enough. I'd rather have someone up and coming in that role.

Maddison can barely lift a rucksack so he is out.

Interesting upturn in form since Ed has got on board, clear proof he is the final piece in the jigsaw. Rennie without the bellyaching, you heard it here first.