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For those who think 'most managers' would have us in this position: Let's say we'd stuck with Dean Smith. No slight on the bloke, he seems a nice guy who did his best under difficult circumstances at the end of last season. He's shown himself to be a decent manager at Championship level. Does anyone really think we'd have won 26 out of 34 games under him? Or Scott Parker? Or Gerrard? Or Big Nige (peace be upon him)?

His shot power and ability to get one away with very little space are very good signs. Will score for fun against lesser opposition over the rest of this season.

Pretty good defensively last night but when he lofted a cross over everyone's head and out for a throw in rather than knocking it wide for Albrighton I almost threw my tv out the window.

His return from injury in Spring 2022 was a big reason we avoided getting sucked in to a relegation battle that season. We hadn't won in the league that year before he came off the bench against Burnley away and changed the game - their defenders couldn't cope with him. We then went on a bit of a mini run before picking up those wins at the end of the season where I think he scored 4 or 5 goals and ended up finishing 8th. For me the decline was only really obvious from the start of last season.

Not one of his most famous assists but I absolutely loved this one against Man Utd in the 17/18 season. Ball lofted over the top and he has the presence of mind to know Vardy is running up to join him. Checks back with the ball and waits for Vardy to overlap on the outside then plays a perfectly weighted ball for him to rifle into the bottom corner without breaking his stride. Proper slippers and cigar stuff, sublime. From about 58 seconds in:

Could see our starting XI for the first game of 24/25 being something like: Mads Ricardo New CB Faes Doyle New 8/6 Winks KDH Fatawu New ST Mavididi Coady, Cannon and Justin to play significant roles. I'm guessing Vardy, Nacho, Ndidi, Praet, Albrighton and possibly Vesty depart. Along with the new players identified above, we need competition in midfield, at full back and on the wings.

Standing in a safe standing section with a rail and more legroom is infinitely more comfortable - and safer - than standing in an area designed for sitting. Cardiff last weekend was a good example of this.

Some changes, but not too many. Mads Hamza Faes Coady Justin Winks Praet KDH Kasey Iheanacho Mavididi Yunus, Cannon, Casadei, Albrighton and Souttar for a run out if possible. Save Vesty, Ndidi, Riccy P and Fatawu for Ipswich.

Bit of rotation needed. With only one other fit full back, Ricardo in particular should put his feet up for this one. Mads Faes Coady Justin Hamza Winks Fatawu Casadei KDH Mavididi Vardy Praet, Yunus, Cannon and Kasey to get a good run out in the second half if all goes well.

Maresca said in his post match with Radio Leicester that he'd be back in training this week, sounded like he'll be ok for Friday.

Preston has a big university which makes it a reasonably vibrant place. Blackburn, Bolton and particularly Burnley are very down at heel though.