NOTE OF CAUTION

[Ultra]

Congratulations to the FOXES on a superb performance against high-flying Sheffield United today.

The return of Iain Hume after an absence of several games gave us the cutting edge we have previously lacked. With Ryan Smith giving a performance which would have delighted the late George Best, our firepower, together with another solid performance by the central defensive duo, proved too much for the blunts.

But it's still far too early to say that the corner has been turned. Three tricky away games follow which will test the true character of the team and its manager. Even today, a number of flaws were evident which may have been punished on other days. For example, the central midfield found it difficult to retain permission. The Gudjonsson-Kisnorbo combination is still not firing on all cylinders. Questions remain whether this partnership is a viable long-term proposition.

And what was the manager doing bringing Johansson back to the left-back slot? I thought today's performance was probably his worst for us to date, although he didn't get too much protection in fromt of him. Fortunately the visitors' squad rotation meant that Paul Ifill, who was always a danger in the match at Bramall Lane, didn't play, and it was a mystery why he didn't replace Gillespie at half-time.

But even a lamentably weak ref, who appeared to be intimidated by Warnock's usual theatrics, was not enough to prevent our deserved triumph.

The task the manager now faces is to maintain this form on a consistent basis. With Hume and probably Smith unavailable for the trip to Bolton, the chances of a win there remain remote, but four points from the games at Leeds and Stoke would give a clear sign that things are starting to change for the better.

Why couldn't we have played like this in previous weeks?

[Jonbluefox9]

Congratulations to the FOXES on a superb performance against high-flying Sheffield United today.

The return of Iain Hume after an absence of several games gave us the cutting edge we have previously lacked. With Ryan Smith giving a performance which would have delighted the late George Best, our firepower, together with another solid performance by the central defensive duo, proved too much for the blunts.

But it's still far too early to say that the corner has been turned. Three tricky away games follow which will test the true character of the team and its manager. Even today, a number of flaws were evident which may have been punished on other days. For example, the central midfield found it difficult to retain permission. The Gudjonsson-Kisnorbo combination is still not firing on all cylinders. Questions remain whether this partnership is a viable long-term proposition.

And what was the manager doing bringing Johansson back to the left-back slot? I thought today's performance was probably his worst for us to date, although he didn't get too much protection in fromt of him. Fortunately the visitors' squad rotation meant that Paul Ifill, who was always a danger in the match at Bramall Lane, didn't play, and it was a mystery why he didn't replace Gillespie at half-time.

But even a lamentably weak ref, who appeared to be intimidated by Warnock's usual theatrics, was not enough to prevent our deserved triumph.

The task the manager now faces is to maintain this form on a consistent basis. With Hume and probably Smith unavailable for the trip to Bolton, the chances of a win there remain remote, but four points from the games at Leeds and Stoke would give a clear sign that things are starting to change for the better.

Why couldn't we have played like this in previous weeks?

I agree with most of what you said except the bit about Johansson. I didn't think he did badly at all. He brings a little more experience to the backline and showed that his timing in the tackle is very good. As Levein said after the Watford game, you're always likely to make a mistake at the back if you have three young defenders like Gerrbrand, McCarthy and Stearman playing and although we did make mistakes at the back today, I think we look a stronger team defensively with Johansson playing.

[Thracian]

Congratulations to the FOXES on a superb performance against high-flying Sheffield United today.

The return of Iain Hume after an absence of several games gave us the cutting edge we have previously lacked. With Ryan Smith giving a performance which would have delighted the late George Best, our firepower, together with another solid performance by the central defensive duo, proved too much for the blunts.

But it's still far too early to say that the corner has been turned. Three tricky away games follow which will test the true character of the team and its manager. Even today, a number of flaws were evident which may have been punished on other days. For example, the central midfield found it difficult to retain permission. The Gudjonsson-Kisnorbo combination is still not firing on all cylinders. Questions remain whether this partnership is a viable long-term proposition.

And what was the manager doing bringing Johansson back to the left-back slot? I thought today's performance was probably his worst for us to date, although he didn't get too much protection in fromt of him. Fortunately the visitors' squad rotation meant that Paul Ifill, who was always a danger in the match at Bramall Lane, didn't play, and it was a mystery why he didn't replace Gillespie at half-time.

But even a lamentably weak ref, who appeared to be intimidated by Warnock's usual theatrics, was not enough to prevent our deserved triumph.

The task the manager now faces is to maintain this form on a consistent basis. With Hume and probably Smith unavailable for the trip to Bolton, the chances of a win there remain remote, but four points from the games at Leeds and Stoke would give a clear sign that things are starting to change for the better.

Why couldn't we have played like this in previous weeks?

You're right, of course. Just wish you'd have written this tomorow. It's so rare that I've been able to revel in the excitement of a City performance that I'd have quite liked to leave reality alone for a day.

[holly]

thought johansson did well, defo wasnt his worst game!!! played worse at burnly

i think stearman would prob of got sent off yesterday and CL knew that and thats why he put nils back in there! stearman is like maybury well fiesty!!