Especially being completely on his own up there. Tough ask for any player. Whoever does that role is onto a hiding. We should really sign a specialist to do it tbh if we're not going to let BBD or Gallagher have a go.

I'd essentially say the team we put out today is as good as last season's. So by definition should be in the mix for the playoffs really. If we could add one real quality central striker then that would make a big difference. And then we know Ayala is going to spend a lot of time injured so we need backup there. Left back would be good. And some sort of midfield enforcer as backup for Travis as it's a big ask for Edun or Garrett to step up. Ive heard quite a lot of people say we should expect lower table, mid table. But I don't really see why we can't continue to expect playoffs. The core of a good squad is there, with more young talent coming in and it seems money to spend.

I didnt think Hedges was abysmal but thought he was nowhere near the top performer (Buckley and Ayala the standouts for me, Travis also with a solid all round game and a great goal).

If hesitate to write anyone off early in the Championship. Mad league. They've got quality players like Chair and Dykes so it might be theyre out of sorts, or we are particularly defensively good. Will take a couple of months to figure it out.

Very good imo. They didnt cause us any problems anywhere on the pitch really. Didn't break our lines once as far as I can recall.

Once Buckley settled down he was superb. For me best midfielder weve had since Cairney. We should build the team around him.

Yeah agree with this. Buckley was great but I don't think any of the front four played a decent pass all game. On the flip side Hedges, BBD, Travis and Gallagher totally bullied their midfield. Gally and Hedges had better defensive than offensive games, which is not what you want but it did play a role in the win. QPR are a decent side and they barely got a sniff today

Its not pretty but it's a very effective defensive performance atm

For what it's worth Wharton on for Buckley is going to happen as is clearly close to a red. Shame as his passing was coming into it at the end. Will be interesting to see Wharton as I've never watched him in the flesh. I suppose there is a chance Edun could get the nod. Think it will be Wharton though. Other than that I'd give Gallagher a proper shot through the middle and bring Markanday for Vale around 60 mins. Its been an okay performance, very even. We've probably been the better side on balance just about.

Its been standard 4231 imo with them switching round a bit but mostly Vale leading the line. It is weird having three big units in Hedges, BBD and Gallagher but it's Vale whose clearly a fair bit smaller playing the traditional number 9. Not just Mowbray!

JDT has said he likes the front 4 to interchange so expect to see a bit if all four everywhere.

Yeah Vale at 10. Not many would have said a start - or even bench - for him back in May but he's earned it in pre season.

Nah Buckley and Travis will run it from midfield!

If it's 4231 as suspected its an interesting one. Dacks not fit enough to start. So options are Buckley whose very good at it, but he's needed at CM. So really it's Dolan or Hedges both of whom are runners not passers which is not a great fit at number 10.... Left field choice could be Harloch, or starting one of Garett or A Wharton at CM and pushing Buckley up to number 10. Very hard to guess tbh. Edit - or of course Vale who seems to be a good all-round number 10

Sounds encouraging.

Reading gave him a game against Benfica as a trialist a week or two ago but let him go. Davenport should get a bottom half champ / top half League One team pretty easily imo. He didn't really get that fair a shake with us tbh, but with Garrett and A Wharton coming through, and Edun in the picture also, him moving on seems the right thing.

Five out really in terms of first team squad.

I'd find it interesting if we spent all that money but didn't replace Gallagher!

I suppose Dack could make a good impact as a super sub.

Sounds a lot like Mowbray... Though the phases above would need to be followed by a 2 month winless death spiral.

Is this hope or expectation based on info?

Inclined to agree. If he was 20 or even 22 theres an argument he could go away and come back and maybe step up. But at 24 it would be a real surprise if he comes back after a season in League 2 and looks good enough for the Championship.

He was first half of last season. I'm hopeful he can rediscover that form.

It's bizarre the Posh chairman is discussing active transfer discussions on twitter...

Wonder if we are bidding for both but only intend to sign one? Though they are reasonably different types of player I think?