Struggles with basics? I would argue you could find 30 clips that support this view, and another 30 clips that show his first touch, short passing, crossing, shooting, strength, movement, dribbling skills etc are of a high level. In terms of a “witch hunt” - whilst an extreme definition, the fact he was expensive meant that the expectation was instant. A handful of games first season, looking out of shape/confidence = he was effectively written off, advocated to be sent out on loan.. (ado den Haag la vista?) Since, he’s basically just done what an average football fan would probably expect of any highly regarded potential young players; improved with age, time, starts and alongside his physical development. Each to their own, I just would save the “bag of kak” comments for the Dixon Etuhu’s in blue and white.

I’m more interested in what changed since @SkipDonoghue ‘s theory and speculations personally...!

Start of a process I hope includes a few more! Most important issue for me that this is sorted ASAP.

Yea I’m not sure what people are smoking to come to that amount. Wham fans too; https://westhamfans.org/content/armstrong-saphire-making I’m sure I’m not the only one who would rather watch him walk away for free (next year) than go for 10m

It’s a huge advantage having an academy - who would you rate as most likely to make some headway this season?

Despite the annoying presentation - great to see just how good JB is technically. With more minutes and starts, can see this lad getting better again next year.

I always got the impression that lower revenue (NAPM) only impacted the people employed by the club and the playing side of things. Personally think protesting the current scenario would be a extreme. I’m frustrated by poor performance last season, but I would say that’s the first full season in the last 4 that I’ve felt like that. Equally things can change quickly, for better or worse. In terms of the next manager, my choice is still DJ, however my real concern at the club right now is players contracts expiry.

So up to 260 so far?

I did understand the terms and perhaps I was a little over hopeful about getting back into the stadium. I also appreciate I wouldn’t have the opportunity to watch away games on my normal season ticket, but that would guarantee me priority for away and big cup games. Obviously, if there is 2500 season passes and if they covered in full every away game; about half a million pounds over a season. Might seem a lot for the club in an environment they’ve lost a lot of turnover, and I’d rather us spend that money on recruitment, but still.. Moneys tight enough and an extra 20/30 quid a month will prevent many from accessing the games. From a marketing perspective- I’d be using this opportunity (all games live) to get as many fans watching as possible.

I still can’t get my head round how the club can’t pay for the season pass holders away games or at least make it a % off. I know I shouldn’t moan about something that’s caused by a pandemic but I must’ve spent 100 quid on top of my season ticket already this season simply watching away games and the ones not allowed on the season pass!

I have this in a way. Never confident that mistakes are behind them but relieved they’ve pretty much left decisions to TM/SW since hiring both. No coincidence this was after spending millions on KPMG and other investigative work into previous governance. There is a worry that the next decision will be the most important one - and I don’t have “confidence” in this being the right one. I guess the relief is they’re not simply here to use the club as a cash cow - even after all of the conspiracy stuff over the years, they’ll ultimately cover the shortfall of our income at this level. Which essentially could be described as “accepting the responsibility of their errors”.

Call it 9 windows, forgetting the two in league one and the two first season back. Call it 4.5 years, forgetting trajectory of the club prior to the start of this phase. Call it 50 odd months of no progress, forgetting the necessary overhaul of squad, backroom, development, scouting etc. Call it same old same old, simply because 100% of decision making hasn’t been to your lofty expectations, simultaneously painting anyone who doesn’t agree as “accepting mediocracy”.. Call it BRFCurmudgeonS 😂

Even Kean?

Bell also finishes contract end of season.

Genius - the HP bottle picture..

Article said it had been done since Saturday and all they’re sorting right now is the loan back. Douglas and bell till the end of the season - also was a big part of getting it done (the loan back) according to Lt

Ha. I only ever put pence bets on things with daft odds or just to get bits out of my account! You can imagine my frustration having 50p on Rothwell to score two at 225/1 and then seeing him subbed immediately after scoring 😂

Masters on ITV starting tonight. Anyone got any tips? Ive put a few quid on chizzy at 20/1

I don’t share that level of cynicism.

Someone mentioned something about us being in a position to find the best upcoming candidates. Reminded me of an article on Southampton from a few years back. https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2717975-inside-the-southampton-black-box-informing-their-manager-carousel Talks about scouting, but interestingly how Les Reed and the clubs football structure side of things doesn’t change when the manager does - ie the “journey” or club outline is all about scouting young players that have the right character. From what I can gather - the club still implements this system, and Martyn Glover oversees the direction of football. For me they are an example of a similar club in size / revenues - a good example of what can be achieved, even losing good players and managers regularly. They even make mention of knowing potential management targets contract expiry - can anyone imagine our directors doing this? Nope.

@chaddyrovers Might answer some of your questions. For me - he sounds like someone who would make a good manager and he’s worked his way up specifically with our lads so - I wouldn’t be averse to him getting a shot. Also; https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/53724502

How on earth should I know?

He’s called Damien Johnson 😃

A nearly full squad fit for those games... Travis in particular. Its our chance to get right back in the mix