Obviously resigned to losing Szmodics, but Gallagher going (no matter what anyone thinks of him) is really, really, concerning. The only senior striker in a team that’s needed reinforcements up top for years. No longer just a workhorse - he’s now the canary in the coal mine. If Dolan’s still here too when the window closes I’ll be astonished. Contrary to a lot of people’s opinions on here, pretty much any team outside the top 6 would want him in their squad for a couple of hundred grand and a relatively low wage. Doesn’t look like we’re planning on replacements either. In short, we’re fucked.

Then you’ll tell us the answer, right? So just tell us now? The first question I want asking at the next Fans Forum - “Are you aware this is being recorded?” I have concerns that the unnecessary and frankly outdated minuting protocol is at the very least being used to stifle impassioned and honest debate by trying to throw in some illusion of boardroom “professionalism”. At worst, it’s being edited to remove uncomfortable answers and cause division between the “in group” and the “out group” - trying to curry favour with those allowed into the circle and taking the heat, urgency, and momentum out of their concerns and questions when it’s reported days if not weeks down the line. I want transparency. This isn’t it. If the CEO can’t hold a meeting with his stakeholders without blurting out commercially sensitive information, then that’s a problem for Venky’s, not us. Get it streamed.

Either way they put 5+ past us. No pressure but a big prize on the line, or if they're really going for it. It'll be like watching the Harlem Bloody Globetrotters. I really think our goose is cooked.

I’m not usually like this but can’t quite bring myself to give it the “really proud of the lads oh didn’t we do well” schtick just yet. The game was there for the taking. Fair, fair gutted tbh. Suppose that shows how well we played. So close. Onwards.

We were 2nd in the league after 20 games going into that FYI

We don't.

“NO EXCUSE CULTURE” (rapturous applause, Suhail smiling)

We should crack on with that.

From some of the posts this week you’d think the squad was fine, JDT was shite, and JE is the new Pep-destroying messiah because Gallagher decided to win his annual header.

Agreed. His positional awareness off the ball first half completely shut down their midfield, Chelsea had to start playing down the sides second half to get any joy at all. Natural football IQ.

We did the same at their place iirc. They’re really quite toothless. Can see them being one of the ones caught up, they’ve already played the “change the manager” card to little effect.

Weirdly, Neil is two years younger. Cant believe he’s only 42

Thank god they didn't forget John Fleck's, that lad from Dunkirk and Sorba Bloody Thomas. It's unbelievable whichever way you slice it. Unbelievable errors, or unbelievable excuses.

His resignation letter is still lying on top of the carrier pigeon.

Is there a “visa window”? If the transfer has been registered with the EFL, what’s the problem?