Emphasis on unbelievable.

So basically a fairly shit goal rate then.

Hyam sounds well suited to the middle then if he is comfortable either side.

For 2/3 spots actually. I consider 5 the perfect number for a team that alternates between 2 and 3 CBs. My only qualms really are that Ayala will get injured at some point for sure, possibly quite a lot, so it's hard to say how much we can count him, and that Carter and Phillips are still inexperienced at this level. But personally I think what we have will do the job. Another CB who can also play RB quite well would be handy though, so wouldn't have minded VDB. My guess is we will use Carter at RB at times, as JDT will surely suss out how poor JRC is.

Said at the time I don't see the logic really. We should try to get them playing the day after senior games. Then anyone who doesn't get any/enough game time in the league match can still get their minutes in the next day (perhaps with the exception of long-travel away games). To me this would benefit both sides. Players on the fringe of the first team stay sharp, and the U21s field a stronger side so they don't get relegated. It also means we don't have to leave anyone out of either team on account of the other.

Yeh not that variety of Cunte.

I'd settle for a right Cunte in midfield.

Prior to last season he scored 7 goals in 2020/21. You'll note that's 7 higher than 0. I do wonder for how many years we are going to hear the argument that Brereton had a rubbish record then came good so we should take a punt on someone with a similar or worse record, or that someone already at the club with a similar or worse record is going to be the next Brereton. The improvement in Brereton (which was over two seasons, not just one as is often presented) was unprecedented in my time watching Rovers. It's very very unlikely to happen again just a year later.

I doubt that entirely.

Nobody has offered 10 quid upwards yet?

I'd say 5 million, that's what he thinks he is worth after all. Plus inflation.

Not sure about that. Some of the comments saying it have wished him and us luck. And too many saying it. It's clearly what is rumoured on the Cov side. Whether true or not is of course another matter.

I was happy with the Hyam signing, until I read all the Coventry fans saying he was apparently forced to move because the club wanted the money. Hopefully being forced to move against his will (allegedly) doesn't impair his game. Have to say, a 3 year deal with no mention of an option, and his expressionless mug on the signing photo, it's not filling me with confidence that he particularly wanted to be here. As I say, hopefully if true it ends up making no difference.

Data out of context can be misleading, and a chart like that even moreso, but it suggests he is better at passing and defensive duels, but worse in the air. Fuck knows what the difference between a 'forward pass' and a 'progressive pass' is meant to be though.

No problem, any time you make strange remarks I'll be there to clear it up for you buddy 😉

Fine by me.

Of course he will look more clinical, it's a highlights reel of him doing literally nothing but scoring goals.

I do. But that doesn't mean we have the budget to shop higher end of the Championship. And more difficult doesn't mean impossible. The right deals are always out there, you just have to know what you're doing. That could be the problem, since we employed a DoF who hasn't been a DoF.

Sorry what?

We quite simply don't have the budget to do that these days. We need to do what we did in the Hughes days and find hidden gems. That's where we're at, like it or not.

I'm getting a bit sick of Dolan being slagged off tbh. He isn't the finished article or good every week, but he has shown plenty of times he can contribute. He's still very young and has attributes that can be worked into a good player at this level. JRC however is dogshit.

Bet365 showed up a few minutes later if that's any use. Personally I don't mind the gambling ones, alcohol, vape, whatever. It could advertise the dark web to me if it wanted, whatever shows up isn't getting clicked (intentionally anyway) or imprinting on me. But I get the principle of the stance.

Did the policy change?

I had thought the original plan was for them to be sold in the concourse? Also surprised they're 'back', I thought they'd be available from the start of the season. Sounds like they're good though, gonna have to try one some time.

Would still like to see us sign Styles. A LWB of superior quality to the two we already have, and at least from the clips I've seen, could replace Rothwell's running from midfield. I know Barnsley fans said he was better as a fullback than midfielder, but he could have the potential to grow into the role. I think with us already having two LBs on the books, it's pretty much the only signing I can think for us to make in that position. I do agree our two aren't fully up to it on current evidence, but a club with our resources can't afford to carry 3 left sided defenders all of whom we paid a fee for. But one who can ably (hopefully) fill another position seems ideal. Pickering probably first choice for when we play a back 4, Styles for when we switch to a 5 (I don't like calling it a 3). Styles to challenge for a midfield berth when we play a 4, unless Pickering is playing poorly enough and/or the competition in midfield is too strong, at which point he plays LB. Plus Styles is young, promising, playing for an in-form Hungary, and doesn't seem to be too expensive. Probably good resale value if it comes to it. Him and 2 CBs (one class, one decent) and I'd be pretty happy with our defence. Plus midfield options would get a boost. Makes sense to me.