roversfan99

A good, solid performance today against strong opposition although it seems that results out of our hands have actually meant that overall have made it a day that have left us closer to the drop. We should limp over the line which I don't think would be a particularly impressive achievement really considering the buffer Eustace came in with, he has averaged less than a point a game since he came in and won only 1 which is relegation form but I can start to see signs of development and green shoots. Defensively we did really well to limit Southampton to few clear chances and Pears had little to do. The centre backs were solid especially Wharton, Hyam was lucky to get away with a big mistake but otherwise his form has improved. Both full backs were really good too against quick and dangerous wide men. When Eustace came in we had no composure on the ball in defensive areas but now we dont just punt it up the pitch but equally dont (aside from the Hyam mistake) try and play it out at all costs. Tronstad was really good and is crucial to how we play, JRC grew into the game and although he wasnt at his best, he is our best all round footballer. Our decision making in the final third cost us a win, Dolan had a typical Dolan game, worked hard and did some good work but also his constant over elaborate showboating before turning back round is often a bottleneck to our attacks. Hedges going off was a blow, Markanday did some brilliant work going back but like Dolan was hit and misd going forward. Szmodics is always our main threat but seems to be carrying an injury, you think back to games like on Monday where he should have been wrapped in cotton wool and managed better. Gallagher grafted as always and made a big chance with some brilliant pressing but wasnt that involved in general play. The attacking players pressed well and seemed well drilled against a side that always gives you a chance to nick the ball away so it was a shame that we didnt have the quality to punish them. The lack of squad depth due to the owners is a real hindrance. Using only 1 sub with some of our players being run into the ground, we could have used some fresh quality in attack during the second half.

The comments for every under 21 selection are always outrage that Gilsenan isnt in the first team as if its Szmodics thats been dumped in the reserves.

How is it very cruel on any of them? McFadzean got sent off in his performance and in general that day highlighted his age and his weaknessess. Buckley has not hit form for quite a while and Carter himself had been in poor form prior to a long injury, as much as he is probably our best CB when fully fit.

We did get battered, and why would the ref be biased because hes a PL ref. Surely that will make him more competent, or should.

We definitely should have tried to get him signed up long term, even though it was only his penultimate season in which he went from bang average to one of the leading scorers, we should have signed him up during the covid season to protect his value, Venkys seemed to tighten the pursestrings around that time so maybe that was the issue. But even with a new deal, I dont think 20 plus was realistic. And seeing as we couldnt get him signed up for whatever reason, £8m was a substantial amount to turn down and money down the drain, a totally ridiculous decision from our terrible owners. It could have really helped Tomasson and also have left us with more of a squad longer term.

We would have never got £20m for him. £8m was a good offer that we had to take, it wasnt even as if it was mid season.

More contacts across the country and another thrashing. Another day in Mercer world.

To be fair, most of the stick was because he hadnt won a game prior to yesterday.

I think the reason that Sigurdsson and Markanday are shit out wide is not because they are in the wrong position. Neither is good enough.

I think its safe to say that players who are predominantly wide men and/or not up to the job arent much in the way of cover.

They aren't.

What has changed? Probably a string of losses that makes you realise that you need to try to rectify the mistake you made rather than compounding it. John Williams appointed Paul Ince, no one is perfect, he realised in time to bring in Big Sam.

Assuming we stay up this season, a Szmodics sale might seal our fate next season.

When Mowbray played it we went on a long winning run. That did suit us as it felt like the players knew what they were doing. When Eustace did it we looked inept.

If you are going to panic, you panic when a manager shows he is clearly incapable of getting results and is taking you down. The sensible thing to do would be to get Warnock in for 6 games and then reassess.

5 points from 11 games doesnt scream more time warranted.

He was good today, Hedges was very good, both a surprise considering we were supposedly playing with 9 with them starting. That front 4 are our only 4 attacking players that are capable at this level. Ideally we would have those 4 and then 3 or 4 more signed in to compete. Wont happen.

Surely whoever would have come on to replace him also "wanted to come on" so that bizarre argument is invalidated.

Against Boro we were solid but offered minimal threat so wouldnt have that as excellent, nor v Ipswich. But even then, it wouldnt be throughout his time here. Today, no doubt.

His results overall have not been good enough even allowing for the excuses he professes not to want to use. And I dont agree that performances have been excellent up before today as he said post match. But fair play today, we were set up really well, we pressed well and the result was fantastic so hopefully its a springboard.

You arent top of the league luckily at this stage of the season.

Fantastic performance and result that has come from nowhere really and puts us in a really strong position to scramble over the line to survive. One more win and a draw or 2 and we are there. Eustace said the performances have been excellent throughout his time, a blatant lie but today we were outstanding and he deserves credit for it. We were a threat everytime we went forward, that front 4 has not played all season in those positions together but they are the only 4 attackers we know are up to it, even if they have their limitations. Szmodics obviously we are so reliant on, Hedges has always been a good player but one that needs to do more in terms of goals and assists and was brilliant today and Gallagher and Dolan showed that even though neither are world beaters and both are inconsistent, if either leaves for free it leaves a big hole. Dolan should cut down on the needless flicks but his end product was good today and he was full of energy and Gallagher belied the fact that hes been ill, we are better with him in the team. Rankin Costello for me was man of the match, he is our most complete player and was brilliant next to Tronstad who was solid. The centre backs were very good, Brittain was fine and Chrisene adjusted to the game very impressively. Was a shame we couldnt get a clean sheet and I thought that Szmodics should have been rested for bigger games ahead. The idea that he wanted to stay on, obviously any player wants to play but thats irrelevant. Fingers crossed he seemed to get through unscathed.

You also implied the other week that Broughton was on gardening leave. Avoided all follow up questions to keep it nice and cryptic but there we go.

On the ball again.

I dont doubt that he wants us to do well as a supporter but many players who leave clubs say they will be back.