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Ok, my general feedback on the game. For those questioning that they cannot see a game plan or what Smith wants us to do, tonight was a bit of a masterclass. A bit surprised that Mr Bailey was suggesting a 4-1-4-1, it was clearly a 4-3-3. It was at times, quite fluid. Gibbs tended to play the central "holding" position with Sara on one side of him and <checks notes> Dowell. Sinani and Hernandez played either side of Hugill. Throughout most of the first half and a good portion of the 2nd we dominated the game. You could see as time wore on in the first that the confidence was growing. There was a moment when all of a sudden we found two or three more gears and were pinging balls around with Brum grasping at shadows. Where it tended to fall down, IMHO was Hugill. I don't really know how he was trying to play. Every time the ball went into his feet he was trying to turn his CB. If you do that too often they just get wise to it. His lack of pace was also really clear to see, he just couldn't pull away from their CB's and was put through one on one a couple of times only to be overtaken. Ironically, I think Pukki could have had a couple, even Sargent. Sinani was given man of the match and I don't think many will argue that. He ran the show. Gibbs was impressive for someone so young. Dowell and Sara definitely lack the fitness. Sara reminds me a little bit of Leroy Fer, only more physical and with bit of classy skill. It wasn't massively on show tonight but there were nice little moves between him, McCallum and Hernandez when they clicked, they just tore through Brum. Hernandez was superb, was frequently taking on two players and beating them, the only thing I would have wanted more of from him was bravery. I felt he was playing safe at times. Sorensen is an interesting one. I think he's a CM and not a DM. At both RB and LB he played with a bit of freedom, at times he could have driven on and should have. But he put on a good display of skill and passing. Looks more comfortable in a role that allows him to get up and down the pitch rather than one that is cemented in DM and keeping it relatively simple. Though Gibbs did manage to find that freedom at times. 2nd half after their 2nd, only one team in it looking for a winner. Sargent came on for Hugill who got no change out of their No.4 for 70mins. Sargent immediately beat him all ends up for pace then proceeded to shove him around and win leg races with him for 20mins. Of their goals, their first was a bit freak. Sinani went to hit a ball to Aarons (I think), Dowel was in the way and I assume thought Sinani was going to hit it along the deck so jumped, Sinani clipped it, so Dowell did the job of a one man wall, taking two of our CM's out of the game at a time when we were pushing forwards. Nunez when he came on, was just superb. If he is going to keep playing as he is and get better... well, I don't want to overegg it just yet. Obviously we won, and that's all that counts. It's also the right outcome. Brum were all huff and puff. Lots of signs of promise and with non-stop support tonight I might add. No boo's, chants of on the ball city were struck up after both of their goals. And no, I probably won't do this after every game. I just wanted to quell some of the silly repetitive nonsensical stuff we get on here add nauseum. Also, Tomkinson is fine, he's strong and used the ball well. I think that was his first competitive start wasn't it? Same with Gibbs?

Having a great start to life at Stevenage. Won a penalty and then winning goal assist on Saturday and has just opened the scoring against Reading! Go on lad

RIP. My favourite cartoonist - I have many of his books - some even bought recently (Time for Lights Out) which I will always treasure. Being a real curmudgeon (and a proper left winger) only adds to his allure for me. The animations of his stories (The Snowman) will cement his place in history. I saw When the Wind Blows as a play and incredibly it was so moving it brought tears to my eyes. Same with Ethel and Ernest - autobiographical like a fair bit of his stuff with his world views sneaked into stories. Not many like him.

Sometimes I think I'm watching a totally different team to other supporters. Maybe people are so busy watching the ball and shouting 'get rid of it' whenever a defender takes a touch that they don't see the work off the ball or the bigger picture... What I've seen from Sorensen this season has been more than solid, aside from one poor moment against Wigan. He has excellent vision and anticipation and has used the ball well while maintaining excellent positional discipline. His biggest issue has been the lack of a reliable midfield partner to a) consistently offer a passing option to progress the ball, b) to provide some defensive cover, and c) draw the opposition into our half, creating space for the attacking midfielders between the lines. This often leaves Lungi short of options and I think he's doing an admirable job of feeding off the scraps on offer at times. I genuinely don't know what people think he should be doing differently or better. With a more reliable number 8 (who doesn't regularly go full headless chicken) beside him probably in Sara, I think he's our best choice until we see if Hayden is actually any upgrade.

As @Feedthewolf has mentioned we discussed this at an OSP meeting earlier this year. The broad consensus was under 2's shouldn't really be at a match. As a parent of two young children myself I wouldn't even begin to consider taking my youngest (who is just about to turn 3) to a game, and my soon to be 6 year old struggled to retain interest beyond half time in the one game he went to last season...it was the West Ham game so I forgave him 🙂 I completely understand that childcare etc can be difficult at times, but lets be honest, at that point I think you need to accept that taking your baby to a match is likely to a) upset them b) mean you can't focus on the game yourself and c) probably annoy everyone around you. Unfortunately being a parent means you sometimes have to sacrifice the things you enjoy!

Undoubtedly. In fact, I'd go full Portugal here and decriminalise EVERY drug. Mythbusters: Drugs are legal in Portugal | NZ Drug Foundation - At the heart of the matter Drug decriminalisation in Portugal: setting the record straight. | Transform (transformdrugs.org) Drug policy of Portugal - Wikipedia And before anyone asks, my personal stance on drugs and such substances is highly puritanical. I don't smoke and can count on the fingers of one hand how many pints of beer I have had this year. Addiction to drugs is a health issue, not a criminal one. So treat it as such. The Portuguese look like they've on a far better path.

I'm not getting involved in any thread he hasn't started.

Yes, I didn't think that through fully. Now removed.

I went but got home too late to write a report. Briefly, I was very impressed with Gibbs, mature beyond his years. Hopefully another couple of inches in height and half a stone in weight yet to come. Otherwise an outstanding debut. Sinani looked the part also. He was always a danger and put in a full shift. I was relieved when Sarge tucked the penalty away. A calm head under so much personal pressure is a good sign. The two South Americans looked the part also. What a cheeky pen from Nunez. Shows great confidence.

I think youre a fairweather plastic free stream watching (when available) supporter..... Oh Gibbs, apologies. Cant comment as didn't go either! 😊

Thought at times we looked really good, then faded. But the side did have 10 changes, with a number of little selection intrigues to boot. Really disappointed for McCallum who I think looked strong and capable. You could tell from his body language it's not a good one. Gibbs massively impressive in his first start and with Lungi almost definitely at left back this weekend I think he's done his chances of a start in midfield the world of good. Tomkinson also looked reasonably comfortable. Hernandez is an interesting one as he does about as much as Rashica in end product but gets there in a much more chaotic and interesting way. Sinani, Dowell, Sara all showed bits of technical flow, Nunez is the obvious talisman-in-waiting though. He looks absolutely thrilled to be here and probably can't say 'I'm going to chip the keeper' but that clearly isnt going to stop him. All in all, got through the round, entertaining game, banger of a goal, minutes in the legs for the wider squad. Not so bad IMO.

Well, The Times cartoonist seems to have formed his opinion...

Mine was sincere. I'd happily meet any poster on here for a beer/coffee and a chat. No matter how divergent our opinions, attitudes and methods of communication, we all support the same team! Actually, not Keith Scott. But anyone else.

The incident 100% happened. David Sadler, 24 years old of Caister, was the victim. I believe that a collection for his family was taken at a subsequent home match. The incident happened on the Norwich > Kings Cross line with the body being discovered at Finsbury Pk

My old man was a good old boy but he had a rubbish taste in music, think James Last, Andre Rieu and the wunderbar Bert Kaempfert. However I did find a good Glenn Campbell album in amongst his collection. These two are solid.

They have denied press reports that they are employing stewards to throw people into the ground on match days......

Yeah, none of us know CC and as annoying as I find the constant threads he may have many very good but entirely personal reasons for not going. Fine line between good natured joshing and bullying and this is getting close to that line.

Our attendance was out of line with normal. The CSF marketing was good as was the pricing structure. Good to see young people enjoying the game. Entertaining football at an affordable price.

Seems a very decent and committed young man

‘Global problem’

Capt’n Fistpump finally wins a local Derby . Praise be.

The most sensible post I've read on here for a long time, prem no .champ hell yeah.😄

As hilarious as this thread is, who is to say that Cambridge is even able to leave their home?! I mean someone who spends such an extraordinary amount of time on here, perhaps is not able to do so? Could be way off of course but all a bit needless as far as i can see.

Hernandez has my vote over last seasons failures. At least he’ll play like he gives a śhît

Jeez, I've been on this forum for nearly 20 years. Why didn't someone tell me all I had to do was post new threads every 5 minutes and I would be offered free tickets?

Really? Quick cancel his loan 😂

It definitely happened. (Many years after that day) I used to know some of his immediate family.

Well said. It would do the forum the world of good is Greavsy could just hit ignore and stop with the constant sniping. I like the idea of funding a ticket for CC though, as a nice gesture, but I can't help but feel that Greavsy's attempts are more out of spite and point scoring rather than genuine good-nature. Also I'm not sure if anyone is privy to CC's reasons if he indeed cannot attend matches, but financial reasons are not the only barrier and there could be a whole other raft of health / family / personal reasons. The fact CC keeps ignoring the matter quite deliberately would suggest he does not want to discuss it, so maybe stop with the constant prying and leave him to his business - because its certainly none of anyone else's! I know he brings it on himself sometimes with some pretty dross posts which do deserve stick now and again but the creepy stalking from Greavsy is just odd at this point.

Or a rich man's Billy Gilmour?

Onel is just more 'Norwich' than Rashica. At least he loves the club and gives a shizz. When he's good he's almost unstoppable at this level and when he's bad he's laughable - and this is often in a 10 minute period. If he had a final ball he certainly wouldn't be playing for Norwich.

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I hope we don't loan out Gibbs. There's a job for him and Sorensen to do here whilst/if Hayden gets up to speed.

Yeah I'm the same. I think we should keep Gibbs anyway- it looks like we'll be playing three central midfielders most games so McLean, Sara, Nunez, Gibbs, Sorenson and Hayden isn't overkill, especially as Hayden has a questionable injury record and Sorenson may be needed to fill in elsewhere as the season goes on.

First preliminary round of the FA Cup. We beat Haverhill 2-1 aet. Both teams played some great football on a difficult pitch. Haverhill hugely improved on last season. Mulbarton have started to give some game time to a 17 year old who is of the same height and build as Messi probably was at the same age. I dread to think what will happen to him when one of the opposition gets close enough but so far they've just tackled fresh air. We're away to Lowestoft in the next round and the general consensus is that he should be left at home in case he develops a liking for sea air......

Did it at Marseille too. It's clearly something in his locker. A player I really thought Farke would bring on and develop. The fact he didn't, perhaps evidence Farke could be fallible with youth. After all, the ingredients of a player are definitely there. Lets hope Smith and Shakey can maximise his potential, because in the right system, he's capable of being a top championship player.

Got a good'un I would say. Got the mobility + engine for the position, good passing range and always willing to show for the ball. Was notable to me that he's quite small but protects possession very well with his body (think Emi) and all in all had a good game. And this was in a midfield 3 with Sara probably not very good at English yet and post-injury Dowell. Think he's shown there's little point in another u23 season, so either he'll be in the picture with us or off on loan.

I would see him as only one of a few last night to actually stake a claim in the first team 11.

PR is an improvement, but it's a very long way from being a panacea (and this is coming from the guy who's possibly been more critical of our FPTP model than any other on here). The other fundamental issue, and I'm not sure if there's a solution for it, or if existing rules can be more stringently enforced, is the influence of big money in elections or even the media landscape.

Pretty sure he's right footed as it was very noticeable in his spell at left back he was always stopping and going inside.

There's an interesting comparison between Gibbs and Gilmour, as they're both of similar stature. Granted this was against Champ opposition as opposed to PL, but Gibbs protects the ball and uses his body in a way I never saw from Gilmour. The latter always seemed to be physically eclipsed, knocked off the ball and easy to tackle. Must be the mean streets of Bury St Edmunds 😉

Your eyes?

The French have also 100% nationalised EDF which, like several European state-owned transport companies, is offsetting the costs to their citizens by making profits in our wonderful deregulated markets. (I can hear the cries of “communism!” now)

Maybe they should have installed a dimmer switch! All this talk of brightness reminds me of THAT thread with a certain, late of this parish, poster. Quality. If you know you know! 😉

Our society is massively divided currently, with most people believing their votes do not count. PR would mean every vote mattered, there would be calculated coalitions built but that is happening very transparently currently. I think PR would improve situation, although stable government is really important it is more important that the government represent the population, opposed to representing a minority.

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I think the EFL needs to get its act together over streaming in general. I did ifollow last time and thought it was okay, but really was put off by the number of games they weren't showing; if you can't pay to see the lot, you might as well persist with the hooky methods. I live in France so there's no way I can get to games, but I absolutely do want to see them and am happy to pay for good quality, reliable service, but not when games are going to be randomly witheld because RMC sport happens to be showing one random game. It just amazes me that, with streaming becoming so dominant for entertainment, nobody in football outside the Premier League has cottoned on that going to an exclusive subscriber streaming model could potentially make a lot more money than relying on selling TV rights that most broadcasters aren't really willing to pay much for, but they're completely undermining their own efforts by letting broadcasters cherry pick.

We had to do that book for GCSE, read three versions and watched two films. It’s permanently etched in my mind!!!!

I should be too old to be shocked, but I did find this a horrific wake up call. As the title says, it is a long read, so to summarise, two retired men have exposed completely supine regulation by the Environment Agency who have allowed the water companies to continue to pump untreated sewage (AKA sh1t) into rivers without justification (other than increased profit). If it wasn’t for their ability to collate and analyse data, the power of freedom of information requests and sheer tenacity no one would know. This is the country of reduced regulation and small government the two contenders for the Tory leadership are actively promoting. https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2022/aug/04/sewage-sleuths-river-pollution-slow-dirty-death-of-welsh-and-english-rivers?CMP=Share_iOSApp_Other

Charlton away please. 10 minutes to get there.