Wishbone

Johnson had more bad games than good last time in the premier league, I seem to remember. He''s a hardworker but take away his goals and he doesn''t offer as much as the other midfielders in the fluid way we now play. Progression right there! I wonder whether we''ll ever see Vadis. Neil said he needs to work on his play when we don''t have the ball. Not accustomed to the pressing we do, i''d imagine. Certainly has some vision and passing when we are on the offensive. Can only see his opportunities coming in cup games and, maybe, dislodging O''Neil on the bench if he performs well! The midfield certainly looks strong these days!

Psychologically demotivational for his players and a boost for us...not a good thing to say!

Today is the evidence. Shocking defence. Can''t really blame Brady but Bassong is the only one that warrants a place. At least we have 3 weeks to rectify the problems!

Vadis is definitely looking really cultured and full of vision this pre season. Could be an option at number 10! Some plus points tonight but, sadly, looks like Ricky can''t overcome the psychological barrier of fearing scoring...

I get the point about Martin being captain and needing to be in the side. However, he''s hardly shown he''s anywhere near a consistent enough performer for Premier league standards (at right back or centre back). Yes, Neil could be omitting centre back as a priority so as to bluff clubs with our potential targets. It was pretty clear from last time around that we lack a centre back that has the attributes to excel in the premier league. Only time will tell if Neil agrees..

Paddy Davitt ‏@paddyjdavitt 17h17 hours ago #ncfc AN wants 3/4 more bodies in. Incl keeper, left-back, striker

Found it staggering that centre back isn''t one of the positions Alex Neil is looking to strengthen. Bassong, Martin, Bennett and Turner in the premier league. That is very very risky!

Bradley Johnson will be happy ifso..

Absolutely

[quote user="Bor Bor Bor"]Would rather have Yo La Tengo.[/quote] the band?

He had a good game in the U21s this week by all accounts

At his energetic / incisive best today I thought!

Tettey, O''Neil, Johnson, Howson, Vadis, Andreu, Hoolahan, Mcgrandles and Dorrans to come....which central midfielders do you think Alex Neil will play?

Maybe it was too early or perhaps he couldn''t get the best out of him, like every other striker at Hughton''s disposal.

Just cos we won a game 5-0, it shouldn''t paper over the cracks. The first 10 games should have taught us the lesson of not taking heed of the early warning signs. The best teams constantly improve and work on weaknesses. We have struggled to break down teams at home and there''s was little sign of that changing yesterday (even after the sending off). There''s no doubt we need to improve considerably if we''re to break into the top 2...that''s the aim surely!

Vaughan is back as well...what''s the betting on them both scoring?

Exactly

Fair play, can''t disagree with most of this. I''d be happy to shed the so-called Premier league players for a squad that are hungry and ambitious! It''s a managers job to find those characters with signings and lose the ones that believe they are better than they are.

How confusing must it be for Turner to have Cuellar as defensive partner one week, followed by Hooiveld another and then Martin. Adams doesn''t know his best side (even Snodders said this on 5 live on friday eve - he''s probably been chatting to his previous team mates). Again, to sign Cuellar, Hooiveld and Miguel and show confidence in none of them is poor management. The reason why Adams should realise he''s out of his depth and step down. The top 2 this season will have consistent starting 11''s and will be the best two teams!

A case of Adams favouring the player he bought! Grabban has missed so many sitters recently it defies logic to not play Hooper. Bad for squad morale I think and shows a man under increasing pressure...

Whittaker was horrendous versus Sheffield Wednesday last week. Every time they attacked down his side, it looked as though they''d get a chance. I''m glad he improved and played ok last night and a settled defence is important. I would definitely move Martin to right back as soon as Bennett is fit again tho!

If he wasn''t when in the premier league (for World Cup), then he definitely won''t in the championship. We know how good he is, even if Woy doesn''t.

We had a good team out tonight but they seemingly played as individuals. I''m not at all bothered about the cup. However, the defensive failings (at set pieces) need to be fixed and Adams is struggling to fit his players into different systems successfully. I''m not sure a midfield of Howson, O''Neil, VOO, Bennett looks very balanced whoever the opposition!

You could be right but I think it''s a minor problem while we''re getting results on the pitch. He is learning a lot in a short space of time afterall! Hopefully his naivety won''t cost us in close / big matches...

Sensible signing if his attitude is good. Did well in the Championship with Cardiff. Not prolific for the premier league, but was Ricky? I think he''ll be a handful for a lot of Championship defenders...remember what league we''re in now.