Mason 47

I don't have the Bet365 app anymore but I'm sure there's a kindly soul around who could tell you the odds on that perfect weekend (I'd also love a Sheff W win at home v WBA, and if I'm being REALLY greedy, Birmingham to beat Huddersfield to pull Plymouth right into the relegation scrap. Which would also mean the last day for them, home to Hull, would have a lot more oomf)

In reply I would say: No idea. To paraphrase The Dude, it's just like, my opinion, man. But to make sure that doesn't come across as disingenuous, because I dont mean to be, Reyes was on the bench when Long was starting during Angus' injury. I dare say if Long had gotten injured he would have been the go-to (much like Barden in 2021 when Krul and Mick got injured). I will however say I didn't realise DB's Maidstone stint was last year so misrepresented the level they were at.

Then to me, the question is of consistency. If we are following the letter of the law, it must be for all laws, all the time. I look at the Arsenal/ Bayern debacle recently, in which the defender picked up a goal kick not knowing the keeper had restarted play. Many people applauded 'use of common sense' in not 'ruining the match' by awarding a penalty. But, the law is the law. Why was it not given? And how might one police such things in a consistent manner? The only solution would be every decision measured out by the Big Brother.

I agree. I've argued this point previously to a fair bit of resistance.

Reyes is someone we went to great lengths to recruit. Already involved with Chile u23s and has a loan to League 2 on his CV at 20. Barden's last meaningful contribution was 3 years ago (very unfortunately and in no way holding that against him) until a loan to the 6th tier a few months ago. Not saying the latter is crap, but not sure we would have bothered with Reyes if he wasn't at least as good an option as a 3rd choice with 20 competitive games by the age of 23? This is also mindful of having 2 senior keepers on the books already.

The issue with VAR is that VAR is now the de facto match official. I always thought it was meant to be a tool to help the on-pitch officials avoiding glaring errors; the on pitch crew are now just there to watch IMO. It was never meant to be forensic science.

Seems a slightly strange one with 2 senior keepers and presumably Reyes ahead of him. Would imagine that means McCracken and Mair will be seeking pastures new this summer to me.

Coventry win, for me. Gives Hull a reason to go at the Binners on Saturday, and Coventry then have them Tuesday- I'd like them to still imagine it might be possible by then, however slight. Strangely I don't see any way that we don't beat Swansea on Saturday which is where my theory might be a bit dodgy.

At least this puts away the old Cantwell-esque argument that 'he's got a long exotic name and isn't a local lad, so he'll be given unlimited chances'.

10 years ago, this would have been one of the greatest FA cup ties of all time. It's ended up just being the precursor to yet another Manchester v Manchester tie. Be still, my beating heart

Ugly decision. I completely believe the other way round the goal is given. The magic of The Decision We Wanted

Joke decision that is.

Hard to criticise him still, so few minutes. Fact of the matter is that Sargent is so important that if we need goals I think he had to stay on.

Bristol came in wanting a result and we came in hoping for it, IMO. We just looked a bit less determined. If you can't win, don't lose. Hopefully we are more focused for Swansea.

Hwang went out on loan again to Turkey, played in early Feb but seems this was too soon and re-injured the hamstring so has only played 3 games. I think it a combination of his fitness, Sargents return and the shadow of the legal stuff that brought us to cancel his deal.