rock bus

I’ve no idea why people still think Idah will come good. He had a couple of decent games last season but exactly the same could be said about Sargent. He looked rubbish in his appearances in the championship before that and always totally lost when playing for Ireland. I honestly can’t see what he adds, he can’t use his strength, limited pace, no eye for goal, poor positioning, and poor control…honestly baffles me why he is seen as such a prospect.

I know we’re still in pre season but I’m really struggling to get behind smith. As some mentioned in the match thread today, it’s not about the results but the apparent continued lack of understanding about what style and formation we are building to. It still just looks like a bunch of individuals with no sense of cohesion. I honestly don’t think he has a clue which players are his starting 11 or the formation. Even the transfers in and out seem totally haphazard. He also has the unfair problem of following such a loved and charismatic manager. That’s totally not his fault but he feels like a stop gap girlfriend you’ll use to get over your ex before you find the next right one. it’s not what I want but I’d be very surprised if he is still our manager at Christmas

Whilst I think you’re probably right I don’t think he’ll get a premier league team going for him…he’s now failed with Brighton and us. European top league maybe but expect he could at least earn as much with us…maybe more with a big promotion bonus

I’m agree and really hoping he will thrive there (and get a contract signed!)

Has Normann signed for anyone yet? Could he step in for PLM.? I know potentially a sick note but before last season (and for a few games during it) we’d all be saying that was a big signing and a major upgrade on PLM. Just a thought!

For me the blame lies with both Farke and Smith for continuingly playing him when everybody could see he was a bit pants and well out of his depth.

I think the issue is that it will be extremely hard to get a player in of the quality we need if they are just going to be 4th choice. Personally I'd like to see Tomkinson being given the opportunity so we are developing our own players rather than another team (if its a loan) or just paying for an old warhorse to sit on the sidelines. In an emergency I have no doubts that Sorenson or Byram could do a job for a while in the championship.

I wasnt really looking forward to the new season until I watched the Marseille game in full,. Now stupidly got my hopes up for a great season where we once again storm the championship (and with the added bonus of the resurrection of Todd Cantwell's career!)

Interesting they show so much of the medical/fitness work ..obviously a non subtle attempt by the club to suggest he is not a crock! Must be so hard joining a new club with all the people to meet and especially when you dont speak the language - fans will need to give him time to adapt I expect.

Totally agree, never forget that moment when he was lying on the ground and just threw his body at the ball to get his head in the way. Great guy

I agree with this, somewhat ironically reminds me of Dowell - plenty of skill but just doesn't have the attributes to play at the highest level.

As others have said, we should definitely offer him one but I don't think he will accept. He is getting on a bit but his movement is still so good and that makes him an absolute pain for defenders to deal with - he pulls them out of formation, creating spaces. I could see him dropping into the 10 role IF we ever find a replacement for him as striker! Indeed I think that's what he actually first did and why he was signed rather than for the goal machine he became.

If we are still looking to get rid I’m not sure why he would’ve seen him play so much pre season or even feature so heavily in club videos. Guess it may be just putting him in the shop window but it’sa bit risky as you’re trying to establish your side and style like I think smith is. Maybe he is getting that one last chance especially as smith was interested in signing him for villa. i fully agree it would be good to see him sign a new contract. If we do give him yet another chance then he should repay us by signing

Hilarious that hugil and cantwelll looking good…not sure some on here are going to be able to cope with that 😂

Normally I’d agree but Last thing we need are injuries

They started it! But it’sa little too feisty for a friendly for my liking

Cantwell looking very decent

Bryan Gunn knows a lot about being a goalkeeper but still signed Michael Theoklitos!!!!

not sure we'd be saying the same if we lost our 3 key Centre backs and replaced with a league one player and a loanee!!

I know people bemoan players being good for teamwork or morale but people like Gibson and Hugil do play an important role amongst the team. Not suggesting they should be kept on just because of that, but you do need to have people in and around the team to create the spirit and togetherness. I'm also pleased to see Todd looking happy again.

I agree with this, as already mentioned, Buendia isnt the biggest of players but he is physically strong and has a determination in his playing style. In relation to Maddison - he lacks physical presence but has the ability of being an annoying little sh** which winds players up and results in their frustrations and lots of niggly fouls on him that he exaggerates and wins free kicks for - NB I think this is a positive of his game and something that the likes of Cantwell, Rashica, Dowell, Rowe etc should do more of!

Looks like a lovely holiday...when does the training start!! 😉

Nobody could say we weren't very active in the transfer market.... admittedly we did it a bit late but the real problem is they pretty much all ended up being rubbish! Let's see how the signings do for Forest before we start wishing we were them!

Hugill does seem to be a bit of a lynch pin in the group. Also interesting to see Todd featuring so heavily.

Great ball by Cantwell for the second (I'd still love him to prove the doubters wrong!) and great control by Springett