I admire your optimism, but on checking, I found that the current average attendance in the WSL is around 2,200. In the Championship, the average attendance is 410. I'm sure there will be an improvement following the tremendous success this weekend but the game as it stands has been funded massively over recent years but they are some way off stadiums for club matches.

Very true. He wouldn't have liked signing Szmodics either, with all those tattoos

I feel we desperately need a left back. Here's hoping...

It looks like JDT may be abandoning the false 9 formation from last season judging by his picking Vale to play there. Adam Armstrong would have been perfect in there this season with his pressing, pace and goals. Is he still languishing in Soton reserves? If take him on a season loan!

During the 2nd half, Dack was sent out for a warm up and given instruction (presumably from JDT) to send Wharton back in to get ready to go on. Dack spoke to Wharton who then sprinted in to get stripped off. I presume the shouting match between coaching staff centred on the reversal of the decision to send Wharton on. I believe that Buckley (on a yellow and occasionally prone to youthful rashness) would have made way. However, during the 2nd half, Buckley noticeably pulled out of a couple of challenges around the halfway line, therefore demonstrating that he had no intention of getting sent off. This maturity on Buckley's part is crucial in his development. I suspect JDT has high hopes for the boy and needs him on the pitch. I thought Dolan for Vale was absolutely correct as he is a perfect impact sub when the opposition need a bit of disrupting.

I think Dack is going to have to find a level of dedication to lifestyle and training that has previously eluded him. Those injuries would be a mountain to climb even for the most committed professional. He looks way, way short of the required standard and I am very dubious to say the least in his ability to recover what he once had. Sad because he has been a joy to watch.

Huddersfield look atrocious but Burnley will be very encouraged by the way they are playing. The influence of Bellamy is obvious to see. They look fit, motivated and very, very competitive.

As much as I love Travis for his endeavour and desire, competition for his spot in the team has been pretty thin since Smallwood left. Players thrive on being pushed. Having watched the development of Adam Wharton and Garrett over these last 12 months it is to be hoped that these boys step up successfully. Wharton in particular might just impress a few if given minutes.

Very true. I like to think Simon might have notched a late goal. 8-1 sounds so much better 😁

That's a really interesting point. I'd never thought about Speedie in the prem. I think he scored around 31 goals in our promotion season. He was far too good for the 2nd division so no reason he couldn't have contributed the following season. We got rid of Garner at the same time. It would have been nice to bring him on as sub in a dead rubber. Perhaps Norwich at home

This looks to be a good option and one that I will take up. Although only a sporadic poster, I visit the forum every day (often several times a day). You are all doing a magnificent job, thank you and well done!

Probably right with this. Unfortunately I don't see a team with Pickering and to a slightly lesser extent Hedges challenging for a top 6 spot. I would also like a genuine challenger to Travis to emerge this season.

Yes I'm very concerned by Pickering. Desperately need some real quality there. He is woefully slow for that position. Confidence looks shot to me

Very early days but Brittain looks athletic, strong and confident with a lovely touch

Wow. A fullback who can cross. Lovely ball to Dack

Hayden Carter is resolutely a Centre half and nothing else. His body shape and touch are completely unsuited to right back/ wing back.

There is an awful lot of possession along the back line in the early stages. Reminiscent of the way we played the season before last. Not really my preferred option

Surely Bassey?

Loved watching Jim Branagan, but the thought of him as a modern wing back....

Haha. We got him after merging with St Thomas Aquinas. If I recall correctly we played your lads in the 5th year final at Griffin Park. We came second.

Yes I remember Sean's name and knew Gary very well and also through his association with West End FC in the town centre. Great bloke.

Just missed you. 1982 to 1987 (went to the Full Members Cup final instead of revising for my upcoming GCEs) 😁

You sound like a St Edmund Arrowsmith old boy like myself.

The genius of JRC there. Booked before touching the ball

Agreed. Judging by that 1st half we need to get Nyambe back. Definitely need a Championship standard left back too as we don't presently have one of those either.