DavidMailsTightPerm

At wish of upsetting some supporters - you have to give some credit to the owners - as at no point has he been forced into selling star players (something he omits to mention). They are giving him the opportunity and support to build a team - unlike most teams in this division - again something he omits to mention.

Watching last night Johnson spent part of the night operating in between Williams and Ayala. It was an interesting tactic that saw both full backs pushed right forward.

Funny thing re Armstrong - I actually thought his general play was a lot better than it has been all season. His control and runs off the ball were excellent - somewhat ironic that he left his shooting boots at home - and his decision making on when to shoot and when to pass was so poor. Having said that - the way they dropped off him - it was almost like they wanted him to shoot. Overall an opportunity lost - we looked the better team for large parts - but defensively (as a TEAM) you can often see how our current set up leaves us exposed at times. But it is that same formation - often with both full backs playing as wingers - that has seen us play some good attacking football. Possibly the rub of the green we had in our previous home matches counted against us. But for all the doom and gloom - (for me) only felt like we dropped a point - as it had draw written all over it.

Armstrong clean through ?

Will red card be actually better - is it a one match ban but only one yellow for totting up procedure (don't know asking the question ?) Remarkable performance - last year that would have been 4 or 5 - 1.

Trigger happy referee. No way a straight red - in truth should have been first yellow.

Buckley's biggest problem is the hype surrounding him. I think people's expectations are raised as a result. At the moment I would only put him as promising, possibly (strange as it may sound) the type of player that would do better at a higher level.

Shocking that the referee allowed it. I did wonder about the passing - as some of the misplaced passes were school boy errors.

TBH the penalty decision at the end evened up what should have been a 2nd yellow card for the tackle through the back of BB. Thought they deserved a draw overall - our season will be defined how we build on the "rub of the green" we have had in the last two matches. We need to ensure performances improve - as we can't keep relying on lady luck.

I am sure this is only due to the number of matches.

Bad performance or Barnsley played well - not sure. You have to give credit to Barnsley who looked good. Obvious need for TM to look at tactics when teams pressurise us. But good finishing and goal keeping saw us over the line.

Best thing from last few matches is that we now seem to have 4 first team centre halves. Previously I was worried when Wharton had to play - now I think he should keep his place even when Williams and Ayala are available. My only caution is that he has yet to come across a really top forward line - but deserves his chance.

Not certain about Trybull - but you are right, it was pretty much the perfect performance. Kept waiting for them to balls it up - but it was the perfect team performance. Some will mention the sending off - but tbh (on the night) that was just a sign of our superiority. Dont often get matches like that - so will just enjoy for now.

Lol

The million dollar question.

I agree his end product can be missing - but when he drives at the opposition it creates space for other players. If he could get some end product we really would have some player.

No - was just wondering how we could play three at the back - and that was the only option given available players

It is nearly Christmas - so I wonder what was after eighths - sorry will get my coat ?

Not certain we have enough defenders for a back 3 - Nyambe could move to the centre - but who would play right back ?

Key midfield player - I was actually thinking Travis - but I suppose Holtby is up there. When Rothwell was injured - so was Travis and Holtby - players that would have given us the legs in midfield. IMO Travis is a huge loss - huge fan of what he brings to the team. Lenihan has been poor this season - and at the same time Ayala and Williams have been unavailable. Injury record - even as a Premiership club we had to take gambles on injury prone players - our finances are even worse now. Dack has been injured for 11 months - but replacing his goals isn't straightforward. Armstrong has helped in this respect - but replacing Dack would cost big money. I think we should be doing better with the players at our disposal - but also appreciate the unfortunate timing of some of the absentees. One good thing - I thought Wharton did well yesterday against a physical Luton. Lets hope he can continue against PNE who will be equally physical.

I agree that other teams also have issues - but with Rovers timing is everything - just when we start playing well, the players who are contributing most seem to become unavailable due to injury or Covid. How many other teams are also missing their key forward, midfield player and two first choice centre halfs ?

A bit harsh. IMO he is overated because we have a lack of quality at centre half - but is still a good player.

I think people need to consider that not everyone had access to the information that many of the protestors did, I think some protestors didn't appreciate that. Genuine question (ie not wind up) - but why is the club still here because of protests ? Personally IMO the reason we are still here is because the Venkys continue to pump in money, if they had listened to the protests it is more likely they would have thrown away their expensive toy. That isn't having a go at the protests, but with no real allegiance to the club - why bother with the hassle ?

Talk about witch hunt - I am sure he will have been interviewed about the NI match - hence the context for his response.

Fingers crossed - will all depend on how poorly he gets with it.