Roverthechimp

Very good post.

Put Kean, Berg, Appleton, Lambert and Coyle together with Bowyer (feels bad including him but it reinforces the point): Have Venkys ever chosen a manager who would indicate that they see an imminent return to the prem as essential?

I should in all fairness add that i am not entirely dissatisfied with TM. Annoyed with certain non-performances but realistic that we aren't top 2 material. I firmly believe that certain signings are decided by others (particularly BB). If BB and SG were loans/homegrown then i would say TM was doing pretty well overall. That 12m plus decent wages for others is a game changer IF he had his hands free regarding signings...

Actually the only time i have seen us "bully" the opposition was Bristol C - was it the hotel "bonding" that created a different mentality?? (Away from their respective comfort zones for a day or two) ?

I would say that we are too weak physically - we don't win battles but we can outplay the opposition on occasion. Whenever i look at other teams i think "this lot look fitter and tougher than us" ?

I think the owners don't actually want a top manager who would be more demanding and vocal about what is needed whilst costing a bit more.

I would say that TM is very much at championship level but us fans are starting to want/expect promotion material. The last 3 games have raised the dressing room question but the 6 before that took it away. He is lauded/castised for keeping a happy squad but is now questioned on it. Frankly - the players were shit yesterday. No manager can account for that many abysmal passes/touches/decisions. First 15 we showed how to play - then panic set in. Sure i can buy the argument that the manager is ultimately responsible but it has to be a reasonable judgement. Looking at the team, player for player, we are not good enough. If TM is solely responsible for the decision to buy BB and SG then i agree that tough questions need to be asked.

Did we really just launch it long to Armstrong and Buckley ??

Based on this game people might ask if Bell is our best player...

Just me or does Walton remind anyone of Rodney from only fools and horses???

Yep - decent championship midfielder who has shown it in Internationals. Also would be ok with being backup

Are the players running an internal sweepstake on who can give the ball away most??

Johnson was the only one tracking. Watch it again - Tosin miles away, Graham guarding thin air and Lenihan off towards the taker...

Unlucky Buckley - hit Gallagher with shot after great cross from Bennett

Travis only creative force but now too deep

To go back to My schooldays: "PUSH UP!!

This. Tosin nowhere. Lenihan nowhere. Walton rooted to the spot.

Lucky - that looked a pen for them

Seriously - who can we sell ? Lenihan, Evans and Travis are the only players worth more than 1m imo...

Starting 442 ?

Is Nyambe injured/ill or are people predicting that he'll be dropped? (Apologies if i have missed the obvious somewhere)

Very simple - we have failed to score in last 2. Back to Bristol team please (Williams instead of Tosin if neccesary)

Anyone able to pin down our formation?

Skillwise - yes. If Johnson and Bennett do the dirty work then i thin Buckley will surprise a few

Sadly i think you may be right - if so then i reckon TMs missus has made dutch brownies for Christmas ??