I can imagine that going sown like a lead balloon given Hedges' popularity in the squad and being left out of the same WC squad. With that being said, it doesn't sound like something that can't be overcome, and it's good to have a player that both improves our squad, our style of play, and is ambitious.

Personally feel Dolan could take BBD's place, with Thomas taking the right wing, and Hedges able to deputise for either. LB I would be reasonably confident of Batty competing with (or even superceding) Pickering. To that end, I agree with your assessment that Striker and CM are our priorities, with anything else needing to be an easy upgrade after selling.

I got the wrong end of the stick and made a knob of myself 👍

Says a lot about Everton, eh?

At least we even out 😂 Probably a hangover from teenage 'lads days out' kind of thing 😕 not very woke of me at all and I thought I was reasonably good in that regard.

I'd say Dack (in place of the striker) is currently the type of player in this system that you bring on when you're chasing the game and need to unlock a stubborn defence.

Actually tell a lie, I know a Bolton fan who takes his missus! I'm not saying couples don't go, but it's hardly an expectation surely? I've only ever gone with mates or my dad because no gf of mine has ever been interested. I'd argue my wife being a Burnley fan means she's no interest in actual football either.

Bit of an odd expectation, as I don't know anyone who takes their wife/gf to the football. Why expect it of asian lads in particular?

Sounds 'cheep'...

I dragged myself off the pitch and my dad drove me to hospital 😂 Closest I've ever seen my dad get to thumping someone who hadn't hit him first.

To League Two within 3 years?

'Get the fuck up ye soft wee shite!' My coach to me when I went down with a dislocated knee. If I'd done what Morton did, he might have throttled me then and there!

Club methods are rubbing off on the fanbase, I see 😂

I'm unsure why we haven't tried BBD up front, with Dolan on the left, Thomas on the right, and Sammie tucked in behind. That amount of sheer running and willpower would frighten any defence at this level, and several in the level above. I can STILL see Sammie's thoughts when scoring that second at Leicester. Come hell and high water, he was putting that fucking ball into the back of that fucking net.

Oh for this set-up being overseen by Williams, Goodman, and Finn 😭

I believe what you hear on TV is in fact the ground's tannoy.

I expect it was just a clumsy way of describing succession planning. Successful managers leave eventually, UNLESS we can sell them the ambition. The trouble we have is that the ambition comes from GB amd JDT, but nobody else at the club.

Matt Derbyshire never (or rarely) played for us again after that.

My overriding feeling today is actually how Travis has grown into a proper captain after his dip in form. Today he played their midfield 3 on his own, and was on his knees after 80mins. Proper commitment.

Yes, I know it's at Wembley, it was an attempt at humour on this disappointing day.

Ha, City away. Serves them fuckers right.

Still not deliberate...

Handball can either be deliberate, OR wreckless due to arm being in an unnatural position.

Enjoyed the game tbh. Played reasonably well in the face of a physical side, a lot of bad luck, and a bent ref. JDT's tactical change buggered us. Imo, you bring Dolan on there to push them back, not Wharton. However, he has credit in the bank for getting a paper thing squad this far. Morton's tackle created our second goal, but I don't want to see him in our halves again after that little pratfall.

Boys gave Mummy Dingle her presents in Rovers shirts. Don't think she noticed. She was just impressed I'd got them dressed so early 😅 Off to Nana and Gaga's to watch the QF, then family roast dinner. Regardless of the result, I'm determined to enjoy today for the progress we've made. First time in the QFs for over a decade!