Yea he was 21 - but predominantly played upfront. A lot of the discussion I’d have here is what you’d view or consist as “low standards” or “looked totally alien” on a football pitch; as we’ve discussed plenty of times before, semantics. I would describe BBs early days as underwhelming but also very much restricted / limited to a few appearances, some fleeting. For that, as this thread probably backs up, I wouldn’t call him “alien” to football specifically - id regard that stance as extremely harsh. Same with describing Arma in league 1 and his first full season as “low standards”. I obviously agree with you that he’s hugely improved, but he had a level then and a different job in the team. The way he’s improved with increased time in the team and in a preferred role, would it be a complete shock if Big Ben, the daft git, did the same? Not to me, at least.

Actually one thing nxt and then wwe did well (which you mention) that I remember specifically being interested in the matches - the women’s division after getting rid of the “diva’s” name. Thing about wrestling the layman wouldn’t understand- there’s different reasons for being interested, from the soap opera part, the fighting, the technical/physical element or even just the sheer “show value” - the stuff that grabbed me as a child was a nice mixture of all but decent characters to lean on- AEW seems to have this. Only wrestling content I’ve watched regularly in the previous few years other than this is OSW(youtube / patr won) btw, which I’m sure I’ve recommended in this thread a few times.

Had a go at watching some AEW on itv4 recently, and have to say it’s far more engaging than anything else I’ve seen from WWE for 15 years, including NXT and wrestlemania. Still - it’s quite sad that the two best commentators are from the 80s, aka JR and “Shivontay”.. Fact Ross is using “Arnold Palmer” references in 2021, probably sums up my issue with this aspect of AEW.

Dolan, Elliott, JRC, Arma... Imagine a junior football coach viewing our squad as completely “un-skilful..!” Worrying..

Maybe not consistent enough to be compared to AA yet but I wish I’d scored 30+ yard chest and volleys regularly too.. (who am I kidding? I make Yeboah look like Kaba Diawara..) FullSizeRender.mov

Results and expectations. One specific face palm that stands out in terms of fair criticism is not having some sort of deal for those at the Oxford game! Our turnover these days needs to be higher, but simply so Venky’s can put more in without breaking FFP rules. It’s a scandal that championship football ended up this way, never mind just our scenario.

I think the part in bold is down to the fact that this aspect of our club during Venky’s ownership has never even come close to covering the outgoings. With constant wage growth across the leagues, we only really managed that with the trust because of selling players btw. I would also add, there’s not been a good “feeling” which is really important for launching kit / season tickets. For instance, if the club showed that JRC, Wharton, Nyambe, Rothwell and maybe even AA sign a new deal, launch kit and STs same day.... That’s going to have more of an impact than say; releasing in March/April when we’d won 1 in 15 or something or in May when the season is over and most fans are switched off. I personally don’t think anyone here could suggest the drop in sales in the last ten years are down to poor marketing. It’s always linked to performance in my opinion.

The same argument was made that AA couldn’t play the Danny Graham way with Dack and we’d have to change style to accommodate his strengths. Similarly to you, I’m not convinced BB will have the same nose for goal, but I’d like to see him centrally, for a full season, in a style that suits him (potentially with a better managers tactics) before I’d be willing to say he will never score 20+ Goals in a season

That’s fair enough, however I don’t agree. I think, if you take into account his utilisation, being played out of position mainly and being injured when he was, amongst other factors like poor team/manager performance; He isn’t far off. As someone suggested, AA bagged five in his first full season, being under-utilised and played out wide. With no changes to formation or manager - it wouldn’t be too surprising if he really kicks on in his preferred central berth.

Depends on a lot of things - especially in this current world climate. As a straw-man though.. I’d pay for festivals and good deals well upfront so touché!

No I was saying it would be easy to find clips to prove either side. I guess the long and short of it; he’s got gradually better every month he’s been here.

Genuine question about this particular stick. Why would any of us pay for something we can’t use till august, until august?

Struggles with basics? I would argue you could find 30 clips that support this view, and another 30 clips that show his first touch, short passing, crossing, shooting, strength, movement, dribbling skills etc are of a high level. In terms of a “witch hunt” - whilst an extreme definition, the fact he was expensive meant that the expectation was instant. A handful of games first season, looking out of shape/confidence = he was effectively written off, advocated to be sent out on loan.. (ado den Haag la vista?) Since, he’s basically just done what an average football fan would probably expect of any highly regarded potential young players; improved with age, time, starts and alongside his physical development. Each to their own, I just would save the “bag of kak” comments for the Dixon Etuhu’s in blue and white.

I’m more interested in what changed since @SkipDonoghue ‘s theory and speculations personally...!

Start of a process I hope includes a few more! Most important issue for me that this is sorted ASAP.

Yea I’m not sure what people are smoking to come to that amount. Wham fans too; https://westhamfans.org/content/armstrong-saphire-making I’m sure I’m not the only one who would rather watch him walk away for free (next year) than go for 10m

It’s a huge advantage having an academy - who would you rate as most likely to make some headway this season?

Despite the annoying presentation - great to see just how good JB is technically. With more minutes and starts, can see this lad getting better again next year.

I always got the impression that lower revenue (NAPM) only impacted the people employed by the club and the playing side of things. Personally think protesting the current scenario would be a extreme. I’m frustrated by poor performance last season, but I would say that’s the first full season in the last 4 that I’ve felt like that. Equally things can change quickly, for better or worse. In terms of the next manager, my choice is still DJ, however my real concern at the club right now is players contracts expiry.

So up to 260 so far?

I did understand the terms and perhaps I was a little over hopeful about getting back into the stadium. I also appreciate I wouldn’t have the opportunity to watch away games on my normal season ticket, but that would guarantee me priority for away and big cup games. Obviously, if there is 2500 season passes and if they covered in full every away game; about half a million pounds over a season. Might seem a lot for the club in an environment they’ve lost a lot of turnover, and I’d rather us spend that money on recruitment, but still.. Moneys tight enough and an extra 20/30 quid a month will prevent many from accessing the games. From a marketing perspective- I’d be using this opportunity (all games live) to get as many fans watching as possible.

I still can’t get my head round how the club can’t pay for the season pass holders away games or at least make it a % off. I know I shouldn’t moan about something that’s caused by a pandemic but I must’ve spent 100 quid on top of my season ticket already this season simply watching away games and the ones not allowed on the season pass!

I have this in a way. Never confident that mistakes are behind them but relieved they’ve pretty much left decisions to TM/SW since hiring both. No coincidence this was after spending millions on KPMG and other investigative work into previous governance. There is a worry that the next decision will be the most important one - and I don’t have “confidence” in this being the right one. I guess the relief is they’re not simply here to use the club as a cash cow - even after all of the conspiracy stuff over the years, they’ll ultimately cover the shortfall of our income at this level. Which essentially could be described as “accepting the responsibility of their errors”.

Call it 9 windows, forgetting the two in league one and the two first season back. Call it 4.5 years, forgetting trajectory of the club prior to the start of this phase. Call it 50 odd months of no progress, forgetting the necessary overhaul of squad, backroom, development, scouting etc. Call it same old same old, simply because 100% of decision making hasn’t been to your lofty expectations, simultaneously painting anyone who doesn’t agree as “accepting mediocracy”.. Call it BRFCurmudgeonS 😂

Even Kean?