Exiled_Rover

Which allowed Tugay the time and space for a shot. If you noticed he was looking for a pass before settling on shooting. Much like with Bentley earlier in the half, the Basel defence just backed off and said "Go on then mate, if you score from there fair play to you." Obviously Tugay, being an utter legend, took up the challenge. As for the game itself, well credit to Basel, they were extremely well organised and very tidy on the ball. They were the far better team in the first half, we couldn't get near them. The lad with the fluorecent boots (Petric?) was a bit of class - especially when he skinned Milk Float MkII with absolute ease in the second half. We probably should have taken a draw from that game. If I was a Basel fan I'd have been dissapointed - they stifled our attack and created a fair number of good chances. They were unlocked by a bit of magic though, and from then on we never looked back as they had to abandon their shape. As for the Mokoena abuse, I'm not sure why that's come about. He's not the most technically gifted footballer, and he's awkward in a four man midfield, but he came on yesterday and did a job. We're going to have to rely upon him for the next month it looks like too, so we'll see whether he improves with matches under his belt.

It's a shame there aren't any central midfielders coming through the academy, at least not any near Premiership class. It's been a bitter dissapointment in my opinion, especially when compared to other clubs like Manchester City, Aston Villa and Leeds. Granted they're all larger, city clubs, but we've invested a lot of money into the academy for little reward. As for the injuries, who does that leave us in midfield; Tugay, Mokoena, Bentley and Gallagher? Oh dear.

If he was 21 we wouldn't have him. On a related note though, who the hell decided that Tugay and Zura were surplus to requirements at Ibrox? They need firing, pronto.

I was surprised there was 13 thousand there, rather than the sub 10k number quoted on here before the match. That being said, it's still a pathetic turn out. We don't deserve a club in Europe if we can't even half fill our stadium. Kudos to the support though, they were quite loud - obviously those who can afford the cheap(er) seats prefer to sing than moan.

He already has. Fair play to Zurab though, he was excellent tonight.

Define really good excuse.

Really? Why?

I think that's a bit cheeky, but each to their own.

Well, anyone can tell just by looking at him that Gray's not going to be much cop in a fight. As for who should play at left back, well it's got to be Jay for me. Admittedly he doesn't have the required pace to play there, but Gray doesn't have the required footballing skill to play there - so pick your poison. If nothing else it'll sure us up on set pieces.

Different strokes for different folks. They both have very different styles of playing, both are very effective (not that we've seen Bellamy do anything at Liverpool ). Personally I prefer Benni's ability to link up with the midfield, turn on the ball sharply and finish convincingly. Still, he doesn't have the terrifying pace that Bellamy has, which at times can give you a very effective strike force of one - whereas Benni needs the service. All said and done, he's a quality player. So far he's lived up to the tremendous hype surrounding his name.

Or 20,000.

Not really fickle, when he played on the right wing against Chelski he was back to his usual tricks. MkII just happens to be a very good fullback!

That's him out for the meantime then.

What's up with Bert MkII? A late scratch from the Wham game - did he pick up a strain or something?

We're struggling for this one. After complaining about the Premiership season getting off to a stuttering start, thanks to the International breaks, I'm left hoping that we survive until the next one. The team is pretty make shift at the moment, and several of the players must be on their last legs - Tugay especially, though Benni has looked tired of late, and Neill can't be in great shape. Too many matches in too short a period of time for too small a squad. Having said that, with the home advantage, I fancy us taking at least a draw from this one. Where the goals are coming from however is another matter!

Bingo - it took me a while to realise we were in the match! Typical London club bias. As for the game, well it's a joke - Wham of old; get extremely lucky and take an undeserved three points.

Nonda is a massive blow, and I agree, a central midfielder is (or rather has been for a long time) a must in the January transfer window. Obviously we're going to lose on Sunday - SKY, Wham, struggling team - it's written in the stars.

I've just seen the highlights - what an absolute thrashing United gave them. Made me smile. Comically, neither of these two managers talk to the BBC, so we've got the Assistant and the Captain fronting the questions.

Just so you know, McEveley is a centreback, and he did alright last night, all things considered. As for the game, well it was all too easy for Chelski. Of course the referee didn't help - what with Cole not being sent off and then handling the football for their first goal. Typical big club bias. Still, we were never going to score against that back line, much too organised and talented for the likes of us.

I'm mailing them my CV as we speak. Hell, if he can get a job there.....

Especially with that microclimate at Ewood Park

We should just drop ticket prices to £15 for the rest of the season. As Joey says, the revenue loss would probably equate to £1m in transfer funds. A full, or near full stadium every week would more than make up for that though in my opinion. Sure the season ticket holders will complain, but you're damned if you do and you're damned if you don't. As one myself I'd much rather watch the team play in a full stadium and just accept that not everyone can pay £25-£30 quid a match.

If this was Football Manager I'd be playing fringe and youth players in this one, especially as it's Chelski. It's too much to ask such a small squad to play at their best twice a week.

So the subscribers would be Dillo and a few yanks then.

Neill lost Campo for the goal - shocking marking. As for the game itself, well Hughes said it best, we didn't take our chances. At times we completely played Bolton off the park and opened them up like a tin can (the Bentley chance for example). Jussi had an absolute blinder; such a fantastic keeper, even if he is a bit of a muppet. Concerning Benni being overrated and not having the predator instinct, well no he doesn't because ideally he's a second striker. Having said that he forced Jussi to pull out two outstanding saves today, so y'know he's doing something right.