Sunderland are not a massive club.

Oh I remember that from phase one of The Journey.

The U21s are really struggling this season. They did last season too initially, hopefully they turn it around the same way or we might not be in the top league next season. I know a lot of U21 players are involved with the first team and that won't be helping, but this side still had at least 4 players with first team experience (Hilton's being elsewhere). Brentford didn't even have an academy until this season, and it's a category four. Their U21s (well, B team) don't play in a league as far as I can see. I don't know if this means they're a fairly experienced bunch with some on the cusp of Brentford's first team tbf, or if they're mostly just kids who only play matches Brentford manage to arrange.

The noises from Cov suggest Hyam didn't push for a move at all, and that the club almost foisted it on him. Meanwhile, Lenihan was very much wanted here but decided he wanted to be elsewhere. Funny how differently their form and fortune has been, you'd expect it the other way round based on whether they got what they wanted (I worried Hyam might not be motivated here but it doesn't seem to be the case).

So, YOU ate all the pies?

Aside from Bristol, we have won every game (including cup games) where one of the Wharton brothers started, and Adam was brought off on the 69th in that game (at 2-0 down tbf). Conversely, we have lost every game where neither of them started, except for West Brom. Looking forward to both of them starting, the only time that's happened so far was the 4-0 win against Hartlepool, our heaviest win so far (yes I know, only Hartlepool).

If it's as you say (missed most of the match) and continues in that vein then it's a massive plus. An over reliance on Brittain staying fit was starting to look like a real problem for this season. I did secretly hope Carter might be up to it after his Pompey stint. If he's a reliable right back at this level it's a huge bonus.

As a grown man, I think he can make his own decisions about when to wee.

Lenihan appears to have not made the bench (and not been injured) for Boro's game tonight, which they lost, leaving them 20th. I wonder how green he is finding that grass?

I had to miss most of the game because I had something else I had to do, only caught the last 10 or so, but I can tell from the stats we were fully in control. Shots on target: Us - 6 Watford - 2 Shots off target: Us - 7 Watford - 1 Sounds like three good CBs is making us hard to break down again, just like last season.

At least they'll net themselves an appearance fee I guess. But yeh this one was pointless, think it was just to run the clock down a little more.

Here we go, Hirst on and also Mola for his debut.

I'm not gonna complain, cos of the score, but I'd definitely take some legs off after that 2nd goal to keep them a bit fresher.

Have there been no subs? Seems odd at 2 up with another game pending.

That was a majestic finish, especially from a CB! Zlatanesque!

I think it's the case whenever there is a midweek match on Sky's red button or something like that. It was in place last season too. Seems a very random rule but whatever.

Indeed, but if we reacted the same way we did last time we lost 7-0, I'd take it! As long as we skipped the second half of the season collapse this time...

Been a couple of weeks, no academy news?

Probably get sent off for that.

Very glad to hear Adam has committed to another 5 years, going to be exciting watching him develop. Even if we lost him as a contract rebel at the end of that, we would still be entitled to compensation as he will be under 24. It's so important for the club to protect its assets like this.

See, if we didn't own Brereton and wanted to loan him, I wouldn't want us to pay £5 million for that, either. We're not a club that can go spending £5 million to borrow a top end Championship striker for a season. I'd be surprised if you think any differently on that?

Shit, someone better tell the dictionaries. adjective adjective: cheap; comparative adjective: cheaper; superlative adjective: cheapest 1. low in price, especially in relation to similar items or services. Out of curiosity, would you have sold him for £5 million if that was the only offer we got?

It doesn't sound like Ayala will play, from that. Wharton he described as back, Ayala only as training. I expect Wharton in the middle with Carter moved to RB.

Actually, that's a mildly bold prediction in the current climate.

That seems a remarkable assessment at this stage. Brittain looks good enough, Hyam hasn't done anything wrong and comes well-rated. Szmodics is a question mark for sure and a slightly odd signing. The others we don't own, but can buy 2 of the 3 later. Morton has looked average but is young. Mola we haven't seen yet and Hirst we've seen just over a half. So far I don't think it's the quality that has been poor but the quantity. But time will tell with all of them.