Before I make my point, I agree with the comments about our season-long defensive, dire midfield partnership, and also Mowbray's unfathomable selections and formations. I really think he has mentally tied himself in knots and is over-complicating his already negative approach to the game. Having said all that, it is only 3 or 4 games ago that Mowbray and THIS team were being hailed as possible play-off hopes. Yes, by many of tonight's critics. I think the squad is strong enough for mid-table. Genuinely. But we need to have faith in Reed at centre mid, and play Rothwell, certainly before agent Palmer. Smallwood will be dropped against Wednesday, but expecting Rothwell to turn this form around single-handed is asking a lot, but he will improve us by January. I am not calling for Mowbray's head, and not many will be by end of Jan. ?

I don't agree that a point was a good result (before the game). West Brom were there for the taking, as shown by their nervous showing in the 2nd half, before our goal. Mowbray went for a point, and got a point, but for me, these are the games we should be targeting for 3 points(if all the post-Leeds euphoria is to be believed). Of course, I was dancing with relief at the final whistle, our spirit is not in question. I think the story is our 1st half no show, as predicted by many on hearing our line-up.

Good following. Any update on the final number of tickets sold? COYB!!!!

Game over....

Yes. 95.5FM.

Really helpful detailed reports from Neal and Fraserkirky. Appreciated by those of us that couldn't go. Also, please don't allow the Rhodes/Gestede critics any more pointless oxygen...

Agree more or less completely with those 2 paras. Need more options at home than 2 defensive midfielders who offer little threat going forward. This tactic will produce many home draws. Bennett will offer some attacking threat both shooting and passing. It's a no brainer, but only a progressive, attacking outlook will deliver this selection/formation. If anyone doubts Bennett's ability to track back, I don't agree. He only has to match Evans or Smallwood. Our 1st 11 will see us comfortably in mid table but only if the formationand tactics are right 8 times out of 10. Not sure I'm confident this will happen...

....even better, I'm gasping...

Perfect, cheers.

Ok then, a full pass by pass account...

Could anyone briefly describe the 3 goals for those of us boiling away at work? Many thanks. COYB!!!!!!

Really interesting insights and we can all agree there must be a reason why our more talented players have been seriously AWOL since early April. Your comments on Joao and Emnes may be our only chance against Villa. The interplay between them against Bristol was more or less the only quality in the whole game and maybe the fact that they're buddies will encourage them to link up effectively against Villa if only to entertain themselves. I would start them both as without Emnes, Joao reverts to his baby giraffe impression. Alongside Emnes against PNE he was outstanding for an hour before Mowbray made the substitutions that in my view showed the players that he is not the coach his inspirational speeches had claimed he was. This was the moment the players gave up in my opinion. Flaky confidence and in the end, as Seavers sources confirm, a lack of loyalty or belonging or personal integrity or mental strength has resulted in them giving up on their adopted team 4 weeks early. An Emnes /Joao front 2, relieved of any defensive duties would be enough to beat a very ineffective Villa side who's fans (and some players) will be quietly happy with a defeat. Any other front pairing will result in a draw which will mean we are relegated despite Birmingham failing to secure another single point.... (...strange what spews from your fingers when you're tired and very emotional...)

Have we still no news from the club on the reason for Jensen's removal. I still haven't heard Kean being asked to explain the reasons as explained to him (except the very brief refusal to comment for legal reasons on ITV Sport last week) and for his reation to his number two being removed without his say so (or with it?!) Have I missed something? The media seem reluctant to ask Kean the big questions such as the above points and for his view on whether his record since January is acceptable. Shearer's strong defence of Kean, which totally ignored last season's results, is also disappointing. Apologies if there has been an update on the Jensen position but if so I expected it on this thread.

Any plans for getting together in Rotterdam after the game? it may be difficult if it isnt safe enough to wear shirts. Will the free buses be going back to the 'safe' area?

Is anyone still staying in Rotterdam or are most fans taking the advice to stay in Amsterdam? We're booked into a hotel in Rotterdam as I dont fancy the potential 2 hour wait and journey back to Amsterdam before getting to a coffee shop or bar. Having said that, I do fancy a bit of early hours Ashes watching and I'm not sure if there are any 24 hour sports bars in Rott. I'll need to make a decision on whether to switch to Amst by tonight. Any thoughts? We're on the ferry so looking forward to the cheesy disco (and casino?). It's going to be the best ever away trip, cant wait.