MarkBRFC71

How much of our poor form and performances is due to the massive downgrade in the squad, and how much is it ineptitude from the manager? For me it’s both but I’m not sure it what percentage split.

Just got back. Piss poor performance. Lowlights today: Tavares - said it since the first time I saw him and he’s done nothing to change my opinion - far too laid back and casual. Every pass is 5 yards too short or too far. Anyone who thinks he’s an upgrade on Travis needs to give their head a wobble. Says everything about him that we were better when he wasn’t in the pitch. Kargbo - had an absolute stinker today. Shouldn’t be starting games IMO but our squad has been weakened so much this is where we are. Maybe useful as an off the bench option but other than that clueless. Can run fast and that’s about it. Ribeiro - total shocker of a game, way below his usual standards. Needs a rocket up his arse. McLoughlin - nailed on foul, pen and red card. Brainless decision to do what he did. Gueye - loveable but thick as fuck. Needs to be spend the next weeks learning what offside is and how to avoid being it. Everyone else was bang average as well. Where was the pressing, fight and energy from the Hull game? We reverted back to the shite performances of the WBA and Brum games. Only person to come out of that with any credit was Alebiosu. It’s gonna be a long hard season folks. You don’t lose all that Championship experience and replace it with cheapo foreigners without it having a negative impact, and this is being borne out right in front of us.

Last time we went before this year was 2015 - it's changed even since then. Capacity is about 35k nowadays. You'll have a great time at Oasis - knowing how good it was I'm jealous you've still got it to come! Our last outdoor/summer gig this Friday - Nile Rodgers & Chic at Piece Hall. Never been but heard good things about the venue, seen Nile before so know it's guaranteed a good night.

Bombay Bicycle Club - Shuffle

Yeah the chair thing is daft - when we left Kaiser Chiefs early it was like a bloody obstacle course trying to get away! Similarly we tried to make our way around the main stage crowd while Courteeners were on and it was nigh on impossible. They need to do something to contain the chairs to a certain area - it was like seeing Brits on holiday at times with their beach towels - groups of empty chairs set out it 'reserve' a decent spot at the main stage for later while their owners were away watching something else. Have booked again for 2026 🙂

The tactical change to 3 CBs helped kill us. We sat back and invited them on to us. Naive decision - we were controlling the game set up as we were, there was no need to change it. We should know from experience we are spectacularly bad at trying to protect a lead but VI made a daft choice and it contributed to our downfall.

We need a goalscorer and a winger. I like Ohashi but he’s not the former, and although Hedges did ok yesterday we need more threat out left. Without those 2 things we will be there or thereabouts the relegation mix.

Wasn’t overly impressed with Tavares today tbh. Bit too casual, and 90% of his passing was 5 yards too short or long. And the corner - one of the worst I’ve ever seen.

What the fuck have we been doing all pre-season?? We look MILES off it - and that against a team who were in League 2 last season. Abysmal this.

Montgomery is miles off a first team level midfielder. Needs loans in League 2 or 1 for a couple of seasons to learn the ropes.

Still too many weak links. Hedges needs gone. We desperately need a striker and a keeper. Can’t fault the energy and work rate but the skill/flair level is negligible. New signings are going to need time but not promising so far - the best of them has been Alebiosu.

23rd? Championship 2025-26 season preview: Club-by-club guide to the new campaign - BBC Sport

Back from a great weekend at Kendal Calling. Highlights: > Prodigy - what a way to close the main stage. Few technical issues with the screens not giving the full experience but still awesome. > Elvana - I'd heard of these but never seen them. They were outstanding, the crowd was insane for them as well. > High Fade - we started to watch Kaiser Chiefs on the main stage but they were just a bit bland so we left after 30 mins. Wandered into one of the smaller tents just after these guys came on and wow - took the roof off. > Reverend & The Makers - had a Saturday afternoon slot and smashed it. I've liked some of their stuff but never really done a deep dive but am keen to listen to more and see them again. > The Kites - never heard of them before but very good. > Fat Boy Slim - great Saturday night party headliner but he's just pressing 'play' isn't he? 🙂 > Lottery Winners - another band I've not really heard much of but really good live, great front man. Overall a great experience - we'll be back in the fields in 2026!

Not sure where Usyk goes from here - he's beaten all the best competitors - twice and easily, and he would do it again. Itauma is promising but too raw to be put in with him yet. Kabayel is levels below. Wilder is done. Chisora pointless. Parker maybe, but I don't see anything other than an easy night for Usyk that ultimately proves nothing. As much as I enjoy watching him - he's one of the GOATs for me - he should retire with his faculties and legacy intact.

Dubois to throw absolutely everything at Usyk, and try to roughhouse him in the first 5 rounds. If he's not KO'd him by then Usyk wins easily. DD has a Puncher's chance but still expect Usyk to win.