I would say that offering immediate refunds is going above and beyond to be fair, brilliant by Preston to their fans but not an expectation I would even have as a fan, I actually think that our package is correct, it eliminates the risk of getting nothing from the season ticket money, as fans know that with the risk they take, even if all season is behind closed doors, the ifollow links make up part of the remuneration and the refund element is deferred, which helps the clubs cash flow and also sort of guarantees season tickets for next year aswell. The problems are the continued lack of communication, the late release (the fact that the club wanted to wait to "see what they were selling" was always a load of bollocks due to the fluidity of the pandemic, a week after release and everything spins on its head again, there was always a chance of that) and of course most importantly the totally unnecessary and ill timed price rise wrapped in guilt tripping.

Ultimately we will see who he brings in, I suppose that is the only thing that really matters. If Bell is left back for most of the season then we are in trouble.

Yeah I would have huge reservations about Dack being too deep in terms of offering his goal threat. I dont have particular reservations about his work rate and I think he suits the press and has the technical ability but the closer he is to goal, the better. I can see the potential benefit of playing Dack central and Armstrong left. Armstrong wouldnt be wide as he was in a 4-2-3-1, he would be much closer to goal and because of the third midfielder, he wouldnt have much defensive responsibility. Also Dack (who is a better poacher than Armstrong) would naturally move and would seldom go in behind which would constantly leave space for Armstrong to run in instead from that left side which he does anyway. Armstrong would I think enjoy the added quality Dack brings too, and vice versa. That being said, it potentially has both players slightly compromised especially as Dack as a false 9 didnt work last time.

The main reason why Dack's goal input wasnt missed in terms of points was that Armstrong started scoring goals at a similar rate, but I dont think that there is a reason why both cant score regularly together. Also of course, we picked up more points during that time with our defence looking stronger with Adarabioyo next to Lenihan too. They have never really played together centrally and ultimately Dack has never played within a team that is trying to play football. I have seen suggestions that he wont be as effective without Graham but Dack is technically very good, he can press and obviously he can finish, if anything playing more on the ground might suit him. Obviously if there is no scope to move away from the 4-3-3, then there might be an element of compromise in terms of the positions of our main 2 attackers, but I think Dack's importance and quality is on par with Armstrong and its easy to forget how good he is. Ultimately it makes sense to do all we can to get them 2 working in the same team because compared to all of our other attackers, Brereton, Gallagher, Chapman, Rankin Costello, Dolan, Rothwell etc, those 2 are in a league of their own, they are not only far more productive than them but they are more productive than the majority of attackers in the league. I think 4-2-3-1 will probably be best just because you have to play to suit your best players. But if we kept the 4-3-3, the options are Dack wide which for me should be instantly discarded. Armstrong from the left and Dack as a false 9, sceptical about that, I think Armstrong could potentially still be very effective and wouldnt have much defensive responsibility in that system. Or you could try Dack where Rothwell played last time, Dack is obviously far more productive than Rothwell although the main fear would be that he would be too deep. I think its a bit of a myth that we are playing better without him, the results dont suggest we are but we have to move heaven and earth to build the team to get both Armstrong and Dack together.

He will do well to find a player less capable than Bell.

As ever, he is seemingly "hoping" on the transfer front without being actually told. Im sure he will get full clarity after the window is over.

He had an open net v Doncaster, put it wide. He had a speculative shot v Newcastle that was saved. He had a brilliant chance that he failed to control properly at the end v Newcastle. And he ran through v Wycombe but tamely hit a shot at the keeper. But he doesnt get himself into goalscoring positions enough, it was infuriating watching him v Newcastle not running into the box when we had the ball in attacking positions.

Last season, it felt like it was simply a case of just getting the fixtures done as a short term fix as you say to get the season done. Agree with that. Even if he has got financial targets to meet, thats my issue, not even on a moral view, from a business perspective, he keeps getting it wrong. I know this is oversimplifying it but say that one person refuses to buy out of principle of a price rise from £350 to £400, or even because that rise puts it out of their reach. To make up for that £350 that could have been gained had the prices been kept constant, Waggott would need to sell 7 season tickets at the elevated price just to cover that one missed sale. That doesnt even factor in the fact that either due to getting out of the habit or feeling aggrieved, that in FUTURE seasons that they wont return, thus there are short and long term financial implications to Waggott's incompetence. At the moment, the club are quite reliant on goodwill from supporters who many like yourself will have suffered financially via furlough and/or redundancy to give up a larger proportion of their income to put towards a club, run by disinterested billionaire owners, and that goodwill will evaporate both by increasing prices and by using a guilt trip focused marketing campaign. Also, whilst no one could even come close to defending the club regarding the lack of communication, many defended how long it took them to start selling the season tickets on the principle that they "didnt know what they were selling." One of my main counter arguments has been proven, that no matter when they felt that they did have enough clarity to put them on sale, they would never know due to the fragility of the situation what they were selling because there was always a large chance that even if fans were given the go ahead, that was quite likely to be reversed at any moment. The club did the right thing in terms of splitting the value between links and deferred refunds. Ultimately, had season tickets been put on sale a month or 2 earlier, like at other clubs, at the same price, they would likely have made many more sales. The main argument was that they would have to shell out for refunds, that was never the case and they dont now, simply if anything they have just been paid deposits for NEXT season 12 months early to aid the cash flow and essentially guarantee future season ticket holders, as well as selling an ifollow season ticket and getting £230 from everyone there. To an extent but they are problems also evident in pubs and restaurants, in a much closer space. Entrances and staircases can be managed via staggered entry times, the toilets can have a one way queueing system, and the bars dont even need to open, or failing that, they could get rid of the alcohol in the stands ban. There would be a risk, like with anything, but it could be managed and it could be reduced. The government have clearly appreciated the economic disaster that a total closure of pubs and restaurants will close, hence their clumsy attempt at compromise between risk reduction in terms of the virus and trying to help economically to keep these places open. But they dont also appreciate the financial disaster that not allowing supporters in will cause to football, clubs will go bust, massive job losses, not just players, and of course there is the mental health concerns caused by taking away a huge part of peoples lives, and also the community aspect of a football club to its city or town. At least hunting is still allowed in large groups. Because its not all about self interest.

If theres no scope for minimal supporters in an outdoor stadium spread out, there certainly isnt for pubs, restaurants etc.

I actually though that his pass to Rothwell forced him far wider than he needed to which Rothwell did especially well to cross so well, but he also played a part in the second goal so fair play on that. He is really clumsy but is developing a good habit of stumbling past players in the meantime, he did it at Newcastle on the far side and 2 Newcastle players ended up colliding I think. I find myself in games really willing him on in particular, I was disappointed to see him come off on Saturday as I felt that him scoring would have been the icing on the cake. The worry is that when the moment comes, he often spurns it. But there is improvement since lockdown, but plenty more needed.

This season has only been 4 games, and still no goals as of yet. Mixed bag v Doncaster, good play for the second goal but missed an open net. Poor v Newcastle, few good things v Wycombe but again no goal threat, and ineffective at Bournemouth. Thanks for the analysis. With Brereton though, ultimately for all of the "progressive runs" and "touches in pen area" until he starts offering a goal threat or really stamping his authority on games, progression may be fair in terms of the very, very low benchmark but it still wont be enough. Its hard not to be desperate especially for him to really push on, and it is slightly better, but its nowhere near enough.

Fair enough regarding your season ticket, and totally understand and can empathise with the inferior product on offer in terms of watching streams, and of course wish you well getting a job as soon as possible. Not even necessarly on a moral level but as a economic decision, the idea of a price rise at this time is madness, the slight increase in the income from each individual season pass will be offset not only by the fans this season that will not buy as a result, but also people who may be driven away for good. Waggotts decisions have chipped away at all but the very hardcore, and now even they are being smashed away by his incompetence. I just cant stomach the constant guilt tripping and the consistent angle that the club and in particular Waggott are coming from. It doesnt feel right when the prices have gone up in spite of the pandemic, and the club has "interested" billionaire owners who "never refuse to pay a cheque" yet they are trying to make working class people feel that it is their responsibility to pay for a service at a higher price that has so much jeopardy around it, at an increased price. I am lucky that my employment has been unaffected, I do get value from the streams, I can afford the payment and I was willing to take the risk of not actually being able to attend. Colchesters reaction is brilliant, ours just make things worse. Who is that?

Yeah their squad looks really bloated although the likes of Freeman, McKenna, Arter, Christie and Taylor should be really shrewd additions. They seem to be suffering a hangover from last year though.

Its easy to forget that many around the end of 2019 were calling for him to be dropped and was considered one of Mowbrays favourites, he had contributed very few goals/assists in his first 18 months in this league for us.

I cant see realistically how unless we go up or unless Armstrong suddenly dips in his goal tally, that he will be here next season.

I never buy the shirts so it doesnt affect me directly but have the club even communicated with those who have pre-ordered them about what is going on? I can understand the desperate begging but equally it is hard to expect people know they are almost sure that they cant attend when they themselves are (moreso relative to their own needs, in terms of paying bills etc) struggling financially considering the price increase. I have bought one, last week when there was still hope of attending. To be honest, I would want the links anyway (some wont be interested in behind closed doors) and I am not in a difficult financial position, my job can be done from home on full pay, so deferring my season ticket payment until next year isnt a big issue personally, but it is for many. For example @chaddyrovers will you be getting or have you got a season ticket this season? Would understand either way considering your personal circumstances. If you havent, or equally if regular fans havent been able to, they shouldnt be guilt tripped really. I think the approach of the Colchester chairman is very good and hopefully effective and I hope he has the support of the rest of the chairmen/women in the football league. https://www.cu-fc.com/news/2020/september/robbies-letter-to-pm/

Im guessing you mean 4-3-3 as per your comment? If so, then yeah if its in a 4-3-3 because he certainly isnt a central striker. I think people are getting a little carried away making out as if he is being scapegoated or suggesting that it is anything but fair to point out his pitiful goal record. He has improved in his general play lately but he has received plenty of constructive criticism over his time here. I thought it was a missed opportunity to leave him on for 90 minutes v a dismal 10 man Wycombe side, if ever there was a chance to get a goal.

The responses to this are interesting. Seems like the tables have turned in regards to fans perception of Brereton, mainly amidst younger fans: "Been fantastic for the team this year, just needs to start adding goals and assists one of the first names on the teamsheet with his speed and the way he can carry the ball in transition" "one of our best players start of this season, pre season and near the end of last season but people will be quick to blame him and say he's awful because the numbers say so" "Gets scapegoated too often, easily been our top 5 players so far" "overrated by fans who like him and massively underrated by fans who see 7mil and 2 goals in 2 seasons, reality is he’s average (if not slightly above) but still young and showing potential" I think that he definitely has been a different player from the one that for a year and a half was embarrassingly off the pace. But until he starts being more effective in front of goal, the customary dribbles and occasional neat touches are not enough IMO to justify some of these comments. He definitely isnt scapegoated, until he scores a goal in a meaningful game, its tough to go overboard. If thats an obsession with stats, I dont agree. Goals are a little more than a stat. I definitely think that he is not a central striker, just as much as he isnt a wide man in a 4-2-3-1. Probably as a 10 or as a wide striker in a 4-3-3 is his best position.

The pandemic leading to a reduced budget would be understandable, as it was they put us on the back burner and left the manager waiting ages for his budget because we clearly weren't a priority. Why anyone would defend them for it is beyond me. There is very little evidence that they know "everything that is going on" or have a real strong passion for the club, they have attended more in cardboard form to be fair post lockdown than ever before. Definitely seems to have been a change in Mowbrays comments since last Thursdays meeting too, maybe they have been spooked.

I never felt totally comfortable with Raya, all keepers make mistakes and behind a dreadful defence he made his fair share in that opening season. He improved when I watched him last season, yes the defence is better but also far less error prone and just looks more confident. Dont get any pleasure out of a move to Arsenal potentially not happening, I have no reason to wish any ill upon him. There was no reason for Mowbray to ever replace him with Leutwiler, that was bizarre. That being said, the decision to sell Raya for cheap, loan Walton and buy Gallagher cannot really be defended. Lets hope Kaminski is an upgrade, at the moment we are none the wiser really. Most of the shots he has faced have gone in, with only Fraser's one that I think he should have done better, and only one particularly meaningful save, the very good one at Bournemouth. Distribution seems decent and quick too, looks shaky at crosses. Hopefully he will get a second successive clean sheet. If Kaminski is weak from crosses, as Raya was, one thing that may help him that Raya was often left without (think back to Rotherham away with Mulgrew and Rodwell at CB) is Lenihan AND Ayala hopefully both giving him more protection.

Absolutely. Definitely worth posting.

Would make no sense if we are scrapping with League 1 clubs for below average right backs. Im sure that the twitter account that linked Travis to Coventry.

He is the fool as long as he takes the credit for being the fool! But say that all of the season is behind closed doors, or even most of it, take the £230 stream value from my £399 season ticket and I have £169 off my next season ticket. Could Waggott stomach giving season tickets for £230? Surely his eyes would light up that he could say up it by £50 as you say, its still "only" £280 and then you have managed to make it whereby season tickets are at £449 without any further rises. Follow on with an amazing price freeze to reward loyalty and get behind the lads and job done!

One thing certainly is inevitable, that Waggott will bump up the price next year again to offset the discounts, and then ultimately the year after that even a price freeze and the prices are still massively up. Hope not but im sure hes already dreaming up his motto questioning our committment.

"The vaccine is coming" could take over from defenders if and when we sign a left back!