BFTG - Wigan away

[Ian Royal]

Once more players get back from injury and we hopefully make more additions to the squad by September 1st the lads could just surprise us this season if they continue to perform like that. We finally look like a Nigel Adkins team, movement, passing, precision, everything Adkins wanted came through, long may it continue.

If that is best we've played under Adkins (and it certainly sounds that way) then do we need more new signings?

Just let this squad grow in confidence and togetherness would be my suggestion.

There are enough perfectly competent squad members not in that team to suggest we've already got sufficient depth to achieve stability this season so why spend the money that would be far better directed at the Academy & Cat 1.

Or has one good performance elevated everyone's expectations for this season?

The performance against Watford at home last season, in the first half, was about as good as I've ever seen us, so if it was even close to that, with plenty of players due to come back, I don't see how we need many new signings personally. But it is just one game so whilst it's a big positive, we probably shouldn't get too carried away so there's no gnashing of teeth at the first set back, like there usually is.

[Will95]

Much better than expected yesterday. Unlucky not to win tbh. Cummings made some excellent tackles but a fair few awful overhit passes. Thought all of our attack put in a good shift. Cox was an absolute game changer, held up the ball so well. We do have some right arseholes in our end, slagging Edwards off from the start then calling us twats for asking if they had seen any of pre season to justify the comments (they hadn't). Idiots.

Overall, a draw would've been great at the start, but gutting not to win it after the game.

[Whore Jackie]

If I am being harsh maybe Federici could have got off his line quicker for the second goal.

Yeah, I felt Federici was culpable for the second goal, and was caught out once or twice when the ball was pumped into the box, he seemed to be struggling to get near it.

Always been Federici's bête noire.

[urz13]

There's knee jerk reactions galore on this thread but the best has to be that Cox a 'top top signing' after playing just 30 minutes.

[PieEater]

I take it you sat in the comfort of your armchair to come up with that gem of wisdom

[The Rouge]

Hi PieEater, did you eat a pie at the game? If so, what was your pie selection thought process and how would you rate the chosen pie out of 10?

[RG30]

After a poor first-half the team produced a much improved second-half display which Adkins can take his share of credit for an excellent double substition. First-half we along with Wigan offered very little, typical Championship game with not much quality. They're first goal come about our failure to clear properly. Second-half it took the substition of Cox to really get us going despite a decent start to the second-half and within 10 seconds he reinvograted us, picking up the ball 20/25 yards out, neat control and just a steady long range effort which woke us up. In his cameo his touch was a class above and he'll definietely be an asset to us this season, whether he gets the goals is another matter.

Taylor and Edwards neat in spells but lack the physicality needed for this league. They'll have to bulk up if they want to retain places in the starting line-up. Hector grew into the game as it went on but still looks to me like a defender. Blackman had his best game for us, linked up well with Gunter and had some good opportunties and was unlucky not to score. Pretty gutted we failed to see out the win having got much better as the game went on, but pleasantly surprised and it's something to build on.

[bcubed]

If I am being harsh maybe Federici could have got off his line quicker for the second goal.

Yeah, I felt Federici was culpable for the second goal, and was caught out once or twice when the ball was pumped into the box, he seemed to be struggling to get near it.

Always been Federici's bête noire.

And as bête noires go it's a big one

[RG30]

We do have some right arseholes in our end, slagging Edwards off from the start then calling us twats for asking if they had seen any of pre season to justify the comments (they hadn't). Idiots.

Back of the stand directly behind the goal? Embarrassing stuff all round.

[AthleticoSpizz]

Blackman had his best game for us

yet another one!

Made team of the day in the "Sun"

Cummings, again a great asset to have in reserve...will never win "you" all over, yet rarely disappoints in a Brynjar way.....not since his first season here anyway

Just a little bit of consistency...and we could just be on to something

[loyalroyal4life]

Once more players get back from injury and we hopefully make more additions to the squad by September 1st the lads could just surprise us this season if they continue to perform like that. We finally look like a Nigel Adkins team, movement, passing, precision, everything Adkins wanted came through, long may it continue.

If that is best we've played under Adkins (and it certainly sounds that way) then do we need more new signings?

Just let this squad grow in confidence and togetherness would be my suggestion.

There are enough perfectly competent squad members not in that team to suggest we've already got sufficient depth to achieve stability this season so why spend the money that would be far better directed at the Academy & Cat 1.

Or has one good performance elevated everyone's expectations for this season?

Better than 1st half Watford performance?

[PieEater]

Hi PieEater, did you eat a pie at the game? If so, what was your pie selection thought process and how would you rate the chosen pie out of 10?

I did have a pie or two as it happens Rouge. They aren't Pooles Pies any more so not as good as they used to be, there was a choice of Steak, Meat and Potato or Cheese and Onion. I spotted the pastry on the Meat and Potato looked the best so went for one of those, it turned out to be a wise decision as the Steak Pie pastry was pretty limp and you just know the cheese pie will kill you with fat and calories. For those not in the know, Meat and Potato pies are always round, Steak pies are rectangular. Just to make sure it wasn't a one off I had another, quite good value at £2.40, I topped it off with a dash of brown sauce. A steady 7/10 for the pie, but an added bonus point for the excellent value 8/10.

[Royal Ginger]

Hi PieEater, did you eat a pie at the game? If so, what was your pie selection thought process and how would you rate the chosen pie out of 10?

I did have a pie or two as it happens Rouge. They aren't Pooles Pies any more so not as good as they used to be, there was a choice of Steak, Meat and Potato or Cheese and Onion. I spotted the pastry on the Meat and Potato looked the best so went for one of those, it turned out to be a wise decision as the Steak Pie pastry was pretty limp and you just know the cheese pie will kill you with fat and calories. For those not in the know, Meat and Potato pies are always round, Steak pies are rectangular. Just to make sure it wasn't a one off I had another, quite good value at £2.40, I topped it off with a dash of brown sauce. A steady 7/10 for the pie, but an added bonus point for the excellent value 8/10.

Didn't have the cheese because of the fat, but had a second pie instead Loving your work.

[RoyalBlue]

If I am being harsh maybe Federici could have got off his line quicker for the second goal.

Yeah, I felt Federici was culpable for the second goal, and was caught out once or twice when the ball was pumped into the box, he seemed to be struggling to get near it.

Always been Federici's bête noire.

Both assertions are frankly ridiculous. Feds is no worse or indeed better than McCarthy when it comes to claiming balls pumped into the box. As for him being to blame for the second goal - absolute nonsense. As someone has already pointed out, he was perfectly entitled to rely on his centre back(s) to deal with that ball. Had he come, and the centre backs had done their job, the same people who are now criticising him for not coming would have been questioning his judgement in coming for the ball!

[RoyallyFcuked]

Well from the sounds of it, the performance was a pleasant surprise. Lets hope it sets the tone for the season. I havent doubted Adkins at all but I did doubt some of the players, but a lot of the deadwood set in their ways (McDermott influenced) players have left. Most of the group we now have are players the manager believes in. This group of youth players can learn to play decent football from the start which will make a huge difference.

I think Cox and Mackie are decent signings and I reckon they will do well. Just need a couple more decent quality fairly experienced players to be brought in and (maybe too early to say this but fcuk it) I think we could surprise everyone.

[MmmMonsterMunch]

RB - Fed absolutely not to blame for the 2nd goal I'd agree.

However....he seems flappable to me. I just don't always trust his decision making when under pressure. For me AM is much the better keeper in that respect & commands his area a lot better.

I don't dislike Fed but if I am brutally honest I'd rather see AM in goal every time.

[bcubed]

RB - Fed absolutely not to blame for the 2nd goal I'd agree.

However....he seems flappable to me. I just don't always trust his decision making when under pressure. For me AM is much the better keeper in that respect & commands his area a lot better.

I don't dislike Fed but if I am brutally honest I'd rather see AM in goal every time.

What I saw was him coming when he didn't need to and ending in no mans land
But I am a McCarthy fan and believe he has proven to be a better judge than Feds of when to collect the ball and when to wait

[Stuka]

Sorry if this already covered elsewhere, just got in but were the team wearing last year's kit?

[Royal Ginger]

Sorry if this already covered elsewhere, just got in but were the team wearing last year's kit?

Unless i've misunderstood the question. No.

[Stuka]

I'm clearly mad.

And blind. Thanks for clearing that up. I can sleep tonight now.