DCFC1388

We could play well and still miss out on automatic promotion. We could play well and still come unstuck in the play offs.
In reality, in the next 17 games, there will be some good performances, some bad performances, and some ugly performances. It’s the nature of a League 1 team with almost exclusively League 1 quality players.
We are at a point in the season where results and results alone are decisive. We all know performances can be improved but this is not artistic gymnastics or figure skating, you don’t win prizes for style.
Look back at last season and a similar time of the season, how many games did we play well for 30 minutes, 45 minutes, 60 minutes or more but still couldn’t get the desired result? Too many games to list!

Personally I am thrilled. That was a much needed win and we showed character to claw ourselves back into the game. In years gone by, we would have lost that game in a typical Derby fashion.
Of course the performance police will be gutted, but we have had games where we have played well and not got the desired result. Sometimes you have to take what you can get.
Given the injuries are mounting up, the squad is looking stretched and we have little flexibility and movement in the transfer window, all that matters at the moment is getting results and keeping ourselves in the hunt.
People forget that once you are into January and beyond, every game carries jeopardy and sometimes it’s more about showing guts, determination and grit and getting something out of the game than having a picture perfect performance.
People would be complaining about a lack of character if we were playing well and not getting results. Warne and the players, as frustrating as they can be, cannot really win at the moment.
It sounds like Cheltenham made it very difficult for us and deserve credit, which many people suggested they would by highlighting their turnaround under Clarke, so I can’t understand the outrage.
We got a good result from a very awkward fixture and if nothing else, it consolidates our place in the top six and keeps us in striking distance of the top two.
Maybe it’s just me but I’ll be enjoying my Saturday evening.

We’d be stupid to let Fornah go, changed the midfield around today and suddenly we looked alright. Hourihane is the problem 

Pretty much 6 attacking players on there with Wilson & Sibley full backs.
Not much from the bench really in terms of attacking options, not sure why Weston isnt on the bench over Fapetu/Robinson, why do we need 3 centre mids on the bench.

Pretty much 6 attacking players on there with Wilson & Sibley full backs.
Not much from the bench really in terms of attacking options, not sure why Weston isnt on the bench over Fapetu/Robinson, why do we need 3 centre mids on the bench.

Pretty much 6 attacking players on there with Wilson & Sibley full backs.
Not much from the bench really in terms of attacking options, not sure why Weston isnt on the bench over Fapetu/Robinson, why do we need 3 centre mids on the bench.

Plain & simple, Bird isnt good enough.
We need another centre midfielder for sure, maybe even 2. 

Erm I don’t think KDB would get outplayed outrun and out fought by Charlie Savage and Lewis Wing nor would a good league 1 midfielder, that’s why Reading are near the bottom.
stop making excuses for Bird he’s garbage it’s nothing to do with tactics. Football is played on grass.

Plain & simple, Bird isnt good enough.
We need another centre midfielder for sure, maybe even 2. 

Plain & simple, Bird isnt good enough.
We need another centre midfielder for sure, maybe even 2. 

Plain & simple, Bird isnt good enough.
We need another centre midfielder for sure, maybe even 2. 

As a few have said, we need to make sure we dont expect too much too soon from him.
One thing fans & journos have said is when at Charlton, teams used to have to double up on him. Currently they try to do that to NML, so with CBT in the team they wont be able to double up on both of them meaning 1 will be in space to cause some damage....or if they do, that will create alot of space for others....so this may mean he doesnt have the impact we may think he will in goals & assists but may play a part in an increase from other areas.

Update from Dom
 

Update from Dom
 

Update from Dom
 

Update from Dom
 

Now that the signing has been confirmed, over had a look at the YouTube videos. Obviously, they only show the positive aspects of his game. His pace is up there with NML and when they're on the pitch together, the opposition won't be able to double up on both of them, so leaving at least one with more space. Another positive is that he seems slightly more comfortable on his weaker foot than NML is.
Regarding the criticism about his lack of decision and ball control at times, if he didn't have any weaknesses to his game, he'd be signing for a top end premier team, not a league one team, at his age. Playing at such speed makes it so much more difficult to make the correct decisions all the time and to control the ball.
For the first time in a while, I am excited by a signing.

Cant see CBT coming straight im from the start, Barkhuizen hasnt been too bad lately so CBT fresh off the bench could be good...
Vickers - Wilson Nelson Cashin Elder - Bird Hourihane Thompson - NML Collins Barkhuizen
Wildsmith Bradley Ward Fornah Sibley CBT TJJ

As a few have said, we need to make sure we dont expect too much too soon from him.
One thing fans & journos have said is when at Charlton, teams used to have to double up on him. Currently they try to do that to NML, so with CBT in the team they wont be able to double up on both of them meaning 1 will be in space to cause some damage....or if they do, that will create alot of space for others....so this may mean he doesnt have the impact we may think he will in goals & assists but may play a part in an increase from other areas.

As a few have said, we need to make sure we dont expect too much too soon from him.
One thing fans & journos have said is when at Charlton, teams used to have to double up on him. Currently they try to do that to NML, so with CBT in the team they wont be able to double up on both of them meaning 1 will be in space to cause some damage....or if they do, that will create alot of space for others....so this may mean he doesnt have the impact we may think he will in goals & assists but may play a part in an increase from other areas.

As a few have said, we need to make sure we dont expect too much too soon from him.
One thing fans & journos have said is when at Charlton, teams used to have to double up on him. Currently they try to do that to NML, so with CBT in the team they wont be able to double up on both of them meaning 1 will be in space to cause some damage....or if they do, that will create alot of space for others....so this may mean he doesnt have the impact we may think he will in goals & assists but may play a part in an increase from other areas.

If signed on a 3 year deal for £300k, £100k would be amortised per year. However, if we paid a £300k loan fee and signed him in the summer, we would take the full £300k hit this season, allowing us to spend more in future seasons.