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Fair point. I suspect it may have been a combination of Warne lacking the 'pull factor', and insufficient funds to get a deal over the line.

Yes, Bird and Knight moving on to an average Ch'ship club and that's probably their level. Nevertheless, both a loss to Derby County, since we are not replacing them with equal, never mind superior players.

Could argue that Waghorn, Washington and TJJ were all risky signings, fitness wise. With risks you have to accept the consequences if things go wrong.

Perhaps so, but that's not really enough to pass proper financial scrutiny. Quantuma weren't doing their job properly and that was perhaps down to Kirchner being the least unlikely bid on the table.

Yes that's the crux of it. We do want to bring in quality, but within strict budget constraints (on the cheap). If we had the financial clout, the deals would probably have happened by now. Not a complaint, just an observation.

Yes he's stepped up to the challenge, and is proving to be a good pro who doesn't hide, even when things aren't going well.

Yes that was very poor, and the two good goals scored by Bird and Collins can't overshadow an unconvincing performance. We were frustrated by a team that were able to get numbers behind the ball when needed, as well as causing problems in our half.

31Vickers 6 2Wilson 5.5 35Nelson 6 6Cashin 6 17Sibley 6.5 7Barkhuizen 4 4Hourihane 5 22Fornah 6 8Bird 6 5Bradley 6 27Blackett-Taylor 4 16Thompson 6 11Méndez-Laing 6 9Collins 7

Yes, perhaps too much of an ask, considering recent performances.

Well he pulled the wool over Quantuma (how much were they paid?) and all the others, including 'trusty' local MPs. You have to wonder about these people, when all said and done, Kirchner didn't have a pot to p*** in.

Yes, no question that their 'siege mentality' outweighed our desire to secure spot in the autos.

Yes, quite a challenge. Perhaps need closer to 95 pts for autos, if Bolton and P'boro don't slip up. Our current injury situation not helpful, but a couple of astute signings before the window closes would help. Fine margins.

Only in the 90th minute desperately needing a goal with 5 mins xtra time to play.

Never mind 'dodging a bullet', we avoided a Precision Missile Strike

Ronnie, absolute Rams legend!

We do have a 'thin spread' of midfield players in the squad. I'll get my coat.....

If the finance guys are doing their job and ensuring that the club lives within its means, we should perhaps be applauding that.

Rams 2 - 0 Cheltenham frgs Mendez Laing

Undoubtedly, but the prime objective for this season was to get promoted back into the championship. It could be argued that pretty football would designated as a 'nice to have' on the list of priorities. We talking L1 after all......

'Fatigue or poor mentality?' A combination of both, I suspect.

It's probably OK to not like Warne's media personality without insulting his management credentials. I'm not sure if another manager would be doing better with this squad and it's limitations. Of course it's possible, but not a certainty. Also, no one other than those close to the management and owner have an insight into the budget constraints. All factors for consideration.

Actually I don't think that's likely. Unless there is one or two departures I don't see any significant incomings. The owner clearly isn't going to let the budget get out of control. I totally agree with that stance, considering the clubs financial position.

Agree with all of that. The current squad obviously has it's limitations and that's why results like Lincoln and Reading have to be kept in context. I'm not 100% convinced about Warne, but it may well turn out that he's done pretty well with the players at his disposal. I expect we will win against Cheltenham and pick up more points on a mini run, then have a couple of bad results again. Theres bit of a pattern. The main frustration for supporters is that League 1 is there for the taking this season, but we just can't grind out results when we are in touching distance. With our record, battling it out via the play offs is not a prospect that many will look forward to.

31Vickers - 6 2Wilson - 5.5 5Bradley - 5 35Nelson - 5.5 6Cashin - 5 20Elder - 6 4Hourihane - 4 23Ward - 5 8Bird - 4 7Barkhuizen - 4 27Blackett-Taylor - 6 16Thompson - 6.5 17Sibley - 6 11Méndez-Laing - 4.5 9Collins - 4 19John-Jules - 5

Reading 1 - 1 Rams Mendez Laing