FlyBritishMidland

That’s what I’ve been think about too. Peterborough have probably got the easiest run-in, but have 9 games including the BSM Trophy Final. And it’s compounded by the fact that they don’t play this weekend. That means they have all 9 of these games in a 30 day period, so roughly a game every 3 days. It’s a big ask to keep momentum going over this period.

So we should ignore that the keeper did the job that he’s paid to do very well. He did what he was supposed to do when called upon. You do know that sometimes the opposition will inevitably get through the defence and have shot don’t you?

You’re right. Let’s ignore the actual result, the points awarded and league position and instead focus on a hypothetical scenario against an average team at a neutral ground. Makes perfect sense.

I was thinking about this earlier. With no midweek games I’d like to think we can get pretty close to a sellout. The Blackpool game might be tricky as it’s Good Friday and quite a few might be away on holiday. It would be great if we can get 29k - 30k for the 3. It was spine tingling yesterday, a brilliant atmosphere throughout. Let’s make every game now a “Black n White” game. The crowd can be so important in helping us win these last 3 home games that might make the difference between autos and play-offs 🐏.

I’ve bit. I’m sorry but what a load of…………nonsense. Firstly, leagues average opponent at a neutral ground. What does that even mean. Neutral ground - what a totally pointless statement as football isn’t played at neutral grounds. Secondly, ignore the result. What world does that happen. As far as I know, it’s results that determine the league table and teams end up where they deserve over 46 games. Yes, you’ve read that right, deserve based on results not some made up statistics. Thirdly, well I think @Caerphilly Ram has posted the evidence in response to that.

I think it’s pretty clear PW has built a fantastic culture and team spirit at the club. All of the players and staff are united and fighting to get us promoted. This is testament to his man-management skills. I seem to remember an interview with Ritchie Barker (?) not long after they joined compliment PW’s leadership and how they’d walk through a brick wall for him. I think he has that with players. In the past I’ve been critical of how he uses the subs but in the last few weeks he’s been spot on with these. He also seems to be managing the squad well. Some Rotherham fans talked about the players tiring at the end of the season. We’re not really seeing that and he seems to be managing the game time of the squad well and not taking unnecessary risks.

I’d go with either 3-4-3 or 3-5-2, depending who we’re playing and who’s available. Injuries and fitness of those available may dictate 3-5-2 against Northampton but I’d prefer a 3-4-3 set up. I think we can bit more attacking and go for it, a bit like Bristol Rovers away. Adam’s definitely starts in 1 of the 2 midfield positions with either Hourihane or Smith. But against Portsmouth for example, and maybe Blackpool, we’d probably benefit from the extra man in midfield so I’d prefer 3-5-2, similar to the 2nd half yesterday. I do think Thompson needs to be 1 of the 3 midfielders in a 3-5-2 for his energy and he can support the attack. Then it would be Adams plus either Hourihane or Smith.

Professional and resilient is my description for yesterday. After a 5-0 win in the week they were full of confidence. They played some nice football and we had be strong and well organised. Wildsmith probably had his best game of the season and his saves were just as important as the goal. Cashin was my MoM, I thought he was superb all game. Hourihane was missing for me. He had a few passes go astray early on and I think it affected his confidence. In games like that you look for your captain to be the calming influence but it wasn’t there. I think Thompson’s energy added a lot in the 2nd half. The subs in the last 2 games show how much we’re going to need all of the squad. It’s a shame Gayle is injured, hopefully not for too long. The flip side is we have players back for the run in. It seems like it’s 1 in, 1 out at the moment. Game 4 of an important month out of the way.

Derby 2 Bolton 2 FRGS NML

It really is squeaky bum time. This is quite a big weekend. If we win it’s a great result, draw and it’s a good result. Portsmouth v Peterborough is interesting. Both on a good run but Portsmouth have had the easier games. I think the winner of that will then continue their run. Personally, I’d be happy with a Portsmouth win. Let’s open a gap between us and 3rd and ease the pressure.

Good points. I don’t think it’s a bad thing having options to switch from 3 to 4 at the back, either during a game or for different games. Often a manager has been accused of no Plan B, now we seem to have one. I also think that the number of signings made in the summer and them taking time to adjust meant a lot of the players here were used. If it was evolution of the squad, signings may not have been questioned as much. At the start of the season Oxford were used as an example of a lot of signings making an impact, yet look at the comparative positions now. Agree that Embleton and John-Jules were high risk signings, not necessarily bad signings. They were definite gambles, and our BP probably meant they were worth taking. The jury’s out on Fornah and we’ll find out if he has a future in the summer as to whether he’s still here or not. If we can sign Adams, it would suggest his time is up.

I’ve got a theory about PW signings. He’s obviously big on fitness, being able to press and keep it going for close to 90mins. I think for new signings this takes a bit of getting used to and Ritchie Barker alluded to this when talking about CBT. I think that’s why we’re now seeing more of his summer signings come into the team and why some picked up niggles early on and we used more of the current players. I think we’ll see the best of CBT next season.

And that’s assuming we let all the players who are out of contract in the summer leave!!

Are the EFL changing the rules? You’ve suggested virtually every player who’s ever kicked a ball in Scotland!!

Another good performance. Similar to Saturday, we did everything but score in the 1st half. Their keeper played well and Cashin was unlucky to hit the woodwork. Gayle’s first touch for his goal was superb and it took some nerve from Hourihane for the penalty, I hate it when there’s a long delay between the award and taking as I think it gives the advantage to the keeper. I was surprised at 4 subs just after the penalty but I think Saturday was in PW’s mind with all the changes. Barkhuizen was my MoM. He looks rejuvenated and is unlucky not to have scored in the last 2 games. One of the best bits for was seeing Hourihane on the bench after going off. He was up and down and encouraging the team. That’s great to see and testament to the team spirit PW and his staff have built. Game 3 of an important month out of the way.

Derby 3 Reading 1 FRGS NML

Totally agree. And it’s the bit in bold I’m really struggling with. It’s almost as if there’s disappointment at not being able to criticise the last 2 games so let’s do a search to see what I can find. And bring up something from 3 or 4 days ago just for the hell of it. I’m fine with people wanting to criticise in a constructive way. I just think in this case it’s neither necessary or constructive.

We’ve won 2 on the bounce with an aggregate score of 6-0 and gone clear in 2nd, even if others win their games in hand. We’re now back to psychoanalysing everything Warne and his staff say. You couldn’t make it up!!

Really enjoyed yesterday. The last two games are a bit like how I imagine Warne wants us to play. The first half was some of the best football we’ve played, just lacked a goal. First goal was a bit scrappy/ lucky but the other 2 were great moves. This 3 at the back is really working, and how I like to see it played. I do think LWB is Sibley’s best position. And Ward is looking like the player we signed. I’ve also been really impressed with Bradley. The 3 CB’s look a proper unit now. It’s a shame we’re without Bird for a few weeks but I think we’ll be fine as we have options to cover him. I’d be more concerned if Adam’s was out as I think he’s critical to making this formation work. He’s good protection for the back 3 allowing the WB’s to be more attacking. Game 2 of an important month out of the way.

Or that AP04 chap to see where we deserve to be.

Bristol R 1 Derby 3 FRGS Gayle

Doh - mis-read the post by @cannable . It was still early, that’s my excuse 😉.

That’s next season. I’m sure DC won’t let that pass him by.