Zola was very clear in his Stoke City post-match interview that West Ham were playing well but not getting the rub of the green. He likened the current situation to the poor run last season last autumn, when we were putting in very good performances but not getting the points that they deserved.
Zola felt that all the signs are there that we wll turn the corner very soon. He pointed out correctly that we are being punished for every mistake at present and that the team need to cut them out to progress. You have to feel for Zola at present, things are not going his way and he is obviously operating in a difficult circumstances. However, he will do what we all expect of him. He will work hard to put things right on the training ground and put out a team to play expansive, attacking football . Zola and Clarke turned it around last season, to go on to win deserved plaudits, and they will do it again.
We need to get back to the defensive solidarity of last season and in Green, Faubert, Illunga, Tomkins and Upson we have the defensive unit to do it. The return of Berhami and Collison is a massive bonus, Berhami in particular has returned firing on all cylinders. He is a massively influential player and he is going to be crucial in turning things around.
We definitely have the quality in defence and midfield to improve results. In Diamanti and Jimenez we potentially have two very good playmakers. However, they need to start taking games by the scruff of the neck and hurting the opposition. In young Stanislas, we have a genuine player of pace and skill, who has the ability to run at opposition defences and cause problems. He must be encouraged to use those assets and given the freedom to express himself.
There is no doubt that we have lacked a cutting edge up front. Too often Cole is left isolated because the support play in the 4-3-3 is not close enough. Personally, I think that our best, and most immediate, solution is to play Cole and Hines as a strike duo. In addition, Franco needs to be given the opportunity to show what he can do; as do Nouble and Dixon in due course. We all know that our biggest lack at present is the absence of a proven, top class goal scorer. That has arguably cost us points so far this season, as we have failed to turn domination in to goals. We can not even think about doing anything to bring someone in until the January window, but what we can and should do in the meantime is show faith in Zavon Hines’ pace and finishing ability. Who knows, he could save us a lot of money?
In the minus column, the negative speculation around the club continues. We need to hope that this is not adversely affecting the playing staff too much. After all, cohesion, morale and team spirit is vital when you are battling for improved results.
The story at the weekend about pay differentials within the squad and the contracts terms of our younger players is, at face value, a worrying development. However, If the story is true, I refuse to believe that the club are not on top of the situation and actively dealing with it. Hines in particular should be signed up to a new contract and the terms of the contracts of the likes of Tomkins, Stanislas and Collison need to be re-negotiated.
Ideally, I would have preferred more experienced cover in key positions. We are very reliant on inexperienced players as squad cover. Also, we need to be mindful of not over-burdening or burning out our youngsters. It is particularly difficult for youngsters when results are going badly, that’s when experience is vital. Yet, on the other side of the balance sheet, we are attracting these young prospects because of our unrivalled reputation for developing and blooding our youth products. Also, young players need PL exposure to progress, rather than stagnate as they do at clubs like Chelski and Liverpool. It’s the rationale underpinning project football. But It is also about getting the balance right!
One very positive peice of news at the weekend was the story about the opening of negotiations with the new US based consortium about a takeover. It offers hope of a cash rich consortium taking over, the injection of substantial funds in to the club and putting us back on track. The ‘cherry on the cake’ is that they are allegedly a consortium of wealthy Hammers fans! I do not doubt that C&B Holdings represents a safe life boat for the club, but the lack of investment in the summer has proven unhelpful to our cause.
We need to know the exact details of the deal, but in principle, it would be positive to have a consortium of cash rich Hammers fans taking control of the club. A consortium that has the interests of the club at heart, as well as a business plan. C&B Holdings make me nervous because they view us purely as just an asset, the value of which needs to be protected to eventually pay off creditors. Ok, if business interests are what are protecting our club’s future, then that is good enough in the short-term, but there is no doubt that the club would be an happier place if there was a board that we fans could relate to and was investing in the Hammers future.
So, that’s my take on a number of issues relating to the club at present. I have taken care to show that there are positives as well as negatives to consider. On balance, do you agree with Zola, are better results just around the corner? Moreover, could we also be on the cusp of a bright long-term future with new owners and investment?
SJ Chandos.
A draw or better a win (hope) against the gonners this saturday and Zola will be restored to greatness in the eyes of the doubters.
I do agree that Cole needs support upfront and he needs another strike partner – Hines, not an attacking midfielder. They are there to supplement the attack. With most of our midfield options now back, it is time to give Noble a rest so he can refind his form in the reserves.
Let's remember we are West Ham til we die….
Yeah the project is running out of time, only 3 and a half years to go!! Come on. We're not going down, we may be bad but theres plenty worse. Lets see where we are at Christmas before we start freaking out. I'll never say we're too good to go down ever again but a little optimisim never hurt. Zola and clarke are a young team, last year they were the dream team so lets not write them off so early. We just need a little more grit but that doesn't come with such an inexperienced side, we need to be patient and not turn into last season's boo boys again. Lets hope this takeover turns into something, I'm worried we'll be held onto like Newcastle so squeeze more money out and we all know how well that tactic worked out. Not looking for much against Arsenal so won't be logging on after as you guys are so depressing lately.
Christ !!! does anyone see what i see every week ?,no easy ball out of defence when under pressure for any of the back four,watching Tompkins really makes my teeth itch sometimes as for me and this is purely my opinion ,the lad is very limited ,BUT that might not be the case if there was some sort of outlet for him.Zola has got to somehow install some confidence through the team especially in midfield to keep the ball and stop giving it away cheaply,because the ball constantly comes back at us maybe that is what is finding out a couple of players at this level?.The formation has been a issue for me also this season,4-3-3 does not work for us at all ,please please please Mr Z play 4-4-2,with Hines playing through the middle with Cole.Good to see Jack Collison back in the fold ,i see him as very influential player for us this season and for seasons to come,coyi 's show some jacobs!!!!.
Iain has asked me to remind you Tommo that bad language is prohibited on this site. This time the offending word(s) have been deleted and the rest of the post retained. In future he will delete any such posts in their entirety and a yellow card will be issued!
All posters should keep to the rules. There is no wish to moderate this site, but it will be done if necessary!
I do apologise sincerley , my frustrations were running high during that text.sorry.
This may sound very optimstic but i can really see us getting a big win and getting some confidence, then we can make our own luck.
I even think that at home to Arsenal we could well pick up a win.
I think a very important issue presently is that we cannot make Upton Park into any kind of fortress, i dont think other teams particularly fear coming to the Boleyn ground anymore, which certainly has helped us in past years.
Falvo me old son couldnt agree more with you about Upton Park being a fortress,ive been saying it for years that when you think back only as far as the 90's we had a really closed in stadium in which you could touch the players shirts whilst they were taking a throw on,we didnt have the best of sides but our home form was pretty decent and used to regulary turn over the best sides.The atmoshere was different class as well back in those days,seems to me that nowadays visiting teams look forward to coming to Upton Park to play as its not so hostile anymore!.
A very well balanced post by SJC. The people on this blog who want to sack teh management have to think about who will replace them? I addition I would endorse Celtichammers point of a few days ago that the current owners can't afford to buy Zola out of his contract anyway. We should stick with what we have. We might not have the results we want just yet but we are returning to the way the West Ham have traditionally played football; An attractive passing game with skill and flare. Maybe not all of the time, but you can see it there. We need to keep the faith and not turn on the manager at the first sign of trouble. Fergusson would not have seen out a second season at Old Triffid if that had been the case.
Let us all get behind the team and the manager and pray that this takeover happens.
http://goalfanzine.com/
Click on the – EPL Reserve League – Chelsea vs West Ham United 2:00PM EST
Enjoy.
A very well balanced post by SJC. The people on this blog who want to sack the management have to think about who will replace them? I addition I would endorse Celtichammers point of a few days ago that the current owners can't afford to buy Zola out of his contract anyway. We should stick with what we have. We might not have the results we want just yet but we are returning to the way the West Ham have traditionally played football; An attractive passing game with skill and flare. Maybe not all of the time, but you can see it there. We need to keep the faith and not turn on the manager at the first sign of trouble. Fergusson would not have seen out a second season at Old Triffid if that had been the case.
Let us all get behind the team and the manager and pray that this takeover happens.
A very well balanced post by SJC. The people on this blog who want to sack the management have to think about who will replace them? In addition I would endorse Celtichammers point of a few days ago that the current owners can't afford to buy Zola out of his contract anyway. We should stick with what we have. We might not have the results we want just yet but we are returning to the way the West Ham have traditionally played football; An attractive passing game with skill and flare. Maybe not all of the time, but you can see it there. We need to keep the faith and not turn on the manager at the first sign of trouble. Fergusson would not have seen out a second season at Old Triffid if that had been the case.
Let us all get behind the team and the manager and pray that this takeover happens.
passing ourselves to death won't win game's,because we have on one upfront the ball goes sideways to much.
If the current owners need to find money to buy Zola out, they will miraculously find it! Believe me!
They simply cannot afford the club to be relegated (and I'm not saying we will be) as it will render us practically worthless to an invester!
And we would find it VERY difficult to get back up.
So if they get to the point that they think it's Zola or Championship, they'll find that money!
http://www.justin.tv/vip_boxing_4/popout for the reserve game
What are your thoughts so far Celtic? Jimmy looks lost to me and Da Costa looks shakey at best. If Chelsea could shoot I think we would be a few down by now!!
To be honest its a very scrappy game and we cant seem to settle in midfield. I am just hoping to see Dixon come on for the second half. Jimmy looks more shell shocked than lost, its a long way from the San Siro to Griffin Park!
The bias commentry is great to listen to
your wish has been granted.
The reserves can't score either!
Faubert is not good enough defensively, I'd prefer Spector for his defensive play. Against Stoke we needed to play another forward with Cole, who was outstanding on his own, I could'nt believe we didnt switch to 442 at half time and give Franco a go. Stoke were very ordinary.
Collison & Behrami back made a big difference, Noble also played well. So still some positives.
COYI
I agree with your post here SJ – I am starting to get a bit worried about how the season is panning out, but I don't see how changing a manager at this stage would be either practical or beneficial. The issues with the team's performances are more to do with not getting the rub of the green and behind the scenes uncertainty.
I am hopeful that GZ & SC will turn it around, and believe they will do. I just hope they can do it soon before we get too stuck in the mire.
WooHoo here come's Terry Dixon! Aka the answer to our prayers!
Its like watching the first team! Lots of possesion that we cant turn into goals and every mistake gets punished with a goal!
Not sure you can take many positives from a 4-1 loss, Kurucz is absolutely no where near a premiership keeper and I doubt he ever will be, its time to give Marek Stech some time between the sticks because if Green gets injured that Hungarian could relegate us on his own!
DaCosta is developing well and is now ahead of N'Gala and Spector in my book. Jimmy and Stan were uninterested at times and were too deep for most of the time leaving Nouble isolated up front. At least he bagged his first of the season even if it was just a consolation.
Quashie couldnt have cared less and it seems has settled in to a nice rut of picking up £15K a week and having an amble round during a reserve game.
Dixon hardly saw the ball and came on way too late to make an impact but just to see him playing was the highlight of the night, even if there wasnt much competition!
I would have liked to have seen Dixon come on a bit earlier. I can't see Trapps picking him for the France game just yet!
Oh I just love everyones optimism! Including Zola!
But I gues without the optimism we would have NOTHING! lol
I so badly hope these new guys make a serious bid and C&B accept it! This could really turn our fotunes!
Another day at the office another defeat.Morale is the hardest thing to achieve but even the likes of Valon Behrami quoting in the red tops ‘we dont know where our next win is coming from’ how about keeping quiet and actually win then you can build from there.
Another excellent, well balanced and informed article SJ. You've offered up all of the angles and put your own view forward at the same time.
Glad to see that most of the comments are starting to return to objectivity and not the mud slinging that's been thrown around of late too.
Love reading on the Chelsea website about their reserves 4-1 drubbing of our team and it says how ‘Frank Nouble scored a good goal but he looks a class below their players,sour grapes perhaps?
Aussie to be honest mate up until that point he had looked pretty bad, his hold up play was poor, his distribution sloppy and his positioning was woeful. He took his goal well but thats about it. Its not that he is a bad player its just with young guys its very easy for them to go into their shell or loose focus during a game.
I would say Chelski were happy to have the chance to get a little dig in at him because he left them for us but I doubt they will still be laughing in a few years time when he is playing up front for us and banging in goals in the Premier League.
It is probably a cardinal sin as to why anyone would want to leave Chelsea but like Steve Clarke who has probably found it hard to get the same response from a Hammers team that all did not cost 20 mill plus under Mourinho,s tenure but I suppose you have to buy quality and reap the rewards with lots of silverwear unfortunately someone has to start at the bottom and work their way up good luck Clarkey and young Frank here is hoping!
Morning………..Rubbed shoulders last night with an ex west ham player,who still plays 5 a side nice fella and I'm not going to name him,he thinks we won't go down but he said "dont kid yourself this team is no where near as good as west ham team's gone by,there's a couple of strong player's that's about it "
Anyone for a half!!
What Robert Huth inflicted on Matthew Upson was an act of cowardice and should carry a heavier penalty than a 3 match ban.
Aussie Graham, it raises wider ethical and legal questions as well. If such an incident occurred in the street it would be viewed by the Police as common assault and the perpetrator charged.
Should different standards be applied to players just because they are playing a game of football? Duncan Fergouson famously got charged and sentenced as a result of assaulting another player whilst playing for Glasgow Rangers. That episode sent out a strong message that players on the pitch are not above the law.
Why should different standards be applied to them than you or I?
Sj that guy is earning enough to not behave like that but obviously he is a thug.If it were a Hammers player the storey goes back page for weeks!
18 million pounds + Richards for Upson?
I know the market has been inflated recently but that is way out of proportion if you ask me.
Also with regards to an Upson with Richards swap. Richards sounds like he could be a very, very good player. However he is still young and Tomkins is as well. Same goes for N'Gala, DaCosta, Spence and other upcoming defenders. Gabbidon is our most experienced centre back behind Upson, and if he keeps fit then great. But if he got injured then without Upson we would be definitely lacking in experience.
From a financial view any 18m + Richards trade would have to be accepted, however such an offer will almost certainly not come (in my opinion). Upson does provide us with experience in the backline and he is our second top scorer this season!
We wouldn't get £18m for Upson without Richards. At his age £10m would be maximum and that would only be paid by a club like City. Probably be around £7m to anyone else.
Reading through the messages on this particular article, it has become very apparent that there are very split views on things!
Some of us think West Ham are improving, some of us don't, some of us think Zola should go, some of us think he he should be given more time, some of us think West Ham are in trouble of being relegated and some of us think there is no chance of relegation etc…
This is why a blog with free speach is so important! It is great to see everyone's views!
There are some poeple on here that just agree with the original poster (or editor, if you will) no matter what they say just to be a little brown nosey!
And there are some on here that think their posts are the be all and end all and won't admit that they might be wrong.
There are also a lot lately that just come on here to slate the posts they don't agree with, these people hide behind different names and should just really shut up!
For the regular posters, it is like a little family! I sometimes forget that I have never met any of you in realy life.
All I am trying to say is that it is great that we have so many different views and it is great that so many people share the information they believe is true. As far as I am concerned, we are all allowed our view and just because someone else thinks something different, then it doesn't make it wrong!
So ignore the haters and keep them coming boys (and girls)
Matt
Agree fully, matt. A blog is to be commented on and not agreed for the sake of agreeing.
If you think its bad on here, read iians political blog comments, untold swearing, slagging off and general mahem
Could Upson be the ideal strike partner for Carlton with zola just in behind ha ha!
Hi Mick, I have read it mate, just not that interestedin Politics anymore so I steer clear
I'm just getting a bit bored of the idiots (that obviously) use lots of different names coming on here and insulting the people that have views they don't agree with.
We all have valid and interesting views and if it's what we think or believe, what gives someone the right to condemn and publically insult someone else that has a view different to theirs?
Matt
Well said Matt. If only some of the players shared our passion we would be in the Chapions League!
Thanks mate!
Hell, we'd WIN the Champions Leage! lol!
Oh well, maybe next year eh? lol
Well said Matt. If only some of the players shared our passion we would be in the Champions League!
A little note on the reserves last night, if thats the future of the hammers, would the last person turn the lights off.
I was watching it with the hope of being positive this morning, but ive seen better amatuer sides, I only hope we get through this nightmare with some new owners, a few more players that actually care about playing for us and our prem position intact.
COYI
Aussie, who needs Zola playing? Because aparrently Savio, Diamanti and Franco are just like HIM and DiCanio…….Oh wait a minute……. lol
Even Celtic give me the impression our reserves are not much but The Wizard played and was invisible, Mourinho reckons he does not want to see him again!
Apparently Nouble was about our only half decent player last night! The second half we were appalling!
Matt I would not be to worried about people who come on here especially our kind friend from Stoke on saturday ‘he would not have dared if they had lost’but matt your posts are the ones along with celtic,s that liven up the debate and are most enjoyable but the other imposter,s well they must have issues ,long may your humour continue!
Thanks mate! means a lot
im going to write this and then go and poor a large vodka ….are we missing LBM?
Large Vodka at 11AM???? Hahahaha! I know we are bad but surely not 11AM Vodka bad?? lol
I don't know about "missing him" but we could certainly do with him!
Also, what's the deal with "The next big thing" – Dixon?
Spot on Jon, Yes we are – he was excellent in the second half of the season last year.
Another follower has seen the light!!:D
Apparently 5 other interested parties should be interesting?Also are Rio and Lampard past their sell-by dates?Is it time for a new guard?
Rio and Lampard??? You know they don't play for us anymore don't you??? lol
No but Bill Green and Paul brush fancy a bash
Can we bring back Big Alvin, Chicken George and Super Stuart Slater?
With regards to Barney Blarney's post (above) – This is from teh Guardian:
"Jim Bowe certainly hit the Bullseye with his claims that the Intermarket Group is going to take West Ham United into the black and out of the red.
Bowe, a Wall Street financier turned chief executive of Intermarket, told the News of the World he is leading a £100m bid for the troubled club. Bowe has been with Intermarket for only a month, but what a splash he has been determined to make in such a short time.
Intermediaries for other bidders for West Ham have never heard of him or of Intermarket, a Canary Wharf-based financial analysis company, and were surprised that he should blow his cover within 48 hours of making first contact with the club's owners.
Indeed, Bowe's claims were so strong as to require some further information: who are his investors; where do they come from; how much money will be available? But strangely, no one at Intermarket would answer any questions about the supposed deal yesterday. There was time only to hear a "no comment" response before Intermarket hung up.
Without engaging in detail, a spokesman for West Ham's owner, Straumur, hinted that there was nothing in Bowe's claims. But it certainly suits Intermarket's two director-shareholders, David Byrne and Iain Mortley, to be talked about as £100m bidders for a Premier League club. Their businesses were set up less than 18 months ago each with £1,000 in share capital, but now Bowe has ensured their name has been promoted globally.
Sadly for West Ham, Jim Bowe has only given them a look at what they could have won. Super, lovely, smashing, great!"
Matt
Oh sorry. Forgot link http://www.guardian.co.uk/sport/2009/oct/20/west-...
Cheers mate! Yeah did a little search
Strange as The Guardian are usually pretty accurate but they seem to be the only paper running with it! Hmmmmmmm
Oh well, another one bites the dust!
The mug,s in the City deserve no pity!
I thought I would attempt to put the present crisis in context. Last season, between 5 October – 12 December, in 12 games we won ONCE drew 4 and lost 7.
As many will recall, our form turned round after the away victory at Pompey. However, our season's end was also poor giving us 4 defeats, 1 draw and 2 wins in the last 7 games.
So, effectively, our last 15 games have garnered 3 wins, 3 draws and 9 losses.
Oooooops. <SPAN class=idc-smiley><SPAN style="BACKGROUND-POSITION: 0pt -36px"><SPAN>:o</SPAN></SPAN></SPAN>
I thought I would attempt to put the present crisis in context. Last season, between 5 October – 12 December, in 12 games we won ONCE drew 4 and lost 7.
As many will recall, our form turned round after the away victory at Pompey. However, our season's end was also poor giving us 4 defeats, 1 draw and 2 wins in the last 7 games.
So, effectively, our last 15 games have garnered 3 wins, 3 draws and 12 losses.
Oooooops. <SPAN class=idc-smiley><SPAN style="BACKGROUND-POSITION: 0pt -36px"><SPAN>:o</SPAN></SPAN></SPAN>
I dont see any improvement to our form this week! the problem is no strikers. cole has improved beyond recognition but he will only ever be a link up player in the same way as heskey is in the england set up. i am still reluctant to blame the manager, how to attract a quality striker with the lack of funds available. having said that, take torres/anelka/drogba out of thepremiership and where is the 20 a year out and out striker. huth is and always has been an overpaid thug.
I personally go through hell when we are in the kind of situation we are now.
But all through the late 80’s early 90’s those so called jo-jo years we kept to the West Ham way of playing with creativity and flair even when we had players like Mike Small and Leroy Rosenior.
I am myself happy that we haven’t given up on the ideal.
I remember matches when Alvin Martin played up front as a striker.
I was never sure that Zola would be a success and even now I haven’t got the foggiest idea if he will win out in the end, but I for one will never give up giving my whole hearted support to the team and defending them against the strongest mickey taking and slanderous press.
However, I do feel very pessimitic and worry if we get three serious injuries.
I have claret and blue blood in my veins and will be a hammer till I die!
COME ON YOU IRONS!!!!!
what about paul hilton the bury centre half we signed after tonking them 10-0! he did a stint up front didnt he?
I do believe that he did.
Only West Ham could buy a centre half from a team we'd just beaten 10-0!
I Heard the reserves only scored a late consolation goal,funny considering the strong team that was put out,but then I heard they played 1 up front with a funny diamond shape,when is this current tinkering gonna stop,now their trying to push it on the reserves,sorry but I really really have had enough,if it carries on I'm gonna take a banner with 2 upfront written on it over to chadwell heath.
SJ, I admire your optimism, but the news about potential takeovers fills me with dread rather than optimism.
We are a team devoid of goals (and points obviously) at the moment and any distraction from trying to put that right is a distraction we don't need. Say what ya like about management teams, coaches, staff or players not being unduly influenced by off-field matters, and I agree they shouldn't… but inevitably they are……always…..period.
Whether its a coach being hounded in the press, whispers of a takeover, innuendo of financial meltdown, or whispers of boardroom instability…. it always, always, always affects how teams play.
Roy Keane (during his halcyon playing days when he wasn’t saying something naff every week) once said that all it needs is a player to be 5% off his game it he might as well not turn up. This seems to be true every time a club goes through any kind of takeover set of talks. I’m not sure if its players taking advantage, or its players just not being mentally tuned in, but its never ever good news unless a takeover happens pretty damn quick… so if it is to happen, lets hope it doesn’t become a media saga like Pompey.
11-2 at home against the Arse get on LARGE!
My first ever post (and probably my last)
Call yourself fans? What a bunch of moaners most of you are. All the older posters moaning about new people daring to come on and disagree with them. The arrogance of some posters is nothing short of breathtaking – too busy complaining to actually post anything of any note.
Get behind your team if you really are fans of this great club. Get behind the manager of this great club. Get off the sack Zola bus. I doubt that there is anyone with as much football knowledge as Zola and Clarke combined on here so stop moaning about tactics and formations because they know what they’re doing when it’s obvious most of you have not got a clue.
I don’t care if you lot take offence because as a true fan I know what matters and it isn’t if a few armchair fans get upset.
Jim Bowe is a former head of the New York Board of Trade and a highly respected Wall Street player but hey what would I know its not like I do this kind of thing for a living!
The fact that he has joined a company recently means nothing in regard to him being asked to head a consortium to buy the club. What matters is who else is part of that group and what they can offer to the club in terms of investment.
I am honestly getting to the point of being so sick of random posters having a pop or trying to be smart while knowing sod all about the subject at hand that I am genuinely considering jacking in trying to keep people informed on the financial side of the club and football in general.
That post is from me although it didnt show my log in, I am having some technical issues at the moment which has fairly messed up my day not to mention cost me about 2 weeks worth of research for a client
CH, please don't stop your financial insights. I for one am not savvy in that area, and you have helped me see things in a much more balanced and informed way.
I don't always agree with your views, but I always read your posts!
Celtic I love your work keep it going,only fools dont appreciate the quality because comparisons with the bullseye presenter shows the standard of IQ you come across!
It wasn't always this way clockwork, go back just a couple of months and this site was full of quality debate and any disagreement was handled in an adult fashion. Unfortunately a small immature minority with very large egos have taken over the comments system and are making it unreadable.
Celtic don't let it get to you, just let the new generation argue amonst them selves and do what the rest of us older posters seem to be doing and comment when there is something worth while and ignore the rest.
Clockwork: I suggest you get your facts right regarding the status of fan the people your remarks are aimed at.
A few people have recently mentioned this new poster / old poster thing, it seems to cause confusion. I'm not sure he/she was referring to the oldest posters E1, who I suspect are now amongst the silent majority reading this blog.
IAIN…SJ…Any chance of a new topic, maybe the Stoke ratings results? I'm sure it would rescue this thread from imploding.
The Stoke City Results is the next thread due on. It will be posted today.
Thanks, SJ. The children are restless and need new toys to play with.
In the interim I have posted on the Huth 3 match ban and some of the issues arising from the assault on Matty Upson.
Hopefully this will keep people occupied until the Stoke City results blog post goes up later today.