ferguson1

Standards. Gerrard has obviously set the standards bar very high indeed and there’s absolutely nothing wrong in that. It’s sink or swim now for the current group of players and some will thrive/revel and improve, some won’t and be moved on. Gerrard has so far been most impressive and a breath of fresh air. All we need now is a strong finish to the season and we’re in good shape.

They still have some saleable assets in Pope, Tarkowski, Cornet, McNeil, Brownhll, Collins, etc. All under 30 and are decent enough.

This game has probably become more difficult to predict than say a week ago because Rafa had them set up all over the place and totally devoid of confidence. Big Dunc will have them organised making them hard to beat. However, I truly believe that we have that extra bit of quality to get a win here. *Fitness and Covid permitting again, I’d go with Konsa (if fit) or Hause at the back and Carney or Coutinho behind Watkins. The rest pick themselves. 3-1 win. Martinez Cash *Konsa Mings Digne McGinn Luiz Ramsey Buendia *Carney Watkins Subs: Olsen, Hause, Kesler Hayden, Targett, Iroegbunam, Sanson, Young, Coutinho, Ings

Technical director Craig Gardner, who is barely six months into his job at the club, also spoke to the fans' meeting to outline how he wants recruitment to be handled differently going forward. With that in mind, the club this week brought back former skipper Martin O'Connor in the newly created role of loans manager. Gardner stressed a need to learn from the errors of recent years - and warned it could be another two seasons before they are truly competitive.

I reckon bench again, with Chuk to start in his position. Perhaps a 30 minute cameo this time?

Cheers. “where everybody knows your name”

Great show at the time and good theme tune Remember the Midnight Caller?

Growing up, I always remember parents watching Miami Vice (great theme tune), Dallas and Cagney & Lacey. But a weird one I remember was Tales of the Unexpected. Funny dancing silhouettes and a little bit scary back then for me. Most of my favourites have been said already (The A Team, Airwolf, Magnum PI) but I’ll never forget the Grange Hill theme tune and Robin of Sherwood on a Saturday afternoon. I think Clannad did the theme tune for that?

Spink in Rotterdam for the glory and history but as a fan, you want to score in front of the Holte End. I would therefore be Dalian Atkinson (rip) v Tranmere. What a game, what a header from him and what an atmosphere. One of best games at Villa Park ever.

I would also put Charles N’Zogbia in the lowest ranking along with Ross McCormack.

and why sign El Ghazi? Makes you wonder if Rafa had little or no control over transfers? Agree though, total mess.

Would pick exactly the same!

Thankfully that doesn’t as bad as first feared. He should be fit for next weekend then or be out for 3 months!

Be very interesting to look at the table again on Friday evening. Yesterday does feel like it was a must win game.

Be good to get into the top ten. Personally think top eight is beyond us but be good to give it a helluva go.

If we can get a right sided CB and a DM over the line, then boy what a transfer window it will have been. Probably the best January transfer window for us ever.

Just think during the World Cup, we could see - Martinez, Buendia, Luiz, Coutinho, Digne and Mings. That’s not unthinkable and amazing really,

Keep playing like that, then surely he makes the World Cup squad.

Clearly an upgrade on Targett. Will be a fine addition.

We need to stop this nonsense now.

I’m sure he was in the film “Flushed Away” ?

Elite footballer

Brilliant second half. He’s going to enjoy playing with Coutinho and dare I say it, I think it’ll up his game a notch.

A very forgettable first half and a lot of below par performances. Second half, some true fight, grit and some lovely football. We now need to find our best eleven and formation quickly. Finally, a certain little magician is going to be great isn’t he?