av1

So Hutton decided to go as Nyland?

JRM would be my choice if she loses.

Is it? Other than rumour I've saw absolutely nothing concrete to suggest Mendes has had any influenceover any signing.

The fairytale of Birmingham. Birmingham lose again

Yep. If you're pissed off about being on the bench, when you get an opportunity you should be trying to prove the manager wrong. Friday was not the way to do that.

I disagree mate. Tammy had an off day on Friday but gets a free pass (from me anyway) because he worked his socks off. Kodjia was just lazy, most probably due to sulking at being on the bench. That isn't an off day, it's a rank bad attitude.

I don't think that will be lost on Smith. He isn't going to get in up top ahead of Tammy, and if he can't be trusted to put in a shift from the bench he won't get much game time. His saving grace atm is the injury to Adomah. As i said above, with a fully fit squad he is 3rd choice striker and 4th choice winger. He doesn't suit what Smith is trying to do and I'd be happy to see the back of him.

Add me to that list. I had very little hope for the kid after his first couple of performances. Happy to be proved wrong.

100%.

Link

The goalkeeping equivalent of Ashley Westwood. He is a decent shotstopper but being petrified of contact is not a good trait for a keeper. He will be targeted more and more as the season goes on and as neither Chester or Axel are particularly dominate in the air that is a big worry. There are a few positions that need Improvements but if I could only pick one, this would be it.

When you consider the points return under Smith against the teams we have played during his tenure, I simply don't see us dropping many points. I agree with @markavfc40 automatic promotion is very much possible, top 6 is guaranteed. And the way we are playing we would be favourites for those. Either way I think we're going up.

As well as the clear improvements in the style of play, when considering the effect Smith has had the team with regard to results, you have to consider the strenght of opposition. The bloke is taking us up this season.

Agreed, the ability to cover the outfield positions we are in most need is a big selling point, as is the fact his contract is up at the end of the season with regard to our FFP considerations.

His overall game is very good but his finishing at times is very poor. He'll no doubt be a very important player for us this season but as I've said before, I don't think this kid will ever be a regular for Chelsea.