Thoughts on today...

All in all a reasonable workout for a pre-season game.

Pluses:

Andy Hughes was lively and committed, and won more tackles than he lost. Contrary to some postings below, I thought he was comfortably better on the ball than anything I've seen from Holt in the last year or so. People forget that accurate short passing can still be a positive contribution - look at Roy Keane for example.

Colin did nothing wrong either, and Cave-Brown looks a good prospect - first time I've seen him in the flesh.

Hucks was lively as ever, and got better the longer the game went on (except for his final ball - see below)

Charlton's goal was worthy of a Beckham! He faded from prominence in midfield after a very bright start though, which was a shame.

Minuses:

Peter Thorne is no Deano is he??!! Hopefully he'll improve with games...

Doc and Flem WILL NOT WORK as a starting centre back pairing when the real action starts. Time for Shacks please.

Francis put about as much effort in as you'd expect - i.e. not a lot. ?1.5 million - we should have snatched their hands off!

Our final balls in from the flanks were utter s**te throughout the match. Get 'em in for some crossing practice ASAP Nige!!

Finally, Roots Hall - the stadium with the most liliputian legroom of any sporting venue I've ever been to. I know I'm 6' 6" but I've seen Buddah's sitting less splay-legged than I had to...

Roll on August 6th for the real deal!!

Posted By: Greeny, Jul 23, 23:42:22