smogsterking the Inspirati

Its mad to think 2 of Barcas forward line for a brief period were Traore and Braithwaite and apparently wanted to sign Stuani as well. On Traore, hes arguably been our most exciting player since being relegated, his end product wasnt always the best but some of his mazy runs reminded me of Juninho. He could glide past anyone other than bloody Alan Hutton.

Right now im erring on the glass half empty rather than half full. I feel for us Millwall and Hull last season, it was a massive chance where the relegated 3 didnt come down and run away with it. I worried for the 2 who missed out (praying we werent one of them). I said in another post I feel theres a lot more to fix in our side than the last time we made the playoff final. I think defensively we are pretty sound I feel we lack depth in quality around the other parts of the pitch. Hackney seems likely to go but it does look like we arent going to achieve the 20+million we are wanting which, probably would have played a huge part of our recruitment. I think we could make a decent 11 with a couple of big signings but its the lack of depth that is the big concern.

Come on Gibson. Do your magic

I would side on keeping Whittaker but we need to bring somebody in who is able to challenge him for his spot. I feel the bench for the last few games of the season showed how lacking we were in quality at that end of the pitch. Really we should have taken him off in all 3 of the playoff games but had nobody to replace him with. However if somebody puts in a bid nearing 10million I feel you have to take it.

I agree with you there. It was clearly set up to try and make it easier for all the big nations to make it. Obviously Italy didnt read the script.

It may have been the volume of traffic created after discussing Sol Brynns heat map during a game and how his heat map is slightly darker behind the goal line compared to other top half keepers.

As somebody who absolutely loves major tournaments and would actually prefer to see England win something over even Boro. This is the most flat I've felt going into a tournament. Obviously FIFA, Trump and how expensive the tournament is has had an impact on this. There just doesnt seem the same buzz of previous tournaments despite the fact England down stand a good chance of going for. I feel with England after looking very good in the qualifiers, we seemed to go back 2 steps in the friendlies. I also feel the squad is arguably not as strong as it should be given some of the players left behind. Obviously it could be a masterstroke by Tuchel but failing to reach at least the semis its going to be difficult for him to keep his job. That said i do think its quite a wide open tournament. France look stacked for quality but feel they always seem on the edge a big fallout in their squad. Portugal look excellent but I feel Martinez as manager and playing Ronaldo for the sake of playing him could be issues for them. Theres several others but feel these 2 are arguably the standout squads. Its also going to be sad to see so many legends of the game play their last world cup here. Who do you think will win? Despite France and Portugal having the strongest squads I think Spain may win it. Surprise team/s? I think Japan have looked strong and think theyll have their best world cup. I feel Norway are going to be a team you want to avoid as well How will England and Scotland do? Heart and head with England. Id love to say win it and theyre in with a great chance but feel quarter finals is probably likely. If Kane can stay fit and in form, he could be the difference. Scotland with potentially 3rd place going through i can see them making it to the knockouts and perhaps the last 16. Who will be the star of the tournament? Kane is looking a great shout for the Ballon D'or and I feel his time at Munich has seen him get that winning mentality. Vitinha as well has been outstanding and gets better each time I see him. Golden Boot? Kane. Anyway after writing this im going to listen to 3 lions (both versions) on repeat until I get that buzz again.

I wonder if Cartwright is close to breaking into the side. He will be a similar age to when Hackney first broke in and sounds like theres still a lot of hope for him. It would be nice to find a new Leadbitter for the side not necessarily a glamorous signing but a leader on the pitch.

I did say Hamer was quite a good wildcard although could see Coventry going back in for him. I think Wilder said earlier in the season they were looking to get rid of him this summer so could be available.

I wonder if they mixed up his and Sarmientos contracts

I could see Rogers potentially seeing teams try and conclude soon. As if he has a great world cup his price could sky rocket.

Its a shame for Lenihan really thought we got a great signing when he came in. It must be very difficult not only physically but mentally to come back after such a bad injury especially how he injured himself soon after. I hope he can find a new club as he was a great player in the short period he was available. Obviously its going to be a struggle to get a new club given his awful luck with injuries but hope someone takes a chance and he can have success elsewhere.

Opinion or have you heard something?

I dont think my glass half full optimism has yet returned. Its going to be some league next season. The sickener is I feel the sides coming down look well equipped and teams below us like Wrexham and Birmingham will probably strengthen. Then the likes of Norwich got their momentum going too late. Im hopeful we can challenge at the top but I do feel we have more to fix than we did when we lost to Norwich in the playoffs.

Challinors record is immense. I think in 15 of his 16 seasons he has achieved at least the playoffs and the season he didnt was when he changed clubs midseason.