Thetownend.com

Tue 2nd July @ 19:30
Swindon Supermarine (Away)
Webbs Wood Stadium, Supermarine Road, South Marston, Swindon, Wiltshire, SN3 4SY

Fri 5th July @ 19:45
Banbury United (Away)
Spencer Stadium, Station Approach, Banbury, Oxfordshire, OX16 5AB

Tue 9th July @ 19:30
Devizes Town (Away)
Nursteed Road, Devizes, Wiltshire, SN10 3DX

Fri 12th July @ 19:45
Forest Green Rovers (Away)
The New Lawn, Another Way, Nailsworth GL6 0FG

Tue 16th July @ 19:00
Tottenham Hotspur (Home)
The County Ground

Wed 17th July @ 19:45
Birmingham City (Home)
The County Ground

Tue 30th July @ 19:30
Cirencester Town (Away)
The Corinium Stadium, Kingshill Lane, Cirencester, Glos, GL7 1HS

Blimey, that first friendly ain't that far off now!

I love the annual Supermarine friendly.

Didn't realise the first friendly was so close. When are the players back for pre-season training?

Monday I believe.

Corrected for you! :)

Of course ;)

Cheers Horlock.

Another year another shit lot of friendlies.

I'd have thought you'd be all over the FGR friendly. Although I'd imagine they'll start as favourites, so could be a bit disheartening.

No No noooooooo. Friendlies at small grounds are the best. Shit friendlies are the ones against the big teams at the County Ground. It would be nice to have some different ones though, rather than the normal local dross and Ciren Town.

Hopefully we'll play at least one other football league side in the final week of July (that's what I'd be doing if I was still in FM/Champ Man playing days). Birmingham +1 other plus all the local crap is fine for me as it's a good balance.

I don't mind playing small teams but some variety would be good. It's always choose 3 out of Supermarine, Salisbury, FGR, Ciren, and a home game. At least Banbury is a bit different.

I want us to play foreign teams, credible ones too. Fenerbahce and Steaua Bucharest, those were the days.

I can't get excited about Banbury no matter how hard I try.

For me a visit from Stenhousemuir or Atletico Madrid (my two football crushes away from STFC) would be fucking ace. Both are unlikely in the extreme...

For me friendlies are a dull, dull spectacle. They belong on the training ground.

Yeppers, I'd have to think twice about going if we played Barca at home.

Games that don't mean anything do nothing for me.

Ha. Yes I'd be there if Barcelona came to town.

Nowadays if you get, say, Manchester City in a pre-season friendly then it's followed by the dreaded 'XI' which means you're watching the U18's plus Richard Wright in goal.

Indeed. Do I remember Sam Parkin out-scoring David Villa vs Sporting Gijón? Might have imagined that.

Watching us lose 6-0 (I think) to Sporting Lisbon was fun.

When was the Sporting Lisbon game?

1992.

6-1 ;)

Can anyone remember the Real Sociedad friendly?

I think we lost 5-0

We got beat by Real Sociedad in 91-92 but it was only 2-0. Don't remember a 5-0 one but you could be right.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=02vv1yzpFhY

My mate manages Devizes and has just let me know they are playing town on 9th july 7.30 at their place(mixture of youths and first year pros). Remove this post and just add to the fixtures if desired

I can only remember the six going past us! Who scored our goal?

Confirmed by town , though its a development 11
==============
 Swindon Town FC ‏@Official_STFC 2h

Swindon Town will take a Development XI to Devizes Town for a friendly on Tuesday 9th July, 7.30pm kick-off #STFC

Ade Viveash !  He's probably still dining out on it to this day.

http://swindon-town-fc.co.uk/Results.asp?Friendly=YES&Season=1992-1993

Devizes have a deeper squad than us :headhurts:

Added the details for the Devizes friendly.

Fantastic. I'm banned, live in Lavington but work in Devizes and am not aloud in the Town/City were Swindon play away games. Prehaps it doesn't count if its a development XI? Who knows? Might have a day off work here..

I doubt anyone would give a fuck. What are you going to do? Organise a meet with Devizes firm that consists of a mentally challenged man and his equally developmentally stunted dog?

Tuesday 16th July - Tottenham Hotspurs (Home)

As exclusively revealed by myself in early May.

I exclusively revealed you would say this phrase earlier today. What do I win?

Hotspurs? Have the board organised a friendly with a knock off team?

Superduper Marine tomorrow. Blimey.

You actually said a Tottenham Hotspur XI. So technically you are wrong.

I'm looking forward to seeing what kind of team we put out. Its always a decent friendly to go to.

Yup, I'm interested to see if our probable offs will start (Caddis, Ward).

Anyone going tonight?

Yep.

Yep

On the Spurs friendly.... any word on if Brum is going ahead on the 17th? OS suggests yes but surely not? Also, Spurs due to play Colchester on the 16th too. Can only assume that's been cancelled?

Nothing on the Birmingham game though I would be surprised if it goes ahead. I notice we have 2 weeks before the season starts, wouldn't be surprised if they try to move to the following week.

As for Spurs they play Colchester on the Friday (19th July). The game against us is their first friendly; could mean they split their first team between the two games

Caddis and Ward centrebacks at Marine tonight.

Any half time reports from supermarine from those that are there?

Apparently the No 10 (trialist) is providing the comedy

Benson at CB. Didn't expect to be doing that, even at a first friendly!

Swindon Town FC ‏@Official_STFC 1m
Town second half: Bedwell; Thompson N, Benson, Caddis, Smith; Waldon, Collins, Ferguson, Francis; Williams, Storey

With 4 strikers on too (5 if Francis is one as well, no idea where he plays)

Don't think I can cope with all the exclusive revelations on here ;)

Umm not the craziest idea I've ever heard, wouldn't be the first striker to move into the defensive line when their legs started to go.

Andy Rowland did pretty well for us at Centre Back after being a striker all his career.

2-0 Collins.

Sam Morshead ‏@SamMorshead_SA 4m
GOAL 1-3 (Dean, 70) Beats Bedwell from the top right corner of the penalty area

 Swindon Town FC ‏@Official_STFC 7m
GOAL! Andy Williams makes it 3-0 just after the hour with a neat finish #STFC

Dion Dublin did quite well at centre half at the end of his career, I think.  Chris Sutton moved in to midfield later in his career - as did Lee Peacock.  I have no idea what my point is - but I make it well.

That was pretty cold tonight. Haven't got a clue who was who but the no 9 was shite. the no 10 was like a stockier Onion Bhaji - enthusiastic but pretty crap. No 11 had a bit of pace about him. Apart from the ones I knew the no 20 caught my eye in midfield. Don't know if he's one of ours, on loan or on trial but he looked busy and had a decent touch. The goalie who wasn't Bedwell looks a bloody big unit - looked decent in the warm up.
The crowd looked well down on the last 2 seasons which is a shame.

The first half was largely shit. Ward and Caddis looked good, as did Jack Bantham (sp), #7 showed a few nice touches but Luke Rooney was the most lively player. Front two were shit (based on that 45). Missed the goal as I just turned round to get a hot dog...

Shame 3 of those have been linked to moves away.

Trialist keeper looked massive, then I realised he was standing next to Caddis. Well built and tall, but not Brez tall I don't think. Talked a lot but didn't have a shot to save. Claimed a corner well. So no idea if he's any good. Sam Morshead made me laugh, tweeted the keeper has a Smart car while in Swindon. That would be a tight fit :)

Second we started Benson at centre back, Collins in midfield, Willow and Story up top. And we looked much much better for 15 minutes. Scored two, missed two sitters, one was an open goal (storey).

Then the game settled down back into pre-season friendly mode. Marine scored a good goal. Caddis was applauded off. Benson can head but isn't going to get converted to centre back .

Briefly spoke to Chris Tanner, it was his last STFC game tonight. Good luck to him whatever he does next.

Thanks for the info guys.

From that I deduce that we hope the two triallists up front aren't signed and we'd really like to hang on to Ward, Caddis and possibly Rooney?

Well the trialists up front were crap tonight, but 45 minutes isn't really enough to be sure.

As for keeping Ward and Caddis, well yes in an ideal world but I can't see it. Rooney has something, but you'd expect him to do alright tonight.

So in fact we've learned nothing from tonight?  ;)

Rooney looked good and even put in a couple of decent tackles. Caddis looked good as well. as batch said the no 7 looked to have something about him. No 11 was the Samsung guy and had pace. Bartam looked decent but is small. Alex Smith looked decent. I'd like to see the keeper being given a game where he's tested. I'd like to see the no 20 again.
I'd like to keep ward. I'd like to see Rooney given a run of games and offload in Jan if he isn't up to it. I'd be surprised if Caddis is here - surely he ain't going to be happy about it.

On the OS match report it says Paul Caddis (Kisitu). Is that a triallist who replaced Caddis? If so, how was he?

He's not a trialist.  Salvyn Kisitu is currently with the youth (u18) team.

Luke Rooney stand out player. Replacing Banbury triallists with last years youth team forward line at half time led to huge improvement (despite Waldon and Miles Storey both missing sitters) which I think says all you need to know about their hopes of making it into a 3rd week. Benson probably a) has no future at Town b)certainly not at centre half. Collins strngely effective in central midfield. If Darren Ward is going then we need to replace him with experienced centre half leader type like Roberts of Stevenage and not just Devine/Hall/Oakley. Main thing I noticed about Barthram was his lack of height - if we have him and Byrne at full back we really will be in trouble against long ball Stevenage/Sheff U type League 1 outfits

1-0 down to Banbury at half time, few first teamers playing:

TOWN: Foderingham, Thompson, Hall, Ward, Smith; Waldon, Collins, Abdulahi, Francis; Trialist, Williams

Anyone go?

Trialist - he's played for loads of clubs in pre-season.

Now that the obligatory 'joke' is out the way, anyone got any info (Changs need not apply).

It's that Gros fellow is it not?

2-0 down.

2-0 down.

Sam Morshead ‏@SamMorshead_SA 11m
Would suggest the Town players are operating at around 30% tonight. Can't blame them for trying to avoid going flat out on dodgy pitch.

Sam Morshead ‏@SamMorshead_SA 13m
Forgot to mention a hammer had to be removed from the pitch midway through the first half. Williams launched it into the goalmouth.

Bit of a waste of time really if the pitch is so bad.

This is a night for grassroots.

ROOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOAR.

TOWN second half: Bedwell; Barthram, Devine, Kitisu, Jones; Ferguson, Walsh, Abdulahi, Francis; Storey, Benson

Fods only played 45 then, don't want to put his Sunderland move at risk ;)

A hammer was on the pitch?

What, the actual, fuck?

Jed promised to build Banbury a team.

Possibly a trialist from West Ham?

WAHEY. Badoom tsch.

Some of the comments across the social networks are delightful.

The mighty Thooooor...Roooarrr.

Can I just mention Smeeton's 3rd Rule....never read anything into pre-season friendlies, before we get meltdown.

I hope it don't hurt 'em

YES!

(http://25.media.tumblr.com/9bbfd5ea7b2acf5cb70c6776f844c654/tumblr_mi2utg3sgw1s559c9o1_500.gif)

 8)

Good work.

(http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r303/kenjil/stop_hammer.jpg) (http://media.photobucket.com/user/kenjil/media/stop_hammer.jpg.html)

The pitch was shit.

The game was crap.

3 pound a pint though so took full advantage.

Oh, and a few oxford youth turned up and started singing songs. Its friday night lads, you should be fisting your sisters.

Sounds like it was a right tinpot set up, a hammer on the pitch ffs, then again what would you expect from a Jed run club?

Dont care for the result, fitness excerise and nothing more. Hopefully we will have a first choice line up with some new faces for Spurs.

It was like a sunday league game 8)

Perhaps it was left on the pitch after having problems with their sprinklers :)

How many scummers were there Tans? Please don't say they were singing anti pdc songs?

I bet that young 'Womble' kiddy was there. He loves his Swindon.

And how many parents

Haha he was there, full of redeye. There was about 5 of them dancing about singing songs.

Sisters must have been busy i guess, i mean why else would you watch a rival teams friendly on a friday night?

Cause they're badmen init.

Yes blud

Rubbish game, we never really got got out of first gear, probably because of the state of the pitch.

Hall had some nice touches and looked promising. Barthram ok going forward. The trialist in midfield from finland number 7 looked like a good ball player to me. Storey impressed as well

Devine did not look very good at all. Nor the trailist up front

I'm still not sure what was more bizarre: that a hammer, a proper hammer, was on the pitch or that the grass was so long, it took half an hour - half a fucking hour - to find it.  The real problem though was the bumpy, unpredictable pitch, too dangerous whether for kids or pros: all should have turned round and gone home.

On top of that Banbury were pumped up, piss pot meatheads - which was an issue with the ref dealing with it as a friendly.

So that makes it difficult to assess but anyways:

First half - liked Hall in the middle, Smith offered little at left back, Williams was spectacularly non-existent.  Collins played in the middle with the Finnish triallist, who I'm not sure we'll see again.  Waldron and Francis were wide and bullied, another triallist - Will ? showed some touches up front but no threat.

Second half was tough to keep up with the changes, in truth we were battered with Bedwell making 5/6 saves against our one header, the only effort on target - barely managed any off target either.  Barthram was tidy, Devine rusty, Benson aloof, Massimo flashy, Storey willing but limited, everyone else: small.

At least some of the cavorting cows in the field next to the pitch were enjoying themselves, hopefully by now with all the players gone, they've got their home back.

William Gros was the triallist forward I thin

:clap:

I bet the Oxford Youth were only there for the BANTS?

Did any of them have a bottle of coke with their name on it?

@wes_foderingham: “@OUFCWomble: @_Beano_ we took the piss! Walked pass foderingham singing subbed in a minute!” No u didnt stop lying to ur mates kiddo

Haha

According to the Adver comments they were singing it at Bedwell. Nice try.

I see Bristhole Shitty also lost in their pre season game with Clevedon Town 2-1 who are a division lower than Banbury.

You can read nothing into pre season games other than get fitness up and get teamwork together.

Many times we have had shit pre seasons and gone on to do very well in the league and visa versa.

Lets get the team bonding and playing together before we judge too much.

The Barclays Asia Trophy apparently but it starts on the 24th July.

Thanks, I should of checked.

I heard it mentioned again today that we have a friendly at Devizes tomorrow night KO 7pm, someone else said it was only an U18s game. Does anyone know if either team are playing at Devizes tomorrow night? Thank you.

From the official site:

PUBLISHED

17:38 8th July 2013

by Swindontownfc.co.uk
A Town side featuring a mixture of seniors, youths and trialists will take on Devizes Town tomorrow evening with kick off at 7.30pm.

Tickets will be available to buy on the night at the following prices:

Adults - £5
Juniors - £3

Parking will be available for travelling supporters.

Thank you :)
Looks like Chippenham are doing alright with home friendlies, Ipswich this coming Saturday then Exeter and announced early a Swansea eleven also visit this month. Should bring in some extra revenue for them.

I just assumed that the Birmingham friendly was off next Wednesday with the spurs game on the Tuesday but the ticket details have just been announced

TICKETS are now on sale for Town's pre-season clash with Birmingham City at SN1.

The Blues come to The County Ground on Wednesday 17th July with kick-off at 7pm.

PLEASE NOTE - Only the Arkell's Stand is open at this stage.

Ticket prices are as follows:

Adults - £10
Concession - £5
Juniors - £1

Read more at http://www.swindontownfc.co.uk/news/article/bluesticketsnowonsale-903060.aspx#SmVexWigZFIB7MPX.99 

Fucking stupid idea playing that game the day after

I think it was Morshead  who had the best quip saying only Town could have induced fixture congestion in pre-season.

Madness! You could understand it if it was one big game and one local game where you could send the development squad.

I figure that the Spurs game is seen as a money-spinner that was too good to turn down, yet we're contractually obliged to keep the Brum fixture. It's the only reason I can think of for the 'pile-up'.

think they were trying to move the Birmingham fixture after the Spurs one was announced, guess Birmingham weren't in the mood to do us any favours

We have a squad of 27 players, surely we can just play 2 different teams. Give a load of trialists the Brum game maybe?

But Reg said earlier we're only just going to be able to field one team, let alone two. :-)

Plus half of them are likely to be shit according to arriba, so Reg isn't far wrong.

I'm not 100% sure we have a squad of 27 but we should have enough players to cover the 2 matches.

Makes sense to put the spurs lads in the same game, they will have probably formed a clique by then apparently

TOWN'S pre-season friendly at Cirencester Town has been moved.

The match will now be played on Tuesday 30th July at the Corinium Stadium with kick-off at 7.30pm.

Read more at http://www.swindontownfc.co.uk/news/article/cirendatechange-904419.aspx#sYw4Rjk17Jv4kj7Q.99

i didn't say that. For what our fans demand I think a fair few will fall short though

4-0 up at Devizes

WE ARE GOING UP SAY WE ARE GOING UP.

Just back from Devizes, work in Chip so rude not to.

I'd love to give a proper match report, but the truth is I don't know who half our players were!

Story looked lively, Caddis is quality, Our #5 had a few passes that made Flint look like Zidane (though the pitch was bobbly), The Thompsons looked OK, our #8 (??Barthram) looked like he wanted to play and get involved in the game but sometimes got muscled out of it. Luongo looked a bit short of match sharpness but has a presence,

First three goals were tap ins after we got in behind and put in good centres. Forth was well taken.

All in all it was a good work out and we naturally looked the fitter and sharper. Can't say it helps me much with working out how we will do next season as the team wasn't the strongest we have.

Oh and I won some Digby signed worn keeper gloves.

Guessing the #5 was either Devine or Hall. #8 was probably Barthram as you thought.

This was the starting lineup: Bedwell; Thompsn N, Devine, Hall, Jones; Caddis, Thompson L, Barthram, Storey; Sofianne, Gross.

Yeah, not sure which though.

Thanks for the report Batch we couldn't find anything at all online? I'm guessing now Chris Tannners left the social media sides of things might go downhill a bit?

No question mark needed, you're on the money there.

Forgot to say that Caddis played in central midfield in the first half and dropped to centre back later. The trialists didn't really impress me but it was hard to really gauge their ability in that game.

That's interesting. Twice now Caddis has been played out of position in pre-season. The optimists would argue KMac wants his experience in central midfield alongside Luongo. After all, he's picking him, praising him and even gave him the armband last night. The pessimists would argue he is on his way, hence the purchase of Byrne and the fact he is rarely playing at right back. He may just be getting his money's worth out of him and placing him in the shop window.

I have no clue.

Local match for you!

The#5 was Devine. Hall looked imposing and good on the ball, Caddis is a level above everyone else in our side.

The striker done nothing, Gros was good against shit, but looks like he'd be ineffective against a decent side.

From reports from pre-season it sounds like Devine isn't that great.

Have we actually signed him yet or is he still on trial? I've kind of lost track over the last week or so.

Trial still I believe.

trial. I think he is coming back from a bad injury so may be rusty still.

probably waiting to see what happens with Ward

My take is he's just keeping him fit and thinks Caddis is good enough to play wherever he is needed.

Follow the adver guys for match reports etc.

Has Collins appeared in any of the games yet

Yes, Supermarine and Banbury.

Ta

Did Wes play at Banbury?

yes, he played the first half

http://www.swindon-town-fc.co.uk/MatchCentre.asp?Friendly=YES&MatchID=2014992000

And got chips from the clubhouse during the second 8)

Thanks!

wouldnt have got away with that under di canio. His form will dip it will be digbys fault.   ;)

Hi all!

Spurs fan coming in peace. I've noticed we seem to be striking up a bit of a partnership, so I thought I'd sign up to keep up to date with how the loanees are getting on.

I'm also coming down to The County Ground on Tuesday for our friendly - there's a fair few us of coming (considering it's a midweek away friendly!), and we're going to try and make it a fun night, so hopefully we can make a bit of an atmosphere.

Anyway, nice to be here, Come on You Spurs!

Nice username. Welcome.

What sort of team are you expecting your lot to put out on Tuesday?

It's our first friendly, so I can't guess based on previous teams, but I'd be very surprised if anyone involved in International football over the summer plays (Paulinho, Carroll, Pritchard, Caulker, Smith, Kane), and I believe Townsend is still suspended. We have a "Spurs XI" friendly the next day, so a lot of the reserves will play in that. Therefore, by default, I think we will see a fairly strong team.

I'm more interested in what team you put out to be honest! Hoping to see all the Spurs boys get a game.

Good to hear! I was fearful that we'd be paying an inflated price to see Spurs reserves.. Although I guess we are in a way, if you catch my drift?  :)

Most if not all of your Spurs lot will get a game I should imagine. Luongo, Hall and the other kids that have joined us permanently should start, not sure about Pritchard though.. Might come a bit soon for him having only signed this week.

Taking this thread slightly off topic, but Alex Pritchard is a seriously talented young player. There's no way he'd be playing in League 1 if it wasn't for our partnership. Luongo too - Ipswich fans were raving about him last year in the Championship!

Will Bale still be with Spurs next week as surely the Madrid deal will soon be completed?

Testing me out early on with a bit of trolling?  :smugfu:

Bale won't be sold. We bought Paulinho with the promise to him that Bale will stay, and reportedly promised the same to AVB in order to keep him from PSG.

The club also yesterday unveiled this poster in Times Square:

(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/BOv5B71CcAAXP9P.jpg)

It would be highly embarrassing if we then sold him!

 

Pay no attention to Pierre Chang

At least 1,000 I understand, and the away fans bar will be open for you!!

He's not even a real Doctor.

Oh really?

When I said a fair few coming down, I just meant a few of us from www.thefightingcock.co.uk are going.

We've started the 1882 movement - we go to Youth Games and try and give the youngsters a taste of the first team experience. 2000 of us went to Arsenal away at Barnet in the U21 league and made a right racket!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vs86k2-_cjw

This won't be anywhere near as good as that, but you get the idea.

Was at a meeting last night - reported elsewhere on this forum - and the operations manager in response to a question about away supporters facilities stated that about 1,000 were expected and all away facilities would be opened for them (apparently the away facilities were very underused last season on certain games).

I have a fear that Pritchard won't get the chance to show what he can do in League 1 as he'll probably be a marked man and will repeatedly be kicked up in the air, we'll see in less than a month  though!

I'd say that's true of any player that has a good reputation though, Ritchie for example. It'll take time but he'll have to deal with it.

Hmm, not going so well at FGR is it.

Hockaday in

HT. 2-0 down.

Oh dear. Well done FGR.

I know friendlies mean fuck all, this one has felt a little on the dissjointed side so far. Not sure why but I don't really mean the results, probably the uncertainty of who will be here come September and the fact I've only seen 45 minutes with a reasonably strong team.

And fods conceded another penalty! And got injured to boot.

Bad night.

I spoke to Steve Murrell re the Spurs game and he was adamant that they were bringing  their top squad down for the friendly on Tuesday, he wasn't aware that they were playing in the Asia cup or whatever it's called and said heir top names would be coming down and would be very disappointed if they didn't well Mr Murrell looks like they are taking all their top players with them. Wonder who will be coming to play for them?

Here's the link:  http://www.premierleague.com/en-gb/news/news/2013-14/jul/tottenham-announce-squad-for-barclays-asia-trophy.html

And Here's their Squad :

Goalkeepers
Hugo Lloris, Brad Friedel, Heurelho Gomes.

Defenders
Kyle Walker, Kyle Naughton, Benoit Assou-Ekotto, Jan Vertonghen, Michael Dawson, Steven Caulker, Younes Kaboul, Daniel Rose.

Midfielders
Aaron Lennon, Andros Townsend, Gareth Bale, Tom Huddlestone, Mousa Dembele, Sandro Cordeiro, Scott Parker, Jake Livermore, Tom Carroll, Gylfi Sigurdsson, Lewis Holtby.

Forwards
Clint Dempsey, Jermain Defoe, Emmanuel Adebayo

According to their website that Asia trophy thing doesnt start till the 24th.  They also have a friendly on Friday v Colchester.  Both the Swindon and Colchester games are called first team friendlies!

Who knows!

I can see why they are trying to sign a couple of strikers

 :headhurts: Didn't have my glasses on read the date as the 14th what a twat  :no:

Go sit in the corner ye muppet.

Does anyone know if BBC wiltshire/STFC player are going to be covering the Spurs game? Or will I have to sit and stare at twitter whilst I'm working?

Am already sitting in the corner feeling quite foolish   :smugfu: they did warn me about my eyesight when I was younger, but I didn't believe them, kids I'm warning you its true  :D

It will definitely be a team made up primarily of first team squad members. The only question is will the real big names play.

This is purely guesswork, but I'd go with something like:

Friedel

Naughton
Kaboul (coming back from a long injury)
Caulker
Rose

Dembele
Holtby
Sigurdsson

Lennon
Defoe
Ceballos


I'm really looking forward to tomorrow night now! Should be a good evening.

I'd say your striker(s) will get plenty of shooting practice!

Hopefully a strong Spurs side, been looking forward to this match since early May.

I've been looking forward to it since late April.

Looking forward to this one tomorrow! Haven't seen us since the win at Supermarine, so looking forward to seeing the new boys play, hope the Portugese lad Tijane gets some minutes as well as Pritchard and the other Spurs kids I haven't seen yet.

They played Brentford at the weekend and they lined up strongly (Obika aside):

1st half team:

Friedel
 Naughton, Dawson, Caulker, Rose
 Mason, Huddlestone, Bentaleb
 Lennon, Bale, Obika

2nd half team:

Archer
 Smith, Kaboul, Vertonghen, Stewart
 Parker, Carroll, Sigurdsson
 Ceballos, Defoe, Townsend

Would be than happy if a similar team(s) play tomorrow

Anyone know how many tickets sold for the Spurs friendly?

7k

I was quite optimistic for this when announced, as we historically play pretty well against the decent sides, Spurs won't give a damn and games like this tend to be a pretty good barometer of what players can do when they put in the effort, but losing to Banbury/ Forest Green, our manager leaving and imparting as his final act the knowledge that we have 'no tactics' has lowered my expectations somewhat. 

It should still give us a better reflection of where we are than the recent friendlies against the smaller teams. At least the players should be trying. If they're not then we know we're really in trouble. 

Got mine today, lad at the window said spurs had sold well over1K and they were expecting around 9K

Anyone know if you can pay on the day? Can no longer buy and print online for some reason?

Yeah you can mulls

Cheers mate

Bought mine today, was told 10k of home tickets had been sold so far.

Should be a good crowd!  :beers:

Good money for club at 20 a ticket. Assuming no fee as our mates at spurs cant be charging us can they!

Is there such a thing as Spurs TV? Was thinking there may be an online feed?

It's at the County Ground so wouldn't have thought Spurs would send TV cameras

All of a sudden I really fancy this but can't justify the cost of travel from London.

I hope those going get to see a decent strength Spurs team.

Caddis not in the team tonight so guess he's currently negotiating with Blackpool!

SPURS v Swindon Town: Lloris; Walker, Dawson, Stewart, Naughton; Bentaleb, Huddlestone, Sigurdsson; Bale, Ceballos, Defoe

TOWN v Spurs: Foderingham; Thompson N, Ward, Hall, Byrne; Pritchard, Luongo, Smith, Thompson L; Storey, Williams

1 x Nathan Byrne

Swindon subs: Bedwell, McEveley, Barthram, Agombar, Francis, Jackson, Collins, Waldon

I see the elusive Agombar is on the bench tonight.

Isn't he ex-Arsenal, how is he even allowed within a mile of the ground on a matchday?

0-4 tonight

Not ANOTHER ex Spurs! :D

Not a bad call but I am going for 0-5.

Seems strange not going. I'll go 6-1 Spurs.

Anyone see that nasty car crash on Drove Road?

might be a long shot i am going 5-2 spurs. on another note town are going to portugal well so are my local team hull city wonder if we might play them

Nasty one on Drakes Way earlier today apparently, both carriageways closed for a time.

RE: Tottenham game

I went, it was the only game in Pre-Season I made it to...I have to say I was very impressed with our football, mainly in the second half (Spurs HAD made wholesale changes but still had a strong XI out).

I thought Williams looked sharp, Foderingham stopped it from being a cricket score within the first 10 minutes!! The Thompson Bros looked very good, as did Luongo, Byrne, Pritchard....Hall & Ward worked well together...It was a very encouraging performance...

I wasn't at the Birmingham match but I'd suggest the result was more reflective of fatigue than ability, personally.

Ahh, one of those Swindonpurs fans?

 ;)

Erm..............ok then  :doh:

Strong line up for the Ciren game tonight:


 Swindon Town FC ‏@Official_STFC 52s
Town side to face Cirencester -Foderingham, Thompson N, Ward, Hall, Smith; Luongo, Mason, Harley, Reis, Williams, Pritchard #STFC
Expand

Sam Morshead ‏@SamMorshead_SA 5m
Subs: Bedwell, Byrne, Barthram, Archibald-Henville, Waldon, Storey, Kasim, Branco, Francis

Are we not going to use caddis? If we are paying him we may as well use him.

Me thinks that relations between the club and Caddis/Rooney/Benson are dust in the wind.

Sam Morshead ‏@SamMorshead_SA now
Paul Caddis is here in his civvies but no involved this evening, the same applies for Harry Agombar.

Troy raised from the dead??

Five goalkeepers; six defenders?

 :tumbleweed:

One nil up. Cooper in.

Pritchard - 36 mins

It was supposed to imply "what is the formation?" but yes, I deserved that. :)

IT'S ONLY 1-0 AT H/T!!!!!! SACK THE BOARD!!!! SHUT DOWN THE CLUB!!!!

Seriously though, buzzing for Saturday!

Troy starts in the 2nd half

Very interesting. Wonder if he will last the half?

Apparently, for the first half it was 4-2-3-1.  Complete change for the second half:

Bedwell; Barthram, Archibald-Henville, McEveley, Byrne; Kasim, Branco; Francis, Agombar ,Waldon; Storey

Fomation unclear!  4-4-2 possibly.

Nope, it's still 4-2-3-1, with Storey up front alone.

That's actually quite a strong looking first team.


 :tumbleweed:

cheers

I was thinking the opposite.

We deffo need a finisher from somewhere pdq!  We've left it a bit late to find one!

Agombar is playing in his civvies? Bllimey

He was probably having a pint with his old man and Jed.

I get the impression from peoples tweets he is incredibly shit.

Jobs for the boys.

It seems as though Agombar is having a bit of a mare...

Cunt.

Welcome to the tef

 :girlgiggle: :-[

2-0. Agombar....

Kidding, storey.

 :clap:   Storey!

Looking at sam's tweets sounds like we're looking to get another striker in and we have a new coach (bald fella)

Oops, 2-1 now.

Cooper out!

3-1. Storey

Cooper in!

Cooper in

I'd LOVE to see Storey bang in a few this season.

 :Ride On Fatbury's Lovestick:

Yes, seems a nice chap from best I can tell, having never met him.

He'll be a Brentford player by January.

Haha, they'll sign him because although he missed his penalty against them, he's still better than Trotta....at least Storey's was on target..........

Left with just over 5 mins left, missed 2 goals :)

Anyway the first half we looked a lot sharper in passing, as you'd hope. Back 4 looked solid but not really tested.

In midfield Luongo ran the show. Pritchard was lively too.  Reis unsurprisingly looked well short of match fitness and had a poor game getting caught in possession too much, yet he also seemed to have something about him.

Up top Williams looked a bit isolated, looking to run into the channels. Missed the obligatory sitter, though this was a header and was probably harder than it looked.

Second half was fairly uneventful, goals aside. Ciren had a bit more of the play. TAH and JMac played but are a bit short of fitness. Not much to say really.

In all a good workout, and its again difficult to judge anything. The pitch was good but perhaps not league standard. Plus the fact we have games Sat, Tues, Sat, well they were never going to go 100% were they.

Probably just me but its a shame Caddis, Benson and Luke Rooney are effectively frozen out. Makes no sense to me.

Thanks for report batch. I agree it's a shame the 3 you mentioned can't be involved in the squad.

Agreed. At the end of the day we pay their wages, and by playing and doing well, will be put in the 'shop window'.

It's not just you, I'd like to see them involved....there doesn't seem to be a reason as to why they're not involved? It's not like they're signing for anyone imminently? After all, we're still paying them.....

Me neither, unless it is finance-related.

It would be nice if the Board explained why.

Thought we played well 1st half. Got the ball down and played with the midfield 3 of harley, mason and louongo very impressive against hard working but limited opposition.

Pritchard is going to be a star. Great finish from a narrow angle and hit the angle from the edge of the box.

2nd half was dull. Liked the iraqi lad though, strong and tidy. Agombar isnt THAT bad, I've seen worse in an STFC shirt although I can't see him playing much or at all. The Brazilian (branco?) played defensive midfield and was okish.

 
We need a center forward unless williams finds some form soon. Storey isnt anywhere near ready to be a regular starter

Thanks for the feed back Batch. Agree with Leftside, it would be good to get an update on the players not involved in the Portugal trip and tonight. Does it mean they'll never play for us again?

Was very impressed with Reis and Harley. The first XI look like they could do some damage going forward. The only weak link for me was Williams, who doesn't seem to suit the role he was playing. Considering all the shit I've read about him, I thought Agombar was tidy. Not quite there for a League One side, but with some development he could definitely be handy for a 3rd level side.

Totally agree. Having those names in there would make a world of difference to our bench.

I actually think Benson is better suited to playing the lone striker role than Williams.

Seen a couple of people praise him. I think I should qualify my comment of having a poor game.

Physically he looks good. Good movement. Willing to take the ball and willing to battle to get it back after a mistake. Hence 'has something about him'.

The 'poor game' came about because nearly every time he got the ball he took too long to pass or shoot or gave the ball away!

It definitely felt like he was a couple of weeks behind in terms of match sharpness. Reckon he'll be handy assuming the expected sharpening up comes.

Totally agree. The midfield was very fluid 1st half tonight (in a good way) it just looked like it needed a centre forward who would stay central and do the basics well and allow the other 5 to link up. Benson or collins could do this. Williams can't really

If it's to do with players, should be the manager explains why they're being left out. The board should keep well out of commenting on playing side (and that's not just this board, but any board) until it's time to explain that the manager's been sacked because results/performances weren't good enough or the occasional   vague "Are You Being Served?" Young Mr Young style "You're all doing terribly well" if things are OK.

For me Williams strength is in his running. He scares the shit out of defenders when he does. Holding the ball up, no.

Did not really know what to expect tonight but thought it was a good workout as Ciren certainly were up for it and we kept the ball and moved it around well which was good to see. Could have been three goals up at half-time but looks as if we are missing the real clinical goal scorer that every team needs.

Second half was good in parts - all the changes took a while to settle and thought McEveley and TAH looked fairly comfortable considering their match fitness must be well behind a majority of the rest of the squad.

Will be interesting to see the lineup against Peterboro and I would assume the team that was on in the first half would be the starters, but then again managers sometimes see things differently so what do I know!

Is it me or does Troy look like he's gotten a lot smaller?

But if they are being left out for financial reasons I guess the board should comment. 

Do players get appearance bonuses or is that usually the sort of thing you pay to a club that you bought the player from?

would agree with you there. There is definitely something there.

I've not seen anyone mention Harley really but he looked good to me. Little rusty as expected but he was confident on the ball and sprayed it about nicely.

Could be that they are being disruptive amongst the camp? Especially seeing as it's been known publicly for months that we've trying to bomb them all out.

Seemingly a good addition then...........

Really can't imagine that Benson is disruptive around the camp. And all Rooney is going to do is teach the youngsters how to run like that.

Caddis is most definitely not disruptive. He was their alongside Cooper tonight, and was at Fairford last week chatting with the youngsters etc. Model pro in the respect.

I'd love him to stay, but would feel for Thompson..

It's his knees, they just had to kept hacking them back till they found something that was healthy.

Meet Roy Archiville.

I expect those frozen out have

1. Some sort of appearance bonus and/or win bonus
2. Some sort of transfer fee clause 'when they play x number of games we owe...'
3. The 'Pook' rule - ie play 20 times and you get another year on your contract

Or maybe they're concerned about them picking up an injury.

Does anybody know who the new member of the coacing staff is that Sam referred to on Twitter and whether they are temp or permanent?

I meant to post this last night. Think you have it spot on DV.

As always, it's difficult to gauge what's what from friendlies but we didn't look any better or worse than the last few years we've been and played Ciren despite what the score line suggests.

That team in the first half is clearly the first choice side and it looked pretty good on the ball, passing through midfield, natural, inter-changeable wingers, just need a true CF type to play through the middle. I think Storey is better suited to that role than Williams is.

Both Williams and Storey missed some quite easy chances... however Storey banged two pretty decent strikes in so Id start him on Saturday.

Under normal circumstances, I'd agree that the manager explains. However, Cooper's caretaker manager and only just been told he'll be in charge on Saturday. And I just don't think Cooper was the one who has made the decision to not just leave out the three players but completely marginalize them (I think BBC reported this week that they are not even training with the first team).

*Grace

For what we are about to receive may Spurs make us truly grateful?

I was in the area today, so popped along to the Feltham ground for a quick recce. Plenty of car parking at the ground, and a social club/bar on site. The ground is right by the end of the  main runway at Heathrow, and there were 747's coming in about 75 feet above the ground, so bring ear plugs if going.

Where have you been since 2013?

Andy Williams starts tonight.

And it's live on BBC Wilts.

Recovering after my amputation.

Are you sure? I can't find it

Doesn't seem to be online.

All i'm getting is bollocks about the red arrows

Yep me too.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/28253497

Good man, thanks.

1-0. Some trialist called Kelvin Kalinga scored

2 - 0  (Luongo with almost last kick of match)  Full Time

No Tijane Reis, is he injured again?

We are going up!

thought he was off to Sarfend

Amusing interview with Cooper now. Seems this lad turned up at training and asked for a trial. Hope for us all.

Darren Ward and Ryan Harley seemingly surplus to requirements? Not being involved in any of the friendlies or training camp. Agombar and Reis injured.

Standard friendly.

None of the first half trialists stood out. Waldon played a decent part in the goals and Michael Smith didn't have a good one.

That's all I've got.

Randall looked decent I thought. 

Number 12 was shit

Ibrahim Kargbo could be an interesting one. A Sierra Leone international no less...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6jxqIwYhvAM

May have a couple of seasons left in him  :hmmm:

He's not had a club since September which is a worry.

He's bound to have a few 'red flags' against him, otherwise he wouldn't have pitched up on trial at STFC. And he's 32 which, whilst far from ancient, is the sort of age where players legs can suddenly go, almost overnight.

He looks like he's got a fair bit of ability though and it could be interesting to see him in midfield along side Kasim.

Game against Supermarine kicks off at 3pm today.
Don't think there's any commentary though online.

1 nil smith

2 0 luongo

3 0 a trialist

Lambin

Lambin looked really handy. No. 17 looked good on the ball too. Kargbo was solid at the back.
Andy Williams looked to have his pace back and made some great runs behind the defence.

If I remember rightly, Reis looked handy last year against Marine

Doris Downer.....

TBF he got some good reviews from the Owls fans last pre season

Both triallist strikers scoring, interesting.

If we get another Kasim I'll be happy!

And Kasim looked good against Ciren.

Williams did some decent runs and set up the first goal but he also shanked a couple over the bar and again when things didn't go for him his body language was like a 5 year old. Of the non established players I thought Randall had a decent 45 before fading after the break. The no 23 who scored had something about him. I wouldn't be snapping him up but I'd certainly ask him to stay for another week. All 3 goals were well taken and their keeper made a few decent saves. The crowd looked to be down on previous years. Kalinga seemed unable to cross the ball well. The no 17 as Benzel said looked handy but looked to need a lot of time on the ball and showboated when he should have scored. 

At least Williams looked like he had pace back, early doors yet tho. Am prepared to wait and see

Remember when Dossovi scored two against forest?!

He did look faster but I'd still like to see a sports psychologist working with him. He really pisses me off. There is a good championship striker in there if only he could get the mental aspect of his game sorted. If he doesn't then he's going down the divisions.
It was good to hear people moaning about Smith within the first 5 minutes. I'm with DRS on Smith and think he'll get 20 this season.

Heard this last season regarding Smith

'all he does is score goals'

Does it for me

nobody wants a striker who just scores goals

Brazil could do with one ;)

After the last week, they could do with some defenders....

Glad to hear will Randall is getting games and doing well. Lovely lad.
How did Lee Marshall do?

Who is Randall - youngster?

Yeah second year scholar.

I'm not sure who he was but one of these two have already secured miss of the season. Hit the car park from 2 yards out!

Apparently the decision on the triallists will be made this weekend.

Is the fella that scored against yate a wing back?

Who?

He played on the wing today but couldn't cross the ball. he had one good chance but their keeper made a good stop. In my opinion he didn't look very good today but wasn't shit either.
arriba - Randall was through on the keeper and fucked it up, the ball came out and I couldn't see whether it was Randall or the 17 who totally skied it. Benzel is right it was a hell of a miss.
Randall looks good and busy but he looks a bit lightweight and he really faded after the break. Whether this was fitness or a shitload of new players around him I'm not sure. He's a prospect but I had also high hopes for Mark Francis.

He played LW/LWB today and looked a bit suspect in defence. He did ok.

Arriba I think it was Randall that skyed it and I mean skyed it!

Kargbo looked very tidy in defence. Wasn't too sure about no.8 or the giant CB  Although Wes did have less to do in the 2nd half.

Oh well. Better players than him have missed sitters and done alright.

I liked the chap who scored the last goal....not the goal so much but he had a good turn on him and hit a real fierce drive from under his feet from nothing.

The skyed shot from a yard out by Randall is still coming down now....

Marine didnt look too special....

Fans were fearful for the season...

I'm not writing him off based on one shank.

Last quoted in Wormwood scrubs.

I've just noticed one of Bromley's strikers, Is a certain J Slabber.

Looks like Cooper has put out our strongest available side tonight.

Foderingham, Thompson N, Kasim, Branco, Barthram, Thompson L, Rodgers, Luongo, Byrne, Williams, Smith

subs: Barker, Jones, Marshall, Randall, Waldon, Antonio, Vandesompele, McCormack, Belford

McCormack?

Callum.

A youth player.

Ah, cheers.

We've still got players to come in. I'd wait until the season actually starts before you wet your panties.

Well, it won't be our starting line up/sub bench will it.

Do you honestly think we will not make any signings at all?

Has a post been deleted, or are you pre-empting the forthcoming 'shit bench' comments?

Deleted post. He probably realised he was being a tool.

But it is a shit looking bench ;)

Yep. Bit early to write off the season though!

Power is talking transfers on the radio at Half-Time.

Here's hoping it's positive news.

Any score?

0-0 HT.

Who overreacted and backtracked?

Who posted what? intrigued :)

Bugger the bench the back 4, 5, 3 or possibly 2  (Christ knows what formation you play with 1 CH, two full backs, a wing back and four central midfielders) is fucking terrifying.

I'm praying that Saints don't sell Dejan Lovren and go back to their "promote the youth" strategy. If the Stephens loan falls through we'll be properly scrabbling for defenders.

Just a post stating the starting line up and bench were the weakest he had seen, therefore impending doom for the forthcoming season.

Standard pre season stuff.

I refer my honourable friends to posts a year ago surmising same

Posted by STFC 1975 I think..
Apologies if it was not

Anyone know what sort of team Saints have out, I can't be bothered to listen to a pre season game.

I see Sam says its the best pre season we have played so far in the first 45 mins which is encouraging.

Did they piss all over us last pre season 2-0!

Power on transfers:

Mas bid - Evans asked how much to prize away, Power told him, he put bid in, we told him to do one.

The Thompsons - spoke to Barry F. He made offer. Fell short. Nathan aware and happy with situation.
Louis - Nothing from Wolves, no firm offers.

Don't have to sell. Not got loads of money and its tight, but not hemeridging but not flush. But obviously if the right offer comes...

How long until reinforcements? Knew it would be late for the three we have eye on. Hope to have one in maybe two. There is a fallback plan.

Anton Rodgers - yes there is a strong midfield but he became available within budget and injuries last year show you sometimes need them..

Smith from Liverpool? Don't think taking Anton on will harm us! But he was taken on on merit. Still talking to Liverpool in general.

Kids may get chance? They may do, we want to develop them and this year we are running with smaller squad

Sounds good.

In answer to my own question I found the team for Saints on their twitter.

K. Davis, Clyne, Fonte, Hooiveld, Targett, Cork, Ward-Prowse, Reed, McQueen, Isgrove, Pellè.

subs: Gazzaniga (GK), Yoshida, Turnbull, Gallagher, Flannigan, Stephens, Sharp, Chambers, McCarthy, Mayuka, Sinclair.

That's one of the weakest starting line ups/sub benches in living memory.

I predict impending doom

If you want to listen to the match ...

http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio/player/bbc_radio_wiltshire

Thanks I will have a listen for a little bit see if I can raise some enthusiasm :)

1-0 to Saints, Hooivelt.

Ha, I turn the commentary on to hear "Swindon Town have conceded, it's Southampton 1-0 Swindon". Maybe I shouldn't have bothered.

Ditto!

Nice to hear John Gittens on the radio.

I don't think I've ever felt less excited about a season. Not even a flicker of interest beyond checking the forums etc. It saddens me a bit.

Give yourself a good shaking, man.

If the visit of Scunny doesn't get the juices flowing I don't know what will!

Likewise, its been on the slide the last season or two to be honest. But even last season I made Ciren, Supermarine, Calne (?) Tottenham and Birmingham in pre-season.

Barely even listening to it on the radio this.

Never really understood how anybody could walk away from going until recently. Not there yet though, the kids won't let me :)

sorry, meant pre-season. Still looking forward to the start of the season and considered getting a season ticket before deciding I don't like work enough to afford it

I've never attended friendlies

The lack of new signings is probably a big part of it - normally I'd only go to friendlies to watch new players

I feel exactly the same, no idea why I just can't really be bothered yet. And I know a lot of town fans feel the same.

Its not the low budget, its not Power, its not Cooper, it could be partly the lack of any new signings after we have got rid of so many players, I am not sure.

I hope it has returned by the first game of the season.

One bonus....there is no height of expectation.

Fucking huge hero of mine! Hard hard bastard!

I haven't even seen the starting 11 and I predict doom!! :)

I went to Marine and will take in Leeds.....friendlies mean shit.... I seem to think that we lost most of them when we went up under Hoddle.

No matter how we do, I'm still a bit fearful for this season...but..I have my ST and hope for the best.

My season ticket with my boys is costing me most of my dosh atm, so i am missing most friendlies, i may try to do dirty leeds, but i am just not interested. I went to Supermarine & most of the trialists i liked we let go

Last one i attended was v Wham,cant remember if it was late 70s early 80s though  ???
It kicked off in the Brunel rooms on the Friday night,The Jam were playing and the "banter" carried on right through the Saturday.Must be the most unfriendly  friendly ever .

I thought this game was tomorrow! Oh well.

The last time I went to a friendly was at some place just outside of Swindon, I remember having to walk back him because we couldn't get a taxi.

The only thing I remember about the match was Luc Nijholt sweating like a rapist on trial. It was on a big field and the game was just part of the entertainment as there was a band on and all sorts. One got fucking hammered, it was a good day.

True, cool, story bro.

Just got home - will write a quick summery for those actually interested (don't think many are judging by comments)

Saints dominated first 15 and only looked a matter of time before they'd score (their new number 7 striker - Pelle is absolutely massive btw!!). Good save from Wes after Clynne was kind of put in. We came back into it a but but couldn't really create anything and couldn't really stick up top. Luongo looked very sharp and Thompson's put in hearty challenges as they always do.

Second half, conceded goal from corner, kind of fumbled in by Wes but not really expected to save it. They took off all their starting 11 at about 60 mins and we brought on Barker. Then, when we took off Smith and Williams (who both couldn't hold it up all night) and brought on Waldon and Randall, those 2 and Barker linked up very well and we looked much a better side. Bartram got a lot more of the ball and a lot more space and we looked menacing - Waldon took it round keeper but lost balance as covering defenders were on the line, nearly fell to Barker.

Overall, reasonably promising, Branco probably MOTM. Still 2 cb's short and a big striker who can hold it up! Saints will be fine this season too.

Interesting what you say about Waldon, Barker and Randall looking more threatening than Smith and Williams. I wasn't there tonight but did see them at Eastleigh and thought exactly the same. Though it's hard to imagine a more lightweight attacking trio

They look more lightweight at appearance but certainly use their body better to hold the ball up. Williams in particular seems to let defenders come through him..

Disappointed in Smith & Williams. Hooiveld makes Darren Ward look quick and neither of them exploited him.

We were pretty decent though. Need strikers and someone to replace Byrne but other wise we were generally good on the ball. Both Thompsons were very good, Branco had a pretty solid game and Luongo was composed in the middle.

Young lads did well when they came on. Southamptons no 16 Ward-Prowse has a mint right foot and that's what cost us in the end.

I'm excited about the coming season....atm we look to have  a squad way too thin for maintaining L1 football, surely we have to get in some reinforcements...who might they be, and will they be up to the job? Sphincter clutching stuff...I've no idea how it will work out, but am hoping for the best.

I'd echo those who are struggling to get excited for the season ahead. Whilst I suppose it is only sensible for the club to manage expectations, I would personally rather have a effective, winning side than an attractive losing one. Stoke fans have more fun than Crewe fans. I don't remember the last time I walked in on a Saturday evening and said "we lost, but it's OK, it looked nice." I'll still go mind you and look forward to eating my words as we carve up League 1 with our direct, aerial prowess.

Sounds like we did ok ref official write up.

Still about three players short I reckon.

How did Rodgers do?

I get the sentiment behind the post i.e an effective side v a pretty side. Amen to that!

Not sure comparing Stoke v Crewe is the best though. Massive difference in size of club there. Also with the players we have on the books we'd be pretty mental playing long ball football I'd say.

Some comments from my old man who went to the game last night -

Reasonably enjoyable match last night, both teams playing the ball around with little cutting edge. Not sure how strong Southampton were as there were no names on the shirts, but they were the more competent team in the first half and threatened more.

They scored a scruffy goal from a corner, our defence didn't react to the second ball, and only when we switched strikers for 2 midgets (again no names on shirts) did we start to press. We finished the better team and could have pinched a draw.

Kasim, Luango and Fods looked good even if Kasim played out of position at centre back. The Thompsons were competitive but let themselves down with poor passing but both, especially Louis, have great engines. Branco started lethargic but improved and was not disgraced. Whoever came on for us didn't look out of place and one fair headed lad looked very competent for 10 mins when he came on at the end.

Disappointing was Smith and Williams. Neither threatened, Williams created one chance, but put in a powder puff shot. Smiths inability to control the ball is still present and i'm not sure it they can play together. Byrne is Bryne, not my favourite player, gets himself in good positions but doesn't do anything with it.

Was that the game when Club Tropicana drinks were free?

No. That was just a careless whisper.

That's bad boys!

Did they do one called

'Tug in a Public Lav'

Wrong thread?  :)

That's not a bad set of trialists for a friendly match though :)

Really? I don't remember repeated fan protests outside Crewe games calling for the board to sack the manager. I do remember hearing Stoke fans spending the best part of two seasons banging on that Pulis had to go because his "effective, winning side" was so stunningly dull that fans were drifting away from supporting the side. And I do remember the Stoke board sacking him once the season ticket sales and match day walk ups had dropped off to the point that they couldn't ignore it anymore.

Yeah I'm a dumbass :)

No but Bruce Foxton whacked me over the head with his bass guitar  :toocool:

Not quite true. Stoke attendances have always held up around the 26-27,000 mark. 13,000 plastic supporters have always ensured that. It is true that many of their traditional supporters have declined due to the "over-paid" syndrome of the greedy, arrogant Premier League.

This is hardly my main point. You argued that Stoke fans were happy regardless of the type of football they played, and the evidence is that a sizeable enough proportion of them were unhappy enough to make sufficient noise to get the manager sacked.

Ask West Ham fans if all they're interested in is winning. Most of the Boleyn booed their team off the park after a WIN last season for chrissake.

They want to play the west ham way. I.e yoyo between divisions and win bugger all. Clever fanbase..

Brighter than you clearly. They are clearly even less likely to win anything following Sam's doggedly pragmatic "play the reserves in the cup and scrap like hell to stay in the big money in the PL" strategy.

I'd take Wigan's FA cup win and relegation rather than a dull 15th placed finish myself.

Birmingham 2011 league cup and double relegation, bet their fans would think differently.

Premier plastic fans  whose side face dog fights every season are more than happy just to survive with the big boys than win trophies. You only have to hear them when they speak down the pub about their premier side and how they look down their noses at sides in the lower tiers.

You can apply that to any team.

Would you prefer to support STFC in L1' middling around for years, or drop to L2 and compete at the top.

In short, would like to support Oldham?

Anyone off to Feltham tomorrow or Bromley at the weekend. Think I'll do both. Feltham 10 mins away. Bromley about 40 f0r me. Probably the 2 closest matched I'll have all season :-(

3 or 4 of the London guys off to the game tonight,  and quite a few of us going Saturday and meeting here.   http://www.shepherdneame.co.uk/pubs/bromley/bricklayers-arms   from around 1pm.

I'll be at Feltham tonight.

Me too.  Five stops on the dark blue line for me.  Meeting three others.

My point is, it's a question of balance. The policy really is extreme at the moment - exclusively young players, and (seemingly) not a lot of focus on blending that wih some experience and a 'spine'. Cliches maybe - I'm fully supportive of having a young side from a commercial perspective, but for them to develop in order to perform well and for their value to rise, I think that we need a core of "senior" players. It doesn't look like we'll get that.

I would argue that these so called senior players actually let us down last season bar Jmac,arguably the youngsters actually excelled. Just my opinion but players like Ward and Harley proved to be poor and players like Stephens and Thompson stepped up when replacing them.

I think I'd largely agree with that.

But I can also see just having youth makes things more difficult, you clearly can win things with kids but its more difficult. The problem as I see it, and its just my opinion, is that with our budget constraints its going to be hard to bring in the "right kind" of experience. McCormack, J Mac, a fit TAH, that kind of player.

So I don't think there are a lot of options, lets hope the exuberance of youth can see us through.

In my opinion you need 2 or 3 experienced players at least in the squad but better in the team. You can get away with it if you have real leaders in the team, i'm not sure we really do though? I'd except some journeyman league one 30 year olds just to give our lads the tips and know how they need for those difficult games

Not including cooper, the subs and the girls sat in the bedfont dugout, there were 91 people at tonight's game. Got to be some kind of record?

Place looked about half full! What record?

What score?  ???

Ground apparently holds 2100, so at 91 not quite half full

Lowest friendly attendance? Not that I'm particularly experienced in away friendlies, but I can't remember less than 250-300.

Anyone!?

2-0 at ht to us. Think it finished 3-1 town, possibly 3-2.

we scraped a win 3-2...

:yay:

Thanks

Would have been 101 but the delights of Bromley entranced a few of us.

I suspect the Ibiza/foreign tours have been one man and his dog so doubt it's a record. Sorry Jan.

As I mentioned earlier in this thread (I think) I spoke briefly to Mark Cooper beforehand, he said the club were working hard to bring in fresh faces as he believes the first team is just about there, but we need more bodies. He said he was hopeful of bringing in someone this week (centre back) and 2 or 3 next week. (Centre Back, Left back and possibly a striker were mooted). He said the Stephens deal depends on Southampton as I think he is rated there and could be needed in the Premiership next season. (He joked that Nathan tried to give him a good kick) Overall he was fairly positive and nice he took the time to have a quick chat.

The game was basically our youth side and 4 triallists.  The only triallist (the only actual Town player) to impress was Romeo, the tricky right winger. He scored the first and setup the second with sheer pace and had a lovely touch. He faded second half but well worth another look at Bromley.

Sadly I doubt any of the players on show last night for us will have any impact on the professional game, a word must go out to the tiny ginger number 12. Came on and had a catasrophe, giving away the second goal and generally being a liability. Tried hard but nothing really went right.

Last night was good fun, and the Bedfont staff were very appreciative of all the town fans (maybe around 35 or so) who made the trip. Glad we went and great to meet Orange Transits too.

Also, it was nice to see both sides trying to play football, there was very few hoof moments last night.

Really? I admire the confidence in youth and realise we have budget constraints this year unlike many a year before but we are really short of first team players in my opinion. Look at the goals we have lost from last years squad

Mason 5
Pritchard 8
Ranger 10
N'Guessan 8
Ajose 10

Thats 41 goals, and there is no way Smith/Williams will get anywhere near that total (IMO anyone disagree?). We have a good midfield but it lacks any individual inspiration, the Pritchard figure from last year (or Mason when he played). Someone who can do something special, beat a player etc. Its always needed at this level, look at our other recent good recent seasons Ritchie, Ward for example.

Couple all of this with the lack of know how in the team at the moment and i really worry about next season. It is what it is and we are in this position for a reason so fingers crossed for the best but we need the 3-4 loanees to be of the calibre of last seasons to get anywhere close to being playoffs. Hope i'm wrong.

Which is why he said just about, more or less or whatever.

Take the players we have currently, I think we have probably 9/11 of the first team. We are missing a left back and a centre half.

I think Luongo might offer more this season from a goals perspective.

The 3/4 loanees will come, have faith!

Word in some papers is that Evans is planning anothe bid for Luongo before the season starts.

I think Sam tweeted that because of the large % Spurs have as part of the deal we would be looking at £1 million +. Rotherham aren't willing to play ball.

I do hope thats true, we need quality.

History rewriting to prove what? Michael Smith got 8 goals in 20 appearances. So with that in mind let's rewrite your list;

Mason 5 from 22 appearances
Pritchard 8 from 44 appearances
Ranger 10 from 27 appearances
N'Guessan 8 from 31 appearances
Ajose 10 from 21 appearances

Michael Smith 8 20 appearances.

So based on strike rate per game, MS was our 2nd best striker last year. Why can't he do it again?

Not rewriting history at all, stating facts. So Smith replaces Ranger lets say. Where are the goal replacements for Ajose/N'Guessan/Pritchard/Mason? Williams? he could get 10 in the season if he's lucky.

Truth is last season we scored a lot of goals and maybe dont need to replace them all, but we will sure as hell need to sort the defence out, which may be likely. I feel though that defence is the area most in need of experience so we dont get bullied by most of the teams in the league.

We will see of course. Just think the squad lacks a little magic/individual brilliance that can pick you up valuable points.

I know what you are getting at but, in truth, very few teams in L1 have any 'magic' in their ranks.

I seem to remember we didn't do too bad during the fag end of the season sans Ranger, Mason, Ajose and Pritchard missed a fair few games with suspensions etc.

I still reckon we will have one of the best midfields in L1 and, of course, the best keeper.

I still maintain we will miss Troy more than any of the above

The squad isn't finished. We need at least 4 more bodies and I'm sure we'll get them.

We'll miss Pritch on the pitch (although I won't miss people moaning about him), as for the others I don't think any of them were in the side for the last few games and we seemed to do ok.

I see what you're getting at but as Jayo says we still have signings left to make plus others will play more games/fill more attacking roles than last season.

Oh and out of all those players you've listed I think we only had 2 on the books at this time last season anyway. One of those was Mason and 3 of his 5 goals came in one game.

What's happened to Mason, has he gone anywhere?

Nope, possibly the glass factory to be re blown though.

He played for Spurs against Toronto on their tour earlier this week

I thought Mason's contract with Spurs has/will expire.

Perhaps he'll be a free agent soon?.....

But do we need another midfielder? especially when they are a potential sick-note?

Bromley ticket details

Read more at http://www.swindontownfc.co.uk/news/article/bromleyticketdetails-1767879.aspx#y41CWW95SPA7iPj4.99

See a doctor, arguing the case with yourself is not normal ;)

Also the only one to score after 14th February was Pritchard and we did alright between then and May.

We should be about 7-1 down. Bromley missing sitter after sitter.

Sounds promising

According to Sam's twitter feed we should have got hammered.

We put out what would be close to our 1st XI and time and again Bromley tore us a new one down the left.

Augurs well!

It's going to be a fucking nightmare to get a team together when our players are taking their SATs..

Sam Morshead ‏@SamMorshead_SA  1h
Town keeping the ball nicely in midfield but killer passes lacking
2:34 PM - 26 Jul 2014 · Details

Only a friendly i know but it was the same in the 2 other games i've seen. I think you need more creativity than you have with Kasim/Thompson/Lunogo as the 3, one of those has to sit out for a creative player in my eyes. Onwards and upwards but they need to get the recruits in sharpish and they need to be first team players, not bodies.

Going to be a long season i fear

It was only a friendly and it was very hot but we were poor.

Massive lack of creativity, lacking any ideas in the final third. The real concern was the defence, they constantly got in down both sides and really should have had 4 or 5 goals. Nathan Thompson isn't a CB but it was a bit worrying to see him hobble off near the end.

That is the only time I have seen us so far this season but on that evidence we really need a couple if new faces, and we have the time to get them yet so not too worried at the moment.

On the plus side, it was a tidy little ground at Bromley and it took me 10 minutes to get home :)

Fuck it was hot. I won't comment on the game for fear of encouraging doom and gloom. So many times in the past I've known it to bear no relevance. The ice-cream van was besieged, but being called "Shirley's Magic Whip" I did wonder if there was a demand for ice-cream or something more deliciously sinister. In such heat, I can't believe that a man walked around so much (with can in hand). Well done Jacko.

Lacking ideas in the final third is coming up way too often. As is teams getting in behind our full backs.

Hopefully Coopers noted it and will address it. Quickly

Didn't the same happen for much of last season though. It was eventually addressed, yet, like others, I am getting nervous. It would have been nice to see Randall make an appearance, unless injured of course.

Can only comment on the heat as I didn't see the game, my daughter took a ball full in the face  from a pre match warm up shot. If any one from Bromley reads this, appreciation to the Red Cross and the stewards for their concern and help.

Oh dear! She ok now?

Surely the pub was still open. What were you doing in the ground so early?! :-)

Sorry to hear about your daughter SR, is she ok?

I know its only pre-season but so far Eastleigh and Bromley have given us the runaround. Yeah non-league teams always beat league teams in pre-season so not too worried about the results so much.

But the performances haven't been much to write home about, although that said we were ok against Southampton at home so.......

2 weeks to bring in a handful of players and get them to gel with the other players before Scunthorpe on the 9th. Hopefully we'll have movement in the transfer market this week, sadly we might have to lose 1 or 2 as a makeweight to bring in more players.

Tee he Paolo, there was a bar in the ground, silly boy.. she's still got a sore nose, but isn't broken and no black eye, she's decided she'll give Crawley a miss though, and wont remember Bromley with any fondness.

I always thought the 'creativity' was in Llungo's court.

If he's not, i say let Fatty have him and get someone who is.

Surely we've got enough non-creative midfielders as it is.

Doesn't this run in the family, not sure but I seem to remember one of your old posts where you reference you taking one for the crowd as a young lad. Maybe it was someone else. Was commented on around the time of the bloke in the DRS last season with the glasses nutting it straight back on the pitch....

Good memory, yep I took one in the face at the CG, can certainly sympathise with her.

Not seen any pre season games but reckon we will be fine.

I am basing this purely on the fact that whenever we have a pre season and the conclusion is that we will struggle we do ok whereas when people are confident we normally get relegated.

Ahhh and I thought you wouldn't be drinking with the little one in tow. Haha.
Glad she's ok SR, no major damage is good news. Not surprised it's put her off for a while.

Does sound like she's taking after you a little too literally though she can probably count herself unlucky as I suspect her head is a tad smaller than your bonce.

I was on good behaviour to be fair. Crawley will be a different kettle of fish though.

 :bye:

Legend! Waiting since 79 and its never happened...

That was one hell of a header! Never seen so much life in you!

Learned it all from Hilts!

Possible friendly on Saturday at home to either Tranmere or Villa. Club to announce details tomorrow.

God, we've made a signing.

Turnbull from Southampton. CB who played against us last week

He's a dead ringer for a youthful Ward

Bit random. If it's Villa will we have a 3 page discussion on whether they are a big club anymore or not?

@michaelreeves78: #stfc team tonight: Foderingham, Lelan, Branco, Turnbull, Thompson N, Luongo, Kasim, Thompson L, Byrne, Smith, Williams

My guess is if it is Villa, it'll be their under 21's.

£15 to watch Tranmere then!

Stick in a decimal point and I might go!

@michaelreeves78: 5 After some patient play from #stfc Byrne's cross goes behind.

Good to hear us playing the Swindon way!

1-0 Leeds

Leeds have also hit the post

@andrew_FLICW: 24 - Luongo and Kasim looking off the pace tonight, Lelan and Turnbull on other hand look comfortable with ball at feet #stfc #lufc

1-1 now

http://www.bbc.co.uk/bbcwiltshire

Yep. That bloody goal scorer Michael Smith!

Fucking smith, probably tried to control it and it went in!

Greedy fucker as well, 5 goals in pre-season. He'd better not go scoring goals like this when it really matters.

I think I will boo him from my armchair


Boo

This is shit. Nothing to moan about. Come on Leeds  8)

Leeds have hit the post twice but we have been good in spells apparently.

Like Harry Potter?

Doing ok against an average Leeds team. Our defence look very shaky, understandable given it consists of Branco and two loaners. Still lacking creativity in the final third, Byrne has good pace but he needs to work on his positioning and final product. Not too bad overall but defence needs a lot of work imo.

Nah, scrabble.

Bloody hell, why didn't we sell Wes in the summer ;)

Why has kasim changed shirt numbers at half time?

Leeds were impressed with him first half so he's been given the 17 shirt.

attn  3,769

Yep. Somebody actually said that.

And predictably, it was Gerry Stilton. Thank god he's no longer on here. Total retard.

@andrew_FLICW: 61 - This has been painful to watch from a Swindon perspective in the 2nd half, #stfc can hardly string two passes together #lufc

Sounds amazing

What goes through people's minds to make a comment like that?

Stilton, eh?

Sounds like every 2nd half this pre season. What's going on?

Is Gerry Stilton Football Phil?

Maybe we take it easy....after all it's a friendly to work on fitness etc.

961 Leeds fans

So why do we take it easy?

Coopers answer to the 2nd half drop off in every game has been that he has trained them hard and not reduced training ahead of the game. Interesting philosophy i guess.

Is this a fitness issue? The tweet said that we can't string a pass together.

Shit manager perhaps?

Yeah, he did a fucking terrible job last season.  ::)

Yeah. Can't remember him completing a single pass.

You do know what coach's do, right?

Educate me.

Transport people from A to B?

What happened to that Romeo guy? Did he play any of the Bromley game?

Excellent question

Oh Romeo Romeo. Wherefore art thou Romeo?

He's at the coach's do.

You know wherefore doesn't mean where, Reg?

Good possession according to the stats from William Hill (live in game)


Swindon 57%
Leeds 43%

Same amount of shots on target, more off target.
We had 32 free kicks to Leeds 8

Still Dirty Leeds (leopard never changes its spots)

Yeah it means wherefore...

Wherefore art thou obtuse, Reg?

hhmmmm

Just the angle I wished to take...a sort of reflex.

£15.00

Are you now going?

What kind of performance did Andy Williams put in tonight?

A virtually non existant one...

.

Sounds remarkably similar to his efforts on Saturday

And his performance last Monday against the Saints

Shame.

I think we all know there's a player in there somewhere, it seems as though he's broken though. Fingers crossed he'll come good again,

A waste of a shirt, then. We can't afford to persist with that.

Judging by what Ive seen in pre season, we are in big, big trouble this year.

This from an optimist too.

Hatts off to him.

agreed. Dodgy defence, little creativity, a lack of goal beyond potentially Smith and no real experience in any position on the park

At least the moaners will be happy

Thought both Lelan and Turnbull showed some promise. Shame its not Troy rather than Branco trying to hold things together at the back though. Good to hear talk of new strikers as Smith definitely needs more help up front than Williams currently providing. Thought Kasim was poor tonight lost possession far more than was the case last year but actually thought Gladwin in his 20 minute cameo looked pretty promising

We need better centre halves and a creative midfielder. Badly

As above. but with another creative striker, Smith will do well alongside a Cox type player ( yeah I know we haven't the money)

Towards the beginning of last season, were Mass and Yaser not being talked about as the magical midfield pairing?  Yaser in particular.

What this man said. Gonna be a tough time i reckon.

Williams has this uncanny knack of not really being able tp control a football

What, worse than Smith?

Either that or falls over too much.

Smith had a good game last night, nice finish for the equaliser too

They have a decent amount of creativity between them IMO, not saying we couldn't do with another attack minded midfielder mind you.

Anyway the only thing i care about from friendlies are fitness levels, performance are irrelevant from these games.

He couldn't trap cement

Fitness and team bonding. We have had great pre seasons and done shit from the off in the league and visa versa.

I think the dream team in midfield last year was Yaser, Luongo and Mason when he was on form.

Personal opinion perhaps.

Pre Season doesn't mean anything because we never have our squad together in time for it to really matter.

Yaser and Luongo are very good players but they need a naturally creative player with them. Last season our best 3 man central midfield in my opinion was at the beginning of the season when we had Mason (very creatively dynamic) playing along side these two. All the top teams that play the system we are trying to play have a very attacking player as one of the 3, Man Utd are using Mata for example ahead of Herrera and Fletcher. Yaser is great in front of the defence, Luongo is a superb all round box to box player, but they need someone naturally creative in there, someone like a Sammy Igoe for example.

Edit: Its possible we have that player in Barker or Gladwin. Its harsh because it means dropping Louis Thompson who has been excellent, but you need competition for places after all.

Or flogging Mass

Can't remember if I said it earlier, but Smith looks like he'll get 20+ for us this season.

* Pre-season panic alert *

I was really hoping that Williams was going to come good (he still might come the season's start) but he sounds the shell of the player he was under Di Canio. Perhaps he just needs a goal to kickstart him but at the moment he's probably being paid well more than anyone else in the squad and not really 'earning his corn'. If we could get him off the books we could probably afford to bring in 2 or maybe even 3 players to compliment the squad but at the moment he's being a bit of a drain.

I was predicting a mid-table finish and will stick to that. I think bringing in 3 loan players at the back (and hopefully another striker) should give us a bit more leeway.

Dare I say it, but Smith and Barker looks our best front pairing at the moment!

I also think Gladwin will come good this season, I rate him.

Exactly.  

However, there are very obvious areas for concern as we head towards the opener, against a Scunny side, who had that impressive run in the second half of last season, so have momentum, and the abilty financially to acquire players like Paddy Madden, that we can only dream about.

Playing 3-5-2 is always risky, playing 3-5-2 with a 3 of a couple of kids and Branco, is a massive punt.  Conventional wisdom, says doomed to failure, but who are we to know, maybe Branco will morph into the new Concrete Ron Vlaar.  

Either way, it'll be exciting we haven't had a successful proper stave off relegation campaign, since Wilson just about saved our bacon by getting in Gordon Greer. in the Jan window 09, to provide some leadership.

But Scunny have sold their leading scorer, Sam Winnall, to Barnsley which hardly seems like a club going places

Talk is they're after Leon Clarke as his replacement...

My worry for the opener is Matt Sparrow, if he's playing....I can still see his brace for BHA in the opener of the 10/11 season, that display kind of set the tone for much of that season....he played for Scunny in the 1-1 draw under PdC in 11/12, so hopefully it was a one off.

Clarke scored the winner for Wolves v Scum last night.

According to the Iron forum Sparrow is a shadow of his former self and are having about as good a pre season as us!

I'd rather Smith and Barker than Smith and Williams. Barker is frustrating because he looks like there is something about him, but he hasn't come close to showing it yet.

Agree on Gladwin, he did pretty well when he came on and has shown glimpses of real potential.

My biggest let downs so far are Williams and Byrne. I can't slate Byrne too much as you can see him trying and he's being asked to play on the left, when he only has a right foot, but he just doesn't do it for me at the moment.

Wolves were a Wolves XI....namely  a few stiffs and youth team players, Leon won't play much this season if he stays there.

I'm reassured that Sparrow has turned to shit...we could do with the sort of mainly solid home form we had last season, so a good start will help.

going by this comment, Power seems to think it's only  matter of time before we get Stephens.


http://www.bbc.com/sport/0/football/28565366

Bet we dont end up with either ;)

I bet we'll end up with Harry Agombar in defence.

Miserable fucker!

Christ, are we still paying his father for allowing his son to be associated with us, should have fucked him off with Jed!

I dont reckons hes there, on his instagram it appears he is abroad training

Yeah, training!

For those who haven't seen it,
@michaelreeves78: New friendly for #stfc, they will face an Aston Villa XI at the County Ground on Saturday #football

Sorry if it has been posted already but we are playing an Aston Villa XI this saturday at 3pm

I've heard from a couple of sources that we may be playing a villa 11 on Saturday

I can confirm those sauces may be right

I'm not going to give them away,  we'll just know them as C and LR  ;)

Anybody know who we are playing on Saturday?

Barcelona

We didnt look shit last night but we didnt look great either.

Leeds didnt impress me either.

The issue is for me the final third is lacking.....i can see us losing quite a few games 1-0 early doors.

First season in many a year where i just dont have the buzz......just indifferent...shame..

Aren't all the comments and predictions of impending doom exactly what was being said last pre season?

I ain't got a clue what we are going to do, but I'd always prefer a Jordan Turnbull to a Ryan Harley any day.

Giving Coops any leeway this season, Flash?

Certainly the way I felt...until I saw the way we were passing the ball against Torquay in the LC. That and the performance of a certain no. 15.

I certainly enjoyed last night more than last Monday but I think Riddick got it spot on earlier in the thread:


I will reserve judgement of course however as it stands Cooper will have a job on his hands and no chance of improving on last seasons finish - the right additions changes that of course.

I thought Lelan was surprisingly good on the ball, Turnball was also comfortable playing it out which is no doubt why he is being looked at. The defence was all over the place positionally at times.

Stephens and an experienced centre half should sort us at the back. Will we get an experienced one, and by that I even mean someone who has had more than a season of regular league football, I am not too sure. But I don't think Power is a mug and he will know what is needed.

If we are going to play 3-5-2 and can get Brad Smith or an equivalent left wing back, I would shove Byrne to the right and cash in on Thompson who unfortunately does not fit the system. If we can get six figures for him to spend elsewhere that would be good business for me.

The midfield is well documented and as has been said it is probably a decent attack minded player away from being complete. We were never really going to replace Pritchard with similar quality but I think Cooper alluded post match we need something different.

Smith and Williams, meh, completely starved of any service really so judgement will be reserved. Williams is going to get some stick this season from the fans, rightly or wrongly.

Leeds were average and I can see why their fans (superb as usual last night) are not too confident for next season. They will stay up comfortably I am sure but I would be surprised if they compete at the top end of the table.

I was looking at past pre-seasons, there was one recently we played eight games, won seven and drew the other.

That was 2010/11.

Ergo, don't panic too much with how things have gone.

You mean that isn't a parody account?

Unfortunately not. Ex-copper. Gives a whole new meaning to "special constable".

An ex-copper? Really? So at one point he was partly responsible for 'our' safety?

Oh my. It hardly fills one with confidence. Makes me glad I'm not living there anymore.

Talking of public safety, what was the outcome to the little local difficulties in Thailand a short while ago?

I was thinking that the other day. That pre-season saw us sign the 'experienced' Michael Rose and David Prutton and the 'cutting edge' that was Thomas Dossevi scored 2 in a 2-1 win over Championship opposition.

On that basis I'm off to stick a tenner on us going up as champions  :D

It's actually an improvement.

Military Coups in Thailand tend not mean the same thing as they do elsewhere because the people that take over are often more benevolent than the greedy cunts they replace. I'm confident they'll hand it back to the voters in due course but I'm in no rush for them to do so. Reforms need to be made and they should take their time to get it right so it sticks.

From friendlies, to ex-coppers and then Military coups...... It reminds me of the TEF of old.

Apologies for going off on a tangent.

Bit of a tenuous link there

Last night was calling out for a direct forward with pace and we bring Barker on.Why the fuck is Storey on loan ,he is better than all our forwards ,Cooper don't like him so he farms him out .talk about cutting your nose off.

No need to apologise.

Going off on random tangents has always been embraced on the TEF as far as I can remember. It leads to discussions that may otherwise never have been had.... Although it is, potentially, a political tangent which is something that I'd be he first to moan about  :)

He is?

He had that one game (as sub) against Villa but has really done jack since then when given a few chances.

He may well turn it round at Pompey and come back and impress.

Would have thought Williams is fairly similar in style to Storey, albeit he still seems to be in a bit of a trough

 That's OK, but bit late Red Frog and myself were on about obtuse and reflex angles about 4 pages back; maybe a sine of the times.

He's better than every forward

Barker is shit, Williams is a waste of a shirt IMO leaving smith who is ok ,so yes as an all round player he is the best we have got and would make us more creative and dangerous.

Surely, if it was you and Red Frog it should be a co-sine!

Has anyone actually seen Barker play - I haven't - and am willing to see what he can do in a competitive match.

Will Randell seems to have so etching about him, though

Fucking predictive text. Should be something

It's only missing Stilton Red.

Yes last season and he was dire.Agree about Randell.

So was Miles Storey most of the time.

He is fast though. So fast. Like. Really fast.

No Luongo today - who is Antonio?

Is this a sign of an imminent sale?

Slightly tight hamstring, apparently.

Mmmmmm!

Must mean we're selling him. Definitely.

Get £200,000 profit and why not

Is the game on t'radio today?

Isn't he the Samsung player for this season.

Online only.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football-28591867

Spoke to him outside and said he has a tight hamstring so not being risked
Sheer wood and Ferdinand are both here sitting behind cooper in the stand

Ah, could be, De Costa is another youth player then?  got them muddled up, piss poor memory at times!!

Just followed link to hear "a heavy touch from Smith"  and then villa on attack, Foderingham sends Louis away and he scores!!  Timely!!  1-0 Town.

Cheers, I am well outside the radio signal area anyway :)

Well you can definitely tell it's a friendly with a week until league kick off.

That said at around half an hour we upped the pace and looked pretty good.

Smith has had a pretty good game.  Barker has had some good touches but not enough of them. Midfield has looked reasonable. Gladwin lively but sometimes doing a bit much/taking wrong option.

Defence had done alright but still give the impression they could conceded because there is so much space with the formation we are playing. Branco has been the main man, but nearly turned into trouble. Derby guy has looked comfortable. Turnbull reminds me of hall, though it's a bit soon to judge him :)

Villa have had a few chance with wes making some blocks. Us the same. Pretty even in that regard.

I am loving the half time music on the live stream.

2-0 Town. Gladwin.

3-1 Williams.

3-1 Williams finally gets a goal.

1,400ish crowd I think they said.

Great ball from rodgers nice finish from willow

Good finish by willow

4-1 another from Gladwin

1148

Going up. FACT!

Steady

I'm not being entirely serious.

Any names in the Villa line-up? Apologies if already mentioned.

Second half was a bit of a non-contest after the third. Tunbull was more assured in the second half, at least I didn't notice him not being. First half he was caught in possession a couple of times but looked reasonable on the ball.

Some nice passing from us throughout. Some of it with purpose. Some of it just to retain possession. Get it forward man was on top form for those bits.

Difficult to gauge how good we look from today though. I did have a slight feeling of a better team being to open us up more. And Villa certainly weren't without chances themself.

My bruv said Di Canio was around? Anybody else see?

Feel like someone should say it so I will. Cheers for the run down Batch. Didn't go so good to hear what you thought of things.

The guy from flicWilts was more impressed with Turnbull's first half performance than me. I guess we all see things differently.

"Turnbull reminds me of hall, though it's a bit soon to judge him "

Good shout that's exactly what he is like. We desperately need some know how at the back. Ridiculous to go into the season with a back 3 with Branco as the main man. Can see the likes of Kevin Davies and Darius Henderson having a field day against us.Troy is going to be a massive miss back there. Nice to see Williams finally bag a goal and nice finishes from midfield today too. Was impressed with Gladwin today and a real nice  finish from Louis Thomoson too.

He was fisting the programme sellers

Didn't see Di Canio, thank God, but Sherwood and Les Ferdinand were in the Directors' box, Cooper sat with them in the first half.

Perhaps Sherwood and Ferdinand are the 2 new signings with experience we are after in midfield and striker?

Yeah, I heard that Sir Les and Sherwood were there....I've been thinking about why....which is probably not a good idea.

Power was not present and they are his mates. I can't help but think now that they are out of a job they put pressure on Cooper being there. They made their coaching careers in the juniors though so its likely they are staying on top of that by watching the villa youngsters.

And Sherwoods reason for being at the CG V Leeds ??

I think anyone would agree that having Tim Sherwood as manager would be a good move. Unfair, maybe, on cooper but I think Sherwood did well at spurs and was unlucky to lose his job. He seems to have quite a bit of passion but maybe because he was an ex player.

All ifs buts and maybes though.

I don't agree. Sherwood managed about par for the team that he had.
Also seems a bit of a twat too.

I don't agree either. He's done fuck all being a first than manager other than being in the right place at the right time.

His win percentage at Spurs is pretty good. He done well there. Levy is a just a chairman with no patience. He had some idiot moments but let's be honest so did PDC when he was here and people were loving it at the time. Learning curve for any manager. Doubt he would take the job anyway as he turned down West Brom this summer.

He's an abrasive character, but the same could be said for Cooper too. Suspect the main benefit of replacing Cooper with Sherwood under our current model would be the standard of young player he could attract, particularly Prem Loanees. Still can't see it happening however.

My take on the whole thing is Power is trying to bring Sherwood in as a partner?! It does make a lot if sense and would spread the load in all ways. Hope I'm right?

If we can't afford a few quid for an experienced player how the hell can we afford to pay Sherwood and/or Ferdinand?

Sherwood may be tempted as a DOF role freeing Power from some of his duties allowing him to stay in Switzerland rather than his current 30 days per year or something that is his allowance in this country currently.

If Sherwood & Ferdinand came then their wages wouldn't come from the current playing budget and I would expect that Power would strike a deal with "his mates" over wages with large bonuses based upon promotion etc, also having a higher profile manager would probably bring in better sponsorship, possibly as a manager sponsorship even which would cover most of their wages.

That said....they wouldn't come cheap as the deal Sherwood had with WBA fell through on the wages they were prepared to offer Ferdinand and Ramsey as part of the deal.

I personally can't see it happening any time soon.

I'd assume if Sherwood (and Ferdinand) were coming on board it would be as joint owner(s) so would take their renumeration primarily from profit when they sold on rather than wages.

Would certainly welcome them on board as joint owners, if that was the case. Would probably give Power's position more legitimacy in the fans eyes - I find it difficult to envisage Les Ferdinand being a particularity shady character (except for smashing up the Blue Peter garden).

Maybe he could be persuaded to create a small ornamental garden at side of the South stand by way of atonement?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2xvvvJ7hvo8

Ni

Can I be the first to say it should be called Sherwood Forest?

I cannot fathom the idea that a manager gets a slice of profit from selling on players. It is such a clear conflict of interest. I know it happens (Redknapp is known for it) but I am surprised clubs stand for it.

I may be wrong, but I read Paul's comment as profit when the club is sold.

Tis how I read it too

Very good.  :D

That's how I wrote it. I agree wholeheartedly with FD's sentiment but it wasn't any part of what I was suggesting. In fact, I was looking to explicitly exclude any idea of "profits" per se i.e. the club making a profit as a business as I think that's unlikely in the short-term and I doubt Sherwood/Ferdinand are daft enough to sign up for a deal where they get paid from a League 1 football club making a profit. That's why I used the phrase "would take their renumeration primarily from profit when they sold on" i.e. Power makes a profit on selling the club and gives some of that as dividend to Sherwood and Ferdinand.

But it doesn't much matter as I'm just speculating on top of a speculation (that Sherwood/Ferdinand are coming here in any capacity) anyway. For all I know, they're going to do it for free. Or have agreed to accept some small token in payment ... perhaps a shrubbery?

They probably got a vested interest in Byrne and Luongo to be honest