Thetownend.com

Well, next game so may as well set this thread up.
Expect city to put out a strong side as they know they'll be in for a tough game, in terrible weather in front of one of the most intimidating atmospheres in the world of football. They may just have enough in their locker to snatch a win.

Swindon 1-2 att:14,943 (2,345 away)

Potential banana skin this one, we mustn't underestimate them. I think City may even sneak it...1-2

Will be interesting to see how we line up. Imagine we will go 3 at the back for this so Hunt, Odimayo and Crichlow as centre backs as they are our most mobile. Then will either be Payne if he’s injured or Williams to drop out to accommodate the extra defender. Other than that as per yesterday as the Reed & Lyden midfield works.

They’ll target Iandolo.

Easy for them just put Foden or Sterling out on the right side

If I was Iandolo I’d pull a hammy this week. After watching him give the Cobblers player the freedom of the CG and a gold watch yesterday I’ll wince every time they come towards him. Maybe close my eyes. Don’t get me wrong I like the guy for his longevity to the club under difficult circumstances but when he is good he is ok, when he is not, good god.

I bet his name will be highlighted in Bold letters on the Man City flipchart😀

in all seriousness, let's assume Foden plays as punishment. What do you do?

I can't think of a way to play without sacrificing our game.

I guess it's a wider philosophy. Do we change, compact up and try to somehow limit them.

Or do we go toe to toe, keep the normal formation, safe in the knowledge that we aren't going to outdo them anyway.

I've no idea.

I'd feed Simpson on raw steak for the week and tell him to bully the shit out of their defence though

Stick to what we do and see what happens. No point dropping players etc that are not part of the longer term picture, fact is teams that come at us this season are the games we do better in. Of course it's City and i dont expect a result but i certainly wouldn't be dropping players because they might cause us more problems.

People like Conroy and Ellis may be weaker players as such but they deserve the chance to play these type of games as much as anyone after the summer

What's the best shout for parking? Been used to having Tesco's or Gorse Hill at ease for best part of a decade, but feel like Friday is going to be another level

A repeat of this please  :) Look at the pitch  ;D
Just before I was born  :-[
https://youtu.be/tjkv_G2g8T8

Problem is, our pitch is a carpet.

Was in the Town End for that game, One of my early games,  those were the days, steamrolled every time we scored and no offsides to worry about.

I'd feed Simpson on raw steak for the week and tell him to bully the shit out of their defence though
🤣🤣🤣🤣

Well sounds like a plan but he has to have the ball to do that or be somewhere near at least.

I was also in the Town End.
Do you remember about 6 of their fans came into the Town End centre and started to set a light a picture of the Swindon squad.
The left after a very good kicking.
First time I had experienced violence at football.

Didn't we play some good football back then.
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=3pyH1kvjlzI

No muddy pitch, true.

But, so far as I know, City's Etihad Training Ground doesn't have anything so advanced as a "wind tunnel".

You're not supposed to mention that,  that’s privileged information and Man Shitty have yet to discover this secret weapon.

If we put out the defence from yesterday and play as we did when defending it could get scary very quickly.  Maybe we can try and win the possession stats?  Grab the cash and run, maybe convince Pep we are a good club to send some youth.

Iandolo I agree with plus we have no options but why does Conroy deserve the chance to play? He’d been poor for weeks, then let the team down with a completely pointless red card and in his absence we haven’t lost and he hasn’t played for almost a month so will be lacking sharpness. Hunt, Odimayo and Crichlow have all done nothing wrong and now deserve to be above him in the pecking order and it’s a suitable punishment for the red card. If Conroy comes straight back in then that would be poor from Garner for me as no player should be undroppable.

Best defender by a Country mile and both Conroy and Reed our best players on the ball.
Back line needs organising. Stevenage should have been 4 up and yesterday first half particularly coming out our distribution was poor again.
Conroy back in and more importantly Lyden in the midfield. I would also go with Hunt over Iandolo.
However all about opinions.

Hoping for plenty of Lee Power loud and abusive songs.

I know you’ve a soft spot for him but I disagree with most of that. He’d been poor for weeks, I don’t think he’s a great at organising and always thought it a bit odd that he’s captain. I’ll agree with the distribution to an extent but the last thing we want to be doing on Friday is playing silly games at the back. He’s not good enough to walk straight back in and should be made to wait for a chance like any other player would.

A nice big banner behind the Town end goal wouldn't go a miss😀

They have all been poor since Walsall away.
Yesterday was the first time this season we have got an “away” like performance at home.
Can only hope this continues in the League.

Get asked a fair few times if the flag is abusive in any way :)
I sincerely hope Power gets some vocal shit on National TV.

Lets hope so as well as giving the piss stains a mention

Starting XI, anyone.

Ward

KKH Grant Odimayo Critchlow Hunt

Lyden Reed

Williams McKirdy Payne

Simpson

Realising Grant is a 100% no-no, but that’s how I would go.

12 players? Worth a try.

Ah!

I would have had two goalkeepers if we're choosing 12😀

             Ward
KKH  Odimayo  Crichlow  Hunt
         Reed   Lyden
Williams               Payne
              McKirdy
              Simpson

Looks good to me although the captain debate will rumble on

Payne as he’s vice captain, simple.

I meant should he be brought back into the side or not!

I reckon he will go with this but replacing Odimayo with Conroy.
Possibly Odimayo will start replacing Crithlow.

The rest likely.

No way does Odimayo drop out for Conroy. The only way both would start is if Hunt replaces Iandolo.

Odimayo and Hunt should be first names on the team sheet, they got us through the last 2 matches. Without them we’d have had no centre backs thanks to our ‘captain’ so no way he should benefit at one of their expense.

As I said in my post, after the summer of sticking around not getting paid they were within their rights to leave. Just my personal opinion of course

But then the club has stuck by him despite all his injury issues so loyalty works both ways, he’d never have got an offer much above us anyway.
In any case it should have no relevance on whether he starts a specific match, that should be done on merit and on merit he misses out at the moment.

Nothing to do with loyalty just far better distribution and organisation.

Taking my old man who's a City supporter. Often talks about Mike Sumerbee and Colin Bell. Nice to be able to take him to watch us play them - never really thought i'd get the chance.

Will be pretty cool to see full international stars playing us in a competitive fixture. Only really seen us play Villa and Chelsea in cup ties.

Just hope we don't get too battered by arguably the best team in Europe! I'm pretty excited  8)

Conroy lost his place by getting sent off after the FT whistle. Club captain or not he shouldnt just walk back in for me, needs to wait for his chance and earn his place back- didnt exactly cover himself in glory at orient a few days before Barrow either.

I understand the reasons you have made it clear, just my opinion too. End of the day I have a feeling the Payne injury will make his mind up for him. Whoever starts I won't be upset

I'd choose this side but Conroy for Odi.  For the reasons given by Duke. 

This must be subject to convincing fitness.  We don't just want to pick the captain because.  We saw where that led with Nathan Thomson at Wembley.

However, whether City play youngsters or not, the comparative pace of Odi (and Crichlow) would not go amiss against a side like City.  I think Hunt's relative defensive solidity makes him a must.

Hopefully no FAC bans from Villa, Huddersfield or Ipswich.

They wont stop us playing them as Simpson, KKH and Crichlow have all played for us in the FA cup already.

Ipswich are out of the Cup so it’s no difference to them.

5 subs for this game which is going to help City win the battle of the benches. Cowmeadow vs Cancelo anyone?

As will the no replay rule. As if there wasn't enough stacked against us.  :cry:

From their forum. Not sure where he got his info from, though!

‘Big side physically ……Kayky will get eaten alive !
Front 3 of Grealish / Palmer / Jesus
Swindon hoping we play lots of youngsters as they fancy their chances against such a team.
Their defence is weak point, but midfield and forwards are handy. Don’t underestimate them….’

Well they’re spot on with the defence.

We actually are a fairly big side, certainly compared to many teams even though we don't immediatetly look it.

Ward, Conroy, Crichlow, Simpson, Iandolo, Baudry, Wollacott, Gladwin, Gilbert, Odimayo, Lyden are all 6 foot or more.

The other end Reed, Payne, JML, Hunt and Williams are all under the 5 foot 8ish average.

Not too sure about the "physical" side of our game though!

One thing is for sure, we start using any weight or height advantage, you know what’s going to happen.

Simpson has a real opportunity to do just that v what is likely to be an u21s defence

I reckon Stones will play if fit

Another interesting snippet from bluemoon:

I can confirm he is indeed a big Man City supporter.

I can confirm he is indeed a big man.

Edit: but not like THAT

Edit 2: although he might be. I wouldn’t know. I’m going to shut up now

Just can't see them resting too many with Chelsea the week after

Just can't see them risking too many with Chelsea the week after

Quite a few on their forum disagree, saying it's not really Pep's style. They're only expecting 2, possibly 3 youth teamers.

Sent from my CLT-L09

definitely not his style, normally, but he has joined the debate on 'too many fixtures'.

we'll see soon enough

2 scenarios

He’ll either start with a handful of youngsters and if not doing too well bring on the big guns and blow us away

Start with the big guns, blow us away, then bring on the youngsters

Either way, we’re screwed!

I honestly can't wait. My daughter has started going in the last couple of years and loves it but what made me smile last night was she asked me if we can get there a bit earlier Friday as she wants to try to get a photo with them and get the autographs. I explained that they are likely to just get straight off the coach and she told me she doesn't want them she wants Harry McKirdy and Kayne Keslers

I dream of a conversation like that. I had to get a Man City shirt, t-shirt and hoody for my lad for Christmas.  :cry:

Why,   Was he naughty ??

Ten years ago it would have been red with Rooney on the back!

Think Adams stay with us was a bit later than that.

Exactly, depends which way the armchair is pointing.

 :clap: :clap:

I see that city may have a few missing or doubtful for Friday....

Mendy, Zinchenko, Stones, Mahrez, Foden.


That leaves Sterling, Jesus and Grealish as 1st team forward options  :cry:

I read somewhere earlier that Man City resting Walker, Stones, Foden, Grealish and Gundogan .

The way to find out how May be playing is to visit Bristol Airport Thursday afternoon. City always fly to southern away games and the Flight Centre will be the place they’ll use.

In that case I'll go for.....

                     Steffen

Cancelo   Laporte   Ake   Dias

Fernandinho  De Bruyne  Rodri  Silva

              Sterling  Jesus

Oh joy.

Couldn't you have chosen a slightly weaker line up😅

Is there one?

Good question😀

Should be easy then.

Based on that maybe we could rest a couple!

No point getting our knickers in a twist about who plays for Man City. For me, I’d like to see the nearest thing to their first XI as possible.

I want to see Sterling not Oleg McNoleg

Heard a rumour McNoleg's off out on loan this week anyway

That’s me sidelined, unless by some miracle my PCR comes back negative after two strong positives on LFT. No symptoms yet. Second bout of Covid within six months. I think I can call myself unlucky. Fucking gutted that I can’t go.

If you want rid of your ticket, give me a shout.

More importantly, hope you aren't effected to bad and have a speedy recovery.

Already gone I’m afraid mate.

And thanks. Feel a bit short of breath but otherwise ok for now

As an aside, how utterly fucking unnecessary. I guess that oil money won't burn spend itself.

Phew!

https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/man-city-team-news-swindon-22641283

They are all at it, Man U flew to Leicester for their game earlier in the season, c.100 miles!

Terrible. What about the traditional team coach?

3 or 4 goal loss with a happy and chirpy crowd regardless. Love a full County Ground under the lights.

In United's case they argued there were problems on the roads and the coach would have been severely delayed. No idea if it was true.

Not defending the flight, but as Man U's journey would involve the M6, the problems on the road are a given.

Watching Ben Fosters you tube thingy last season I seem to recall Watford flying to places like Norwich.

Whereas, STFC players en route

Johnson confirms he is recommending we continue with plan B.

looks good for Friday

He can't do anything else.

Ordered 5 tickets online and only 1 has turned up, I’ll give it a couple of days before I chase them up but assumed they would all be sent out together.

seems to be quite common based on the FB page.

I ordered two lots of two tickets, all four turned up today in the same envelope, the club saved themselves £1 which tbh is good to see.  Plus very happy I have my tickets

limited tickets on sale *online only* tomorrow, 10am

https://www.swindontownfc.co.uk/news/2022/january/limited-man-city-tickets-to-be-available/

My 3 Newport tickets turned up in 3 envelopes.
It can happen.

Our three have not turned up yet. 😭 thinking of ranting on FB 🤣🤣

Bluemoon on the ball and in a charitable mood, even if our new signings wouldn't blow the fluff off their socks.

Now we have signed a real BFG all we need is to actually get a corner v City. More likely to chuck a ball in now rather than the inevitable short corner routines.

Almost sounds like a Plan B.

I've seen a lot of this. Think the ticketing system needs a bit of a reboot in the summer!

Managed to get myself and my girls a ticket in the end. Delighted

Looks like the extra tickets were snapped up in minutes.

Soon to re-emerge on Facebook selling pages at vast mark ups.

https://www.swindontownfc.co.uk/news/2022/january/stake.com-back-swindon-town-fc-for-fa-cup-giant-killing-glory/

This has gone down like serving a dog shit flavoured dessert in a restaurant on Twitter FWIW. Obviously more income for the club but morally it's a little on the iffy side shall we say.

Grim. Could the 'Advisory Board' possibly advise them that this sort of shit isn't ideal?

I assume they are also up in arms and demanding that we leave the Sky Bet League Two?

My ticket arrived in the post this morning. Also in the envelope was someone else's ticket! Have emailed the enquiries address as the Shop/Ticket Office phones don't seem to be manned today.

:D

Well, hopefully we will be later this year :)

I don't know, perhaps we could sell Jack Payne and Harry McKirdy as NFTs and then keep their physical form?

Seriously though, "fast-growing cryptocurrency betting and gaming" is a sentence that contains more red flags than the CG will on Friday.

Some fair points in response though regarding the lack of complaints when we were owned by the founder of one of the biggest gambling companies around

Hadn't thought of that.

I see its getting GWR Reds particularly agitated, and remembering that they speak for all supporters the club better take note.

mooo moo,
squirt squirt,
ch-ching

edit, oh yeah, sky bet, Betfair... er, that's totally different. obviously.

Flavour of the month really.

I get peoples point, but as long as this type of advertising is legal then I see no problem with taking the money. Gambling destroys lives. no doubt....but so does a lot of things.

Out of curiosity, did they make alcohol shirt sponsors illegal? Used to get loads of them back in the day. Newcastle Brown Ale, Carlsberg, Carling, McKewans Larger all off the top of my head.

Personally I'd be very happy for Town to be a morally pure club playing in a lower division with a lower budget, turning down money from anyone even vaguely shady, but I'm pretty sure that's a) not a majority opinion by any stretch and b) not what the current ownership have ever claimed to be.

I'd just make sure this lot pay us up front!

People give them a lot of shit unnecessarily on twitter, but this is something that really gripes me. Not just them but other groups too. Haven't seen that weedy bald twat they get on Sky Sports News to speak on behalf of all England fans for a while thankfully though.

There's a whistle to whistle ban on betting ads on TV, this sleeve sponsor is no different to our lovely new Thatchers ad hoardings.

Sent from my CLT-L09

Don’t see what the issue is.
They are paying us to advertise. We get money and the only inconvenience to us is some lettering on a shirt sleeve.

Literally every live TV broadcast of football has a betting advert during the ad breaks. Most probably have some betting company signage around the ground and do grounds still have betting windows inside them?

It’s not like online betting (or betting) in general is some dark, hardcore, underground scene and we are the first people to give it the light of day. Won’t somebody think of the children.

There is nothing worse than a moral compass that doesn't remember where North is.  Of all the things to get frothy about.

As usual a small minority getting their knickers in a twist over nothing.

Honestly couldn’t care less. Either there should be a whole sport ban on betting ads or nothing. This won’t make any difference apart from a bit of extra revenue to the club

Don't our shirts already bear the name of another betting company on the sleeve?  With the exception of this company sponsoring the club direct rather than through the EFL ala skybet, what is the difference? All a bit Meh to me.

Rate that.

Postman been, still 4 tickets short. Squeaky bum time 😬

I really don’t see the issue here regarding the shirt deal. It’s a legally registered company offering us the opportunity to make some money. It nothing to get your frilly little knickers in a twist over.

Football is tainted by betting everywhere you look. As already said there's adverts on tv and radio every break.

I think a fair percentage of those fans up in arms will be calling on the club to sign sum playaz in this window.  

are they doing odd splits across a single order?

got mine, 2x sons. they arrived.

also ordered a mates in my network as he's not going and sits next to my son. easier than doing +1 random seat. that's not arrived.

Yeah mine was done in two separate orders. 4x on one order and 1x on another, the single has turned up but not the 4 😂 this is why I always prefer to pick up from the club usually 😂

So Payne out and Williams 'touch and go'

Hmm, there goes the creative engine of our Robin Unreliant.  :(

was ok with Payne, massive blow that it is, but not Williams too 😭

thanks. I'd understand it if it was 2 orders

I’ll wager Williams starts

Surely, Iandolo didn’t say this in the presser

"My Mum and my Dad follow me all over and they are hardcore Swindon fans now and they enjoy the away games more than the home games. They are so proud and my little brothers love the hooligan side of things."

Shame about Payne, was Iandolo rolled out as he’s likely to captain the side on Friday like he did when Payne came off on Saturday?

Isn't Conroy back for Sat ?

Although be interesting to see what back 2 / 3 we play with the new loan lad available

I’m assuming he won’t be starting based on form and getting himself a stupid red card, he’s not good enough to warrant a guaranteed start.

Mine not turned up and same with a few more I know.

Ellis’s Dad is a cracking bloke.

Fit to start but no idea as whether we will go with 4 or 5 at back.

I reckon you will be right.

Same with me... had issues with post here in Chippenham too. Club could have a huge issue come Friday

Know our Postman really well and they have real issues in the sorting offices right now.
As you said could be a real problem.

Any idea why the club didn’t go for digital tickets like when purchasing for a home league game?

quicker to get in with paper ticket than faffing around with digital

Mine arrived today

Seem to be issues scanning these pretty regularly, and when the crowd is near-double the normal size and we have issues granting access to the ground on time already, plus covid test checks... well, you can see what could go wrong.

Rock and a hard place really, must be a bloody awful job in ticketing at the moment.

I don't really like a gambling sponsor, but that whole issue needs govt intervention to bring it under control.

At heart though ..... Clem is at heart a capital venturist, who has basically seen this tie as his chance to squeeze the pound (Be it via ticket prices or this interesting sponsorship deal).

People generally revert to type (In last paragraph I called Clem a CV at heart, You cant blame a CV for acting like a CV), and this is probably the first in a line of this kind of stuff if we go onto enjoy more high profile ties or progress up the leagues.

A nice soft takeover during which Clem basically lifted his skirt to the trust, its only really as we progress we'll see if this a one off or more likely the way ahead.

Cheers, yes I guess there have been queues with the digital tickets. Seem to work a bit better if printed out. Just getting nervous as away from home from tomorrow morning and paper ticket hasn’t arrived as yet.

Thing is, I would accept all of this if Clem was taking cash out of the club, he has stated on record that, at least for now, he isn't, so its not as if he is profiting personally from it, its going into the pot to sort the mess out.

Apologies, its a personal bug bear of mine, like when parents moan when our little lasses school ask for donations to pay for a coach to take them places, its not as if the teachers are going out on the piss with the money!

Was going to say using RM normal first class,  around Christmas, with covid absences was always going to be sketchy.

But there are 2 days yet and the dispatch system from our end seems somewhat weird too

Club will issue comms tomorrow for those whose tickets haven't arrived. Haven't done so yet to save confusion of people not knowing what ticket to turn up with. No need to panic all have a good evening  :pint:

I would also assume that a safety net will b put in place for those that do not turn up via Postman Pat.

yeah as joemezz says,  can see why they don't want to do it too early.

chances are many will turn up yet

It’s tickled me how it’s annoyed all of the “Clem bots”. I think they forget he’s a business man first & foremost!!

Loss making business using legal methods to try and get closer to break even in Non-Communist State shocker!

So is Standing and Power.

Like mine haven’t still.

Still waiting for my ticket to turn up too. There's still time, I know. Would rather more :pint: time than having to queue up to get one re-printed or whatever the procedure's going to be.

ticket procedure


https://www.swindontownfc.co.uk/news/2022/january/club-statement-on-posted-man-city-tickets/ (https://www.swindontownfc.co.uk/news/2022/january/club-statement-on-posted-man-city-tickets/)

https://twitter.com/official_stfc/status/1478796581658894337?s=21 Today not tomorrow but there you go gents

Can you look up venture capitalists please - I think you mean businessman (not that there's anything inherently wrong with them either, some people are just cunts)

Venture capitalists provide money to entrepreneurs to take their ideas forward.  Think of a dragon on dragons den.   Yes they want to make money but it's a punt.   No different really to a bet on a horse.  Without them many ideas simply wouldn't get the funding needed to compete with the big corps.

The junior prices are far too high but I don't have an issue with an extra tenner or so on the adult/pensioner prices or milking the advertising and TV sponsorship for all it's worth.  Would be mad not to.

It sold out quite quickly, probably should have charged a bit more.........

Leaves everyone a few quid for a flutter.

Basic supply and demand.  

However, IMO, Clem etc has pitched the prices to be affordable to the vast majority of regular attenders.  But, as ever, there are moaners.

Given the precarious financial situation of STFC, it would be negligent to sell tickets for any less when hosting a "sell out".

£35 for the sidestands represents a 50% premium for Man City - as against the likes of Stevenage and Crawley.  

Funnily enough Man City charge a similar 50% premium at £63 starting for the likes of Chelsea and Tottenham as against Brighton or Brentford at £42.

Meanwhile, just off the M4 at Brentford, I see most tickets are from £35 - £45 for Wolves (with some at £25 in the Family Enc block and others at £60 in the Dugout block).

I have every sympathy to those genuinely struggling to afford what is a very special ticket.  But you can only get so many in the CG - regardless of price.

Morning all, only one more sleep until the big game. Yesterday I took part in the Manchester City "BlueMoon Podcast", giving a Swindon fans view on the game, and talking about some of the past connections between the two clubs (Summerbees x2 and Horlock mainly).

Give it a listen here, the Swindon chat starts at about 36 minutes 10 seconds in...

https://pod.fo/e/103199

Somebody on Bluemoon throwing a doubt on the game, without any further detail or evidence...


Better not be right. I wouldn't have much sympathy if it was Man City claiming they couldn't put out an 11. Or even a 9, which should probably be enough for them.

Skybet offering 50/1 on a Swindon win.   Any takers ??.

Foden is isolating. The Manchester Evening News idea of their starting XI

Possible Man City team vs Swindon: Steffen; Egan-Riley, Mbete, Ake, Wilson-Esbrand; Lavia, McAtee, Gundogan, Palmer, Grealish, Kayky.

On that basis, I’d have a little tickle at 50/1 for sure.

Just had a couple of quid on the win at 50/1 and a couple on the draw at 14/1 with SkyBet. Hopefully, they won’t be redundant choices after 10 minutes.

All depends on the back line for me and hope we go with a 5.
Hoping both Lyden and Williams can start.
Stevenage and Northampton was frightening enough at the back with little organisation and positioning.
Equally if we give the ball away like we have been doing from the back line we will get torn apart.

As far as I am concerned the weaker team they put out the better.
I’m not going to watch Citeh and stars, give me a shit game and a 1-0 own goal win.

I think I may have dug out a nice little bet - and not outlandish by any means.

Louis Reed 1 shot on target is 4/1. Just need a free kick in range and even if it’s an easy peasy save it’ll count.

However you look at this game it is a no win for both teams on many levels. If we win, it is because Citeh put out a more weaker team than their usual line up. If they win with whoever they put out it is because they are expected to win.

I've seen it said he's suspended as he's two yellow's in the FA cup this season....apparently they've changed the rules?

No he is fine to play, its wiped clean when you reach the third round

No, it's 4 yellows (received in FA Cup games) for those entering the FA Cup in Rd 1 or earlier:

https://www.thefa.com/football-rules-governance/discipline/player-essentials

Yeah not a bad shout that. Reed generally gets his free kicks on target so there is a good chance you'll  land that bet.

So we need to make sure Reed doesn't get booked or he could be unavailable for the fifth round?

'luckily' their u23s grand has been moved from tomorrow to Sunday, so there's that

That geezers 1st post in 9 years apparently  :)

Who is that with

Looking forward to this.

Unfortunately I couldn't get a ticket so me and some mates are going to watch it at a pub.

Not sure which one to go though. Recommendations?

Anyone going to put in a score prediction?
I said 1-2 in post #1.

Steam would probably be your best bet if it hasn’t closed for refurbishment yet. Kings would have been good too but they are def closed for refurb. Donkey might be showing it

That's good then, I think it was his Dad who suggested he was on twitter.

It's difficult to know how 'weak' the Man City team is going to be so a prediction is tricky. I imagine there will be a smattering of first teamers so we do actually have a chance. I reckon we'll give them a really good game but we might fade towards the end. I'll go 1-4.

Skybet - category Home Player Shots on Target

Not specifically picking on you Hunk as you seem to know about locality so open to all, but thought I would quote you anyway :)

I'm hoping to get into Swindon by 6 (5:30 if I can get out of work early enough) get parked up and grab a quick sit down bite somewhere. We don't mind a walk and won't be drinking but would Old Town probably be our best bet? I tried to get a table at Miller & Carter but it's fully booked from 5-8!

I would say so yes. I actually am pretty sure the Steam has closed for refurbishment already but I’ll find out for you and drop a dm

Got a Simpson 1-0 at 900/1 :D

Much appreciated sir.

Great value that is

We’re watching with some non football fans tomorrow. KO is 10pm here so hopefully the game is scintillating enough to stop me from dropping off!

I do tend to nod off in the evenings recently. A surfeit of Mythos won’t help, mind.

I reckon do. I’m also trying to dig out a price for City to get awarded a penalty - that may be a bit short, though.

Edit: 13/8 to score a penalty, 6/5 to be awarded one, evens for a pen to be awarded to either side

Messaged you BO, but in case anybody else is wondering, Roaring Donkey is showing the game

I thought our threads wandered, the city forum match thread has moved onto shitters.  :)

yay. the 4th ticket from single order of 4 has gone to the home address of the st ticket holder in Stroud, not my address - the person who paid for it 🤦‍♂️

Seen somewhere (think Sky Bet) that over 2.5 corners for us is 7/2, might have a piece of that

How the fuck do you have .5 of a corner? Surely 2+ corners is the same thing.

Over 2.5 means 2 loses, 3 wins.

So 2+ isn't the same thing (because it would include 2), but "over two corners" or "3+" is.

What about % possession? I reckon we’ll be below 30%. Easily below.

I think they do it like that because there are Asian Corners where you can choose 2.0 where 1 is a loss, 2 is money back and 3 or more is a win.

I wonder how far down their youth teams we'd have to get before we were the betting favourites. U18s maybe?

I've had a punt, on the following...

Simpson over 0.5 Shots on Target @ Evns
McKirdy to be booked @ 9/4
John Stones* over 0.5 tackles @ 6/4

*Void if he doesn't play.

Pep Guardiola will miss tomorrow evening’s FA Cup trip to Swindon Town after testing positive for Covid-19.
The City manager recorded a positive test on Tuesday along with assistant Juanma Lillo. Both are now isolating, along with a number of other positive cases within the City first team bubble.

This brings the number of those isolating for Covid related reasons amongst the group to 21. Of that number, 14 are backroom staff with seven first team players.

Assistant coach Rodolfo Borrell will take charge of the team for the trip to Swindon.

BREAKING: #ManCity have announced a total of seven first-team players are isolating due to Covid-19 related reasons, with a further 14 members of the backroom staff also isolating.

Might have some of that 50/1

From Man City website

33/1 now

I’m on!

Keep ‘em coming.

City fans calling it for it to be called off. Need a few more than 7 first teamers for that. Probably wouldn’t have started anyway.

Might level it up a bit.

28/1 now!

The Club themselves, however, are insisting it will go ahead. This could end up perfect for us as long as they don’t pick up another bunch of cases tomorrow.

https://www.google.co.uk/amp/s/www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/man-city-covid-guardiola-breaking-22663444.amp

William Hill have suspended betting on STFC vs MC

Down to 20/1 on Skybet now. 50/1 earlier today.

Edit - 18/1

Real shame Pep isn't going to be there, but might work in our favour (clutching at any straw available!)

William Hill still taking bets. Now down to 11/1

City haven't requested to call the Swindon game off and will not be doing so as things stand. The #mcfc players will be tested again tomorrow but matchday preparations are continuing

I think the FA insist the games go ahead or are awarded with a Bye if either team cannot field XI players anyway, so City will just send one of their reserve/youth teams.

U-10s hopefully

good luck anyone having to sort their tickets out tomorrow

poor shop people, there was a 35 minute queue at lunchtime

My ticket has turned up today thankfully.

Just in time for the game to be called off, no doubt.

First and foremost, I hope all those affected at City are OK - no doubt they will be.

Personally, I wouldn’t really want a bye or even play against a severely weakened City team. I want to see the big guns.

11-1 now with Billy Hill...

I couldn’t give a fuck about their ‘star’ players. I just want us to win.

Well, yeah. But it’s not the same playing what could be a higher profile Pizza Cup tie

I would love them to not play a single 1st team "star" I think we would have a good chance of a result.

And also if we do win the bragging rights goes out of the window if we play their youth side. But that bothers me not a jot if we get into the 4th round draw.

Just placed a bet with Will Hill
Ignore my previous comment about 'bet suspended'
God knows what that was about.

I've just received another duplicate ticket through the post today! Hopefully the club will revert back to online tickets for the rest of the season.

Man City’s press conference is soon, hopefully find out who’s not available.

Their fans are going to start getting pissed off if they've shelled out and crossed the country to see a reserve team fixture.

......whilst having to navigate the magic roundabout and sit in a condemned stand 😂

Am told William Hill have suspended betting -  sounds like a bit of money has gone on the Town or …………please not.

And have 6 porta loos between 2,300 of them

Or pockets.

Don't seem able to bet on the game via Bet365.... not looking good!

Skybet still taking money

All of Man City's upcoming games on Bet365 have been removed.

Slightly odd wording by the BBC

'13:32
Post update

Bet the current Swindon boss Ben Garner is a bit gutted to not have the chance to have a proper chat with Pep Guardiola.'

But I can still bet on them to win the FA cup outright!

Can't decide whether this is class or incredibly tin pot....  :D

https://twitter.com/Official_STFC/status/1479084441091948548?s=20

"It’s possibly been one of the easiest line-ups we have to decide - we will play the players we have available, we don't have much more. We want to play as much as we can, we respect all competitions. We can fill the team."

I know they have infinite resources but you have to respect City for their attitude. The vast majority of Premier league sides would probably try and get the game postponed for sure.

A tad cringe for me.

Both in equal measure I'd say!

take all the tickets, you don't know which one will be 'active'

Nice, well intentioned gesture in my view.

Must have been updating prices,  notice Bet365 was suspended just now but back on again.

Decent gesture for me. Be nice to them and they might send us some of their promising youth players!

Hope they haven’t spent the cup money already. Imagine getting a bye, refunding 15,000 tickets, no TV money and drawing Port Vale in the 4th round.

Would get the prize money though, Shirley?

don't

The third round prize money is £82,000 which would replace the £85,000 TV money more or less.

We could waive our refunds  :creep:

Good point

wave our refunds goodbye ?. 🤭🤭

Not seen it mentioned anywhere that if the game is called off we’d get a bye.

Man City are just scared of being shown up by Garnerball and looking silly on live TV that's all.

Or Pep and most of the teamares pulling a sickie because they can't be arsed.

I say this in jest of course...

Very true, more an assumption that a forfeiture would be the case. I know Orient had to pull out of the league cup early this season as they couldn't put out a side against Spurs. I know it's a different tournament completely but given the fixture congestion already you would think that something similar would have to be followed?

Seem like a proper football club to me. Sure, they’ve got billions but I bet we won’t see Newcastle outstripping them any time soon.

But Liverpool pulled out of their League Cup semi v Arsenal and that’s being played next week now.

Still no tickets for me! Will have to take a morning off work to try and get down to the ground tomorrow morning.

From the FA Cup Rules:

"(f) If a Club may not be able to compete in a match on the date scheduled for the match for
reasons due to COVID-19 (including but not limited to on the basis that a significant number
of its players are self-isolating), it must inform The Association as soon as it becomes aware
of the relevant circumstances. In such circumstances, and subject to Rule 11 below, the
Professional Game Board shall take such action as it deems appropr iate (in its absolute
discretion)."

Rule 11 (extract) "Rescheduled/Postponed Games

(j) If the competing Clubs are not able to play the match on the scheduled date due to COVID-19 or
for any other reason, the match shall be played as directed by the Professional Game Board
and/or the Professional Game Board shall take such action as it deems appropriate (in its absolute
discretion)."

Indeed. I can't really believe that the EFL did that after the Orient thing earlier this season. Actually I can, Sky Sports and Liverpool FC leaning on them heavily will have helped them come to that decision.

It better go ahead otherwise what are they going to do with the half and half scarves!

Ordered mine already! want to watch on my sofa with half Man City and half Swindon scarf, adds a touch of class to proceedings.

The thing is you bloody know there will be a few vendors selling exactly these, burn them, burn them all!

Will you be listening to Oasis before the game and XTC after?

Senses working overtee-ime

Man City forum have obviously been reading about Iandolo :D

Shows how out of touch they are, we didn't pay as much as 50p for anyone in our squad, did we? Don't think we have a single player we paid a fee for - Gladwin the first time round I guess?

50p would be our big money signing...

Good old Reading   ;D

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/59840727

Would be amusing in a perverse kind of way if the available players are their strongest XI and they are forced to play them…

I'll come clean, it was reading that story that prompted my post.....

Ironic masochism.

14/1 now

We paid for Conroy & Grant I think.

Still no tickets.

I saw this on twitter earlier   https://twitter.com/gblusher/status/1479077517768155140

I actually went down to the club today and got mine re-printed, there was about a 30 minute wait.

Good point Batch

Swindon win 9/1 on Bet365 now

Oleg may be on the team plane coach tomorrow  :D

It’ll be even money before kick off.

The Man City coach was spotted in Carterton about 30 mins ago. Their aircraft arrived in Manchester to collect the team at 4.15   Let’s say 60-90 mins turn around will put them into Brize Norton at approximately 7.00pm

Fuck me. I know they’ve got a few quid - but a flying coach!

In fairness I thought they'd fly down. I thought Cotswold airport.

2 coaches spotted in Highworth just now

City City Bang Bang

Man City ones? I know not a lot happens in Highworth so even a Stagecoach is exciting and news worthy!

If the info I have received re aircraft registration and flight number is correct (and I have no reason to suspect it isn’t) the aircraft is still on the ground in Manchester. I reckon it will be about a 6.30 - 7.00 arrival at Brize Norton.

Fuck me, sounds like you all point at aeroplanes in the sky

Why would a military airport be accepting a civilian aircraft.

Swindon Town isn’t the only hobby I have.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=IUQiO25IwYM

Shows how much bookies know about our team, Grant is 33/1 to score first and Conroy /Lyden 40/1

There is some commercial traffic at Brize these days I think.


Are we sure they are coming down tonight, there is a charter flight (using the company Man City use) leaving Manchester at 1030 in the morning arriving at Brize at 1130 tomorrow?


Cannot speak for others, but I only know about using the web for such matters as we used flight tracking websites for geography lessons during home schooling last year.

It’s a long-shot but does anyone on here know a D Whitehead who’s possibly still waiting for his ticket in the DRS?

Are they the ones who dont have covid

I'm Dean Whitehead and so is my wife.

I’ve used Flightradar24 to track it to Manchester. Tomorrow would make sense, but why have the coaches on site tonight?

Rectified. Called into the ticket office just before closing. Be warned, there will some isolated chaos with tickets. A chap was in the ticket office and his scenario was this as best I could gather. He has some tickets but the others he HAS BEEN CHARGED for have been issued to someone else… also, if you get replacements like moi, do not mix them up with the ones that may turn up in the post as they like mine have been cancelled and the new ones are the master copies. Best leave them in the envelope just to be sure but if you’ve had them replaced like me you’ll know that already.

On another positive note I managed to get a St. Evenage and Northampton programme for my heirloom collection.

 :D

Breaking news, you may need sun glasses tomorrow. We have……. Wait for it…….. electronic advertising, oh yes, big time Charlie’s that we are.

Saw it shining through the TE exit gates when I parked up earlier for my replacement tickets.  :toocool: :toocool: :toocool:

My retinas havent recovered from the Chelsea league cup game in the Jed era

l-l ticket complaints i heard in the ticket resolution queue at lunch time echo yours:

- you sold seat to someone else
- not receive tickets
    - we can see you have paid, but we can't see your tickets on the system
- I only have 2 of my 4 tickets
  - which booking haven't you got
  - no idea, I did it at the window...

the shop staff were brilliant at resolving it all to be fair to them.

those who don't have theirs, I hope you get a short resolution queue and can do it in plenty of time before ko

oooooooh. flash.  hope it does the scores too.

#matchdayexperience

Points at Iron Bird.

Well this looks like it’s the proof for an 11.30AM arrival at Brize Norton tomorrow.


()

I hesitate to criticise people's hobbies, but tracking the opposition's travel plans to the stadium plumbs new depths of tinpot for me.  ;D

Where’s Venkman when you need him…he’ll have the detail down to their choice of pre match meal I’m sure ;)

Sounds like it could be the case…  :Ride On Fatbury's Lovestick:

https://twitter.com/city_zone_/status/1479129411794391045?s=21

50/1 yesterday,  Best price now 12/1,  Corals and Ladbroke only 9/1 !!.
Bookies running scared for some reason !!.

SkyBet have offered me a healthy cash out for my £2 at 50/1!

boo, get the odds back up

🚨🦠Kyle Walker, Ruben Dias , Rodri, ilkay Gundogan KDB, Gabriel Jesus and Bernardo Silva, Cole Palmer, Nathan Ake & Lavia Have All tested negative For Covid-19🔵✅

They’re will now face the last round of testing this evening. 🔜 #MCFC
(@MO_IBRAHIM_32)

What, all of Latvia?

I cut and paste and corrected it already

The Luftwaffe were less prepared 😂⚽️

Get this guy over here with better hobbies!

(But I completely agree).

On a separate note, I really hope that Iandolo gets a start/run out tomorrow. I know he splits opinion and sometimes is flawed at lb……however, he always gives 100% and is our longest serving player? Loved his effort at Barrow. Second-half, got properly wiped out by a Barrow player when we were losing in the pissing down rain and got straight back up and sprinted back to his position on the left ready for an attack. COYMR.

I agree, i think with Payne being injured he will pop straight back into lwb

Could well be captain with Payne out.

I have an over 65s ticket in the DRS that I will not be able to use. If anyone is interested, DM me. It's available at face value.

You're going to be so fucking gutted when Conroy starts  :D

Bit of a long shot, but don't suppose anyone on here knows of a spare adult ticket going for tomorrow? (Ideally 2 together, but realise that's even more of a long shot)

Not in a million years.

He was captain when Payne went off on Saturday wasn’t he?! So logical choice. Only other options are Hunt or Lyden.

Can only hope Jonny Williams is fit enough to feature.

reed

Think I'd go with this;

Ward

Kesler Hayden
Odimayo
Conroy
Crichlow
Hunt

Reed
Lyden

Williams (if fit)

McKirdy

Simpson

Subs

Idem
Iandolo
O'Brien
Gladwin
Grant
East
Parsons

Gladwin in for Williams if he doesn't make it with Dabre moving up to the bench.

Some will say harsh on Iandolo but that's our best X1 (minus Wollacott & Payne) for me.

I’d go with that same starting XI.
Think it’s 9 on bench for FA Cup so would add Mitchell Lawson and Dabre (only choices I think without going into youth squad)

Iandolo is nailed on to start.

Morning, TEFers. Who’s feeling optimistic?

Just hoping for a good game - with us playing our part - and maybe even scoring. Looks like they will be playing a handful of their main men - today’s testing notwithstanding - all under the CG lights and a full house. Good to see 2,500 Mancs filling the Bank - hope the weather doesn’t ruin it for them.

Wish I could be there! Enjoy!

My heart says that we can pull off a shock win, my head says enjoy the occasion, Mansfield on Tuesday is more important. My other hope is that there is not a flood of bad publicity from disgruntled people who have bought tickets second hand that turn out to be forgeries.

Will also be interesting at how many seats are empty through covid, missed post etc.

1-4 15,143 after 90 mins.

I think we’re going to see a surprisingly strong line up from them (but hope it’s the kids - I can watch their first team on MOTD), maybe enforced by the positive tests. All I want is (1) us to acquit ourselves well, and maybe even score and (2) to create an atmosphere, which has been absent this year (*couldn’t make Northampton, maybe that changed?). Really looking forward to it.

Can't wait for tonight (Covid permitting). Even my 8 year old who is normally quite stoic about football asked for an FA cup breakfast.

I want us to put on a good show and the players to enjoy it. Really want to see Simpson putting Stones on his arse at some point.  Given where we were in the summer I would love for a party atmosphere.

Heart is telling me there is an upset on the cards. Head says otherwise but I am not listening to that. COYR

Would be my starting line up.

Completely forgot about JML. He wouldn't change my thinking regarding who starts but would be added to the bench as you suggested.

I think you're right, although I wouldn't start him personally. Hunt is far more solid defensively & we'll need that solidity tonight.

If Iandolo does start, & he probably will, his licence to get forward as he usually does will probably be revoked.

I agree with Freddy's selection but think that Crichlow will miss out at the expense of Conroy. The latter has to start. Hunt to stay at CB with Iandolo at LWB.

Why does he have to start? I still don’t get why he should waltz back into the team after playing poorly and getting a ridiculous red card. He doesn’t deserve to start.

I’d like to see the new CB - although I wouldn’t want 1 of our regulars to miss out.

If nothing else, he’d be a major nuisance at corners/free kicks.

The big day is here. Very excited despite not being able to go and still feeling quite ropey. Hope you all have a great time and you just never know, perhaps I’ll make round 4. Good luck STFC and good luck those attending

Rob Angus interviewed on the Today programme this morning, so this is officially Big News.

Please let's not embarrass ourselves on the pitch, in the stands or in my living room.  :beers:

Think you're right. I'd go with my selection but think BG will go with what you have suggested above. Which would be harsh on RC.

We get it, you have said it once or twice.. 

Agreed that it would be harsh on RC. @Theakston - for me Conroy starts because of his organisation and experience. I take your point that he shouldn't just waltz back in - he had been poor and the red card was stupid; but if he has trained well this week he starts for me. But I get what you say.

I hope Conroy starts tonight. Has anyone heard if he is?

My guess he will just for experience and organisastion alone. I'm more interested in a Covid update from the City squad!

Depends which Conroy it is, if its the one who played against Barrow I would rather play Iandolo at centre half!

If he gets time will be interesting to see how Gladwin gets on, his style of play really doesn't suit D4.

I assume he’s been shagging Theakston’s bird recently so hope isn’t too knackered to start

I agree, maybe start the new lad if Crich is not fully fit.

No guesses from me on gate or score and no updates later either.

If they play their kids we have a chance, if they play more than 4 1st teamers then its a foregone.

I just think that Hunt and Odimayo got us through the Christmas games and so must start, Crichlow hasn’t done anything wrong and came on Saturday and played his part so he should also start. After playing poorly and getting such a pathetic red card you’d expect a player to have to wait for a chance not be rewarded with captaining the team in such a high profile match. As an actual defender Conroy is pretty average, it’s his passing out from the back that gets him in the team and that seems unlikely to be of much use tonight as the last thing we want to be doing tonight is fucking about in our own half.

Tonight is very much a free hit before 2 very important league games (Mansfield Tuesday and Vale on Saturday) and I really hope us chasing City about for 90 minutes isn't going to tire the team out too much.

I think the new CB will come in on Tuesday as City aren't the type of side that fling crosses into the box or have a long throw specialist. Whilst I hear both sides of the Conroy argument he is club captain and whilst that doesn't mean he automatically should play all the time, if he has trained well will probably play. He has a rick in him but is our best ball playing Centre Back and I imagine Garner would want this attribute against City. I think there are 5 subs in the FA Cup so hopefully we use them.

I'm looking forward to seeing Simpson up against whatever Centre Backs City pick, even better if it's John Stones!

Good morning everyone,from sunny Bridlington ,oop norf .I'm getting excited already its only 8.30 but my 1st can of john smiths is far better than  my normal cup of tea for brekkie. Right let's hear" the  town end" in full voice tonight and let the country see what we're  All about .Its McKirdys kind of game and it could be when Simpson comes of age.Citys selection problems  gives us a chance.with their 2nd string its only the likes of Sterling,grealish, stones etc no probs for the mighty Town .McKirdy to get a pen after foul by walker and off we go."Come on the Town" Have a great night everyone and the atmosphere should be electric .I will be in the town end in spirit  tonight and Leeds or Hull would be a great draw in the nxt round.

Another key factor regarding Conroys inclusion is experience as who knows how the younger players will react playing against a massive team in front of a packed County ground and a few million watching on TV

Today's the day.
Really looking forward to watching some absolute masters of their craft at work and also quite interested in seeing what City have to offer.

Hopefully if any of our visitors choose to park up to the south and east of Drakes Way & Queens Drive they'll be made to feel at home by the locals offering to look after their cars for the evening.

Cup shocks do happen, but realistically how many times would we be beat them out of a hundred, once maybe, if that.

Just want to see us play with a bit of purpose when we have the ball.
Don't think that our standard-fare will be enough to trouble them.

Would love to see our shit Jack Grealish being much better on the night than their shit Harry McKirdy.

A visit to the doc at lunchtime and the bp is likely to be sky high with a visit to the ticket resolution queue at the CG to follow which could have an impact on the amount of valuable drinking time.

Three at the back tonight with Hunt staying at CB.
Would like to see Lyden continue as well.
Using O'Brien as a CF for the last 10 probably won't be in Garner's plans for the night.

Enjoy the game and hope that your seat is unoccupied upon arrival.

They may have Jesus up front but God is a lifelong Swindon fan.

That front 3 will be ‘interesting’ a lot of people say that Palmer will be better than Foden.

I'll go 1-4 and a red card to be had, probably mckirdy.

Coffee in hand, just about to embark on the 5 hour journey down from the Toon! Very much looking forward to this! Safe journey to anyone travelling from afar today!

Because he is the only defender that can organise the back line.

Safe journey.

We didn't even try for tickets.  Only a week or so since we returned to Scotland, so always planned to watch on TV.  And in the event, my youngest has now tested +ve for COVID, so just as well really.

I want to enjoy the game, see the players enjoy the experience, avoid injuries for the Mansfield game and avoid getting embarrassed.  Relatively low bar, but that's how it is for me.

Don’t think anyone organises our backline hence only 6 league clean sheets all season. Hopefully the Palace guy helps on that front going forwards especially with high balls as we have been suspect to them all season, especially long throws. Thankfully shouldn’t be an issue tonight.

Most lower league players are inconsistent, it’s in their nature. You can’t drop every player after every poor performance, it’s not practical.

The only way we have a slightest sniff tonight is if our defence is the most organised and drilled it possibly ever has been in the history of the club, that won’t happen without Conroy in there

Hey Theakston, how do you feel about starting Conroy?

Oh and our defensive record is 7th best in the league so let’s not make out we are shambolic at the back, we aren’t, far from it. Yes we look dodgy at the times but again we are a league 2 team not Arsenal under Tony Adams’ organisation

We are playing the best team in the country arguably in the world and some people have spent the whole build-up arguing over whether our club captain should play. Paynes injury plays into it anyway, he will start, surely?  

What's the update on the Man City plane, spotters?

So, do we think our own squirrel on speed will get booked today?

Just taken off and passing over Congleton at 6,400 ft

It left Manchester Airport about 10 mins ago. It’s an hour to Brize from Manchester

Their coach was at the DeVere last night so I wonder if the plane is just for management

With the management available (if Covid stories are to be believed) they could have flown down in a microlight!

The players are definitely onboard. Currently over Birmingham.

Takes less than 30 minutes looking at flight radar. Environmental & money aspects aside you can see why they do it, 30 minutes on a plane versus 3+ hours on a coach. In the era of an increased reliance on sports science I can’t see 3 hours sat on a coach as being the best prep for playing matches as players are bound to stiffen up.

Is someone manning the ack ack batteries on Birdlip Hill?

Just saw my first robin of the year right in front of my window. That's got to be a good sign, right?

[/clutching at straws]

I was hoping they could release the toilets over Oxford, but its not that far east, just passing over Burford!

Believe it was just the coach driver in the DeVere last night before picking them up from the airport today and then back to the DeVere.

Air traffic is light today. They’ve had a direct flight to Brize. Landing in 5 mins.

Yep it’s an absolutely no brainer if you have the money, in life as well not just sport

The eagle has landed, I repeat the eagle has landed  :D

Is there any confirmation anywhere yet as to who has travelled as weren't there supposed to be a load more tests on their players and staff this morning.

Does The Goat still play for them? Paolo Wanchope? Somebody Brightwell?

Think they all played the last time I saw us play them at Maine Road. Some of their more ‘enthusiastic’ young urchins were a pain in the arse afterwards.

Some excitement when a ticket was delivered just now.
Only very slightly dampened on seeing that it was for Mansfield.

Oh well, an unscheduled trip to the CG it is then.

What time realistically should we be rocking up to the CG tonight? I know the club says be in the ground by 7:15 but if I arrive at 7:30 for example, am I likely to miss kick off? Last time I went to the CG we used to time it to get in for the players coming out of the tunnel! Clearly a lot has changed since then.

I'd get there for 6 just to be on the safe side.

I see City are flying back from Brize at 11.45 tonight so they will be hoping to avoid ET or pens or it could get to be a bit of a rush!

I'll be rocking up at 7.55

I'm already in my seat.

Booked Los Gatos for 5.45, that's a decent tapas in Old Town isn't it? Is that the one Flammable Ben used to work at?

going to guess they can good the plane up :)

Well my tickets have arrived today at midday, phew saves me queuing up for a reprint.

Can now look forward to the game without any hassle beforehand

In my way to Pompey with a job. Back in plenty of time fingers crossed.

Well congratulations to all on making this one of the longest and most bizarre match day threads ever, and we are still 6 hrs away from kick off..

Original or a 3D reprint?

Anyone going down to the CG today for tickets - they are not allowing anyone to park in the car park, stewards are turning everyone away, so you have to go and find somewhere else to park up in the side streets.

Programmes are £5 also rather than the usual £3.50 (I think its a cup final edition !)

I have particularly enjoyed the plane spotting. Can this be a regular feature; albeit the journey of the away team coach as picked up by ANPR.

Someone that knows a family member of Grealish has told me he is in the travelling squad for tonight

Horse and Cart spotting when Rovers come to town.

It's so tinpot it's hilarious.

The Chelsea game a few years back only got to 21 pages, and only six before the match. Clearly this one caught the imagination more (or internet flight trackers have got better...)

http://thetownend.com/index.php?topic=52564.0

Edit: Reading through it, most of that was arguing about goal music. Plus ca change...

Au contraire.  28 pages of pre-match guff = sleeping giant.  We're massive.

I've received visual confirmation that there are half and half scarves currently available for purchase in Swindon. Sad times.

I think any major footballing event featuring STFC - the Chelsea game - was tempered by the knowledge that any benefit to the club would not make it passed Power’s pocket  - ditto transfer fees etc.

With the club being transparent in the extreme, people can see the £350,000 we get from this game will have a genuine positive effect on the club. We have ‘invested’ in the whole concept of supporting a football club again - and I don’t just mean financially.

No different to the 40 pages on the City forum  ;)

I just had a peruse myself and some of the posters were clearly ahead of their time suggesting we use the Senses working overtime song for our goal music.

'Interesting' to see a young Kevin De Bruyne in the Chelsea line-up. I wonder if he'll play any minutes tonight.

With 6 hours to go, it’s started snowing here in Bath. It’s coming up from the southwest and Wales.

Just hoping Williams is fit enough to start

He is definately the one that makes us tick in midfield/attack.

But there was no debate to be had about the ins or outs of Conroy ...

I seem to recall he didn't get many minutes that night. Didn't he suffer quite a nasty knee injury?

£3…

Don't forget your masks and covid pass peeps

Too late for Flash :(

That was another Central European midfielder who’s name escapes me

De Bruyne played and didn’t do much. Based on an article in the athletic last ye at, it was that game that convinced mourinho to get rid

Van _Ginkel, was the player who got injured I think?

His replacement was Ramires I think, who came on, set up both goals and went off again

Man City must be very short, Mendy has just been released on bail.

Sleeting here now.

Feels-like temperature forecast to be -1°c at 8pm. Wrap up warm!

Are you H from Line of Duty?

Sleet M4 Membury.

Turned into heavy snow.

Rain lower down.

Sleet has turned to snow in Old Town.

Gutted!

Ticket secured.
Hydrating in the Goddard Arms.
Giving the new shirt an airing tonight, not sure if I've put it on the right way round. Difficult to tell.

Was the Dutch player Marco Van Ginkel, not sure he ever played for Chelsea again.

I'm happy that I will be able to watch us on the TV tonight.

I'm pissed off that I won't be able to watch a game tomorrow.

I have no interest in the fact we are playing 'Citeh'

I'm pissed off that we might see a dicking or be a 'joke' or laughing stock. Even worse is to be seen as a plucky L2 side trying to play the game in the right way!

Luckily, as I'll be at the match I won't have to listen to the typical punditry.
I see GW Reds are doing some sort of flag banner crowd thing in the DRS when the players come out.

Oh god noooooo. Nearly as bad as having a drum. I cringe when I see the flags at Arsenal etc.

Who’s got the Power’s a Fat Thieving Cunt banner?

I always assumed that PV was H from Steps?  ;)

I'm not sure why the media continuously make out that the FA Cup is in the only cup competition in the world where lower league teams can beat 'top' teams, but perhaps that is because I am a miserable sod.

Protesting against the sleeve sponsor? Their disgust with the club lasted a long time.

We have similar hairstyles.

TBH I have no idea if H from Line of Duty is a compliment or insult as I have never watched it :)

I just want something to celebrate from this. A meaningful goal wold be magic (to level us or even more unbelievably, one to put us ahead).

Failing that, something to get us off our feet and the place going nuts. I'll settle for a dodgy reffing decision and someone like Rodri getting the panto villain treatment. 

Nothing wrong with him really,  just didn’t want to buy a round in the Gluepot.

I’m getting word that Citeh took over the WHILE of the Devere costing £30k and the hotel had to relocate anyone who was booked in…unsubstantiated but would not surprise me.

40-1 with skybet.

Now 33’s

40-1 with skybet.

Wouldn’t be surprised if they had ‘inside’ knowledge of their line up. To move prices up and down willy nilly. Of course betting patterns will obvs influence movement too.

Was it you that left the Ansa machine message 'Theres fuck all wrong with you!'.....?

Got 33/1 on us losing, McKirdy and Reed getting booked and there being 22 or more free kicks in the game!

Score or odds?

Why didn’t you add running out of programmes? 😁

Suddenly an attack of the butterflies. My god, where did they come from?

Probably 4D.

I know mate, I am the same.

Convinced myself I didn't give a shit about the game and would happily take a defeat as long as it was under 5 goals.....

Then Citeh get several covid related missing players and it could be game on with a chance of a result against a weakened side.

We have literally nothing to lose in going for it. Only a handful ot Town fans genuinel,y think we will win so go out and enjoy the game and entertain the Town fans and the watching (probable) millions.

Or end up against a stronger XI as they have to play them. Doesn’t seem any news on who travelled yet so could go either way with their team. I was hoping they’d have to play Ederson out on pitch as everyone always says he could do a job there.

Man City forum say Sterling and Stones haven't travelled but thats about it.

Just happened to me too. So fucking wish I was there. Depressing

Jutty

Out of work and on the bus heading to P+R in Brizzle now, ex-bloody cited even though it's as cold as a witches tit out there. Outed myself as a Town fan at my Bristol City dominated work place this afternoon when people asked what we were up to over the weekend.

Not going to give us a hope in hell, but god could you imagine?

Looking forward to watching a game of football in person no matter the result.

Mildenhall on the bench apparently

Right change of clobber,tickets, mask, mobile with NHS App, cash for a prog, plastic bag to protect prog. Exfuckingcited. COYR.

Bugger.  Same here.

same here. buzzing nervous though

Keep drinking to calm dem nerves.

Excitement building.

What wouldn't I give to hear "can we play you every week" ring out from 3 sides of the ground - at any stage"?

Must admit I’m also looking forward to it a lot more than I was a week ago.

Can’t believe this betting,  back out to 50/1 to win,  20/1 the draw with Skybet.

I just hope we score, or at least have something to celebrate

I'm sure a few of us have been keeping up with the Blue Moon Forum.

If you just looked at their galacticos, you'd expect to hold their fans in a degree of contempt.

But for a big club their fans are an exceptionally grounded and knowledgeable bunch.  And a laugh.

Respect to their fans.  

In the pub with a group of citeh. They're sound.

Rumour onBlue Moon that we have 7 Covid withdrawals

Good interview by Richie Wellens on Wiltshire sound. Nearly came back to Swindon at the beginning of the season but was put off bu uncertainty of the future of Swindon. Sounds like he enjoyed managing Swindon due to him being allowed to manage the club his own way which wasn’t the case at donny or Salford.

How would they know

Oh boy that's a strong team.

So they have a full strength XI and we are starting Gladwin  :Ride On Fatbury's Lovestick: now wonder the odds lengthened, fair play to them for taking it seriously.

Yowzer

That's hurts

But

I've just had a vision McKirdy gets a penalty  who takes the pens before I put my bet on.

I make it 8 of their strongest starting XI. Crazy

Couldn't we play Mildenhall & Ward?

Honestly, I’m really pleased.

Yes, Stefan, Ake and Palmer. No fucking wonder they didn't pull out!!

So what do we reckon 15% possession?

😂😂 I think we've lost with 85% possession so it's not over yet😂

oh.

that's a good team then.

Mildy to come on and save on the penalty shootout

What's going on with Wollacott?

African Cup of Nations

I’ll be watching g on the telly from afar.
Would love to hear the odd reference to the yellow filth

ACON I thought he was here for this then went but no

Disappointed to see Williams on the bench. But to be honest I'd rather see him start Tuesday I suppose

African nations cup

In the Tap  :pint:

Put ‘em on Flash’s account.

Right, about to go and camp in front of the TV. Normally cant be arsed with all the 'Build up' nonsense, tonight I'll be glued to it! Good luck everyone; here we go...

Pretty similar to a Wellens bluff !!.

Is anyone at the match ???   I bet it is just electric

Cowmeadow to come on and score the winner anyone?

ITV taking a risk with their commentary position in the or er of TE and Shrivy road !

Atmosphere holding nicely. Big fuck off drone over the back of the JT stand. Either that or aliens.

£428m starting XI, that's the stat we were all waiting for.

Hope everyone who goes has an absolutely brilliant time, wish I could be there but it'll be great to watch on the telly. Go make names for yourselves Town.

Did you see hand gestures behind Ashley Coles head😀

WOW BUZZING "COME ON SWINDON"

I saw RR go up to them but missed the gesture, what did he do?

Cashley actually got a couple of full sentences out there without too much difficulty, good work!

ESPN 3 finally started coverage....damn....still can't see the stands....

Beers in, mates coming round, wearing my Macari STFC t-shirt. COYR

YOUUUUU RED

Sounds like a great atmosphere - fans doing us proud pre game - let's hope they ramp it up during the game

Matterface nearly called them Manchester Utd then, that will go down well with the natives

Ally McCoist!

City seem to be wearing their training kit?

Ward's kicking has been really bad so far

FFS

1 nil Silva

We look very nervous.

Landolo  stood back there.

As feared all started from fucking about at the back from a goal kick. Not a brain cell between them at the back, why are we playing short goal kicks?

Because it's the way the manager wants to play, nothing to do with players brain cells..

If the keeper is struggling to kick the ball you use some common sense, it’s suicide.

Harry McKardy - Matterface has obviously seen Harry's yellow card record

Thought that was a handball in the build up

You have to feel sorry for McKirdy (McKardy). He's likely to see about as much of the ball as I will this evening.  And I'm 400 miles away.

Surely you have heard Garner say enough times now that he has a system and it won't change..  right or wrong, this is how they have been told to play

Citeh keeper hasn't even bothered to do his gloves up :D

Cocky shit!

The ease…the ease. This is just a training session

For Premier League champions - that kit is terrible

And again, sorry but it’s pathetic!

What the fuck are we doing

Dear, dear, dear, dear!😖

2 nil Jesus

…as if Man City need our help assisting them ffs

That goal kick was shit, but I can only imagine Theakston has just spontaneously combusted.

Why do we do these stupid short goal kicks ??.  Suicidal.

Just thrown away the tie.

That is just fucking stupid...Ward looks so out of his depth

Again, it comes from the Manager..

Every goal kick......playing into their hands

I’ll not be judging any of the players on the back of this. But taking things at face value, that was utterly embarrassing

'Both goals orchestrated by Swindon being over-elaborate in playing out from the back.' 100%

Conroy at fault

Oh McKirdy!!!!

Turns out City's keeper can fuck up too!

Sums are season up quite well tbh.

Obviously in L2 we are good enough further up the pitch to score goals and win games

We're chasing shadows and sure to get tired second half

To be fair we are playing not a lot different to how we play in the league. Man City are class apart though and will bury any gifts given to them. Stevenage were gifted chances but just couldn’t take them.

As long as we don’t lose by 7 or 8 then that’s ok

The difference being we're not controlling possession like a league two game!

I want a free kick on the edge of their box to give Reed an eye at goal - would love to see us score tonight

It's like we are playing with a man down in midfield. Gladwin seems to be having a lovely time jogging around while those around him are running their socks off!

Is Gladwin even jogging!

He’s running at full speed.

Song for the TE at half time -

“Cheryl Cole and you fucked it up”

What a hit by Cancelo - just assumed that was in

We've grown into this, goal kick calamity aside. Man City barely in second gear but KKH looking a useful outlet.

It's still extremely talented men against nervous boys mind.

Superb...I also thought it was in

KKH has done himself no damage with his employers tonight so far - Gerrard will be liking what he sees

Gladwin offering nothing

This is the best I have seen him defend! Probably because he isn't bombing forward.

stop ... the.... shot... Ball.... you...fuckwits

it's been nice watching man city pass it around, make it look so easy.

we don't have the players to get in their faces, and we've been pretty poor with the ball on the free occasions we got it .

If Williams isn't fit then replace him with East or preferably Grant

I'm proud of our showing apart from the second goal. Lyden does not look out of place in this company. Pleased with Simpson also.

only down 2.....that isn't horrible. especially since we gave them one for free

He’s been absolutely dog shit can’t understand how he’s made the starting line up

That was OK. But it does highlight the shelf life of Garnerball.

KKH the best so far. Could have been far worse. Had a couple of sniffs and I reckon we will actually score.

the is no point having a ball player like gladwin on if you can't get the ball

Although I wanted to see Williams I'd much rather he stayed in his cotton wool til Tuesday. That's as long as he fucking starts on Tuesday

Gladwin has been a complete liability so far. Just gives the ball away every time he gets it. It’s hard to believe that he’s come back from playing a higher level worse than when he left us.

Would like to see AG on.
But Garner would hate that especially if he did well

I think we only committed a single foul in that half - we can't even get close to them.  It's a pleasant enough watch, but they are just running a training session against us.  You can't read much into it and I'm not going to pick out individuals, but we are a goal walking on our left side if they fancy taking us more often.  The fannying about at goal kicks was asking for trouble, and we got some.

KKH has had a good game (OK, singling out good performances) and Simpson has done alright.

Overall, I guess it could have been a lot worse, but they can't have had an easier game against lower league opposition in terms of being given time and space.

Sort of feel a bit sorry for our players.

We said the same.

agree....need to keep in mind this is just really an exhibition match....no chance of a result...protect williams and anyone else so they are ready for the league games....need to go for promotion!!

On the plus side for England in the future, Palmer looks a talent.

KKH the only real bright spot in that half, although McKirdy is trying his level best

Agree, give Cowmeadow and Parsons 20 minutes they'll remember for the rest of their lives rather than risking Williams.

Man City had 77% possession which there is nothing we can do about as they're so good. We could help ourselves by kicking the ball long from goal kicks otherwise they will just pick us off with ease.

Indeed, let them have a run out they will remember.

Bringing Anthony Grant on would be a disaster, he hasn't played a competetive game for about 3 months. and I am a massive AG fan.

Williams for Gladwin is the only move that makes sense, or if not fit East

Can see us winning this 3-2.

I see the keeper has been taking training from Nicky Hammond when it comes to handling back passes and kicking in general.

Think he has been the best player on the pitch, surprisingly given the talent

Would you expect us to get that "close to them"?

Palmer's movement is astonishing for youngster and it is combined with no lack of pace and great control.  He may even be a better prospect than Foden was.

No, hence not knocking anyone.

This game is showing the issues with professional football in general.
To much money.
To a lesser situation Speedway faced a similar problem before riders and teams were controlled...

Absolutely

I would give Parsons a run out definitely, but probably for McKirdy

I think that is a real issue, but Man City do this to top top teams as well.  You have to hand it to Pep.

Did Pougatch just call him Carlton Palmer? :D

That's what I thought

I’d love to see us ditch ‘the plan’ for 45 minutes and just get into them* show a bit of nasty streak.

*if we can get near them

Atmosphere gone flat

Ally McCoist on Don Rogers - "What a player" <3

He certainly did

McCoist clearly having a quick look on Wikipedia there

He's certainly talking sense about us messing around at the back

Williams coming on

Yup, what he just said (in a justifiably exasperated tone) about us just going direct to Simpson and McKirdy before fanny arsing around at the back is clearly absolutely right

Spot on!

Maybe I went too soon - i saw him get up and start unzipping his coat

Anyway, it's not 60 mins yet

3 nil Gundogan

FFS. Get the fuckin wall in the right place! Sorry Mr Ward. Number 2 keeper. Let's hope Emanuele is better.

Poor defending the wall should have been over more

Feel for Ward, he’s having a mare. Confidence looks shot.

Bit embarrassing that.

Penalty City

Saved

That was a shit penalty

Terrible penalty from Jesus

Blow the final whistle.  There's the highlight.  Wardy, take a bow!

Redeemed yourself a bit Mr Ward!

Good for Ward's confidence.

Ironically, we have conceded 3, I don't think Jojo concedes 2 of those 3 - that's not to say that we still wouldn't be 3 nil down

Tactical fouls at 3-0 up, ludicrous levels of professionalism

Superb tackle

brilliant tackle KKH

I think if we’d frustrated City enough (by not conceding those sloppy goals) they’d have probably just gone up a gear anyway.

Simpson's leg went to jelly - went to ground in the box - not given - rightly so

Agreed

KDB off - Mcatee on

Simpson looks like he has no legs left

Up to first gear from neutral

McKirdy knackered too.

Williams & Critch on - Gladwin & Mayo off

We now have 11 players on the pitch

Odimayo off an odd one, KKH has been down for treatment twice.

Might as well give Parsons and JML a run out

Got a feeling we might see the new keeper Tuesday

Fuck me, we scored a goal

1-3 McKirdy

Well done Williams and McKirdy!

Fuck yes!!!!

Have it!

Keeper has had a mare there but hey ho.

Really enjoyed McCoists commentary tonight tbh

Running scared!

Palmers a bit good isn’t he

1-4 Palmer - what a player

Can't argue with brilliance

As have I, he’s been a good listen

What he definitely needs is a loan spell in L2

Gundogan off
Parsons on for Simpson

100%

Parsons looks a bit trimmer to me - that might be my eyes though

Ake off

Palmer off

McKirdy fucked - off for Dabre

Reed off for East

Conroy hobbling

Dabre does a comedy dive when his body overtook his legs :D

Gret save by Ward from Rodri = pushed onto the bar

Don’t think our bar has ever been thumped that hard

What on earth is Floor Screeding?

What a save Ward

Levelling a concrete floor before putting down flooring.

That is why I didn't want to play a team like Man City

FT 1-4

1-4. After Stevenage I thought we could lose by 10 but 1-4 is respectable. Shouldn’t dent our confidence for our promotion push.

Broadly to script, but we got a goal. City had many more gears they didn't need, but some memories.

The key thing is that we get back to winning in the league.

And I learned about floor screeding. So something for everyone, thanks NMH.

You’ll not catch me knocking that effort in a million years. Tried their hearts out

We were taught a footballing lesson this evening but fair play for not giving up.

Agree

since I have started watching this team, the defense has been the biggest weakness. especially off of corners and set plays...tonight the defense seemed to attack the ball as it came in and cleared it...i hope their continue this....if swindon plays this hard every game, they will be getting a lot of results...

No need to analyse the game, much as expected and the fuss around the game just goes to prove the saying - we won't be playing teams like this in League Two this season.

I thought KKH, Hunt, Lyden, Simpson (although a little over eager) and McKirdy did very well.  Williams looked lively when he came on.

Bank the money, shrug the game off and focus on the real challenge in front of us.  Hopefully a few quid in the coffers allows us to bring a couple of new faces in.  We need strengthening down the left and a forward, proper one (not knocking Simpson).

Enjoyable to watch that - apart from the 2 defensive cock ups..

Their first and last goals - class and no complaints - Palmer best player on the pitch

Palmer > Grealish

Ward good shot stopper. Poor with his feet.
KKH MotM. Defended very well
Conroy. Tried to be Hoddle.
Odimayo. Surprised he was subbed.
Hunt did well
Iandolo. Only beaten for 2 goals.
Reed harried but isn't a 1 man midfield
Gladwin offered nothing
McKirdy scored! Ran his socks off
Simpson ran himself into the ground
Someone else? Obviously didn't do much (Actually, it was Lyden who played pretty well closing people down)

Subs:
Parsons. Tried hard
Williams didn't look fit. Good run and pass for the goal
Dabre comedy run around
East didn't get a touch did he?
Crichlow did OK. Shame his header went into Townend

I'm not sure there is much up top for Palmer based on the interview though :-)  Maybe it helps, just soaks up the coaching with all the spare space there.

Palmer looks class and good job Foden wasn't on the pitch as well

Also less intelligent then Grealish as well judging by his interview.

✅

Agreed.

Hmmm, you might be stretching it a bit there, at the moment..  in the future, maybe

Overall kept it respectable and players gave a good account of themselves. Only disappointment was way we conceded, doubly frustrating as we stopped the short nonsense second half so we didn’t need to do it.

What did he say?

Not much.  One line was something like "coach told me to stay wide, so I did".  Insightful.

No, no, no. I realised who I forgot!

Lyden was excellent in the first half and tried hard in the second.

Usual teenage stuff, struggling to put 2 sentences together

Lyden and Reed together for the second half of the season could be quite tasty, especially if Williams can get fit and play more often in front of them.

Ha, yeah I noticed the re-appraisal!

This. Also the person conducting the interview asked in a roundabout way how Pep would have rated his performance. Palmer had to ask the person doing the interview who they were referring to.

Still the lad will earn more money in his lifetime then I will (unless I win a big lottery), so good luck to him.

Yep, Lyden could be like a new player if he puts a run of games together

I just couldn't remember who the 11rh was! Then saw the penalty replay and saw him!

Bloody senior moments! 😂

Think they chose the wrong place to put Ashley Cole  :Ride On Fatbury's Lovestick:

Probably already has…

Based on the performance, the focus on his football rather than academic ability looks like a good move - potential of a big future there

Happy with that - Leicester let in 6 remember.

I don't get the criticism of the keeper, some great saves - including a penalty - and he clearly didn't want to play it short all the time, clearly following orders. I thought he played well

Should be a good springboard for the promotion push

Someone needs to tell Conroy that he's not Beckenbauer. It would be ok if it's a one off but he gives the ball away so cheap at league 2 level as well. He is a good lower league defender and organiser - just do that well and have a good career.

I've been a Lyden fanboy since he signed, but so good to have him back. Class act.

Need a new LWB but we've known that for months.

All in all we gave it a fair crack. We don't have the organisation and off the ball discipline to sit back so they were always going to unpick us at points but we broke through ourselves and would've taken the score before the game.

I said at half time to PV that we look much worse with Gladwin on the pitch than off.

Can't see Williams being more than an pact player as he seems injury prone. We need another player in there.

We missed Payne's energy especially in the first half.

Haha I spotted my error and adjusted it but you spotted it before I made the adjustment.

Agreed. It was never going to be Gladwins game as needed mobile players to close them down. Cannot work out how on earth he got 70 minutes

He lasted 70 minutes by conserving energy and not running!

Ben Garner does see a penalty regularly that just wasn't there

Garner:
- Proud
- Defence set up well
- Couple of mistakes
- Great goal
- Should have had penalty
- Nice to play Man City
- Worked on 2 ways to avoid press. Didn't clip it longer
- Been interesting if we had the penalty
- Great experience for the players
- A few in there that may play in the Premier league

The Simpson tackle wasn't a penalty

Nope - he got jelly legs

According to Garner it was

I think the Simpson smile caught on TV said it all😀

But then Garner though that every goal Cobblers scored on Sat was offside..  He does see things that just aren't there quite regularly

He was the same after the Barrow game when he said multiple decisions went against Town.

77% possession and only 9 shots on target? Fuck me that's not good.

Yeah, Garner might be the most one eyed manager we've had when it comes to refereeing decisions, he reckons we're hard done by every single week. It's not a particularly endearing trait.

Thought we were poor first half (in context), but so much better after the break.

Really enjoyed it and we weren't disgraced at all

how fucking brilliant was it mckirdy bagged, then we got a free kick on the edge of the box ..

that all depends on your perspective.

I think it was a brilliant place to put him

I am fairly certain that had something to do with them being in first gear and playing with us, a bit like a cat with a near dead mouse.

Quite an enjoyable evening, expected to get beat and we weren't embarrassed which we should take solace from. To have the penalty save and McKirdy's goal at least gave us something to cheer about.

Hard to pick fault when the opposition were just purely so much better than us, but trying to play it out from the back in the first half lead to the two goals. The second you could see coming from a mile away.

I thought Hunt had a really good game, actually got close and stuck the boot in a few times. KKH was probably the standout though. Gabriel Jesus is a hell of a player, ok KKH got beat a couple of times but I thought he played very well.

Spotted a few of you lot (was sat not far from Batch) but didn't get the chance to say hello.

Oh, and yes Palmer is certainly a talent, but doesn't appear to have a right foot.

ah sorry Sam, didn't spot you.

At times the atmosphere was really loud and could hardly hear the City fans

They were very subdued. Probably the prawn sandwich mob.

I know the bank is hard to generate an atmosphere in, but I'll bet Rovers will be louder.

think man city being in cruise control for periods kind of tempered things a bit

got much better in the second half.
--
TV watchers, did the Lee Power song get on air at the end (when Ashley Cole was talking)

the thought of the prawn sandwich brigade having to do on the Bank anuses me .

probably a culture shock

I suppose it's the other end of the spectrum. Being the underdog creates a bit of passion etc. City were a lot lot louder 20+ years ago when they came.

Nope, they had 23 shots and were obviously playing flat out  ::)

Jesting aside they are a class side. Quite a small side too, apart from Ake.

Glad it anuses you....

Albeit the idea of anyone getting a prawn sandwich on the bank is unbelievable..

Sent from my SM-A125F