The Squad List (2024/25 Edition)

[Crozzer]

The one against Oldham, saying he's out of position when the ball comes in from the side it does is clutching at straws, you stay further away to begin with as it's easier to come toward it than back away.  If it goes the other side of him I bet the same people still say he's out of position, so which is it?

For the goalkeeper tracking a header is very difficult, the ball can come off a forehead at any angle or height.  A shot at goal usually comes with some backlift, enabling the goalie time to get set and estimate the path of the shot.  If all else fails the goalie makes himself big.

The freekick followed the Oldham player falling over on purpose, it was never a foul.  The kick found the tallest Oldham forward who had a free header.  So if you want to attribute blame, the ref got it wrong, the Swindon backline got it wrong, and considering everything Ripley did well to get a hand to it.

[Crozzer]

Are people seriously suggesting Ripley was at fault for the Cardiff free kick that rocketed right into the top corner?

If Ripley has stopped that, Manchester United would have wanted to sign him.  

[theakston2k]

If Ripley has stopped that, Manchester United would have wanted to sign him.  

That’s fine, we’ve got a 28 year old who hasn’t started a league game since he left us in 2023 to replace him who should be starting instead anyway according to some.

[iParadise]

His second half display at Oldham on Saturday was exemplary.  He made the League Two team of the week.  He kept the Town in the game last night until late on last night with at least two great saves.   He looks to be carrying an injury.  I would rather worry about the alleged defenders in front of him, rather than faulting him for not being Lev Yashin.

Exactly this. He is 100% being made scapegoat by some fans for the terrible defending in front of him.

[theakston2k]

Exactly this. He is 100% being made scapegoat by some fans for the terrible defender in front of him.

A lot of it is the JSW effect, they have this romantic view of Ward. They just remember a few penalty saves not all the mistakes.

[Batch]

Looking at the second goal again, even that I can see why he retreated.

It wasn't obvious he'd make the ball. I'll take his word for it that he thinks he could.

[Bob's Orange]

Based on absolutely nothing at all I'm wondering whether Ameen and his agent are planning to run down his contract and wait until next season to take his pick of clubs. Of course he risks being alienated by Holloway by doing this.

Pure guesswork on my part but I find it a little odd why he's not been involved more.

[JoeMezz]

Smith scan today - any update?

[Boydy]

To be perfectly honest under the way Holloway set them up so far this season it's pointless playing Ameen. He's never going to get a chance to do what he does best whilst we're hoofing it from the back & the ball either ends up out of play or back with the opposition because there's no one near Smith when he wins the header.

Now Smith is out maybe we can actually look to put the ball on the floor and pass it around & run at defenders. Although going on the last 35+ minutes after Smith went off on Tuesday I won't hold my breath.