So, the Championship season has started **Spoilers**

Pighardia said:
Also, there was a really bad injury to Jaoa Texeira tonight as well:(. Such a shame for him as he has come on leaps and bounds this season. We love that little guy down here. I just hope he recovers fully and finds a good club in the summer as he has bags of potential. He'll walk in to any championship club!

He was taken to hospital, looks like he might have broken something.
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Surely there's a chance he'll come back to you?

I can't see him making it at Liverpool tbh
 
Andybtsn said:
It's Boro :p
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Cheeky.. but true sadly! :(

Just over 20,000 there last night, was a an excellent game. Boro started superbly, their first 20 minutes was probably their best of the season, we blew Wolves away and scored 2 quick early goals. But we let Wolves back into the game a bit and they pulled one back early in the second half. They looked dangerous at times but never really looked like getting another.

Sako is an absolute beast, quick and skillful for the size of him. Surprised no-one has tested him out in the Prem yet. Bamford was different class!
 
omnomnom said:
Surely there's a chance he'll come back to you?

I can't see him making it at Liverpool tbh
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He's too good. I'd love to say we have a chance, as apparently he loves it here, but I think he will probably be playing either with a team coming down from the premiership, or one that has been promoted.

Looks like he twisted his knee... It is a particular shame, as it happened when he gave the ball away up front and tracked all the way back to win it back, and it was actually a bad tackle from him. Still, shows how much he has improved, as he wouldn't have done that earlier in the season.
 
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Egon said:
Cheeky.. but true sadly! :(

Just over 20,000 there last night, was a an excellent game. Boro started superbly, their first 20 minutes was probably their best of the season, we blew Wolves away and scored 2 quick early goals. But we let Wolves back into the game a bit and they pulled one back early in the second half. They looked dangerous at times but never really looked like getting another.

Sako is an absolute beast, quick and skillful for the size of him. Surprised no-one has tested him out in the Prem yet. Bamford was different class!
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More of the same would be nice!
 
Pighardia said:
He's too good. I'd love to say we have a chance, as apparently he loves it here, but I think he will probably be playing either with a team coming down from the premiership, or one that has been promoted.

Looks like he twisted his knee... It is a particular shame, as it happened when he gave the ball away up front and tracked all the way back to win it back, and it was actually a bad tackle from him. Still, shows how much he has improved, as he wouldn't have done that earlier in the season.
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He's broke his leg apparently.
 
Yep:(

I hope it doesn't hamper him too much. Really good kid. We were outside the ground a few weeks back before a game and he seemed to be running late, and as he was going in he stopped to talk to some young kids who were in front of us for a while. Seemed really down to earth.
 
Good win for Wednesday last night against Brentford.

I have a lot of time Warburton and thought his side were well really well organised. Thought they lacked a bit of technique in the middle of the park but their number 23 (Peleteiro Ramallo) has a lot flair and looked a constant threat.

Wednesday were good and it was a really enjoyable match, very end to end. Lee took his goal well but we should probably have killed them off (and they should probably have got one back late on) with a couple of chances after the first goal.

Anyway; more disappointed by the lack of a minute of silence prior to kick off.
 
Tummy said:
Thought they lacked a bit of technique in the middle of the park
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Strangely enough, that's basically all we have to our advantage. Toral, who came on and had the ball nicked off him for your goal, has spent the last ten years at Barcelona and Arsenal, whereas Judge has such a wide range of passing and first touch that he's been our best buy. Jota, as you say, is incredibly gifted. Saying that, we've got two quite standard DMs.

I think we really missed Alex Pritchard last night. He's been awesome the second half of the season when playing through the middle, and we really missed his vision and composure.

Warburton's decision to cancel the transfer of several players in January is really undermining us. We have one fit striker (who hasn't played higher than Conference football in his career), with the reserve on the bench being part of our development squad - the other sides vying for promotion all have an abundance of able forwards, whereas we have one! It seems as if Warburton has played a massive role in where we've got to, but ultimately we're likely to remain at this level due to his inexperience and stubbornness.

I heard there were a few grumbles about the playing service last night - I watched the highlights and there seemed to be more dirt than grass. Not using that as an excuse though, as that doesn't come into play when we managed to fluff up so many chances!
 
toshj said:
Strangely enough, that's basically all we have to our advantage. Toral, who came on and had the ball nicked off him for your goal, has spent the last ten years at Barcelona and Arsenal, whereas Judge has such a wide range of passing and first touch that he's been our best buy. Jota, as you say, is incredibly gifted. Saying that, we've got two quite standard DMs.

I think we really missed Alex Pritchard last night. He's been awesome the second half of the season when playing through the middle, and we really missed his vision and composure.

Warburton's decision to cancel the transfer of several players in January is really undermining us. We have one fit striker (who hasn't played higher than Conference football in his career), with the reserve on the bench being part of our development squad - the other sides vying for promotion all have an abundance of able forwards, whereas we have one! It seems as if Warburton has played a massive role in where we've got to, but ultimately we're likely to remain at this level due to his inexperience and stubbornness.

I heard there were a few grumbles about the playing service last night - I watched the highlights and there seemed to be more dirt than grass. Not using that as an excuse though, as that doesn't come into play when we managed to fluff up so many chances!
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I thought last night the two in the middle of the park looked really uninspiring, they sat quite deep (or appeared too) but showed little creativity. They seemed to play as two holding midfielders. Toral, as you said has spent time at a incredible club and if he picked up anything at all should be starting matches (although I have no idea on fitness, performance in training ect ect). Our midfield; Melo Silva, Lee, and McGugan are a solid midfield but with McGugan's form having dried up I was just expecting more from a playoff candidate's midfield.

I did think the side was exceptionally well organised, the manner in which Brentford moved the way out from defence and goal kicks was fantastic. It was equally frustrating to watch Wednesday fail to adapt to it though. I thought the match 'tactic' from Brentford was quite easy to identify, pressing all over the pitch (the players physical conditions were outstanding) and playing it around our midfield but it was not quite as effective as Warburton wanted.

I don't think either side was particularly good in front of goal, I personally thought we shaded the game, but the score line should really have been more 3-2, or 2-1 as both sides had a few good chances.

The pitch has been terrible since just before Christmas in all honesty, it is looking better now than it did a ~month~ ago. It's never been 'fixed' since the ground was flooded back in 07 (off the top of my head) and because of the clubs finances we have never been in a position to resolve the issue.

Anyway, new owners now (whom are fantastic so far) and have said that investment in the ground will come quickly, new pitch and new scoreboard is all that has been mentioned so far though. I like Hillsborough, I love it really, as it's still a big homage to the 'old fashioned' football grounds. I think with some improvements could become a fantastic ground again, it's sort of in a awkward situation it's a between ground.

Warburton's leaving in the summer though is he not? I have a lot of time for him (as mentioned) and think he will walk in to another club.
 
Tummy said:
I thought last night the two in the middle of the park looked really uninspiring, they sat quite deep (or appeared too) but showed little creativity. They seemed to play as two holding midfielders. Toral, as you said has spent time at a incredible club and if he picked up anything at all should be starting matches (although I have no idea on fitness, performance in training ect ect). Our midfield; Melo Silva, Lee, and McGugan are a solid midfield but with McGugan's form having dried up I was just expecting more from a playoff candidate's midfield.

I did think the side was exceptionally well organised, the manner in which Brentford moved the way out from defence and goal kicks was fantastic. It was equally frustrating to watch Wednesday fail to adapt to it though. I thought the match 'tactic' from Brentford was quite easy to identify, pressing all over the pitch (the players physical conditions were outstanding) and playing it around our midfield but it was not quite as effective as Warburton wanted.

I don't think either side was particularly good in front of goal, I personally thought we shaded the game, but the score line should really have been more 3-2, or 2-1 as both sides had a few good chances.

The pitch has been terrible since just before Christmas in all honesty, it is looking better now than it did a ~month~ ago. It's never been 'fixed' since the ground was flooded back in 07 (off the top of my head) and because of the clubs finances we have never been in a position to resolve the issue.

Anyway, new owners now (whom are fantastic so far) and have said that investment in the ground will come quickly, new pitch and new scoreboard is all that has been mentioned so far though. I like Hillsborough, I love it really, as it's still a big homage to the 'old fashioned' football grounds. I think with some improvements could become a fantastic ground again, it's sort of in a awkward situation it's a between ground.

Warburton's leaving in the summer though is he not? I have a lot of time for him (as mentioned) and think he will walk in to another club.
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Yeah, away from home we play with two DMs. Diagouraga has been in incredible form this season, he's calm on the ball and he'll start the attacks from our own penalty area (our goal against Derby last weekend is a perfect example) but he's probably approaching 100 games since he's last scored! Douglas is 34 almost and has never been agile, but has popped up with a few useful goals this season. They sit in deep whenever one of the full backs goes forwards, whereas we have three advanced midfielders - essentially two playing as inside forwards with one AM - whom sit between the opposition midfield and defence.

We press and press, and largely it works. The side are incredibly fit, but we have just had issues with finishing all season, particularly Gray and Judge.

Warburton is off as he doesn't wish to work under the new model. He feels that he should have the equivalent command over the transfers, as he showed by vetoing several in January, but ultimately it's been proven evident that he's nailed his colours to the wrong mast (he sided with McParland over the owner Benham - McParland is a less than savoury character). Of course he'll find a new role, but I think a few owners may raise an eyebrow over his refusal to spend the cash available and thusly leave us at bare bones for the run in. It's cost us dear.

I'd heard that your new owners were going to be spending a fair bit this summer laying the pitch. Are they going to be investing in the playing staff as well?
 
toshj said:
Yeah, away from home we play with two DMs. Diagouraga has been in incredible form this season, he's calm on the ball and he'll start the attacks from our own penalty area (our goal against Derby last weekend is a perfect example) but he's probably approaching 100 games since he's last scored! Douglas is 34 almost and has never been agile, but has popped up with a few useful goals this season. They sit in deep whenever one of the full backs goes forwards, whereas we have three advanced midfielders - essentially two playing as inside forwards with one AM - whom sit between the opposition midfield and defence.
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I like a team that plays in that manner, but I felt one of the two holding midfielders needed more about them (granted this is based on last night) but I felt some real creativity could really helped the balance of the side. The full backs were impressive, but the balls to them were cut out time and time again, which was poor from Brentford's point of view. I think a bit of ability in the middle would help the side become less predicable, having a midfielder whom could carry the ball through the middle and play through balls (only Spanish players can do real 'slips' ;) :p ) would help too.

The AM, which I felt was largely ineffective was too easily cancelled out playing against a three, pulling him deeper to pick up the ball or pushing him forward more might have helped. #justmyopinion

toshj said:
We press and press, and largely it works. The side are incredibly fit, but we have just had issues with finishing all season, particularly Gray and Judge.
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Singularly the most impressive thing about Brentford, they hassled so much and it was difficult to get in to any rhythm, I was pleased we had picked three largely ball playing midfielders and even with McGugan having a poor game we were still ~ok~ at moving the ball in midfield. I actually got frustrated with Wednesday (this happens a lot :p ) but I was more frustrated at the idea of 'Why aren't we as fit as Brentford', Brentford enjoyed a lot of possession in the full back area, across the defence and wide. It was frustrating that our players basically did not have the fitness or discipline to work Brentford more.

toshj said:
Warburton is off as he doesn't wish to work under the new model. He feels that he should have the equivalent command over the transfers, as he showed by vetoing several in January, but ultimately it's been proven evident that he's nailed his colours to the wrong mast (he sided with McParland over the owner Benham - McParland is a less than savoury character). Of course he'll find a new role, but I think a few owners may raise an eyebrow over his refusal to spend the cash available and thusly leave us at bare bones for the run in. It's cost us dear.
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I had read this, Warburton is a good manager (as he is showing) and his ability to organise, coach and motivate a team is excellent. He was very nearly tactically spot on last night. I know little about McParland so why is he so unpleasant?

I actually think it is a shame that Warburton could not adapt to the new model, our owners are talking about a director of football for bringing players in. I have absolutely no problem with that model (in fact I prefer it) but it needs a manager whom can put his trust in the director of football and a director of football whom does not have an ego that leads him to 'meddle' with coaching / first team.

toshj said:
I'd heard that your new owners were going to be spending a fair bit this summer laying the pitch. Are they going to be investing in the playing staff as well?
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They have said the ground (pitch) is a priority and work 'should' start immediately after the final home match against Leeds. They gave Gray money in January, however, it was a bit 'rushed' in the search for players and they players moved in to the club in January seemed a little short term. They have said money will be available for playing staff (and coaching staff) as they feel the team needs real investment (as is clear to see) and their 'plan' is to get back in to the Premier League.
 
Tummy said:
Singularly the most impressive thing about Brentford, they hassled so much and it was difficult to get in to any rhythm, I was pleased we had picked three largely ball playing midfielders and even with McGugan having a poor game we were still ~ok~ at moving the ball in midfield. I actually got frustrated with Wednesday (this happens a lot :p ) but I was more frustrated at the idea of 'Why aren't we as fit as Brentford', Brentford enjoyed a lot of possession in the full back area, across the defence and wide. It was frustrating that our players basically did not have the fitness or discipline to work Brentford more.

I had read this, Warburton is a good manager (as he is showing) and his ability to organise, coach and motivate a team is excellent. He was very nearly tactically spot on last night. I know little about McParland so why is he so unpleasant?

I actually think it is a shame that Warburton could not adapt to the new model, our owners are talking about a director of football for bringing players in. I have absolutely no problem with that model (in fact I prefer it) but it needs a manager whom can put his trust in the director of football and a director of football whom does not have an ego that leads him to 'meddle' with coaching / first team.

They have said the ground (pitch) is a priority and work 'should' start immediately after the final home match against Leeds. They gave Gray money in January, however, it was a bit 'rushed' in the search for players and they players moved in to the club in January seemed a little short term. They have said money will be available for playing staff (and coaching staff) as they feel the team needs real investment (as is clear to see) and their 'plan' is to get back in to the Premier League.
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We were missing our singularly most important midfielder yesterday who has been driving our performances over the last couple of months. Hope he's fit for Bolton on Saturday, but it appears as if we definitely looked a bit flat without him by your comments.

Regarding McParland, it's all hearsay, but rumours were that he got kicked out of running the Liverpool academy for various reasons - couldn;t get an honest days work out of him, and he may have an unscrupulous record in player signings - all hearsay, I'm sure you understand...

Warburton has had us playing the best football I've ever seen us play - by a country mile too - and we're attacking and fun to watch. We're also at the highest position we've been in the league since the 1950's. Only Brentford could contrive to screw this up!

Will be interesting to see which route Wednesday adopt to transfers with their new owners. There are so many teams in this league looking for one-season fixes, signing ex-Prem players on their way down the pyramid for too much money and hoping it'll work. We've been fortunate enough to go down the analysis, research and investment route.

Every new player we sign is young, comparatively cheap and has the technical potential to play in the Premier League (or be signed in the Premier League). Throwing money at expensive signings probably won't get us very far, but sensible and measured transfers will likely pay off in the future. Plus, as far as FFP goes, signing an experienced player for £Xm and putting them on a 12-24 month contract is an expensive endeavour. Putting players on 3-4 yr contracts mean that you can spread out the cost of the actual transfer fee across multiple financial years, therefore minimising the impact it has on any set of one year's financial accounts. So the likes of Millwall, Wigan, Fulham, etc. are spending a fortune on short term players hoping (in a finger's cross manner) to have a lucky season, as opposed to genuinely investing in players which will likely see a profit in future sales.
 
toshj said:
We were missing our singularly most important midfielder yesterday who has been driving our performances over the last couple of months. Hope he's fit for Bolton on Saturday, but it appears as if we definitely looked a bit flat without him by your comments.
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Definitely, one dimensional. However fingers crossed he is fit for the next match.

toshj said:
Regarding McParland, it's all hearsay, but rumours were that he got kicked out of running the Liverpool academy for various reasons - couldn;t get an honest days work out of him, and he may have an unscrupulous record in player signings - all hearsay, I'm sure you understand...
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I understand :p.

toshj said:
Warburton has had us playing the best football I've ever seen us play - by a country mile too - and we're attacking and fun to watch. We're also at the highest position we've been in the league since the 1950's. Only Brentford could contrive to screw this up!
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To be honest, I know it will be hugely disappointing if Brentford do not make the play offs (and Premier League) but it still has been a fantastic season.

toshj said:
Will be interesting to see which route Wednesday adopt to transfers with their new owners. There are so many teams in this league looking for one-season fixes, signing ex-Prem players on their way down the pyramid for too much money and hoping it'll work. We've been fortunate enough to go down the analysis, research and investment route.
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I would very much like to see Wednesday try and bring through young players and build a squad capable of promotion (and survival) over a number of seasons.

I firmly believe that the route to being successful, is not difficult; Good youth recruitment and scouting local (and general young) players, good youth coaching, good senior coaching.

I do not believe in solving a 'problem' or 'hole in the squad' by just throwing money at it, I do not think it works in the long term.

toshj said:
Every new player we sign is young, comparatively cheap and has the technical potential to play in the Premier League (or be signed in the Premier League). Throwing money at expensive signings probably won't get us very far, but sensible and measured transfers will likely pay off in the future. Plus, as far as FFP goes, signing an experienced player for £Xm and putting them on a 12-24 month contract is an expensive endeavour. Putting players on 3-4 yr contracts mean that you can spread out the cost of the actual transfer fee across multiple financial years, therefore minimising the impact it has on any set of one year's financial accounts. So the likes of Millwall, Wigan, Fulham, etc. are spending a fortune on short term players hoping (in a finger's cross manner) to have a lucky season, as opposed to genuinely investing in players which will likely see a profit in future sales.
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I'm pleased there are clubs doing this, short-termism has infected the English game (since 92") for too long. Clubs need to be more community focused, supports need more of a say in their running (ala Germany) and the money clubs received needs to be reinvested at every level throughout the club (including cheaper tickets for fans) and there needs to be a long term goal for the club. I really think the money bubble will burst one day in my life time and when it does I dread what to think will happen to a lot of football clubs.
 
Guerrilla said:
Very important match tonight... needs to be a win to be in with a shot of automatic promotion.
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Then we need to go with 2 named strikers on the pitch and actually play to win.
Interesting statistic, there's about 14 other teams in the championship that have scored more goals away than we have :p
 
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