Pre-Season Friendlies

[cdbearsfan]

I'm never that bothered about pre-season opponents. I didn't join the chorus of adulation when we played Inter in 2007 and I'm not beating myself up that we're playing Boro now. One thing I do know, though, is that the latter will give us a far more relevant warm-up now than the former could, no matter how big the crowd or glamorous the opposition.

We will be playing quite a few games against teams of a similar size to Middlesbrough, and will likely play them in the league in the coming seasons one way or another.

I prefer playing someone a bit different in pre-season. If suitable opposition can't be found, I'd rather we played all our friendlies away. I also think they should chuck the game in with the season ticket, the tight-fisted sods.

[dave.woodhall]

I can't think of anyone more suitable than a better version of the teams we'll be playing all season. Pre-season games aren't for us, they're for the players.

[cdbearsfan]

Friendlies are just for getting fitness up.  Doesn't make much odds who we play so may as well play someone exciting.

[peter w]

I'm more saying his ability is what is in his head. The fitness piece is critical for it all to come together. He's a smart player and one who didn't rely on immense pace or bursts of energy during games.

I sort of get what you mean, but there is fit and then there is football fit.

JPA never relied at speed at his best, but when he came back after is knee injury, he was usually a yard off the pace.

Bent and Dublin were never the same after their injuries and so on. At that is guys who were never out of the loop training-wise, once their injuries healed. That said, you could make an argument that Stan might still have some more miles in the tank because he HASN'T been going flat out with training and games for the past four years.

I think it is possible he could come back and make some contribution, which is amazing in itself.  But we'll have to temper our expectations.

In a football context is a knee injury worse than the illness suffered by Stan?

In a way. Once joints have gone that's it. If all Stan needs is to try and reach the levels of fitness needed and has maintained the stamina levels required there shouldn't be any reason why his illness should prevent him playing again.

[wozwebs]

Team vs Telford tomorrow. I'm going to the Worcester City game so presume everyone else wil be playing:

Pierluigi Gollini,
Viktor Johansson,
Tommy Elphick,
Nathan Baker,
Easah Suliman,
Niall Mason,
Aly Cissokho,
Idrissa Gana Gueye,
Ashley Westwood,
Andre Green,
Harry McKirdy,
Jordan Ayew,
Scott Sinclair,
Rushian Hepburn-Murphy,
Henry Cowans,
Rudy Gestede

[cdbearsfan]

I'm going Telford. Was hoping to see Petrov. 🙁

[adrenachrome]

Team vs Telford tomorrow. I'm going to the Worcester City game so presume everyone else wil be playing:

Pierluigi Gollini,
Viktor Johansson,
Tommy Elphick,
Nathan Baker,
Easah Suliman,
Niall Mason,
Aly Cissokho,
Idrissa Gana Gueye,
Ashley Westwood,
Andre Green,
Harry McKirdy,
Jordan Ayew,
Scott Sinclair,
Rushian Hepburn-Murphy,
Henry Cowans,
Rudy Gestede

I will admit that drink has been taken and my judgement may be clouded, but that looks ghastly. Absolutely ghastly.  All signs point to Stourport. Bring a roach pole for a spot of fishing if one cannot gain entrance to the match.

[wittonwarrior]

 not going either as have been up all night  on call have to be kind and friendly to people who I have absolutely nothing in common 1) a domestic burglar and 2) A re-arrested  prisoner. and 3) a tramp of the  head custody officer at the local lock up that makes Kenny Burns look like a pussy cat,  has no humour and thinks he is more important than the prime minister.

Oh the joys  of the legal world not.  Night night.

[Nelson Lodge]

Never heard of Viktor Johansson so looked him up. A 17 year old Swedish goalkeeper, 1.86m tall.
Must be good as he shares my date of birth, but just a few years younger!

[frankmosswasmyuncle]

I'm off to the Worcester City game too...after looking at the Telford team I hope to see Tshibola and hotch potch of others at Stourport Swifts!


UTV!

[eddiemunster]

1-0 down after 7 minutes v Telford. Same as it ever was!!!

[dave.woodhall]

First half-time booing of the season.

[KRS]

Sounds like Cissokho and Gana are having a mare...Gestede missed 3 chances so far.

Game updates here courtesy of Mr Gregg Evans.

[Toronto Villa]

We need a forward. Or two.

[in exile]

And a goal. Or two