Dean Smith - Confirmed

[Risso]

Reading were absolute garbage yesterday, and I think they've won once in something like 15 games, yet Smith was talking them up as being one of the better teams.

Anyway, why is he persevering with Adomah?

[mr underhill]

what an indictment it is on our club that Smith can play exciting fast paced football on a shoestring at Brentford but not here, despite the tens of millions of pounds spent since relegated. Our shit's well and truly fucked up.

[Clampy]

Well now Bolasie has gone, we will probably see a lot more of Adomah and El Ghazi. I'd personally bring Elmo back in at right back as an extra option who can at least cross the ball.

[Chinchilla Bathhouse]

But Elmo can't defend, he gifts a goal a game.

[Clampy]

But Elmo can't defend, he gifts a goal a game.

I'm not sure about him gifting a goal a game. He had that run of games a while back where he was poor but he's not alone in that. Generally overall, he's not let us down in the time he's been here.

[Brassneck]

But Elmo can't defend, he gifts a goal a game.

I'm not sure about him gifting a goal a game. He had that run of games a while back where he was poor but he's not alone in that. Generally overall, he's not let us down in the time he's been here.

I agree Clampy.

The last few games that Elmo played were disasters, Leeds at home springs to mind but prior to that run (of 3, maybe 4 games), Elmo was a steady Eddie, putting in 7 out of 10 performances regularly.

Not much difference between Elmo & Hutton for me.  I'd probably prefer Elmo.

[Lastfootstamper]

Potato, potato. All our players have never been all that good, at any point, ever. Flashes, spells, maybe a "solid" season here and there. They're certainly not going to improve once they're the other side of thirty.

I wouldn't pick any of the >30s if there was much choice.

[brontebilly]

I think we need to look at a different formation with Grealish out. The wide men clearly aren't working and we are struggling to keep the ball in the middle. Hourihane isn't getting in positions that he is useful at.

Maybe McGinn and Hourihane swapping roles would help and go two up top.

---------Kalinic
Elmo, Elphick, Mings, Hutton
--------Jedinak
Carroll, McGinn
------Hourihane
Kodjia/Davis, Abraham

[Brassneck]

Potato, potato. All our players have never been all that good, at any point, ever. Flashes, spells, maybe a "solid" season here and there. They're certainly not going to improve once they're the other side of thirty.

I wouldn't pick any of the >30s if there was much choice.

That's what £1 - £3 million buys you.  Many Championship sides can't even afford that.

RB, it is a choice of Hutton or Elmo.  Some would go Hutton, some would go Elmo.

[villa `cross the mersey]

Smith needs time - fans need to be patient - but I sense impatience creeping in. I also detect a slight change in Smith's demeanour already - is he feeling the pressure or is he facing resistance from some of the squad - it must be difficult motivating players who know they are leaving in May - ie no matter how well they play they don't fit Smith's pattern of play -after the on going demise of the club on and off the pitch over some years it will take come considerable time to get back the the top flight - unfortunately in the world we now live in everything has to be immediate/  instant . Adding to that the over reliance on one player and we are doomed to fail - the club needs to undertake a massive rebuild this summer and develop a plan and strategy that  can see us go forward with confidence and excitement

[SoccerHQ]

Isn't Jack supposed to be back next game?

[AlexAlexCropley]

Isn't Jack supposed to be back next game?

Sheffield Utd Friday? Where you got this?

[sickbeggar]

Bruce managed P9 W0 D2 L7 in his first season and he got barely a murmour of criticism

The 'Bruce Out' thread was started straight after the 8th of those games. He was getting plenty of stick at the time.

Mebbe, but I seem to remember it started as titled "Bruce out?" so not as definite as it looks now. Besides, you still have to look at Smith picking up 10 points in the last 8 games compared to Bruce's  2 points, so you'd have to say it was fair comment with Bruce especially as he got the job because he was going to get us up that season.

[Mister E]

Smith would earn his week’s wages if he can find a way to play Hourihane to his strengths. At moment he slows the whole game down, negating the efforts of Abraham, McGinn and others to create space.
Adomah has - far too frequently - played without thought and guile: he also slows down the game.
And, we have to find a formula which excludes Hutton ... not easy with the limited choice of FB currently.

[Mister E]

I’d be inclined to try El Ghazi behind a front two, in a team without wingers. Perhaps a midfield 3 of McGinn, Carroll and Jedi.