Dean Smith - Confirmed

[dave.woodhall]

I thought Reina was a sensible signing when we needed a back-up keeper although I was surprised he played so often. He was definitely at fault for Everton's goal, they could have scored from a similar position earlier and he could arguably have done better with the equalizer yesterday. But having said that,. I was glad he was in the team because of his experience and I wouldn't be against giving him another year. 

[N'ZMAV]

Smith completed this seasons objective - by the skin of his teeth.

Is he capable of achieving a tough/higher objective, without his best player and talisman? jury's out - but he deserves the chance.

[hilts_coolerking]

I thought Reina was a sensible signing when we needed a back-up keeper although I was surprised he played so often. He was definitely at fault for Everton's goal, they could have scored from a similar position earlier and he could arguably have done better with the equalizer yesterday. But having said that,. I was glad he was in the team because of his experience and I wouldn't be against giving him another year.

Yep, I fully expect Heaton to take the jersey back as soon as it's possible, but I have more faith in Reina as a backup than Nyland.

[Clampy]

He did seem to bring that bit of extra confidence to the defence when he came back in, which is strange seeing what a mess he made of that goal up at Leicester. He was never convincing but his experience helped at the same time.

[N'ZMAV]

He did seem to bring that bit of extra confidence to the defence when he came back in, which is strange seeing what a mess he made of that goal up at Leicester. He was never convincing but his experience helped at the same time.

Reina seemed really rusty when he first came in - I guess sitting on the bench at clubs for the past few years didn't help

[danno]

Depending on how far off from recovering Heaton and Steer are, I'd just try and loan Reina again.

Maybe that's harsh on Nyland but he makes me nervous.

[N'ZMAV]

Nyland is not good enough, never has been, never will be.

[Lastfootstamper]

If Reina had been either a) a bit taller or b) capable of reacting faster than a rocking horse, we’d have won all four of the final games.

To nil, to boot.

We seem to be taking great pride in something that didn't happen.

Not really taking pride in anything, but it's fine margins, isn't it? Grealish leaves that shot alone, more than likely not a goal. Konsa makes a clearance he'd make far more often than not, not a goal.

[ChicagoLion]

That high looping thing seems to catch out goalkeepers of a certain age, Seaman’s Sheilton now Reina.

[hilts_coolerking]

Not really taking pride in anything, but it's fine margins, isn't it? Grealish leaves that shot alone, more than likely not a goal. Konsa makes a clearance he'd make far more often than not, not a goal.

It sure is fine margins and some of them prevented us getting relegated, when ifs and buts are being talked about.  If Antonio scores in the first half, etc etc

[Lastfootstamper]

Not really taking pride in anything, but it's fine margins, isn't it? Grealish leaves that shot alone, more than likely not a goal. Konsa makes a clearance he'd make far more often than not, not a goal.

It sure is fine margins and some of them prevented us getting relegated, when ifs and buts are being talked about.  If Antonio scores in the first half, etc etc

But that's not what we were on about, we were discussing the merits of having an aging short arse in goal. And fwiw, if Antonio's shot had been on target, Reina would've saved it.

[rougegorge]

No as in the bloke who wanted Smith sacked the minute after we'd been promoted.

Ads I don’t know why you’re calling me out, I sent you a perfectly reasonable PM in February that you didn’t reply to.

I didn’t think Smith would keep us up, so he has surpassed my expectations. However, I still don’t think he is the right manager. We drew two and won two against four teams that were effectively on the beach. We saw how bad Everton were yesterday for example. He deserves a chance to go forwards, but we will see what happens in six weeks when all of the teams are up for it again. If after six games the same failings that were there before the Palace game return, I would hope a swift change would be made. Saying that, yes he did exceptionally well after the Man United game to turn it around

I don't see much in that to take issue with really.

Nor me

[rougegorge]

That high looping thing seems to catch out goalkeepers of a certain age, Seaman’s Sheilton now Reina.

Yes, although keepers have a good longevity, inevitably the athleticism will diminish.
Apart from some clownish moments pre-lockdown, he did bring some composure to the defence. I would keep him depending on when Heaton gets back.

[The Edge]

Not really taking pride in anything, but it's fine margins, isn't it? Grealish leaves that shot alone, more than likely not a goal. Konsa makes a clearance he'd make far more often than not, not a goal.

It sure is fine margins and some of them prevented us getting relegated, when ifs and buts are being talked about.  If Antonio scores in the first half, etc etc

But that's not what we were on about, we were discussing the merits of having an aging short arse in goal. And fwiw, if Antonio's shot had been on target, Reina would've saved it.

Yeah he had it covered no danger. I think signing Reina when we did helped to swung the balance in our favour in the end. The defence coming together at exactly the right time was in no small measure down to having a keeper with vast experience behind them. I would be happy to give him another year but he's gone back to Milan now so we'll have to wait and see. Would i call his signing a masterstroke? Not quite but not far off imo. So thanks for your efforts Pepe we'll be forever grateful.

[PeterWithesShin]

I'd rather have Nyland and/or Steer as back up, Reina is only going to get worse next season.