27 Feb 2026 13:11:47
Perhaps SD was right in calling out his substandard fringe players, even though he hastened his own sacking by doing so. Swansea, Wrexham, Braga and now last night. How many chances do these guys get? .
As I predicted, VP has inherited exactly the same problems SD had. Poor recruitment, no pre season, having to juggle wear and tear on the "first team" in the Prem with the extra Europa games. Like SD, none of the squad are VP choice.
Sacking SD has just kicked the can down the road.
No criticism of VP though whatsoever. He gambled and was partly successful last night insofar as we are through to the last 16, albeit we had to call up the cavalry at half time to steady the ship.

We still had to commit players who could have done with the fringe players giving them a bit of a rest. Just to put it in perspective Brighton will be our 4th game in 11 days, with a long schlepp to Istanbul thrown in and with the little matter of Man City away on the Wednesday evening.
It's not easy being a manager in such a predicament.
We will know around about 4 pm on Sunday
I have every sympathy with VP and complete faith he will pull us through. It's going to be tight though and we need a bit of luck injury and suspension wise.

1.) 27 Feb 2026
27 Feb 2026 14:16:55
Both teams played squad players last night. Their players wanted it, most of ours didn't. The only squad player who impressed was Cunha, who I can't believe got roasted on here by Rhr. As we all know by now, our first eleven are a match for anyone. Having to play them every game isn't ideal for prem survival, though.

2.) 27 Feb 2026
27 Feb 2026 16:53:35
He could be right, but saying it in public is poor man-management. Some of the players look low on confidence, and saying they aren't good enough on TV is not going to help.