Quote Originally Posted by AucklandRover View Post
On the negativity point, I think Mowbray HAS silenced most of it. There are only about four or five nay-sayers on the Telegraph site now. I don't look at the BRFC forum. You'll know better than me what the word is with those who go to games.
I get the feeling most of the reactions are favourable, though - especially with away supporters.
I AM a bit concerned with the way some fans have turned on Smallwood. We always knew his limitations, but I think it's too early to write him off. As far as the groaners are concerned, he seems - ironically - to have swapped places with Evans!
All the same, I'd prefer Travis not to go out on loan, because I assume he is still ahead of Davenport in TM's mind.
On a related topic, in the games where Rothwell starts, do you think Bennett will play as well? That's when it becomes problematic. Bennett can be quite free with both Evans and Smallwood sitting in, but that changes a bit with an attacking central midfielder on the pitch - especially if we want to include Graham, Armstrong, Dack and Palmer as well.
I imagine we WILL see Evans and Rothwell against Reading, which makes the other choices quite intriguing - especially if Dack has recovered.
Do you reckon Graham as a half-hour sub might become a regular pattern in the away games?
Thinking about Reading again, I suppose it would be reckless to put out this team:
Raya
Nyambe Lenihan Mulgrew Bell
Evans Rothwell
Bennett Dack Armstrong
Graham.

Great attacking potential, though!
No way will Travis go out. Bennett most definitely plays!! He is pushing on and more than doing his bit. Anyone displacing him based on form would have to really be doing something special.
Smallwood right now is crucial. Long term, I'm not sure. I will never agree with picking on players. Not on.
I do think Graham is very much more the last 30 mins of games player moving forward. I think he wants lots of options. Which I accept comes with it's dangers. And over complications. A winger (which I'm in agreement with you about) gives us another option.

Even after today's success, I think the team will be different vrs Reading. Then gain vrs Brentford. Just not the core. That won't change.