Mrs O,

Definitely see where MT gets the research, analytical and writing ability! The depth and information is refreshing given our sound bite social media world. A lost art in our world where "higher education" consists of little more than conform or be cancelled. However, I also will confess that I really have to concentrate and re-read whereas in my younger days I could keep up with the reading the same as if someone was talking to me in person. Embarrassing to admit. Cognitive ability is an ability that must be cultivated and used regularly.

The Bournemouth model is not that different from what the 49's use here stateside for their American football team. The system takes precedence over the individual talent and they replace players with similar skills and traits. It's much more like a player is a "cog in the machine" than some of the big 6 approach of getting superstars. I think that Leeds will work more and more toward that approach.... especially with as many games as teams are expected to play.

Some other observations that I'd like to parrot from you and HOP.

1) The prem is gettign bigger and more physical. I think it will continue to do so. I also think that the Leeds recruiting was spot on regarding this. I was so tired of seeing teams push us around and manhandle us on restarts and corners. Once we get dialed in on doing this on the offensive side we'll be much better off to survive. I also think that Farke (who I have real problems with his sub patterns) subscribes to this as well. You can't "teach" height and physical presence. Although, not all big players are physical in their approach.

2) The prem continues to get faster. One way around pure physical size. However, over the course of a season I think physical wins out as far as survival.

3) Regarding PSR. The FA is corrupt. Maybe not as much as a third world legal system but really close. PSR is just a cover for them to mask the utter corruption. In the end, the Citehs, Chelseas and Scum skate when charges are filed. However, Economics eventually comes into play. How long is the owner willing to lose money on their toy? It's why investors like the 49's, Bournemouth, etc might win out over time.

4) The officiating is really poor in the prem. In fact, I'll just call it biased and subjective. The worst insult you can give a professional official. Teams ought to have "black ball" authority on some officials for their matches. Frankly, we all know that when we get some refs assigned to us we are going to get abused. with the amount of money involved we ought to have the right to use up some of our strikes on obviously biased officials.

5) The depth of our squad and the solid ownership is showing this year. We have true competition for every spot this year. It's a wonderful problem to have and will likely keep us up this year. Justin will be critical this Saturday. We did not have that last time in the prem.

I think that the Bournemouth game will be very good. I also think it's a true test if we are the real deal this year or a poser. If we win I think we might actually be talking a shot at a top 10 spot. Lose and we are where everyone thought we would be at the lower end of table. They are solid and well coached. They play as a team as do we.