v Sunderland (h) Sat

[GUNBOAT]

Hugely disappointed we were miles off it,at times nobody wanted to get into the box even with a player on the byline about to cross.I think Sunderland will stay up in this season's Championship and that's about it.

Not blaming anyone in particular but new keeper should already be in place as we knew Benji was away a year ago,manager leaving again meant that pre season was disrupted as per usual.We are playing catch up again with new signings but even with Fletcher coming in its absolutely imperative we sign a goal scoring striker.

[Yeats 62]

If you pass the ball back without looking you should never put it between the sticks. Everyone knows that right? 🤔

You should NEVER pass a ball backwards without looking, unless under severe pressure. And, if you have to, if possible, NEVER aim it anywhere near the sticks.

If in doubt, put it out... which doesn't really apply to today's one, but highlights the fact that this seasons players are not quite sure where their team mate will be, or what he might do.

Ach, it was only a friendly, but... lessons must be learned.

[Arabknight]

Was the manager in the dug out today? Cldnt make him out and didn’t see anyone with a moon boot on.

[JUSTaway]

Was the manager in the dug out today? Cldnt make him out and didn’t see anyone with a moon boot on.

There was a picture of Him watching the match in the stand next to someone with a laptop.

[shedka]

Good to hear there were positives,expected a defeat as do feel we are behind in preparation overall for obvious reasons, the main thing is we see progression next week from today

Unfortunately seems like the goalie isn't good enough to be first choice and sooner the new one arrives the better as wouldn't feel confident going into the league or euro tie with this guy

[Arabs4ever]

Can't understand why we persist with 3 or 5 at the back? If you could play a back 4 that gives you more options in which to score goals. Goals are what win matches. Last season as a spectacle was eye bleeding bad. When you have more options further forward you can take the pressure of the defence and keeper, thus them growing in confidence. Play like we did today we are just reverting to type and making our own problems, the opposition will love playing us as we are a soft touch.

I hope we do indeed get McGrath, Jones and Shinnie. What has happened to the left-back that we were linked with that played for Hearts? Is Eriksson the keeper better or worse than Carson?

[Yeats 62]

PP gave the guff away more than once today as co-commentator. Straight away, even against the way the team looked on paper he mentioned our two "wingbacks" then told the whole league that JR was a big fan of switching play as quick as you can.

No harm done really I know, I'm sure other managers already knew these things, but, what is really wrong with a solid back four? Which we have had for quite a while now.

[Yeats 62]

I'm sure I saw him in front of the dugoot with shorts and trainers on ..

Sport socks.... 3 for a pound...

[bannon_ftd_83]

Absolutely the same problems as last season. No pace, no width and with Butcher gone a solid defensive midfielder worse off. We really need to sign some quality attacking players with pace an absolute must.

[TerryTheTerror]

Given the team was almost the same as last season that's no big surprise. But it's the start of pre-season matches for us really so these matches are all about getting the team ready for the season start and results are really not what is important.

I actually didn't think there was anything in the game, mistakes aside. Thought we played some good stuff and some bad stuff. Typical pre-season match.