I'm trying not to get too excited, but the initial signs are very very encouraging. Ball, Moore, Ihiekwe, Emmanuel & Proctor all look the real deal but I suppose we can only judge when the games actually count
Just got back to Scotland after coming down to watch the game.
I can't recall a team getting a standing ovation at the end of a friendly before!!!
Yes it was a friendly , yes you can't read too much into these games etc etc.
BUT: Defence looks solid, didn't think I'd be saying that.
Emmanuel and Purrington, 1000 % better than last season. Last thing I say on this Board about Fisher, is that I think you can see the impact him going has on the other players as they are now able to play in position and not have to cover for him all the time.
I liked just about everything I saw, there looks to be good team spirit, and all the subs that came on look as good or better than who they replaced - there is genuine competition in midfield and up front for places.
I can see Warne playing a bit of a rotation game, to keep players interested and keep the competition for places going.
Really looking forward to the start of the season now, I think we have a tough opener, but let's see how the first 10 games go.
I'm optimistic, and I'll be taking some of the 33/1 e/w for winning the league and 9/1 for a top 6 finish after watching yesterday.
As we joked after we left the ground - great game, just a shame we weren't playing against a team of a higher quality to give the lads a bit more of a run-out. :)
Been to both H friendly's. Better yesterday. Keep same defence but Do Ball 1st change at centre back. Potter think of Smallwood but 6 yrs older & not a pass in him. Weak link. Is Warney cleverer than we think not showing his hand. Newell as to start on the left. Right? Taylor is not a winger. Proctor impressive, Moore linked well with him. Better when Vaulks came on 2nd H. See what side is out next sat'. See if Warney has got it as a manager. Will be his only chance if he fails.
I thought that we were excellent in all aspects. I personally think that Richie Barker has filled Paul Warnes skill gap. Tactically we were astute, organised like a German military outfit and physically much stronger and harder than last year.
I am upgrading my 12th position prediction to 6th.