hackjam

Finally, after what seemed the longest international break in history, we get back into league action. Lennon, surprisingly went with his strongest available line up, choosing not to rest anyone.

Got off to perfect start, with Forrest getting a flick to an Ely cross-one of the few crosses that was put in with pace, after good build up play by Boli & Eddy. Then, for the remainder of the first half, played some good football but no end product, never worked their keeper. Although they offered nothing going forward, Julian was being troubled by their center forward a few times. Boli & Ely worked well down the left first half.

Second half, Forrest rattles the bar, tempo dropped and they got into the game a bit, Aussie Tam replaced the tiring Ely, who had a decent first half. They continued to grow in confidence, we started to get frustrated. Bayo then replaced Eddy, but we still struggled, making for a very nervous finish. Boli needs to show more composure with such a slender lead. Brown was poor, surprised not to see Ollie involved.

At the end of the day, its 3 points, on that horrible pitch, lets hope no injuries.

Looking forward to a report on this buffet.

Young guy Parrott ripping it up for Irish underage.

Most Indian food in Pattaya is overpriced.

Eddy continues to rip it up for French U21's, pistol Pete will be touching himself. 

Have to say, our 1st choice starting 11 has been upgraded significantly from last season.

FF is a definite upgrade on Bain/CG. 

R/B we lose Lustig/Gamboa/Ralston and bring in ElHam, Bauer, Lee C, so again a significant upgrade.

L/B we loose Izzy and KT, who, in fairness, had a poor season due to injuries/being flogged. In come Boli and Taylor, and also kid from Man City.

C/B out goes bomb scare Boyata and in come Big CJ and also see the re-inventment of Biton as a reliable option. Should eventually settle on a partnership of Ajer and CJ.

In midfield, its great to have Ollie back in the fold after sulking last season, so for me, been like a new signing, he turned the tide when he came on at Ibrox. Just need to get Tam fit and up to speed, and we are well covered in midfield. That makes SB, CMcG, RC, ON, TR and I guess Bitton to alter for those 3 positions.

We now have Griff and Bayo to help out Eddy up front, both not in picture last season.

Shev should provide an option to rest Forrest on RW, NL does seem to like Morgan, so maybe another option.

On left, MJ seems to have nailed down starting position but his slender frame and getting kicked off the park should see lots of game time for the like if Ely and SS. Not forgetting the ever reliable Hayes.

So overall a lot of upgrades on last season. And, more important, quality.

Some of the impressive young lads will find it difficult to get game time. 

True but food so bland in C&C. IMHO.

See Eddy ripping it up for French U21's.

Pedro will be cranking the calculator. 

So that's transfer window shut and reckon its 11 players in. Have to say, I am happy with our business.

The fact that we had to bring in 11 players illustrates the size of the rebuild task that faced Lennon. And that was because of the total shambolic recent transfer windows lack of forward planning, which peaked last year with the Boyata and McGinn circus. And the fact that BR dismantled a long established and fruitful recruitment department and replaced it with that Congerton idiot.

We now seem to be adequately covered-with quality-for every position. No excuse now for flogging players, as under previous regime.

The only downside was failure to offload several players who have no immediate future, surely Hendry would have been better off going out on loan to get game time? Hope loan deals work out, especially for Henderson.

I believe that Elham has some kind of fracture injury and has been playing through the pain barrier, so hopefully he should now be giving the time to recuperate, as we now have an abundance of full backs. Looking forward to seeing young Waterford lad, O'Connor, getting a run.

22 hours ago, Sparkles said:

Size is not the only issue some players have an ability to reach a height others can't and in fact its part of the training routine,in some clubs, to increases ability just like they have sprint coaches.He still had a height advantage Lindelof needs to improve. Rio Ferdinand has time on his hands he should be there as part of the coaching staff 

Really don't think a drug cheat should have anything to do with your club. What sort of message would that send out to some of the younger ones trying to make a break through?  

Great to finally turn up at Ibrox after previous shambolic performances. An outstanding game management away from home performance, kept it so tight and dynamic on counter attack, FF had a near post shot to stop and nothing else to do all game. But the greatest take away from this game was the coming of age of our back line, first derby game for most of them and, after a few roopey induvial previous performances, they showed that they are Celtic standard. Brown was outstanding in front of them. MJ will be a big player for us going forward, especially if he gets that upper body strength. So happy for him after BR chucked him under the bus in Dec.

Never nice to see a player leave on crutches but that thug Jones, in an effort to appease himself to the mob, got his just rewards, as the Thais say, som num na.

Are Citibank gone from Pattaya?

How much SCB offering at the moment?

Well impressed with that right back.

Why did keeper not catch that ball that led to equalizer, instead of punching it to a saints player?

Tough enough group with Lazio, Rennes and Cluj.

Welcome singing in Mo Ely from Southampton, again don't know much about him, seems to have been a player before loosing his way at Saints, where they paid 16M for him. So must be quality. Guess its an ideal signing which should aid MJ development(giving our previous for flogging players), can see these 2 being rotated. Just wonder if a deal has been done for SS, as he is clearly not in NLs plans, also may signal Morgan out on loan and also Hayes.

Disappointing to hear of fans behavior in Sweden, when are these idiots going to wise up with that flare <deleted>.

Next up is a trip to Ibrox and again concerns about defense, our main defender-Ajer, doubtful, El Ham also struggling and Joso recovering. French Eddy also struggling. And a big call to make with keeper, I suspect Big Fraser will be regular No 1 eventually. Just read an article on a recent interview with Gordon, guy needs to man up, whining about not knowing where he stands with both club and country. An up to speed FF would be a better option-and I believe we have an option to buy. Ralston at RB gives me the fear. Have been impressed of late with Bitton, he could have an important part to play this season.

New RB in from Stoke, never heard of him, seems to have been decent until lost his way at Stoke-fall out with manager and has not played this season. Apparently, lighting fast, loves to attack, missile of a long throw and <deleted> at defending (sounds a bit like Boli), so will have to wait and see. Should be adequate cover/rotation for ElHam. Encouraging to note its a loan with an option to buy, always win win. May spell end for Ralston. Also, should see Ajer return to center half.

Big few days ahead, starting tonight in Sweden, where we take a healthy 2-0 lead and expect us to get that crucial away goal, so just need to control game and be tight at back.

There is a burger hut opposite Smoking Joes on Linkee, called Denmark burger, and it has great tasting burgers, I usually get cheese burger for 90B. Lady will also sell you frozen ones too, think they are 50B.

Was brilliant to see wee Jay celebrating in front of the Green Brigade. 

That keeper looks a bomb scare.