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Reply | Tomorrow's referee
at 10:06 1 Jan 2026
Don't know what to expect with this one. Veers from being ropey to very good, light touch to picky, anything goes to every contacts a foul and sometimes all in the same game.
Hope for the best, fear the worst. |
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Reply | Angelo Balanta
at 17:36 31 Dec 2025
And Jack Robinson 51 appearances in the prem. |
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Reply | Smyth
at 17:07 31 Dec 2025
Excellent news. |
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Reply | Sam Field
at 17:01 31 Dec 2025
Yes, JamesB, I'd agree with most of that but I think he'd was put up there to try and win the ball high up the pitch, win it back early when we lose possession. I thought Sam was ok up there but team wise it didn't work too well, maybe because others were losing possession on a regular basis and not pressing very well.
I'm not trying to say there may not have been better options, like Paul Smyth, but trying to rationalise the selection. |
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Thread | Sam Field
at 16:43 31 Dec 2025
Amongst my surprise and the shock/horror of others with Sam playing as a deep forward or attacking midfielder (alright no10 if you prefer), I paused and considered hasn't he played that or a very similar role before?
Didn't the bloke who has never managed in London, select him in a more forward attacking role?
Didn't he play in a similar role for Marti on occasions like the 4-0 Leeds win? |
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Reply | Esquerdinha and his usage
at 09:17 30 Dec 2025
He should be but we have been short of options at lb.
I can't see that changing until we have two fit left backs in front of him. Realistically that's not happening until Larkeche is fit. |
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Reply | QPR look to conquer away jitters at restless West Brom - Preview
at 18:33 29 Dec 2025
It may have been but the idea is to learn what works or doesn't from previous seasons. We eventually learnt not to play on consecutive days due to poor quality football, fatigued players and probably injuries.
It's not as if the 29th December is anything special.or traditional. It's a normal working day for many people.
The 1st January only became a public holiday in 1974. Before that, for almost a century, there were no fixtures in England and Wales on New Year's Day, unless it was a regular Saturday.
I also seem to recollect (not certain) there have been some years since 1974 without matches on the first day of the year.
So I don't think it has been the same for decades.
Let's see if you can take an alternative view into consideration and maybe modify your position, even a little.😁 |
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Reply | Pompey match thread
at 11:15 27 Dec 2025
When a younger Paul Smyth part 1 first played for us under Ollie, I think, I seem to remember he played as a striker. He scored a couple of decent goals but was a bit too isolated to be consistent. Now that we play two up top, with his pace and work rate could he be a substitute for Burrell, before we wear Rumarn out completely? |
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Reply | Saito/West Brom
at 09:54 27 Dec 2025
He reorganised and the players had a chance to put things right, which they did. Dozell and the left winger had been very effective in the first half but disappeared from the game in the second. Only Chaplin kept his form for as long as he was on the pitch. He said the was about to make a triple sub and then delayed it when we equalised.
Making subs isn't the only way to change things on the pitch.
It was a good point at a tough ground to go to. |
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Reply | Gaffer on Portsmouth, Christmas and beyond
at 10:56 26 Dec 2025
They've lost FOUR of the last seven not five. Two wins and only one narrow defeat in their last four at home. Apart from already mentioned Middlesbrough they have also recorded home wins against Preston and Millwall.
They are 19th in the home form table 14 points from 11. Bottom of the away table, 7 points from 10. Only one away win all season at Oxford. |
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Reply | Gaffer on Portsmouth, Christmas and beyond
at 10:07 26 Dec 2025
'We should be going down there with all guns blazing for three points.'
Have you ever been to Fratton Park?
It's not the easiest ground to get a result. It's pretty hostile, and particularly with it being Boxing Day, its bound to be a big, motivated home support that will have a very positive effect on their players.
No doubt we shall try and attack from the start. An early goal or two would be great but that doesn't happen every week. We have to be pragmatic, stay in shape, frustrate the opponent, quieten the crowd and build our way into the game. Our fans can and probably will play their part. A 1-0 win would be a fabulous result, a point would be another small positive. |
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Reply | Boxing Day referee
at 15:22 24 Dec 2025
Ah! I thought you were shocked at a Hampshire based referee being allowed to ref a local team against a London one, in case of bias. It's that the authorities have made a practical decision. 😁 |
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Reply | Chair
at 10:36 24 Dec 2025
Not really a fair comparison, at this stage, SE. Morgan, whose form has been patchy, cane through a premier league academy. Bennie came from the outback😁 |
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Reply | Boxing Day referee
at 10:30 24 Dec 2025
No ferries on Christmas day, Terry. So, any travelling for him would be on the day of the match. Lack of transport options as well, so would have to drive on, probably, packed motorways.
I presume he is not a Pompey or Southampton fan and think it is a sensible appointment. |
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Reply | Boxing Day referee
at 10:26 24 Dec 2025
Santa has arrived early and brought us the best referee for what I believe will be a tough physical match. Portsmouth should be happy with the appointment too, with that record when he has been in charge. Hopefully we can stuff their turkey.
Ho ho ho! |
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Reply | Poku
at 10:01 24 Dec 2025
Dembele, Saito, Vale, Poku, Kolli - how many of those are or will be regular 90 minute players? Chair has been but has had four or five lengthy injuries in the last sixteen months.
Smyth is quicker than any of the alternatives and has a decent fitness record and plenty of stamina. I think, like Albert, he could go on for many years as a squad player.
If we can afford all these wide options and he wants to stay, then I hope a deal can be reached as it was with Jimmy. |
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Reply | Madsen
at 16:55 22 Dec 2025
Enjoyed that. His description of the teams struggles with energy at Norwich, Derby and the small improvement at Middlesbrough were very interesting.
Basically said it's so difficult to lift your efforts at the end of the week, especially when you go behind. |
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