The Hotel End

After a decent performance against Scunny it's Southampton U21's in the Checkatrade Trophy on Tuesday. A win will see us through to the knockouts either in full time or on penalties.

Some fringe players are likely to be given a chance. Who is going? And what should our team be?

Would be nice to see some squad players get a run out and the first team players rested, i'll go for.

..................CORNELL.................

McWilliams..Taylor..McGiven..Hanley

...............McGuggan..Foley............

Waters.........Bowditch......Smith

.....................Revell..................

This actually makes sense ‘78

Of course it does, I said it 😉

Mcguggan's fitness levels on Saturday came into question so I would like to see him rested or starting on the bench, the last thing we want is him(or anyone) to pick up a knock in a shít trophy match.

I think the opposite. He looked fitter than his previously embarrassing cameo when he looked well short. Games are exactly what he needs to sharpen him up after a lot ng competitive lay off.

Foley, Waters, Hanley, McGivern, Revell, Bowditch all need game time plus some of the yoof maybe.

Maybe Camron McWilliams will get a game? JFH seems must be keen on him to put him on the bench.

If we lose does the "easier game" theory go out the window?

Spot on, best way to get fit is some game time.

                        Cornell

    C.McWilliams McGivern Pierre Smith

                       Foley Kasim

                Waters  Bowditch  Hanley

                           Revs

Would be wise to leave McWilliams out for this one, he looked tired yesterday and in need of a rest.

Make 11 changes and give some of the youth team a good go. Cameron McWilliams at RB for example.

Coddington in goal. Smith, Revell, Kasim and Bowditch all to start.

I'll be there.

Yep, if the younger McWilliams is a RB this makes perfect sense.

Both him and Gilliard, the other youth member to make the bench last Checkatrade game, are both down as midfielders on the off-site, but I don't know anything about the youth-team to be able to say where they both actually play.

Don't think the rules of the competition allow 11 changes. It's been relaxed but not that much. A certain amount of players need to be involved from previous squads.

C.McWilliams is a right back (mainly). Gilliard is a left winger I believe.

Current selection rules are.
Any goalie can be selected
At least 4 outfield players must meet one of the following criteria
1)  Played in the last game
2)  Be one of the top 10 players based on first team appearances this season
3)  Have played at least 40 competitive games in career
4)  Be a loanee from a premiership club

So just need any 4 from current first team squad (except perhaps Hanley or Smith) plus 6 youth players plus any of the 3 goalies.

Well done those of you who have enthusiasm for this competition (NOT sarcasm) but I don't give a monkey's testicle about it.

Me too.

Hoping that the crowd is less than 750.

why?

so the club get less money? good of you.

My view now is this is a nice friendly to get some game time to some of our big squad that don't play very often, and to blood some youngsters.

So that the obvious message of rejection of B teams continues.

If it's going to be only 750 I might go, so I can remind people that I was there...

you hero

I would like to see kasim start in central midfield , he came to us highly rated.

He fifa rating is higher than. Mcgugans so some scouts have seen him and rated him at some point. I'm a little perplexed by how little impact he has made.

 

You do have a funny attitude at times, bet you r a bundle of joy at Christmas 🎄

FIFA rating ?
Whatever does that mean ?
When was the last time someone from FIFA came to Sixfields I wonder

JFH has confirmed that he intends to make "wholesale changes" for this one.

This might actually play to our advantage. Rather than having our first-teamers out there who are only really interested in the league, we can give the fringe players a go, who are all desperate to impress the manager and will therefore put more effort into it. I'd imagine that the likes of Kasim, Revell, Bowditch and Waters are still of significantly better quality than whatever Southampton U21s can pit against us.

Interesting to note that despite all the moaning and groaning from some fans about the inclusion of the U21 teams, only 2 of the 16 academy sides are actually going to qualify for the Round of 32, with just one set of fixtures left to play.

We need only a draw to qualify.

You’re missing the point somewhat with that comment…

The reason people object to Premier League u21’s being allowed in this competition has nothing to do with whether or not they might win it! 
It is the fact that these ‘top’ clubs have been trying for years to expand our league to include their ‘reserve’ teams.  They want a League 4 made up of us lower league clubs and their 2nd 11.  If ever they get their way the knock-on effect will be a disaster for lower league clubs.  Firstly, their squads are so large that their 2nd 11 would effectively be a premiership team and in a few seasons would rise to the summit of the championship (remember, there would be no need for them to loan players out to the likes of us anymore).  Naturally, rules would be brought in that do not allow them to be promoted to the premiership and eventually they would virtually shut the door to promotion to/from the premier league for all of us (which is what this is all about).

They’ve tried various methods to get this ball rolling such as league expansion, feeder clubs, even increased sponsorship revenue but to date the 72 league chairmen have voted against every suggestion – bar this.

This is just the thin end of the wedge.  If this competition is seen to be a success then it is just a matter of time before they propose the next level.  This is how all unpopular propositions begin in this game – start with an insignificant competition and once it’s established, move on to the next.
I’m hoping for more record low attendances.  That’s not saying I don’t want us to win – I do.  In fact I’d like us to go all the way.  However, I would want both sets of supporters to boycott the final and have it played in an empty Wembley stadium…

I'm not saying his rating on FIFA is an accurate indication of how good he is but they do have scouts and someone must have rated him.

This would have been from his internationals and his time at swindon.

I'm not sure about FIFA but football manager has a larger scouting networks than most clubs. Non league clubs use it for scouting and Sam alladyce and Alex Mcgliesh have both used their database

+1

+2

Enough is never enough with the loads of money Premier league clubs.  They think that with the Sky t.v. dosh can buy them anything they want. It will never end if they are allowed to intrude. The EFL must stand firm but at the end of the day the supporters will need to be visibly united in their opposition.

For those interested, this is how German reserve sides are integrated into their lower leagues:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/German_reserve_football_teams

Agree with this and I for one will not be attending tonight. We need supporter solidarity on this.

Exactly. The need for boycott however should be for the U21 GAMES ONLY. There needs to be a greater contrast between this and a game against Boro in the JPT for example. The football league trophy is a nice competition and doesn't get the respect it deserves. The FA and Prem will try and spin in it their favour otherwise. I wouldn't be suprised if they include these u21 as a reason why the England youth teams are doing so well.

i hope it sells out

although that will set bedcobb off on one

Fundamentally, the fact that PL clubs are stockpiling so many players that they don't know what to do with them let alone get them near the first team is no concern of any EFL club. Chelsea (for example) have over 30 players out on loan at the moment.

The whole "helping the England team" line from the EFL is a flimsy front for what's essentially a PL cash grab. For example, I think Charlie Adam has played more times in this competition than in the PL this season.

As i just included in another thread on the other side of the board:

Around 15 years is were the key decision was made (or not made in this case). Not to introduce a minimum of home grown players in a starting XI when clubs were starting to buy more and more foreign players. There was uproar when Chelsea and Arsenal played an XI with no english players at all. Now I think the majority of clubs do it bar Burnley etc. Its even gone down into the Championship. Where does it end? They will never introduce such a rule now, because its impossible to restructure squads.

It wouldn't be so bad if it wasn't for the Elite Player Performance Plan which gives top clubs access to our best youngsters for capped compensation. The fella abovecomplaining about the club losing money needs to think about the fees lost when players like Fraser Hornby are plucked from our youth side. He'd be in our 1st team by now and worth probably £2 million plus.

On top of that there is the possibility that youth players taken from us could technically line up against us for Prem teams in the checkatrade and deny us a trip to Wembley.

Fair enough if you can't drag yourself from Sixfields for the night but don't talk down those with the backbone to stand up for the club's wider interests.

Of course such a quota would be good for the England team and make the Premier League more interesting but then it seemed to have diverted from its original premise that the bungling FA lost control of in a blink.

Agree with these sentiments, would have gone tonight if we were playing a"real" team, will just settle for listening in on RN instead, will go to any other games in this comp as long as they are not U21's from big clubs.

I cant help but agree, its raining,cold plus a miserable crowd. Will I go - of course ; I was there!

See you there everbrite, attendance 942? Higher or lower? 

If Cecil's going it will probably be a lot lower than 942

 ;D

(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DODP473XcAE98lS.jpg:large)

Good to see crooks back, can’t wait to see him in the same team as jjot - I just hope the injury news is positive. I assume crooks and mcgugan will split the match between them.

I wouldn't be risking Ash Taylor for this game, that's for sure.

Great to see Crooks back, half each for him and McGugan would be good but was hoping for some time for all three youth players.

Writing seems to be on the wall for one player though: #WhereIsRevs?

The Revmeister is not even on the bench! That's it, JFH out!

Sack 'em all!!!

0-1 already WTF

If the Revmeister was playing we'd be 2 up by now.

At least 3 I'd say.

No defender again then. Was is probably down the bookies.

No cj or razor either..they're all partimers

7

It's all too sad. Some people show support and commitment to our team, some people don't.

I haven't heard the Reekmeister mentioned yet

Cheering on from my sofa

I admire your support The Revmeister Glasto but let's not carried away. ;D

I'm here. Sat in front of the pc looking for a new car.

The Revmeister would have saved a penalty as well.

I'm sat here in my dimly lit caravan wearing a beige cardy surrounded by my rubber plants.

Crooks just wide

The Bowmeister and the Hanmeister sounds awful

Well played Luxo!

Billing Aquadrome?

Not getting a good feeling here

Lets get trailist A and B on..

They're the greatest!

The Ameister and the Bmeister  ;D

If we can't beat these chumps we have no hope against Oxelona

They're the future of the club, make no mistake!

Get hanley, bowditch and foley off..

0-1 HT

Not 1 shot on target..pi55 poor

Im poorly in bed actually....

Not expecting much from this game as it is a team made of up of reserves and players trying to get their fitness back.

Essentially a glorified friendly. If it get Crooks/Maloney back to fitness quicker and a couple of the young lads get some game time then mission accomplished.

End score means nothing. Unless you are one of the poor souls that turned up for it, I suppose.

No changes at HT

Now we are worried sick!

Sack 'em all again!

0-2

needs some changes Mr H

need to get the Longmeister or McGugmeister on or both

Its okay. Man flu. Get up, go work, come home, go bed.

Ditto here, it sucks.

Sweet Jesus!

3-0 down, surely time to give the kids some action?

To be 0-3 down to these is farcial

0-3 this is ridiculous maybe another 0-6. This is an U21 side..fooking embarrassing

We need Was and The Raulmeister in the team! They're not well but they're up for the challenge from the young Saints.

On this kind of result we might have a chance of making the bench.......

A late Rauldmeister hatrick 88th,89th and 90th

1-3 here we go!!!

Get in there!!!

The Folemeister

We'll win this cup now, easy.

Reek goes close

Finally something good happens.

atd 1118

I'm very worried about the Revmeister.

James Heneghan tweeted earlier that he might have an injury, but he was going to try and find out.

If The Revmeister goes, I go!

Get in there!!!

2-3

The McGugmeister with a screamer

Who needs The Revmeister now!!!

McGugan wants to hang on to his midfield spot!

Rev who?

Not much of a game at Gillingham tonight I see.

12 goal thriller!!

3-3!!

YESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS 3-3

Get in there!!!

Never in doubt..

Wembley here we come!!!!

Bugger, does that mean we qualified?  ;D

Nice to see some fight in the boys that are out there.

3-3 FT

Pens it is..

Where's JJOT for the pens??

Grimes!

Reek scores 2-1.
Southampton second one saved!!!

Rico!

Long puts us 3-1 up

3-2 Cobbs

Fook Mcgivern misses

YESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS we win 4-2

McGugmeister scores the winner

We're the greatest team in the world! Don't you just love The Cobblers!

Fúck me.That's a turn up for the books

Back from the dead........we go through without winning a game in the group!! Only in the Chuckletrade!!!

Now then, we know what we have to do next week, just park the bus against Scunny, take it to pens and we'll win for sure!! :)

Biggest comeback since 2009 I think.

Great comeback ...

5 unbeaten nice little run now..

Bring on Poxford..

What was the comeback in 2009. I can't remember being 3-0 down, or worse and coming back to draw or win? Sc***horpe away maybe, were we losing that 4-1 and ended up 4-4?

Grimes and Mcgugan look on an entirely different level to the rest of the team.

Correct...1-4 down after 51 minutes....13th December 2008

How did McGivern do?

Was it that long ago? I can remember that day clearly.
I can also remember Seamus OC, not being able to fit through the turnstile, and having to go through the fire exit.  ;D

How many more games before we can bring back the ... games, ... games undefeated song?  ;)

Decent. Kept it simple in possession, looked assured at the back. I wouldn’t be too concerned if Taylor or Pierre missed a game or two, better option as back up than Barnett.

It’s a good result but without pissing on the party I always think it’s strange that a team gets massive  credit for recovering from a 3-0 deficit conveniently forgetting the team that got them in that predicement in the first place.

Well Potato Head you scored an own goal again - the turn out was a magnificent 1104 spectators.

For the first 10 mins we passed it around nicely conceding an early goal to boot! For a full 70 mins of this game we were ineffective 2nd to the ball and in some cases even 3rd! We passed sideways and back much to the irritation of the crowd. Even the great JFH was getting impatient with the players of whom several of the fringe players looked exactly that; poor old Hanley personified that description how he lasted so long is testament to JFH patience. Richards display did not earn too many plaudits from the crowd; talk about on borrowed time.  Taylor just about held the defence together to keep the score down to 0-3. Soton were faster played liked a team and defended well (not much to do). Even given how poor we were they looked a decent pacy clever side.
JFH subs changed the game but Foleys goal a slightly mis*** shot at that was the start. Grimes and Long came on but it was another sub who changed the game - McGugan. Suddenly we had tempo, passing became astute and incisive thanks to Grimes and McG. Then McG scored a thunderbolt volley - sheer class. Glad I was there to witness it. The tempo went up another notch and even more so in the added 5 mins. Poor Soton their dubious time wasting tactics did for them and rightly so. The 3rd goal was a genuine classic - a corner in the last 30 secs of added time. Even Cornell came up for the corner. Somehow Taylor head it in and am pretty sure Cornells presence unnerved their goalie. Then even the pens went our way.

The sheer elation of the crowd at the result was good to see; as for the self proclaimed stay aways (nice and cosy in their armchairs) it was the result they dreaded. For £5.00 you all missed a magnificent topsy turvy game. That result will earn the club a load of goodwill from those who were there. I was there!

What a match! A typical Cobblers start, a fantastic comeback, a world-class McGugan goal, a last-second equaliser and a win on penalties! In terms of action, possibly the most eventful game we'll see at Sixfields all season.

We were quite shockingly bad for the first 65 minutes- some of our players looked very lethargic, particularly Hanley, Kasim and Bowditch. Crooks was our bright spark in that first half- he looks to be on another level to the rest of the team and it's great to see him back.

Southampton were the better side in the first half, looking particularly good on the counterattack, and after 65 minutes, we were 3-0 down. Then JFH had a decision to make- admit defeat and throw the academy lads on for a bit of experience, or refuse to wave the white flag and send in the proper reinforcements. He chose the latter, and it turned out to be exactly the right call. On came Matt Grimes, Lewis McGugan and Chris Long- together, they injected some much needed impetus into the side. Foley got our first goal, a very good finish from inside the box. He took his time upon receiving the ball in a good position, remained collected and hit a very clever shot into the top right corner. Then McGugan got us right back in the game with a beautiful volley from 30 yards out- surely one of the best goals scored at Sixfields. An absolute worldy.
The Southampton lads couldn't cope with our improvement in quality and blind panic set in for them, largely due to inexperience, which played to our advantage.

Southampton did a lot of time wasting but in the end this didn't matter because the ref added every second of time wasted on at the end, which allowed us to get our equaliser. Even Cornell came up for Grimes' corner, which Taylor headed in- the final whistle blew 3 seconds later.

The penalty shootout that followed was a bit of a non-event as we had already qualified in Cobbleresque style but it's always nice to win it even so. Rico's penalty was probably the pick of the bunch.

A good attendance too for a Checkatrade game on a cold, rainy Tuesday night in November- 1100. And what a game we ended up seeing!

Man-For-Man Marking

CORNELL- A couple of crucial saves. Poor defending was to blame for the goals conceded, not him. Very vocal which is good to see. 6/10

SMITH- Has some pace about him which is always useful, and he was a nuisance for the Southampton defence throughout. Good with the ball at his feet and really put a shift in. 6.5

TAYLOR- Solid and professional throughout, some crucial interceptions as well. Scored the brilliant headed equaliser too! 7

McGIVEN- Can't say I'm impressed, didn't look very sharp or competent. At fault for a couple of Southampton's goals, missed his penalty, and poor decision making on the ball. I hope he improves but at the moment, Taylor and Pierre are better options. 5

MOLONEY- Got forward a lot in the first half and some decent crosses into the box. Didn't shirk his defensive responsibilities either. Faded in the second half. 6

BOWDITCH- Had an absolute shocker. So many poor passes, lost possession on countless occasions, and even during our late resurgence he was the weak link. 3.5

CROOKS- Good to see him back, great on the ball and a genuine attacking threat. 7

KASIM- Didn't seem interested at all, some poor passes and hardly broke a sweat- very little running or attempting to win the ball. Rightly hauled off after an hour. Showed yet again why he shouldn't be anywhere near the first team. 3.5

FOLEY- Didn't really get into it in the first half but much better in the second. Excellent finish for his debut goal for the club and much more of a midfield presence later on. 6.5

HANLEY- All over the place. Positioning was abysmal, didn't get stuck in and offered nothing going forward. 3.5

RICHARDS- Lack of service limited his effectiveness in the first half. Very nearly pulled off what would have been a brilliant chip over the Saints goalkeeper in the second half but it went narrowly wide. Other than that, a quiet night for the skipper, although he never stopped closing people down and slipping in some good attacking passes where he could. Decent pen in the shootout. 6.5

Subs:

GRIMES: Classy tonight, some real skill shown and dominated the midfield upon his introduction. Taught a few Southampton lads some lessons tonight. Scored a good pen too. 7.5

McGUGAN: Changed the game when he came on, worked well with Grimes and played some perfect long passes. Then scored a peach of a volley to get us back in the game. Looks a good acquisition, I'm certainly a fan now! 8 MOTM

LONG: Got straight into it once introduced. Combined well with Rico to cause Saints a few more defensive issues and always a threat with the ball at his feet marauding into the box. His pace certainly continues to be a welcome attribute up front where we so often lack it. Looked injured at the end of the game though- a recurrence of his hamstring issue maybe. Hopefully nothing too serious. 7

Ask Dan

Well said, I completely agree.

That's a helluva report - nearly 900 words and in good grammar too!

The song was league games only. So we are on 3. I'd probably wait a bit longer  :P

I must agree with Altobs review of the game and player ratings.What is the point of playing Bowditch?He looks like an old pro going through the motions and taking his money.
Better off playing a youngster who is out to impress.Must give credit to JFH for his 3 substitutions that changed the game.

Glad you enjoyed yourself.

The sofa was warm,dry and comfy. Not quite sure what your issue is with those of us who choose to stay away from B/U21 team games, but if it makes you feel better going on about it then so be it.

Can't believe he got a 2 year deal.

Was he pre or post Chinese?
That would have made a difference...

There isn’t and you are missing the point! If the cap fits.........
If it helps I am doubtful for some long away trips due to cost!

i think its more about how much the people who aren't going feel the need to mention it every time - like they are some sort of saviour.

Spot on!

In this case I thin the OP asked if people were going, to me that gives both sides of the argument a chance to say yes or no.

But people don't seem to be able to do that without sniping at each other, it's almost as good as reading the Redevelopment thread.  :afro

Pity we have to play another game in this silly little competition & disappointingly high attendance.

I only went last night because I like small grounds and easier fixtures.

So it’s either Portsmouth,Gillingham,Yeovil or West Ham under 21s away next.
I think that’s right.

Its not a silly little competition but it was a disappointingly high attendance. Due to the childlike behaviour of some fans who only went because they dont like the self righteousness of people who told them they shouldn't go.
Bayo being there for the book signing didn't help.

U21's can't play any games at home so if it is West Ham then the game will happen at Sixfields.

According to the NTFC official site the runners up in groups E.F.G and H (we were runners up in H) are drawn against the winners of A,B,C and D.

Portsmouth have won A, Gillingham have won B, C is still to be decided (could be West Ham, Bristol Rovers or Swindon), and D is also still to be decided (Yeovil, Plymouth or Chelsea)

We are supposed to live in a free country so it is entirely up to the individual wither they go to this game or not, if you go or not it only matters to you, it's nobody else's business.

Chelsea can't finish top, so we can rule them out.

Lewis McGugan's goal last night was one of the best goals ever at Sixfields! He hit it with his left foot and looking at his goals on youtube it seems he is genuinely two footed. If he isn't yet, we've got a very special player when fully fit

Read the threads again, you are making a mountain of a molehill. Nobody is doing any sniping except you.

IF: "West Ham United and Manchester City have been granted permission to play home fixtures at their opponents venue if required and subject to agreement."

 
Precisely so there is no need for a few self righteous pompous fans telling us we shouldn’t go! Just a simple  ‘not going’ or better still nothing at all. I also think we live in a free country - not suppose.

Like taking a potshot at people in their armchairs?  ;)

Who said you shouldn't?

It's not as simple as that. It's called solidarity. Reigning in the addiction to going to a football match (for one night) for the greater good of the whole Football League and the national side.

The arguments in support of the boycott are detailed. The arguments for breaking it seem to begin and end with "I wanna go to watch a football match".

so for the good of the national side, you want the top clubs young english players playing less games?! against professional opposition!?

Talk about fanciful opinion - it only cost me £5! That swayed me! I also think the competition is unfairly derided by a few on here! If the club can do well in any competition and give fringe players a game it’s a good thing- yes? I was surprised by over 1k there on a filthy night. Finally judging by the players expressions after the game was a good to see and will help their confidence - yes?

It’s not specific - yours is! Feel you should apologise for your snipe.

Read the threads - not into flaming!

Last year the average B team English player under 21 made 2.2 starts in the competition. How is that going to make any meaningful impact on the senior England side?

What I and others want is meaningful change to the way our top English talent is fielded in 1st teams by Premier League teams. Not this B-Team red herring. Either that or a change to the way top level academies can hoover up the best talent. They can't have it both ways.

"Self proclaimed stay aways (nice and cosy in their armchairs)" is pretty specific to whom it is aimed at to me (anyone that doesn't agree with B/U21teams in this competition if you would like me to spell it out), and I won't apologise for asking why you felt the need to bring that up. Feel sorry for yourself about it if you must.

I'm reading this thread, that's the one I'm commenting in.

And nowhere on it has anybody specifically told you not to go, but feel free to point it out if I have missed it. I'll even apologise if I have.  ;)

Won’t name anybody just keep on reading the thread ::)

they can, and they do, money talks and it wont change.

Everbrite, what is it with you and your constant sniping at your fellow fans over attendance at matches ? You come across as a self  righteous prig with your put downs of anybody who doesnt make it to every match, whilst you forget to mention that you yourself dont attend all the games. Its a shame as sometimes you come across as being quite an intelligent person, but you do insist on this constant sniping of anybody who in your eyes is not as a perfect supporter as yourself.

I really don't understand the sniping on this one - certainly I think it's a slightly strange competition but who cares as no one is forced to go or indeed stay away.

I didn't but listening to the commentary wished I had - that probably gives me a double barreled label my some on here.

On another topic though it is very clear to me albeit a conspiracy theory (look at the pattern of goals and results) the under 21 teams are under instruction not to progress much further in this competition.

Quite honestly TCobb I don’t need you of all people to pass judgemental  comments . You have been guilty of sniping for a long time. You also like a good moan most of the time. You are also missing the point - I said self proclaimers of the competition. As far as I am aware that did not include you and the vast majority of fans.......however if the hat 🎩 fits so be it.
There is no point accusing others of sniping when you are frequently doing it.

Your right it’s a nothing for most of us!

I think Caroline did well last night - good quality questions. Clearly JFH is taking to her?

Another thing Jonah I have already admitted that I miss some games as I did last year. You do like telling Porkies to suit your argument.

God help this football club if we ever end up in a situation like Blackpool have with the Oystons.

Wow a sudden change of subject 8)

That is sanctimonious nonsense. If you want to go,go if not dont. Do not however preach to others about the greater good.

 ;D

What's the threat to the football league? They took a competition that was dead on its @rse, that nobody attended anyway and they changed the format. They gave it one last try before ditching it.

It doesnt affect the league cup, the FA cup, or the league.

Arguments for it include:

the chance for us to get squad/youth players game time
the chance to get players coming back from injury, match fit
double the prize money compared to previous structure
League structure ensures at least 3 games to be played
The ability to scout potential loan players from the u21 sides in a competitive, mens game of football.

Half of the people who are vocally boycotting, never attended this competition before the u21 sides were introduced. So their boycott is meaningless.

I agree!

Most of your points could be done in a Football League only competition.

Becoming even more reliant on Premier League funds than we already are is questionable.

There is a U-23 Premier League 2 to scout these players.

The Johnstone's Paint Trophy was never run properly in a way to attract fans. It's only now it has been miraculously regionalised more tightly.
Given better organisation and marketing plus with fans coming out in support of a competition minus B-teams there is no reason why it couldn't be a success.

Soton were a good side, but for their time wasting would have won. If other under 21 sides are as good then they are welcome. Would love to play and beat Chelsea U21.

Certainly a good last 20 minutes (some had left). The introduction of Grimes, Long and McGugan made the difference. McGugan and Grimes looked good in midfield together, linking up really well.

Lots of groans from the crowd for the first 70 minutes though, a particular favourite was FORWARD every time it went back or sideways. Then the next player plays it FORWARD (to avoid shouts from the crowd) and it goes straight to their player or out of play.   

PATIENCE, PATIENCE, PATIENCE is what is needed, could someone please explain what the problem is with ball retention?   

In the man of match thread someone said mcgivern missed a penalty? Is this true? When?

In the penalty shoot-out. Grimes, Long, Richards and McGugan scored.

I was sat next to a bit of an odd supporter myself last night, but even he was getting very frustrated with certain supporters shouting "forward!", "Get it up theeerrrre!".

Ball retention is absolutely key. Even overweight, hungover lads playing Sunday football are starting to acknowledge this.

My mate went last night. He's a Villa fan, so used to idiots. He sent me a text and one of those who left early.
"My god, your fans are awful. Terrible game but JFH had words with a few clueless idiots who were on the players from the off."
I know most teams have them but we certainly do seem to have our fair share. They probably won't be on here as they probably struggle to use a computer.

Were you sitting next to everbrite by any chance?

Don't mean it Evers  :-*

Is there a correlation between the people who have no idea about the game of football therefore shouting 'forward' at any opportunity, and those that haven't realised the wider impact that having under 21's in a senior competition could have? Just seems that they were both there last night in a crowd of 1000.
I'm not saying there is, just asking the question.

Yeah, why keep possession and draw other teams out when we can simply pump it into attacking positions to begin with?

Anyone else think the goalie should have done better with McGugan's goal?

Great strike but it looked almost straight at him (Didn't look to move too much on the replay but maybe somebody who went can correct me?). Then I thought maybe I was being a bit harsh to a young lad stepping up to play "mens" football as an U21 player.

Turns out the goalie is quite a bit more experienced than an U21 though:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alex_McCarthy

Blimey 27 as well? Personally I think he had no chance of saving it let alone a decent sight of it. Very much at fault for the 3rd goal ; should have come out to punch it?

Would have thought a goalie with a decent amount of experience at Premiership and Championship level could cope with both.

Don't give me vicarious responsibility on last nights 'advice'. I have also been witnessing many of the dullards shouting misguided rubbish first hand for over the past 40 years. I know the Cobbler folk as well as anyone, some of them pretty infamous across the years.
If the caps fits Evers, a man who appears to think he has to dissect and review just about every comment made on here. You OK m'duck?

Chill out boys, have some highlights. Now available for those of us in our comfy sofa, or those that chose to go, and snipe at those that didnt.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V3tcsVjL0RU

Don't forget to add Luton Town and MK Wrongs to that list.

Strange comment!

Yeah Chill out CT .

😂😂

What do you proper fans who go week in and week out through thick and thin think of someone like me. Whilst I have forked out a fair chunk of money on ifollow I am not sure how much the club gets? That is about the sum total of my support. I haven’t been to a game since my old man died and probably never will? Does anyone class someone like me as a supporter or are we just hobbyists? I’ve been to hundreds if not thousands of games in my time, but I still feel like a bit of a fraud if I’m honest.

Part timer! ;D

You are a supporter, the same as the rest of us.

I don't understand the ideology of having to go to every game to be a "proper" supporter. I have a season ticket and go to away games where work allows, you are no different to me, we are both Cobblers supporters.

;D
The gobby bell end who sits behind me most weeks disputes almost every offside decision on the grounds that "They should never have changed the rule!" (Referring to players being active/inactive) The fact that they have changed it doesn't seem to stop him complaining about it, nor does it stop him verbally abusing the lino for correctly enforcing it! See also any yellow card given to a Cobblers player ("Wasn't even a foul! It's a physical game! Fifa have ruined this sport!")

Well worth a look at the series of tweets underneath this one.

https://twitter.com/uglygame/status/928237438052524032

14% rise in attendances is a misleading stat if you quote it in isolation. Last year's gates were ~50% down on the year before so gates are still down by a third on what they were.

Particularly pertinent is the question of what happens when England get knocked out of Russia 2018 in the group stage/2nd round. I can certainly foresee Scudamore & Glenn knocking on Shaun Harvey's door with a wad of "proposals" backed up by some more TV dosh.

I would say that anyone who follows the club from the other side of the world is definitely a supporter! Anyone who cares, who wants to know how players are doing, who takes time to comment on the current issues is a supporter.

I don't get to many games now but I bet I care every bit as much as most season ticket holders. I accept there are some absolute fanatics but that's not me anyway.

Of course you are a supporter - in fact far more so than the freeloaders who pretty much every week pick up complimentary tickets.

Last nights Grimsby v Sunderland U21's game produced the lowest attendance EVER for a competitive game of football played in England. Both teams were already out of the competition before kickoff, which probably went some way towards the gate being a paltry 248......this included (officially) 5 away fans!

Melly - You are doing fine!

Thanks for the pep talk everyone. I feel better now, I thought you’d all call me a tit?

unavoidably detained at sea but I knew we'd win if it went to pens.
Booking my tickets for Wembley now.

Yep, and apparently one of the 5 was a Leeds supporter 'celebrating' his 65th birthday with his son (a Sunderland supporter).

Here is some decent news now and
Talking about decent news BoN today I received my new Trust Membership Card and what a beauty it is ; discreet yellow background with crest and letters in maroon. Real showpiece card which I flashed in Harrods and received several admiring glances from a couple of Sloan Ranger girls. Whatever you say about the Trust they know how to treat members.

Perhaps it was not the card at all Evers. Perhaps it was the smoking jacket, cravat and jaunty angle of your Panama hat that set the pulses racing?

I like cravats!