One of my favourite film creations back in the day was Cool Hand Luke, immortalised by Paul Newman as the title character in the movie.
Well after Saturday I reckon Daniel Farke could play the role – with a slightly different accent of course.
What a brave decision, which Daniel himself described as a *hunch*, it proved to be to bring 19-year-olds Bali Mumba and Josh Martin on with roughly a quarter of the game to go. Swansea manager Steve Cooper had targeted Jacob Sorensen by switching the dangerous Andre Ayew to the right-wing, and our left wasn’t working too well anyway with Przemyslaw Placheta having a below-average game.
Now Farke doesn’t always explain his decisions but in this case he did with admirable honesty:
“It was a bit risky. It is one thing to have a fantastic idea as a coach but the compliments go to the player [Mumba]. What those two lads [Mumba and Martin] did was outstanding and full credit to them.
“Swansea changed their base formation at half-time to 4-3-3 with Ayew on the wing. I was pretty pleased to have Jacob Sorensen there at the beginning, who is very solid, but after they changed we got the feeling Ayew is so good going forward but not the best defender.
“We needed a pacy full-back and that was Bali Mumba. To play him for the first time in his career there was a gut feeling. Ahead of him, we needed more of a number 10 to pin their full-back, so I brought on Martin for Placheta.
“It was brave because when you have such a young player against Ayew it is risky. It could have gone completely in the other direction. Fortune favours the brave. We were not just happy with the draw. We wanted to go for it.”
Cool Hand Luke won his gamble in style.
I thought Mumba was originally signed as a right-back/defensive midfielder but he ripped it up on the left with some dazzling, mazy runs, and of course from one of these he crossed, Emi Buendia cushioned back and there was the [sometimes] sweet left foot of the Stieperdude to clinch the three points.
A big shout out for the magnificent Tim Krul for his trio of top-class saves from Jamal Lowe and another from the aforementioned Ayew. Referee Darren England also deserves credit for making what I at least think was the right decision when Max Aarons and Jake Bidwell coincided in the box.
All in all that leaves us Canary types with that warm fuzzy feeling throughout the international break which will hopefully give Todd Cantwell, Ben Gibson and Lukas Rupp the time to ease their knocks in order to be fit for Middlesbrough.
The downside? The poxy break itself.
We all know our internationals are understandably proud to play for their countries and if Sebastian Soto gets on the turf for the USA that will accelerate his application for a work permit, which is all to the good of everybody except the manager of Chile.
Why in these Covid-ridden times do players have to jet around the world for what are in quite a lot of cases meaningless friendlies?
It sure beats me.
Talking of the USA, schoolboy players of my generation were offered half time oranges, many of which were past their best and often failed to deliver what they said on the peel. They could be acrid, bitter and dry out the roof of your mouth quicker than a hairdryer on a combover mission. Or they could be completely tasteless of course.
Kind of reminds me of the ex-President of the United States and, no, I’m not taking the pith.
I’ll end with a message to Mr Cooper at Swansea: if you ever get fed up with Connor Roberts we’ll have him for a reasonable fee. The pick of what I thought was a very good Swansea side who probably deserved a point.
Let’s relax until we see how Farke plays his hand against Colin’s Boro.
An excellent read on this damp and miserable Monday morning Martin and there’s not much left for me to add.
‘Hats off’ to DF for his substitutions and Mumba following his advice to the letter. I was exchanging texts with another fan and at 65 minutes, I said – ‘time for subs DF’ and then 3 minutes later ……
How brilliant to see DF not waiting until the 85th minute before sending on subs and he now obviously does have a ‘plan B/C’ etc.
Mumba had Roberts (a Welsh international no less!!) in knots and his cross which led to the goal was sublime. Has SW found the natural successor to Lewis or even an upgrade?? Certainly reading some of the comments on the PinkUn, some fans feel he could be.
Roberts made some crucial blocks earlier in the game and how brilliant to see a team come to CR and try to win the game which they certainly would have done, but for Krul’s brilliance. I dread to think what the score might have been had we had McGovern in goal.
IMO, Swansea will be in the mix at the end of the season and it is now so tight at the top of the Championship.
DF is spot on when he commented about the stupidity of International friendlies when the pandemic is raging across Europe.
DF crosses swords with ‘Colin’ when ‘normal service’ resumes on 21st Nov and I’m tempted to pay my £10 to watch the game.
I’ll leave you with this thought to brighten up your Monday morning. I’ve just checked and Ragett was in the Lincoln City team that beat 1p5wich in the FA Cup 3 years ago!!! #historyrepeating
Morning Ed – damp and miserable it is indeed.
Predicting DF’s subs used to be relatively easy but he threw me with that one. I was expecting Mario and either Hugill or Idah tbh but it turned out to be a very nice surprise.
I love the way he said it *might have backfired* because I like honesty in a manager and I think Farke has been a good example of that.
I don’t know if Boro’s on the Sky red button but if it isn’t I might part with a tenner too.
Yeah that’s Lincoln and now Portsmouth for Sean Raggett of course. He never really got a chance here, I can only guess because Farke didn’t rate his distribution. I’m scratching my bonce to think if I ever saw him play in a Yellow shirt – don’t think I did tbh.
Thanks as ever
Love your Ragett fact, Ed! Makes that result all the sweeter!
I still think there was a case for Raggett being offside on Saturday but oh dear, how sad, never mind 🙂
So do I, Martin, but as you say, all the sweeter for that!
What made me laugh was when Raggett said afterwards something like *it was going in anyway so I should have left it alone*!
Oranges at half time? In my day the only thing we got was a clip around the ear for any mistakes we made. Although when we played rugger we’d get a curly sandwich and a glass of watery orange cordial if the game was at a private school, and Jack Adams would let us sing dirty songs on the coach home.
Hi Cutty
I’ve never played rugby in my life but three of my mates did for Upper Clapton near Harlow – similar in standard to North Walsham back in the day.
Each of them had a club sticker in their car rear windows featuring the club crest, a graphic of two oval footballs and the phrase: *It takes leather balls to play rugby*.
I sincerely hope you didn’t sing the Lobster Song, which is particularly filthy. In the days many moons before You Tube our old punk band The Bedsores did a cover of it, inspired of course by the Pistols’ Friggin’ in the Riggin’.
I think many of us are struggling to stay on topic just now!
Cheers
Awesome stuff Mr P. Had Farke’s gamble worked no doubt the knives would have been out, well done Mr F for having the gonads to do it and earlier enough to make a giant difference
Sunderland fans are sure angry with their club for letting Mumba go quite so cheaply, think he may have done his chances of a start after the break no harm at all if Quintella isn’t ready to go. Sorensen has done a very admirable job out of position. In reality, there should have not been the need to have to make do in the squad in any position.
With Emi misfiring perhaps young Master Martin could get a look in, from what I have seen, I would not have a problem, but maybe not at Colin’s place. Think we may need an extra piece of muscle, up there., but it should be known by now how Colin sets his sides up, plus knowing within reason what to expect..
I am not a fan of the breaks to be honest, I lost interest in Englan many moons ago, my eyes will be looking out for Soto. He looks like an exciting prospect to have to join the squad at some point, once the red tape is chopped out of the way.
So many plaudits for our No1, I do not think we can wax lyrical enough about our Dutch Master, an intro on an arty-farty painting page says this: “Each Dutch master left his mark on his discipline.”
Think we can apply that about Krul,, without doubt, he is leaving his mark on the discipline of goalkeeping. Long may it reign without a doubt in my biased eyes he is the best in this league and would outshine several in the league above.
Two weeks of lockdown and boredom, with precious little football to get passionate about, plus being layed up with a pretty bad Gout attack. I am wishing my time away on this one
Stay safe. and take care sir, looking forward to the break time posts
Hi Lad
I must admit I was a little surprised [ok, carping myself] when Mumba and Martin came on as it didn’t seem to be the type of game for a pair of 19-y-o virtual debutants.
Look how wrong you can be!
I’ve a Boro mate who tells me Colinball is still very much Colinball but would also say he’s really improved their work ethic and defence. Another tough one.
Tim Krul was full of praise for our goalkeeping coach Ed Wootten after the match and with the injury to their number one he’s fully expecting to get some minutes starting against……. oh, just Spain. Nothing to worry about there then, Tim, but a start would get him into double figures as in caps for his country.
Gout is one mean son-of-a-b*tch and only prescription stuff like antacids really work. Good luck with getting hold of some just now. I hope you do. MFW will try and come up with something entertaining during the break. We hope!
Cheers
Yes, the Mackems up here were a bit peed off in the summer at Mumba leaving. Not so much for stepping up a league, but because he was sold so cheaply (not sure if add-ons come into it though).
Hi Jason
Bali Mumba was literally a steal from an NCFC point of view but such a low price for that kind of player VERY rarely comes without add-ons. Like I said to CanaryJim [below] I don’t know the details because they’re never disclosed but I’d be surprised if there wasn’t some appearance based stuff and a % of any future sell-on in there for Sunderland somewhere.
Thanks
So Farke’s substitutions were something of a Cool Hand Fluke? I think he’s being too modest and should unleash his inner Mourhino, who would be shouting from the roof tops about what a brilliant tactical move he had made. Anyway, If DF is feeling competitive, I’ll get the eggs boiling.
Another word of praise for the recruitment team. The signings of Mumba, Sorensen, Gibson, Quantilla and Placheta have provided us with players who are ready and capable of performing in our promotion chasing side and I think Hugill will eventually prove to be a more than useful part of the squad. But it’s not only the signings that are important; the selling of Godfrey and Lewis has given the club a financial cushion and we don’t look to be missing either of them.
I just hope the international travellers return uninjured and uninfected from this ridiculously scheduled round of nonsense.
Hi Don
I’m not too sure I see Farke in the Mourinho mould. It’s just not his style.
You’re quite right when you say we’re not missing Ben Godfrey or Jamal Lewis too much and considering we’ve already had Xavi Quintilla, Jacob Sorensen and Bali Mumba play left back all in their own different ways, that says something about something I guess.
As for recruitment another CB wouldn’t have gone amiss but let’s keep our fingers crossed and hope one arrives in January, even it’s the recall of Akin Famewo from Charlton.
Love the eggs reference to Cool Hand Luke.
Cheers
An excellent read as usual Martin.
Given the relentless schedule of club games it makes no sense to play international friendlies. It can only be for TV revenue although I am not sure how big the audiences are for friendlies. Let’s hope that players going away on international duties do not play all three games. The added recklessness of travelling around the world given the prevalence of Covid 19 only adds to the nonsense of friendlies. Will the Government relax it’s travel ban on non-UK citizens coming from Denmark, given the new mink strain of Covid? Football just cannot get its nose out of the through and make sensible decisions not based solely on finance.
Saturday’s game was a real mixed bag. A good start and a good last quarter of the game but the middle bit was dominated by Swansea. I would not have been upset if the game had ended a draw. As everyone is saying DF was inspired in his substitutions. I think DF continues to grow as a head coach. His substitutions this season have been better and better timed.
I was impressed with Mumba and as I said yesterday he looks a very good signing. I wonder who will get in the team when both are fit Mumba or Quintilla? Sorensen also looks a decent signing. Rupp and Skipp will take some shifting but he would be a good midfield option. It is nice to have versatile players, particularly this season given the likelihood of injuries.
I think our overall results so far are as good as we could expect after such a depressing last season. Our team has the potential to get better as they play more games. It is unfortunate that there is little time to coach the team between games to drill the sorts of patterns of play that DF demands.
I remain optimistic about this season. My only major concern is losing key players in the January window.
OTBC
Hi Colin
To begin at the end we don’t know who will go in January. This is just my view but I would suggest Todd Cantwell’s value to a prospective purchaser has fallen significantly, Emi isn’t firing on all cylinders [he’s always blown hot and cold anyway] so I would think Max will be the only one in the departure lounge. Delia will demand that one of them goes and my money is on the most obviously saleable, eg Max.
Fair point about Sorensen but considering that neither Alex Tettey or Ollie Skipp will be here next season I’m sure the young Dane will get his chance in midfield.
As for mink farms they were banned here in the UK years ago but a lot of the little buggers must have escaped so who knows?
Maybe Sir Arthur, gawd bless him!
Cheers
Is farke starting to learn at last he seems to be making substitutions earlier and switching it a bit more thank god …i do feel sorry for the sunderland fans who feel hard done by the sale of mumba but he and josh martin sound exciting which is great ….just hope hanley can keep injury free and stake his claim as for the international breaks we never used to have them before did we ??
Hi Jim
Yes many Mackems fans are bemoaning the fact that we stole Mumba for a reported £350k. There must be hefty add-ons in that deal of course, but I don’t know the details. Bali’s come a long way from a loan to South Shields hasn’t he?
And Josh Martin, who gave a few balls away tbh, isn’t exactly short on confidence.
I’m sure the entire Canary nation will join you in hoping Hanley stays fit. My interest in/knowledge of international football isn’t that great but I can’t see him as a nailed-on starter for Scotland in the upcoming games.
Thanks
“taking the pith”…. brilliant!
Sorensen seemed to be holding his own very well against Ayew, I don’t think any of their golden chances came from his side of the pitch. But it never occurred to me, or Chris Goreham and Keith Webb either as far as I recall, to consider how that was stopping us getting forward. I suppose it’s a bit like doing a chess puzzle in the paper. I can sometimes see a likely winning move, but not the tactical surprise that a grandmaster finds to complete the job.
A point about that great stop from Krul when Lowe appeared to be through one-on-one. My immediate reaction was that Lowe ought to have tucked it in one corner. But when you see the replay there’s a tremendous last ditch slide from Hanley that I think forces him into shooting a fraction early – it certainly breaks his composure.
Looking at the bigger picture it’s unusual to see all 3 relegated clubs so prominent this early in the season. There’s normally at least 1 basket case club, sometimes 2, dropping like a stone.
In truth, we were the only PL basket case last season, but as a team rather than the whole club. The 2 who came down with had quite strong squads built up over 3 or 4 years, and it could easily have been West Spam, Villa, Burnley or Brighton instead of them.
It helps us that with the prospect of losing so much revenue due to Covid very few of last year’s Championship clubs have dared to invest and build further – only really those who have developed players and sold them on for big money. It won’t surprise me if 2 from City, Watford and Bournemouth get the automatic places, with the one missing out favourites for the play-offs.
Hi Keith
Trying to think up those orange references gave me the pip tbh.
I picked up on Hanley’s work against Jamal Lowe too. You’re quite right of course as in make it as bloody hard for them as you can, which our Grant did.
Good observations about who might be up there at the end of the season cos it won’t be Reading or Bristol City and that’s for sure. Bournemouth and Watford have certainly invested more than us on the pitch over the past few years but to my knowledge both those clubs are like us in that they have – and are unlikely to acquire – any immediate financial worries.
I want top two, not play-offs we will be unable to go to 🙂
Cheers
While Krul and Mumba deserved the plaudits mention should be made of Hanley who has been a huge presence this season.
It can be no coincidence that our goals against improves with him in the team.
I also get frustrated by Emi loosing the ball and his demeanour at times but at the end of the day who made the vital touch for the winner?
Hi John
Yes you’re quite right. Hanley does get often overlooked, as does Zimbo on occasions too. Some of the latter’s long diagonals from deep are a joy to behold.
As for Emi’s wonderful touch, I wish there was a way he and Bali could get half an assist each – but there isn’t. So the assist is Emi’s 🙂
Thanks as always
Excellent read MP and not much I can add, save for a rant about the international break. Utterly pointless and downright stupid in the current climate, not to mention us sweating on players staying fit and not picking up injuries (especially a certain dutch shot stopper).
I usually get irritated with managers who moan constantly about too many games, but they are spot on with this one. Wish they’d been able to pull the players out en masse.
Mumba was class by the way.
Hi again Jason
Couldn’t agree with you more. I don’t see the point in these fixtures right now, maybe with the tenuous exception of Scotland v Serbia.
And of course if Sebastian Soto did get a USA cap it would be good for NCFC in work permit terms. Don’t get me started on the “current climate” – many of our so-called rules in the UK are as clear as mud and I’m guessing that must be the same throughout Europe.
Downright stupid? Oh yeah.
Cheers
Hi Martin
International friendlies are as Infantio of FIFA say to promote the game and allow teams to build team spirit and gather revenue for the poor countries to survive not once does he mention the health of the players during this pandemic or the extra games they are having to play.
FIFA forget that most of their revenue comes from the successful European leagues and they suggested these leagues cut the amount of games played to allow internationals.
Anyway Cooper had his view of the game saying his keeper didn’t make one save and Krul had more save in this game than he has had all season, as my nearest and dearest say Oh S@@t happens in life
Let’s hope all minor knocks are healed by the time the break is over and city can kick on and get some points of both Middlesbrough and Stoke both tough away games.
Onwards and upwards
OTBC
Stay safe and stay healthy
Hi Alex
There may be respect for FIFA/UEFA across Europe but if there is it’s sure not shared by too many folks whichever country you happen to live in.
Every club supporter fears for the physical – and indeed mental to an extent – health of “their” players doing these breaks but there is no reason for this bout of largely meaningless fixtures. None at all.
And yes some nice easing of what we hope are very minor squad injuries over the next fortnight would be most welcome.
Cheers
As for Steve Cooper I’ll forgive him for his statement. If I’m honest I think I would have been a bit pi$$ed off to in his position and I bet they’ll be well up for the return. As will we.
Nice read Martin happy with the 3points say although it looked like none for a while for along period in the second have .cant remember the last time when there has been so many promising players at the club many still on loan but think we have a good finicial future at least with three players which will put us on agood footing in three trying times might well see you before end of season with news of new vaccine by end of month keep well 😊
Hi Kev
I was delighted to get all three points as well. Swansea will probably quite rightly feel hard done by but as DF and every other manager would say, you have to take your chances. And we did.
This squad [and those coming through the ranks] gives me confidence too. But we must remember that they are all part of a production line
So sorry mate but I doubt we’ll be back in the Barclay this season. I wouldn’t bank on August 2021 either but I so much hope I’m wrong.
Thanks a lot.
After seen highlights of the game, I would describe mr Farke and Norwich as Lucky Luke.
Finland plays friendly game against France, its an great honor that world champion decided to choose Finland as their opponent. Surely every player wants to play that game and after that there is important nations league games against Bulgaria and Wales. Winning both would surely mean moving to group A and also some kind of backup option for world cup. How many minutes Pukki plays surely interest Norwich fans. I believe he play in all those 3 games, but I doubt it will be 270 minutes. Fredrik Jensen is injured but Marcus Forss deputize, they are not similar player types. To Pukki that can mean very hard working role because those 2 other striker options are more like classic strikers. Also its still uncertain how bundesliga teams are giving their players to play international matches right now because of corona virus.
Hi 1×2
I’m amazed that Marcus Forss does not get a regular start with his club, Brentford. I think he came to them via the WBA [England] academy but I could be wrong. He looks pretty good to me from what little I have seen of him.
Of course every player wishes to play for his country and is proud to do so. I would never question that but it just seems to me that right now the timing is a little bit wrong.
I do not think Finland have too much to worry about against Bulgaria but even without the presence of their under-question manager Ryan Giggs Wales will be a tough proposition for you. Gareth Bale and Connor Roberts are two for you to watch out for!
Thanks and keep commenting on MFW – it’s always great to hear from you.
Gareth Bale is strange one. Basically only because he surprisingly came to play against Finland, our coaching stuff kind of pissed on pants and started to play too passive football. Bale was not fit or not same player anymore as he had been. Very boring game, draw would have been fair result. Finland had in 0-0 situation incredible good scoring chance which overall way too limited central defender somehow managed to not score and instead of that he managed to hit post (Raheem Sterling type mistake). Daniel James was difficult and clearly their most dangerous player. Bulgaria is better than their results, its normal game for Finland. I mean by that, that their playing style does not differ much how Finland plays. Wales possibly can loose points against Ireland too. Ireland is team which has not even single player who would standout even little bit. They try to score on set pieces and thats all, Even Wales is better, game attitude is very similar and that make game more unpredictable.
I can understand your point as Norwich perspective. Still this is last round of nations league. Marcus Forss has been coming discussion issue in Finland too, he is not only player who should have been selected to national team but who has not been selected. Finally he gets his chance now. Brentford might be forced to sell him in january, interest seems to be growing and I doubt they would sell Ivan Toney.
Pukki has been very reliable, he is almost never injured. Players who are often injured does offer very little. I dont see why it would not continue for him like that.
Yeah Pukki is nothing but reliable. His toe injury seems to have cleared up at last and although he’s only scored twice in 10 games for Norwich he seems to be playing a lot better this season than he was earlier in the year in the Premier League.
It’s fair to say that Ireland have no stars. Our young star Adam Idah is in their squad and has a couple of caps at just 20. Gareth Bale is not as quick as he was and that’s for sure. He raced from inside his own half to score a late winner against us five or six seasons ago but he hasn’t got the pace to do that any more!
A guy Sue and I know quite well through walking our respective dogs in the Park, Alex, is Bulgarian and every time anybody mentions his national side he simply shrugs his shoulders and says *we’ve been $hit for years*.
Which I often say about England too, of course.
Hasnt Pukki scored 4 goals this season? He is in the better run than he was in 18-19 season. Scoring in premier league is very tough, Zlatan Ibrahimovic believed that Pukki will score at least 10 goals in premier league, but mentioned that scoring goals in premier league is very tough. Norwich is also one of the best teams in championship, but worst in premiership so scoring stats are obviously very different. 18-19 season went little bit too well for Pukki. He scored for Norwich and Finland everywhere and even its known that he can have periods when he has scored plenty of goals, that season he was unreal. Premier league defenders and especially goalkeepers are better, sometimes way better than in championship. Second part of premier league he didnt look relaxed anymore, he looked like a player who tries to do mission impossible. He started to took 1 touch more and basically tried to carry ball in the net. Opponents also knows him better now and he is very marked player, so for Norwich others must step up and should use their scoring chances way better. Scoring goals is most difficult thing in football, so its also not so easy to fix.
Bulgarians I can assume likes to live in Stoichkov era. Bulgarian national team is like Greeces, its in transition. Honestly im more worried about game against Bulgaria than Wales. Bulgaria is very unpredictable.
England to me has good selection problem, are they able to pick right lineup and tactics is other thing. Especially wingback situation is amazing, goalkeeper and central defender situation not so amazing.
I’ve just looked it up and apparently he has indeed scored four so far this season. I can only remember two of them – it’s so different when you cannot get to the games 🙁
Great piece Martin.
I think that was a massive 3 points.
No real pre-season, a load of new players, that accursed injury curse striking again, having to get that losing feeling out of the club and no Canary faithful to cheer on the lads, it has been a tough start for all those reasons. .
It really was a tremendous effort from the boys. I have got to be honest though, I thought our problems this season would be keeping clean sheets but we would be scoring for fun. And typically Along Come Norwich its the other way round !
Bali Mumba does indeed look like another youngster with a bright future ahead. Top marks for the recruitment boys.
Tim Krul was fantastic last season and he is carrying that on this season. And in this league those saves mean points. Last season Tim had many a stormer but we still lost. He does remind me of the great Kevin Keelan as you think its a goal and suddenly there he is.
I personally think the football hierarchy are just a greedy bunch of selfish “persons”.
We are in a world wide pandemic, getting worse in some places and they think its a great idea for players to fly all the way around the world for b….y friendlies.
Here’s another thought why weren’t the Euro qualifiers finished in the last international break, it could have been done easily and then cancel this Nations league thingy until the crisis has passed.
But no that all important 12 pieces of silver from the TV companies takes precedence over common sense. Many thanks for your kind words yesterday Martin.
Hi Tim
A massive three points – oh yeah. And as the song almost goes, we’ve lost that losing feeling – it’s gone, gone, gone.
I’m old enough to remember KK reasonably well and the comparison between him and Tim Krul is a sound one, although I guess “the Cat” must have been physically almost six inches shorter than Norfolk’s favourite Nederlander.
*I personally think the football hierarchy are just a greedy bunch of selfish persons*. Yes I’d probably put the word *persons* in inverted commas too as would most MFW readers and writers too I am sure.
As much as we collectively grew up with it, continue to love it and lament our physical absence from it surely nobody can deny that something is rotten in the state of football.
As for any kind words of mine you made a statement that resounded with me so I responded accordingly. As Gary wrote yesterday, Saturday was a very special day indeed for the vast majority of us.
There ain’t no MFW Politburo – I doubt the subject will raise its ugly head again in the foreseeable – but this particular weekend was too opportune to ignore 🙂
Thanks very much.
Superb, Martin. Drying ‘quicker than a hairdryer on a combover mission’ is inspired.
Cheers Chris
I was trying not to be overtly political after Gary’s piece yesterday but hey, what the heck, I thought I’d celebrate the demise of the Donald in my own unique style.
There was no collusion between us except that I almost accused Gary of nicking my unwritten intro which is why I never begin my Monday pieces until I’ve read him on a Sunday any more 🙂
Martin breaking news on Sky Hanley withdraws from Scotland Squad due to injury hope it just a precaution nothing major
Yeah seen that.
We’ll have to wait until later for the detail but I’m hoping it’s still a custom for clubs to exaggerate minor knocks to preclude a key player from joining up with their national squad.
This is the original *we’ll have to sweat on it* time, especially with Hanley’s injury history but he didn’t look that bad at the end of the 90 against the Swans.
Keep ’em crossed.
Good stuff Mr P.
Given how we were struggling from the start of the second half, I wonder how many supporters were clamouring for substitutes and then disappointed to see which 2 were used??
One of them would have been me, but I guess that’s why I’m a web-site commenter, and Daniel Farke is such a good manager of young (and in Krul/Hanley’s cases noso young) talent.
Sorensen really had done little wrong, but young Mumba certainly did so much so right. OK, it’s only one cameo performance……but already I feel more excited about him and his potential than I ever did Jamal Lewis (sorry Jamal)..
A superb win which we possibly didn’t deserve, but that’s the way to get promoted from the Championship.
Oh; and where are the Farke out crowd now??
As was alluded to yesterday, what a Carlsberg 5 minutes on Saturday afternoon with our goal, that for King’s Lynn, and the election result.
O T B C
Hi John
I’ve never, ever been part of the *Farke out* contingent who I believe restrict their views to social media or the Pink ‘Un message boards, which luckily for me I take no part in. That’s the original *no, ta* for me.
As I’ve said [above] I was bricking it when I saw who the introduced subs were but I’ll admit once again: how wrong can you be?
A couple of others above have made a similar comment to yours about our Jamal and as much as I loved him while he was here it’s only fair to say that I don’t miss him overmuch. However that doesn’t mean I don’t wish him well at Newcastle, cos I do. Just as I love to see Madders filling his boots at Leicester.
Saturday did indeed have that five minutes of magic – I didn’t realise in real time how those events gelled together so quickly.
Cheers
A jolly good Monday read Martin. A victory that really blew away the lockdown blues.
Heartily concur with all the above comments regarding the international break – stupidity on a colossal scale. Hopefully Sorensen will develop a slight strain which will prevent him from mingling with the mink in his homeland.
Hanley was all I want from a centre half. A plethora of blocks, headers won, crunching interceptions. All delivered with a wizened scowl and a Caledonian roar. No frills defending. It’s one thing to keep a clean sheet against ghoulish outfits like Birmingham and milwall – quite another to keep ambitious Swansea at bay.
Krul of course played his part admirably. With a little help,from Lowe, who appeared unable to see past the dutchmans big frame to the goal behind.
With stiepermanns performance dipping alarmingly and Swansea targeting the promising Sorensen by pushing Ayew on him I called for,changes. The changes, when they came seemed surreal. No Idah? No Mario? Stieprmann still on? I. Out don’t begin to fathom out what was happening.
Then Mumba got on the ball and I was enlightened with immediate effect. I don’t recall ever seeing a game turn on its axis in quite such dramatic fashion by simply adding one young player.
I’m still not sure what Mumba is – a back? A winger? A midfielder? At the moment I’ll settle for whatever farke decides he is because I thoroughly enjoyed his intervention.
For the first time in a long while I actually wished I was there.
Hi Chris
Yeah, pretty much obviously I concur with you at all junctures, apart from the idea of Jacob Sorensen *mingling with the mink*.
I think the Danish authorities have announced plans to cull 17 million of them. As in mink, not members of the Sorensen clan. As much as mink are farmed in Denmark they are great escape artists so I’d give the Danes very little chance of achieving their alleged aims.
I love the soubriquet *ghoulish* for Birmingham and Millwall – so much so that I can think of a third team that plays in blue & white that fits your description too.
None of us knows enough about Bali Mumba just now [we haven’t seen him in the flesh after all] and our Patterdale & Russell terriers have yet to encounter a mink.
Both concepts are interesting.
Cheers