Coventry vs West Brom (2 Viewers)

Liking this idea Nick.

going for 1-1 or 2-2, Mcsheffery on score sheet

Don't expect us to win or keep them out, but a goal from one of our strikers (Lukas, perhaps) would be a great confidence boost and good omen for the start of the Championship campaign. If he could get his name on the scoresheet then maybe he could get going good n proper for us in the league!

Ill have to agree im hoping a 1-1 draw but can see us doing what we alwasy do and throwing it away in the last few mins to lose 2-1

I think we will be beaten convincingly (hope i'm wrong) remember the clean sheets we have kept are against inferior opposition (in my opinion) and we haven't had a proper test, we can't score goals as we haven't got a decent striker (again my opinion) after yet another transfer deal falling through yesterday, how many time have coventry fans got to hear that!!!!! Sorry for having a winge guys but the missus doesn't understand the trials and tribulations of a cov fan. STILL BE THERE TOMORROW THOUGH, PUSB

I'm hoping we draw at least, but I can't see us keeping a clean sheet.

I read somewhere that the last time we drew or won all our pre-season matches was when we won the FA Cup...

is this game free for season ticket holders? i might be wrong but i'm sure the Everton friendly last year was free

hsccfc said:

is this game free for season ticket holders? i might be wrong but i'm sure the Everton friendly last year was free

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Don't think so mate, not certain though.

Probably going to this, Cranie or Keogh for RB?

Nope, it's £11 for adults...season ticket holder or not!

Apparently, Derby gave their season ticket holders a free ticket to the friendly against Stoke!

Yeah but Derby gave them the season tickets for free in the first place anyway! That's why they always have massive crowds and still don't have any financial muscle. You can get a phone contract that comes with a free season ticket at Derby...

well thanks guys must have it wrong. Do Derby really give away free season tickets? Not a bad idea to get 30,000+ crowds every week!

hsccfc said:

well thanks guys must have it wrong. Do Derby really give away free season tickets? Not a bad idea to get 30,000+ crowds every week!

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http://www.mobiletoday.co.uk/Dealer/BuyMobilePhones_net_sponsors_Derby_County.aspx

1-0 McSheffery.

any rumours going around about potential signings? how are the baggies playing?

according to GMK Victor Anichebe is in the stands

Francis Lauren on for us apparently over 6ft tall on the wing!!! Never heard of him!!!

according to wiki, he was at Southend for couple of seasons. 9 goals in 59 games. played for three lower league european teams.

1-1 miller scores 4 the baggies

Gunnarsson subbed in first 10 mins, i hope its just a cautious thing.

Undefeated during pre-season,roll on next week.

tippex9 said:

according to wiki, he was at Southend for couple of seasons. 9 goals in 59 games. played for three lower league european teams.

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Presumably, they were in the Championship at that point? Interesting...

Didn't end up going, had a late night and didn't get out of bed until late

Cranie on the left?
Sheffers on the left?


...and why isn't Sammy starting games?

-Clingan-Carsley- could be a great partnership imo.

I thought we looked alright yesterday but as I've been saying all along you can't look too much into friendlies - we've had draws against teams outside the football league and then managed a draw against a Premiership side so what does that say about friendlies. I'd only look at friendlies to see what kind of attributes our new players have.

I thought our new players were pretty good, McSheffrey looked like he's proving any doubters wrong, he looked really composed on the ball, showed nice skill and great awareness. Took his goal nicely as well, how many times in recent seasons have our forwards panicked 1 on 1 with the keeper and blasted it straight at him. I think Platt deserves some credit as well because people moaned before seeing him, he did his job and is not only an aerial threat he looked reasonably comfortable on the ball as well although at times he looked like he was still getting to know the players and hasn't gelled in yet (understandable though). Carsley definetley brings a calmness to the team, when WBA equalised and they were coming back at us he managed to calm the situation down when others panicked (2 poor clearances by Baker and Wood followed by a no nonsense 'this is how you do it' clearance by Carsley.) He's also not afraid to have a cheeky shot from range. Jukebox showed us he can win balls in the air and also find little gaps to get into when under pressure - he can shoot from range although he needs to be more composed in taking more simple chances but that should come with a bit of confidence (hopefully!) Reminded me of an unselfish version of Leon Best. The player I was probably most impressed with yesterday was Keogh - this guy works so hard and is a real trier. After about 70 minutes he looked like he wouldn't be able to run anymore but he was still throwing his body around making important interceptions, blocks and tackles in the box. He was also up and down the right side of the pitch all game, sometimes he was higher up then the strikers. He just never gives up, he had to run the ball across the middle of the park at one point going past 2-3 WBA players along the way, most players would panic in that situation and give the ball away but he kept going and picked a pass out. This is the kind of player we need over the course of a season. I think we had a trialist who came on the play right midfield as well, he looked like a powerful player - strong and fast although at times his touch was a bit heavy, looked like a good player though IMO, was impressed.

Overall I think we looked quite good, WBA weren't up to their usual standard though but it was only a friendly. They had a lot of good play but wasted some good chances with poor finishing. I was impressed most by our work rate and determination - absolutely none of our players moaned in the game we just got on with it, whereas WBA were like a bunch of spoilt brats moaning at every opportunity especially for a friendly game! The way their number 4 slammed the ball down when we got a free kick and their number 4 was also having a big argument with Dorrans in the middle of the pitch a second after they equalized - bit strange! By all the moaning their players were doing it would seem all is not well in the Albion camp before their Prem season starts but good luck to them anyway, we'll probably see them again next season!

Stand out players v WBA:
Westwood - Did his job, probably couldn't do alot about the goal - Do I need to say how good he is?
McSheffrey - As above
The back 4 of Cranie, Wood, McPake and Keogh - Keogh as above, Wood was using his strength well and out muscled the WBA players quite easily. McPake was solid and went on a dazzling run taking on about 3 WBA players before passing the ball and running towards the box pointing for the 1-2, quality stuff. Cranie did a good job at left back although gave the ball away cheaply once or twice (not a left sided player though!) and also showed a great bit of skill at one point getting some oohs and ahhs from the (small) crowd.

Flops v WBA:
Eastwood - Can't remember him having many attempts on goal but did create some good link up play with Jukebox and Sheffers to create the goal. Spent the 2nd half mostly tracking back trying to win the ball which Boothroyd has said he doesn't want him to be doing
Baker - Although only playing for 20-25 mins or so I can't remember him doing much apart from giving the ball away a lot. In his defence WBA equalised about 2 mins after he came on so it probably changed the game for him a bit. I'd back him to be up for it when the season starts - he needs to to prove to himself he can make the step up to the championship.

Anyway looking forward to the opener next saturday!

Aidy Boothroyd's Sky Blue Army!

Agreed Andy,massive season for Baker coming up,was signed to chip in with the odd goal from deep so the pressure is on him to do it.I think if Gunnar is fit he will start on the right,Boothroyd will want to keep the long throw in the team so wont suprise me if Baker is on the bench.

Nice evaluation Andy, good read.

Roll on next week!!!