I'll start a new thread for this so any future news can find a happy home.

For me as I've mentioned on the other thread, would like to see Wagner return, if he was willing to do it that is. It would be worth the investment from nagel in all fairness as he would probably reignite the fans again in the most part. We know his old style of football, but he's seemingly changed to what he finished with when he was last here, it's no longer heavy metal football that klopp defined his style as, more sedate now, pop rock so to speak.

Yes his previous management jobs haven't been a success, schalke fell apart at the seams during COVID it seems and he played a part in that and the price, they haven't really improved and I'm sure I saw an article stating they were close to 3. Liga and oblivion. He didn't do that. Bad spending and a heavy reliance on gazprom of Russia for money is what cost them, Wolfsburg suffered too when VW were hit with a major scandal but they are slowly rebuilding. His time in Switzerland didn't go to plan, he lost out to Andre, or yb bern did, he didn't see the season out, I believe the gap widened and his replacement didn't last long. He did beat manure again, but that seems to be the highlight. Linked with a few jobs, including us, he ended up at Norwich and was unfavoured by fans before he started, he thrashed us at home 4-0, lost his main striker and finished in the playoffs albeit at a limp, some of the football was good, some not so much so. In the end they got thrashed by Leeds and he was shown the inevitable door. They tried to be smart with their replacement and aren't close to the playoffs this time really. He's been interviewed for the Blackburn job and was in the final two and he was apparently interested in the Bolton job, possibly the Markham factor but I doubt it, Markham left town because Wagner didn't want to use that department as much and the role became less and less. Would he come back, perhaps, especially if Bolton was an option, the question is would he come back minus Hoyle, be like moving into your old house after someone else has lived in it for a few years, it's the same, but different and so is Huddersfield town as a club. I think it'll all come down to what's on offer. The issue this time is, the market that made him successful is no longer new and with the esc laws we can only have two players that wouldn't normally qualify, we have one in balker, who, after his injury this season, will probably have to be one again, the other is bojan, who may lose the esc tag having played enough for us and being on loan in the Dutch top division, thats why rooskens didn't need it. But the whole thing means we can't find the likes of heff willingly and instead we have to be more prudent with it, but the options are definitely out there.

Now I won't be writing as much on the others don't worry.

I'm not sure what I can say about foreign options, I think Andre showed last season that you need to know the league or at least some of the players to have a chance of success. If not, you need a portion of the season as a free hit to learn and evaluate, much like Wagner did here, that would mean appointing someone now and letting them learn for the rest of the season. I don't really have names of people who could be enticed having never been over here, but ones who have would be the likes of Erol bulut, formerly of Cardiff, Tim Walter, formerly of hull and then the likes of slavisa jokanovic and slaven bilic, all of whom either wouldn't come or wouldn't fit in my mind.

Now domestically, is it going to be a case of approaching someone out of a job but fairly young. If so then the names I'd look at would be

Des buckingham- a quick look calls his style of football a 'reverse mullet" (bet snoots would rock that) whereby it's business at the back and all action at the front. Wingers get wide and two of the midfield three push high up the pitch, leaving one sat in front of the defence with relatively conservative full backs. High reactive pressure and the aim of getting around the back of the defence. He would be fairly high up on my list, not because he got Oxford promoted, which was a good feat and he started this well before fading, but this philosophy which could fit us well. If we had wingers...

Rob edwards- maybe not as good a fit, his style is more robust and direct aimed at two taller strikers, which we lack. Did quite well at forest green earning a move to Watford, where he struggled before going to Luton to replace Nathan Jones, ultimately getting them promoted via the playoffs and then relegated after one season. This season Luton struggled and he wasnt able to arrest their slide. Was it his system got sussed out and he wasn't able to change effectively or was it players, either way it could be a cause for concern as will his usage of Joe Taylor.

Luke williams- impressed at notts county getting promoted via the playoffs in his first season, with his side dominating possession, using short corners and overload the attack, he left in his second season to join swansea to replace duffball. He actually begun managing a decade ago at Swindon, but moved on when Tim Sherwood took more control as director of football. He became assistant manager to Russell Martin at mk dons and Swansea. He struggled at Swansea, despite implementing an attacking possession based style, they appear not to have had enough quality to match or out play other teams in the division and he was sacked last month.

Russell martin- one of two huge long shots, possession based football but maybe not as attacking. Somewhat doubt he would drop divisions having been sacked by Southampton after getting them promoted last season to the premier league beating Leeds at Wembley. I think Martin as a person would fit the club, but his style might be a struggle considering the types of player we have at the moment, but if he was given a rebuild then maybe, but I think he would want something higher up the ladder, and maybe in the summer.


Or maybe it would be someone in a job, for me that would be

Michael skubala - I was impressed by Lincoln when we played them at our spot, especially in the first half. Second half they tired a touch but once we got one back the atmosphere arguably drove the team, probably the only time it has done this season, and the only time they've given fans something to get behind. But they made us look poor at times. I liked the pace of their attacks especially out wide and would welcome that here. Although I think he will move on from the imps eventually, I think it will be in the next season or, into the championship

Dave challinor- Stockport are regular overachievers, I know there's a bit of money but not as much as some other clubs, including us. They've played the market well, Louie Barry in the first half of the season, using their links and locality to Manchester for other players. They are structured defensively and attack in an organised fashion. I think it may feel like a slightly more attacking version of duffball and may lead to early groans if it doesn't come off.

Some would say Richie wellens- I'm not so sure, he was struggling at orient and under pressure before going on a run. They have plateaued recently and I don't think he's as sought after as some fans would think.

I don't really see anyone in league two that are worth a go, you could argue mat sadler of Walsall, but would that just be because of where they are in the league? Elsewhere Graham Alexander at Bradford to throw a spanner in their works, but his football isn't exactly known for being great, I've said that just to piss the bantams off really. In our league, it's really a case of see above.

And then we have the inexperienced ones who would be early in their managerial career

Ryan mason- worked with the likes of poch, Jose, Conte and Ange in some way shape or form, these experiences should have moulded him well and given him new ideas each time, in relation to his own. Personally would want an experienced man alongside him, but this could be similar to lee clarks first season

Rob page- not been much of a club manager, instead been an international manager but like Southgate, I'm not sure how much he would like a return to club management

Brian barry-murphy - former man city eds manager and now first team coach at Leicester. Forget his early stint at Rochdale, his time at city saw him work with the likes of foden, Lewis and Palmer. His links to city could prove helpful, he probably knows which players could be available for loan and which city would be okay with letting go permanently. Will he play peps tiki taka, I doubt it, but there could be quite an influence there.

Pep lijnders- began at Liverpool as a coach under brendan Rodger before klopp arrived. He went solo in Holland with NEC, but was sacked after missing out on the playoffs. Rejoined Liverpool before moving Salzburg this summer. Was sacked with there being a fairly long wishlist. Would be a risk but could bring contacts and a good fresh outlook.

Jack wilshire- even more inexperienced and now a first team coach. Had often mentioned wanting to go solo but is now the ideal time we

John heitinga- current Liverpool assistant, knows English football fairly well and may be tempted in his first full role but it might be a case of wanting to seal the title first was a tough tackling defender which could be handy

Or then we have the dour, boring options that would probably take the job and see the switch off continue

Paul warne- we thought duff was dour, this goes one more. We should be fitter in general but we'd have to look and evaluate everything first. Think a lot of fans would switch off from the club with him at the helm. His positives are his promotiona front he league, but he has struggled after promotion

Ryan lowe-not for me. A striker who struggled to play attacking football. Our resident prestonian might be able to help, but I've been under the impression it's direct and fairly dull. Set a record for more draws

Ian evatt- came close with Bolton but not close enough wheels fell off this season. Hard to say what his position would be. But for me it's a good one to pass on

Michael beale- plays decent football, but prone to walking out on a club at the first chance of asking, they say there's no loyalty in football and very much so in this case.

Wayne Rooney - erm erm erm not good enough erm might bring money into the club from America via sponsorships erm did well at derby, nearly saved them. Erm his time at Brum was a disaster and didnt bring much revenue in. He continued in the same fashion at Plymouth. I think he needs to move abroad and find his system or stop and going into punditry

THE MATCH

TUESDAY 11TH FEBRUARY KO 7:45PM

v

LAST MATCH



We got back to winning ways with a comprehensive win at Plymouth. Plymouth started quick and had several chances but Beadle mad a couple of saves. We then took the lead when Ingelsson crossed and Ogbeta bundled the ball into his own net. Charles then shot wide before Pato side footed in from about 10 yards to see us go 0-2 up at the break. Onto the 2nd half and despite 3 subs by Plymouth at HT, we kept them quiet and then finished the game off when Windass found Gassama who controlled and finished well. Smith nearly added a fourth but shot wide.

DEJPHON CHANSIRI, GET OUT OF OUR CLUB    

THE MATCH



Next up and another long trip as we travel down to Norwich. The Canaries are having a decent season and currently lie in 10th place just 6 points off the playoffs, but have only won once in there last 6 games drawing four of them in the process. If they can get back to winning ways they should have a shot at the playoffs, if not another season in the Championship beckons. They are managed by Johannes Hoff Thorup, who took over in May 24 and has W13 D13 L13. There leading scorer is Borja Sainz with 15 goals, with Sargent not too far behind with 12.

DEJPHON CHANSIRI, GET OUT OF OUR CLUB    

ALL TIME H2H

OWLS 25
NORW 20
DRAW 17

CURRENT FORM

OWLS  W L L L W L                                                                      

NORW D D W D L D      

EFL STOOGES

DOES IT MATTER THERE ALL CORRUPT  

BENJAMIN SPEEDIE
Robert Hyde and Hugh Gilroy
Fourth Official: Declan Bourne

THE TEAM

Beadle
Iorfa Ihiekwe M Lowe Hatsuse
Bannan Charles
Gasama Windass Ingelsson
Pato

SCORE & SCORER (HOME TEAM SCORE FIRST)

1-1 Gassama

WEDNESDAYS FIRT GOAL TIME

26

ATTENDANCE

N/A

BML LEAGUE

Imre 26
SCO 22
Maddix 21
Washington 20
Wereham 14

BMPL

Stateside 17
Owlkev 13
Southey 12
Pei 8

OTHER GAMES OF MILD INTEREST

Burnley v WBA
Portsmouth v Plymouth
Reading v Wrexham
Salford v Chesterfield
Oldham v Eastleigh

HHAHH

THE MUPPETT LEAGUE




KATE BECKINSALE TRIBUTE PIC

The World Wheelchair Mixed Doubles Event is an open entry event for World Curling Member Associations and is being held once again in Stevenston, Ayrshire. The championship will see 23 teams compete for the World Title and the final qualification points for the Milano Cortina 2026 Paralympic Winter Games Wheelchair Mixed Doubles Event.

England, represented by Karen Aspey and Stewart Pemblett, and Scotland, with Charlotte McKenna and Hugh Nibloe, have been drawn together in Group C. Their first fixture is a head-to-head on Tuesday at 13.00. Scotland have a second game on Tuesday at 20.00 against Turkiye.

2 points for correct result
4 points for correct score
2 points for each correct scorer
Correct joker doubles your score   (correct score on a joker would give you 8 points)
Wrong joker result gives you minus 2
Correct Badger gives you 2 points

The prize for winning the league is one rep point.

Cup games: In the event of a draw, it's half the points if you've predicted a draw when it gets to 90 mins and the full points if it's still a draw after extra time. Half the points will be awarded for correctly predicting the winner of the match if it goes to penalties. However, if you do predict a draw and it's a match that won't be going to a replay, you can get a possible extra point by stating which of the two teams you think will eventually win.

Random score generator: I will be using the random score generator again for those who miss predicting, so we shouldn't get some people too far behind that after missing a couple of weeks they lose all interest, because I know it's not easy getting on here every week.
To be fair to everybody, this is going to be like, say if three people in one week miss their predictions, the first one in the table will be given all 0-0, the second one down the line will get 1-0 and the third will get 0-1 and so on, like if there's four missing the 4th will get 1-1, then 5th 2-1, 6th 1-2. and if there are so many missing, might as well pack in.
And if you miss two weeks on the trot, I'll stop until you come back on again. Not doing it for half a season like I did t'other year.  


At the end of the season, the winner of group 2 and the bottom of group 1 will swap places in what is commonly known as "promotion" and "relegation". It's something that most football fans will be familiar with, unless you're a fan of Liverpool or Arsenal or one of those other fashionable clubs.

The second placed player in group 2 will then have a play off with the player who finishes second from the bottom in group 1 to decide whether they will be going up, down or staying where they are.

We're going to have two seasons in one though, just to try and make it a bit more interesting and not so long drawn out. The first season will end on the Boxing Day fixtures, with the play offs being on the dates of the Twixtmas fixtures and the NYD fixtures.

The second season will start the following week, which is usually the FA Cup 3rd round, finishing on the last game of the League One season. Then another period of relegation/promotion play off games, taking in such fixtures as the EFL play offs, FA Cup Final, UEFA finals and such like.

Each group will have it's own set of fixtures. Both groups will have the Town games, with scorers to predict as before. Then it will be a split of League One fixtures and bonus matches, hopefully around ten, eleven or twelve games per Matchday.

The random badger is restricted to three goal scorers in any of the fixtures in your group.

Here's how that will appear at the end of the fixture list. All you have to do is fill in the blanks.......


*** scores for ***
*** scores for ***
*** scores for ***

Any of those will score two points if correct. No minus points for getting it wrong.

Postponed matches will only count if the match is re-played before the next Matchday is under way. Abandoned matches will be awarded half the points for the score at the time of abandonment, so 1 point if you have the correct result, 2 points if you have the correct score.

Substitute or scorer in one of the Town games:- These will be only be allowed if you change them before the match involved has kicked off.

Prediction League Archive: https://www.sportsbabble.co.uk/showthread.php?tid=12830



Division One table after Matchday 9:

1. neonfoxinthebox = 158 pts
   
2. jjamez = 141 pts
   
3. themaclad = 135 pts
   
4. Baggiebob(BBB) = 132 pts
   
5. Lord Snooty = 120 pts
   
6. St Charles Owl = 112 pts
   

Saturday 15th March:
Town v Crawley
Town scorers:
Crawley scorers:

Cambridge United v Peterborough United (12:30)
Blackpool v Leyton Orient
Charlton Athletic v Wigan Athletic
Shrewsbury Town v Burton Albion
Wycombe Wanderers v Wrexham

Bonus matches:
Championship:
Saturday:
Preston North End v Portsmouth
West Bromwich Albion v Hull City

Sunday:
Sheffield Wednesday v Sheffield United (12:30)

Premier League:
Fulham v Tottenham Hotspur (13:30)

EFL Cup Final:
Liverpool v Newcastle United (16:30)

*** scores for ***
*** scores for ***
*** scores for ***

1. ritchiebaby = 176 pts
   
2. theo_luddite = 153 pts
   
3. Devongone = 145 pts
   
4. SHEP_HTAFC = 139 pts
   
5. Amelia Chaffinch = 103 pts
   
6. WakeyTerrier = 99 pts
   

Saturday 15th March:
Town v Crawley
Town scorers:
Crawley scorers:

Bolton Wanderers v Stockport County (12:30)
Lincoln City v Bristol Rovers
Mansfield Town v Barnsley
Northampton Town v Birmingham City
Reading v Stevenage
Rotherham United v Exeter City

Bonus matches:
Saturday:
Scottish Premiership:
Kilmarnock v Hibernian

League Two:
Notts County v Chesterfield

Sunday:
Premier League:
Arsenal v Chelsea (13:30)

EFL Cup Final:
Liverpool v Newcastle United (16:30)

*** scores for ***
*** scores for ***
*** scores for ***

Tuesday 11th March all ko at 7.45pm

Accrington Stanley v Newport County AFC.
AFC Wimbledon v Cheltenham Town.
Colchester United v Port Vale.
Grimsby Town v Notts County.
Salford City v Chesterfield.

Thursday 13th March ko 8.00pm

Bromley v Walsall.

Gamball:
Coventry - Sunderland

Others:
Everton - West Ham
Bournemouth - Brentford
Luton - Middlesbrough
Oxford - Watford
Plymouth - Derby
Preston - Portsmouth
Swansea - Burnley
Wycombe - Wrexham
Fulham - Spurs

Hibs travel to Glasgow tomorrow in the eagerly awaited Scottish Cup Quarteer-final. Celtic will be eager to re-assert themselves after losing 1-2 at Easter Road in the League and Hibs will be eager to show that result was no fluke.

I'm certain there will be plenty of goals in this fixture which should entertainment the neutrals, but will be torture for the committed fans. Celtic will obviously be favourites but a shock is still on the cards in this round. Will it be tomorrow?

Wimbledon 1-0 Notts C
Walsall 3-1 Grimsby
Barrow 2-2 Accrington
Cheltenham 1-2 Colchester
Chesterfield 2-0 Newport
Doncaster 1 -1 Swindon
Fleetwood 2-1 Port Vale
Gillingham 1-0 Bradford
Harrogate 3-1 Carlisle
MKD 2-0 Morecambe
Salford 1-2 Crewe
Tranmere 0-1 Bromley