The new signings

Yes!

Just, yes!

Obviously we didn't see Watson (hoping for as much impact as his namesake Dave, albeit in a different position), but on the face of it, they all improve us.

 

Oh, and then there's Bland and Yoganathan. Not getting carried away, but I honestly don't see how this side is any weaker than last year. Lacking a bit of depth, definitely, but certainly not weaker.

You Reds!!

 

Thought Ogbeta looked a bit suspect both going forward and defensively. First game so give him benefit of doubt.
Agree about the rest, all offered plenty.

 

In no way is this side weaker. When Conor was appointed it was inevitable that he'd bring a complete and positive change in standards. Given the levels he's played at and the managers he's played under I would have been completely shocked had we not seen a change for the better.
The man is obsessed; with hard work and discipline and clarity of what he wants to achieve.
It's early days obviously but I've not felt this hopeful for at least two years.
Hopefully all the nay sayers who doubted his appointment might now start thinking about getting down to Oakwell again to help make the stadium bounce again.

 

McGoldrick wins the ball when it’s knocked up to him and retains possession in the final third. Rarely loses it/gives it away. We’ve been crying out for that physicality and ability for a while.

Vickers looked great today. Cleary looked a beast when he came on. Kelly looked a player too.

Not convinced on the keeper yet, and as mentioned above, the jury is still out on Ogbeta at left back as he wasn’t amazing today; but I’ve seen worse debuts.

Bland was tidy enough but unlike some I don’t think he looks like a full back - he does a job there but he isn’t a defender.

We need to be more direct or at least quicker in transition; the second half showed that today.

Mention for Phillips too. Another good performance - assists today yes but he actually impacted all the game. He’s been accused of going missing in games - he does - but he’s put two proper shifts in this season so far.

 

I was surprised how small the keeper is. Clearly quick and good with his feet, but not sure he’s commanding.

 

More to come from most of them. Murphy shouldn't have been so far out for the second goal.

 

The fact they can all now compete for 90 minutes is a bonus too

 

I should be there for the Huddersfield game. First game since October 2023.

 

We seem to now have 2 decent right wingers in Vickers and Cleary, but can't play them both.

We'd have been better getting a target man if we're going to play like we did today.

Ogbeta hardly played left back at all today - he was much further forward.

In midfield Yogi could do with another season out on loan. Kelly should start.

Phillips has glimmerings of Premier League touch and distribution - he has the ability to run the show as part of the spine of the team. But he never will.

You are spot on with regard to "transition". Far too slow, but it will be if Connell's allowed to play as he does. It needs to be out to the right immediately for one of our two decent right wingers to get us forward.

 

Dunt get this Phillips love in; all I saw was him complaining at everyone else. Don't get me wrong, I rate him, but I think if we got a good fee for him, I don't think it would be detrimental to progression.

 

I can see Cleary now that Humphries gone.

 

The new players and team have made a good start. I can't believe anyone can complain about six points, six goals and second in the table after two games. It's daft to say, because of this, it means we're going to win promotion and just as daft to claim we're going to struggle against relegation.
However, if folk are unable to enjoy these two victories then that's their problem, not mine.

 

Jon Mackenesque

 

Another two assists for him today including the match winning run behind the defender and excellent ball into McGoldrick. IMHO we’d struggle to get anywhere near replicating his G/A if he left, regardless of the fee.

 

Really impressed with Cleary when he came on

 

I didn't think we would miss Humphrys much

 

Phillips does go missing at times, and when he does, he looks just like the invisible man lol.
But hey, just look at what he's done for us with goals and assists for a start.
I definitely think we'll miss him if or when he goes.

 

But can you see all of the obstacles, in between?

 

Let’s enjoy the moments because it can change in an instant. No one knows what tomorrow will bring. Loved today. Great atmosphere in the ground and a fighting victory. What’s not to love?