15 Jul 2016 16:55:54
Hello all, I've been creeping on the site for the past year now and thought I would join already. Watching the first half of the DC vs saints game, I understand that it's a friendly, but I just don't know if I can trust Austin as our main striker? Looking forward to the next half to see Pierre play!

1.) 15 Jul 2016
15 Jul 2016 17:47:29
In fairness Puel had him out on the left. don't think he'll try that again (I hope) .

2.) 15 Jul 2016
15 Jul 2016 19:52:08
Friendlies are exactly what they say - friendlies. Time to experiment and try new partnerships and positions. Probably tried Austin out on the left like sometimes they play long. jof33 has it spot on. Don't worry too much as the new manager will slowly but surely get the starting line up picked before we play Watford on the opening day of the season. Trust him to start with a rare opening day win. We March On.

3.) 15 Jul 2016
15 Jul 2016 21:45:14
Don't worry you're not alone. He won't stay fit all season either. How did Pierre play?

4.) 16 Jul 2016
16 Jul 2016 01:05:55
Højbjerg was on the field for 25 minutes, he seemed very calm and composed; it is hard to make a proper judgement so quickly, but he looked positive, no mistakes.

The standout performances were from Sam McQueen and Yan Valery (U18s) in the second half, the full game can be seen on Sains' Youtube Channel: the goals are in the 14th and 89th minutes.

5.) 16 Jul 2016
16 Jul 2016 07:23:59
Long, Davis, Forster and Bertrand now returning to squad with Yoshida (who had visa problems) Just Fonte and Cedric to come. Now we will start to see a gradual change in squad formation. Austin and Rodrigues are fit at present and with training becoming more intense will be ready with all other squad players for another season . Austin was never expected to play the full 90 minutes but is an excellent player to bring on late in the game. Rodrigues will get better and better with increasing game time. The last friendly with F. C. Gronigen will show our new managers preferred line up . Can't wait for the new season. Won't finish top 4 but anything is possible and think we will finish top 8 at least. Onwards and upwards.

6.) 16 Jul 2016
16 Jul 2016 16:57:45
Rumoured that Shalke in Germany are very interested in Dusan Tadic . Any info or ideas eds.? Thought that Reed was trying to extend his, and Rodrigues contract. Apparently our new gaffer was very pleased with our first friendly. Hopefully Sam McQueen and Gallagher will be given more chances of playing time that Pochinetto and Koeman were prepared to give them. COYRs.

{Ed002's Note - Schalke are interested in Tadic as a replacement for Sane but I suspect he will stay.}

7.) 16 Jul 2016
16 Jul 2016 19:06:43
Thanks Ed002. Hope Tadic will stay as I believe he a had a couple of dust ups with Koeman last season . Hopefully the new gaffer will persuade him to stay. I rate Tadic. Also I think that a few youngsters will be tried out either in the JPT or premier league games. We have quite a few youngsters that I believe could hold their own in the premier. If not hopefully we farm them out on loans to get experience. COYRs.