1/46th of our fixtures completed......

[RobTheRover]

...and those who were there (not me, at a wedding) have now had chance to see what is effectively our first XI go through their paces in a proper 100% competitivie match.

So, what are we missing in our team?  Does this new look defence mean there will be less pressure on Woods?  Does this midfield have the agility to turn defense into attack or vice versa?  Are the strikers looking like forming a partnership to rival Gregg and Leo?

Thoughts everyone.  Yes, our squad is still thin and we need to strengthen, so what kind of players will we need to complement those we have?

[MachoMadness]

I was pleased with what I saw - definitely a new-look side, and you can see that Deano is trying to move us towards a more physical, energetic style of play. That's not to say we played hoofball, but rather that we were solid, organised and clinical rather than a total football free-flowing XI. It looks like Dean knows what it takes to do well in this league and has us doing exactly that, long may it continue.

To be fair Walsall were poor, reminded me of Rovers towards the end of SOD's tenure, toothless and directionless. We won it in third gear, but the fact that we did so so comfortably was a massive plus for me. We haven't seen that for nearly two years, you could feel the buzz and atmosphere lift as the fans started to take to this new team. It's not easy to judge the first XI after one game against such out of sorts opposition, but a bit of pace and creative flair in midfield, to complement the energy and strength we already have, wouldn't go amiss.

[hoolahoop]

Thamks MM that sounds promising.........just need those 2/3 players then in the right positions ? 

[MachoMadness]

We just need a bit of versatility that we don't have at the moment. We were effective today but we were against a poor side who I would expect to be near the bottom come May, a slight concern I have is that we might get found out against more technically gifted sides. I'd love us to sign Robert although I'm not sure if that deal depends on us selling Copps or not.

We definitely do need 2/3 players in even if it's just to fill the bench, but we do need something a bit different in there for when plan A doesn't quite work. Having said all that, a 3-0 win is a 3-0 win, and it just feels so good to be winning again, I'd almost forgotten what it felt like!

[donny dave]

I think we can take our time making any further signings.

[hoolahoop]

True there have been many times in the recent past when we have totally dominated 'poor' teams and still failed to get so much as a draw.
We put them in the onion bag and that's all that matters...................we can work on other a/b/c's as we go along now. 

[RobTheRover]

Anyone know when the Prem sides have to finalise their 25 man squads?  We might be able to pick a few season long loanees then.

[Sheepskin Stu]

From what I saw it looks like a decent first eleven. Some good physicality and presence that has not been seen for a while. Would be worried if we got a few injuries though.

[RedJ]

Paynter had very few touches but they ended up being some of the most important in that first half. He impressed, and would look even better fully fit.

Back four looked absolute class too - very solid for once!

[Chris Black come back]

Let's put this in perspective. Just about every preview of this season has Walsall down to struggle, just like they did last season. This aside though, given that most of our team have never played together or or some like Paynter had a proper preseason, that was a food solid competent display.

One thing struck me though with the two line ups, how pathetically small and inadequate they looked next to our man mountains. Walsall played air of good football but just got bullied off the ball. Sounds very familiar.

[Lesonthewest]

Great to see us win & win well, some real positives, work rate, organisation. Also loads more to work on obviously, but a big well done to the lads today, with respect Walsall were'nt the best of sides but you can only beat what's in front of you & we did that comfortably. As for players to bring in I would like to see cover & competition at right back, same as a keeper if Sullivan no longer to challenge, apart from that we should be ok when the players gel more. It  was also great  to see us play with two strikers, who actually played as two strikers! Well done to Dean & the team.

[pubteam]

In my eyes we still need:

1) A first choice goalkeeper.
2) Cover for Quinn.
3) A striker with a bit of pace, just to offer us some variety. Paynter and Brown worked well today, but we might need something a bit different to unlock other teams.
4) Perhaps another central defender if the budget will stretch. Preferably one with a bit of pace. Jones and McCombe did well today, but I think we need that option.

[Red wizard]

The main thing for me today was all the players working as a team. They looked like they wanted to be playing for Deano and DRFC. A back 4 that stand firm and didn't crumble. Also a good vocal backing from the stand. We do need to songs for the new players though.

[RedJ]

The main thing for me today was all the players working as a team. They looked like they wanted to be playing for Deano and DRFC. A back 4 that stand firm and didn't crumble. Also a good vocal backing from the stand. We do need to songs for the new players though.

We have one for Jones. How about Oster's for Syers? der der der der is rather unoriginal..

[RobTheRover]

Has the Kings of Leon classic caught on yet?

Whoaaaa!
Right peg like Dave Syers!

[RedJ]

Has the Kings of Leon classic caught on yet?

Whoaaaa!
Right peg like Dave Syers!

Come off it, Rob, you know our fans aren't that inventive!

[philsky]

Sayers is very quickly becoming my first choice.

Why would Bradford ? let him go ?

Weird ?

[Red wizard]

They wanted to keep him.

[DonnyOsmond]

Syers not Sayers.

[RedJ]

Sayers is very quickly becoming my first choice.

Why would Bradford ? let him go ?

Weird ?

They didn't - he turned down a new deal.

[RobTheRover]

And he's a smart fella too. University educated. Came into pro football late.

[idler]

Sayers is very quickly becoming my first choice.

Why would Bradford ? let him go ?

Weird ?

They didn't - he turned down a new deal.

It wasn't a very good offer though. They wanted him to prove himself again before offering a good contract due to his injury record.