The Tanner Report

We have not managed a goal in our last 4 games and are by no means secure with 28 points in 18th place. We do have a prolific scorer – 5 in 9 outings- but Matt Smith is striking for Bristol City on loan not us, Ryan Tunnicliffe was called back from Blackburn Rovers and did feature. One player who did not was Bryan Ruiz. Judging by the reaction to him which I noted sitting amongst Fulham fans at Bouremouth this was a source of relief. However is it a coincidence that our poor run coincides with his absence? He may not be the most aggressive of players but his delivery of set pieces is an asset we are lacking. It was thought that playing McCormack in midfield would improve the side but I would like to see the skilful Scot paired up front with his ex-partner at Leeds Smith to score in the volume he did last season.

I  have not managed to have a chat with Ivan Conway who can only be delighted by Brighton’s third straight win in the capital. They face a fourth London side Brentford next weekend and Arsenal in the Cup the week after, so their fortunes have revived under Chris Hughton.

The return of Christensen will certainly make a difference and there is  the positive of a meaner defence. Cardiff may have been buoyed by playing in their  traditional colours but they were going through a lean spell too. Evidently they made great use of the long throw. The game was played in such windy conditions that as one of the stands swayed in it there was talk of calling the game off.

Next week we are at home to another middle ranking ex-premier  side Reading and we really need to get our season back on track with 3 points. In the week we go to Wolves in the Cup and if we do beat them we have a tough draw at Sunderland. We are also in the tranfer window and it will be interesting to see how much funds are available and new director of football Mike Rigg earning his corn.