Fair enough Gav, but maybe in the "FA cup squad" not the championship 1st team. As you say he hasn't lost it overnight it either confidence or attitude or a combination of both.

Absolutely Gav, the Jan trx window is dangerous as we have found out in the past, Benni Big Mac etc.. , just leave a sensible bid in for Rhodes and keep our ( their!) money for the summer when with a fair wind we will need it to really bolster the squad. Illunga was fantastic when he first came to WHU, i wonder if he couldnt regain form again?

Good article SJ, there are so many reasons to be cheerful at the moment.
As fans we are all a little bruised from the last few seasons so its hard to believe that we finally bottomed out, I still believe there will be a few upsets in store for us, but we have a great chance to get back into the PL next season.
Competition for places seems to have been the key to get the best out of a strong squad this year.
The balance stength and organised team particularily defense is the foundation, but also the self believe and real team spirit ( that were completely lacking under the "trout" )
Big Sam's greatest achievement is silencing the Davids and Caron and taking charge of the club.
COYI

Good post as always SJ.
I would like to think about a 3-0 but my confidence is still shaken after the last few years, but I will settle for a 2-1 scoreline as long as we get the points!
This guy Demel is as good as a new signing for us now, and consistent with the other commentators I have faith in the current squad and I think we will need alot of money to survive a premiership season comfortably.
Kevin Davis would add nicely to the squad if Boltons woes dont improve!
Big Sam does provide strong leadership which the players seem to respond to well the competition up front has sharpened Coles game.
The point you make about us doing well despite being stuck in 2nd gear is a good one, if we really got going we would be unstoppable but we can only hope that happens soon, and we dont implode at any stage.
I am loving this season despite the obvious, COYI

Interesting the way its developing Iain, I am now swung 180 deg from being pro OS to being absolutely against.
The only down side to the Upton Park is access which could be tackled separately.
Other than that if we developed the east stand side and filled in the corners to 45000 capacity we would be fine for the next 20 years anyway, who knows who will own us then!
The OS could turn out to be a real disappointment to play at due to lack of atmosphere and to watch due to crazy distance from pitch.
Lets wash our hands of it, leave it to the spuds if they actually want it after we walk away.
I was so pleased we won on Sat. and really feel if we are winning these away games whilst playing somewhat disjointedly then we will be awesome when we get our act together.
COYI

COYI, great to be in positive mood again Gav!

Sounds perfect I think I have done it in my dreams a few times but always wake up, if reality I'll be there dont worry Lofty.

Ironsitus Lofty, I always wondered what it was, but is there a cure?

Hi Iain, it obviously reflect everyones disappointment in the result again.
Hopefully it will encourage our owners to come up with some decent money to buy a quality striker and central defender quickly.
Optimism has predictably turned to over the top criticism, but I think its still far too early to start panicing.
Amazing how much tv coverage we are getting, glad last nights wasn't covered though!
Keep the faith guys, COYI

Dont waste your money Bongos, the guys we have already are far better.
Shane Long is the only one with a proven track record of scoring and would play off knock downs from Cole and Piq.. he is not going to come cheap but is an investment who will hold his value.
Bellamy is too much trouble and spent a huge % of his last stay injured.
A Kevin Davis type or better still the real thing would also do well in the Championship battle.
Whoever we get has to be up for it and roll their sleeves up and take the knocks that the Chanpionship brings. the PL guys mentioned wont hack it, all too rough, cold, and rainy out there outside London.
I like the style of big Sam so far, as someone said previously he looks like a manager, many years since we could saw that!! COYI