You are very probably correct that there will be fewer changes that many of us hope for or expect, but isn't over ten players out of contract as well as the management team come June? The central defence needs fewer injury prone veterans, we need a front line midfielder to add quality and competition for places, and we need viable partners/competitors for Mateta - none of Benteke, Batshuayi and Wickham fit that bill, so there has to be significant change as a minimum requirement. At least three to come in, and at least three (more like four) to go out.

I have to say I was very impressed with Cahill’s comments and I’m surprised no one has mentioned it earlier. Very open and honest.

In all fairness, Hodgson did seem much more genuine than normal. He's very well trained in front of the camera and normally manages to get through the motions without saying anything other than standard answers. Can't blame him too much because that's how things have worked for the last decade or so. Partially, it could be the interviewers fault for not asking probing enough questions. Ask a generic question, get a generic answer. Whilst it was honest, saying "I'm not bothered either way" about getting another £4.5m a year contract can't be the keenest message to send out to employers, but granted its a difficult one to answer. "We'll see where we are in a few months" would have probably been the politicians answer - but the disingenuousness of political answer would have pissed me off.

I have a mate who worked for the local rag near one of Mick McCarthy's old clubs. He knows nothing about football, but always got sent to the presseres. He asked the same question every week "what's the mood in the camp like Mick?". He said that McCarthy liked him and would always go to him first... possibly to send a message to the others who attended every week not to ask tricky questions if they want favouritism. We'll never see the like of some of the classic clashes Brian Clough had ever again.

When someone can suggest a decent replacement for Roy I’m sure the board would listen. In the meantime it appears they are more than happy with Roy. The way things are panning out I suspect Roy will be offered and accept another year. He is clearly bedding in some good players and has already put us into a very safe place from which to exploit the rest of this season. His experience is clearly assuring us safety and frankly I am happy with where we are today. Just hope he stays fit and enthusiastic. What an example for us all to look up to.

I agree with every word.

Don't think so this year. Interesting that Klopp reckoned his team last night were tired both mentally and physically. Man U looked lethargic against Sheff U. Most of the clubs we will play after the Fulham game will be playing twice a week during March and April with FA Cup and European commitments. We are now back on a one game a week schedule (apart from the midweek round of games in May). We may just be the fresher team and hopefully will have got over our injury crisis by the start of the run in March.