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Jon Harrod
In the run up to this, Kone gets blisters which could keep him out. It will be touch and go. To make my defensive problems worse, the FA hand Djilibodji an additional 2 matches to his ban for the recent red card. I've appealed against it, but I'm not hopeful. They get back to me quickly, upholding his 4 match ban.
Thankfully, Kone passes his fitness test, and pairs up with Kirchoff in defence. Sessegnon is given a break after a poor performance last time out.
On the bench are; Mannone, Sessegnon, McNair, Rodwell, Watmore, Larsson and Anichebe.
We struggle to get into the match and need Pickford to make a few saves to keep us in it. Overall, there isn't much action and we go in at 0-0.
Early in the second half, Defoe has a great chance but puts it wide. The he goes down injured... I hope it's not serious. Anichebe replaces him.
We manage to take the lead on the hour mark. Wednesday are defending deep and it doesn't look like we'll find a way through, but a great ball from Jones, finds Ndong arriving at the far post to head in.
Almost immediately though, we are undone by a long throw. Pickford comes for it, doesn't get it, and Dejagah heads into an empty net.
We have a couple more chances, but really waste them, before I make a change on 75 mins. Replacing Gibson with Rodwell.
We badly defend another long throw late on, but get away with and then break. Anichebe lays the ball off to Borini, who's just about onside, and he finishes from just outside the box.
Watmore comes on for Khazri as we see out the last couple of minutes and secure a hard fought 2-1 win.
After the match we discover that Defoe suffered a bad hip injury, so he's off to see the specialist. He'll be out for around 8 weeks.
Wednesday's defeat also sees them part with Carvalhal as their manager, with them now sitting 20th in the league.
Johno
Jon Harrod
November to me is where the January build up begins. In most saves, this is when I really start looking for expiring contracts that I'm going to approach, but as this is a youth challenge, I've started drawing up a shortlist of young prospects that I might be able to afford. There's around £6.5m available plus anything I can get from sales.
Billy Jones came 3rd in the Championship player of the month for October, with 3 assists and a goal to his name. Jones has also earned himself a new contract (I let my DoF look after current players contracts). It's not a big increase, and he's wort keeping around.
In other squad news, Wijndal completes his language course and now speaks fluent English, while Jeremain Lens is back in training.
I've decided that I should probably try and get some consistency going, so just the one enforced change. Anichebe for Defoe.
On the bench are; Mannone, O'Shea, McNair, Larsson, Watmore, Bruun Larsen and Asoro.
We start well, but Barnsley are keeping men behind the ball and it's hard to break them down. Our shots are mainly from distance, and we're really not good at that!
We almost get a break on 37 mins, as Borini loses his man, but he hits the inside of the post and it's cleared before any of our guys can react. We go in at 0-0.
It takes us til the 59th minute to break the deadlock. The ball makes it's way to Cattermole following a throw in. Khazri makes some space for himself, Cattermole finds him just inside the box and he puts it in the top corner.
Just after the goal, I replace Gibson with Larsson, and thats followed by another goal. Khazri's corner finds Borini, who's shot is blocked and the ball falls for Anichebe to turn in.
With 20 mins to go, a second sub sees Bruun Larsen come on for Khazri. Then a late change is Asoro on for Borini, and he's involved in a 3rd goal. Anichebe plays the ball through to him and he can't control it. Thankfully the ball falls to Ndong and he scores from 25 yards off the underside of the bar. It's a real screamer.
A solid 3-0 win.
After the game, there's another £100k payment to Liverpool for Borini's 45th game
F.E.
Dan
Jon Harrod
I think the form will come as long as I stop tinkering too much!
Jon Harrod
A bit of a break here because of internationals, which includes a senior England call up for Pickford (Hart is injured).
I've arranged our first January signing. Emile Rzepecki will be joining us for £1.2m
I really need to find some young strikers though.
For the match against Fulham, Oviedo and Khazri are tired and rested.
On the bench are; Mannone, McNair, Oviedo, Dozzell, Bruun Larsen, Khazri and Asoro.
We make a great start. Gibson finds Cattermole just outside the box after 6 mins and he scores a screamer.
We have the better chances in the first half, but can't add a second. We go in at 1-0.
The second half doesn't start too well. A simple cross isn't cleared and Fulham make it 1-1.
Fulham sit deep after this and we struggle to break them down. After 65 mins, I replace Gibson with Dozzell. Then after 75 mins, Anichebe with Asoro.
Late in the game, Sessegnon picks up a second yellow, to be sent off in his first match against his former club. I replace Kluivert with Oviedo to sure up the defence for the last few mins.
It doesn't work and once again we are undone by a cross from the right. This time it's Humphrey not picked up to score in the last seconds.
We should have done better but it's a struggle without Defoe.
We stay 3rd, but must do better
Jon Harrod
On 19th November, I decided it was time to start a coaching course. The board agreed, so I'm now studying for my continental B license.
For the Cardiff match, Djilibodji returns after suspension. Hopefully this will help. I'm also giving Dozzell a chance to impress.
On the bench are; Mannone, McNair, Kirchoff, Rodwell, Lens, Kluivert and Asoro.
A pretty even first half is almost broke when Jones hit the post after 22 mins. Then, a couple of minutes later, we do break through. Khazri playing a ball across the box which is turned in by Cattermole.
It takes a further 10 mins for us to score again. This time Cattermole turns provider picking out Ndong, who really puts his foot through it from the edge of the box.
A cross from Anichebe on 39 mins is turned into his own net by Manga and it's 3-0 at half time.
We create plenty of chances in the second half. Mainly falling to the two strikers who don't know where the net is. After an hour, I pull Anichebe for Kluivert.
It's Cardiff who score next though, Pilkington putting it in following a corner. They could easily be level if it wasn't for Pickford.
With 10 mins to go, Lens gets a chance to build his fitness, replacing Khazri.
Kluivert hits the bar late on and Pickford is still kept busy, but it's a 3-1 win.
A much better performance, but still no goals from our strikers.
Jon Harrod
Just back from a long weekend so need to get back into the swing of things.
In the build up to this match, Mannone strained his wrist. He'll only be out for a week, but will miss the game.
Lee Cattermole picked up November's player of the month, with Ndong coming second. While the pair of the came 2nd and 3rd in goal of the month too. Cattermole for his goal against Fulham and Ndong for his strike against Cardiff. We didn't get anything in young player, but noticed that Birmingham have Dragowski on loan from Fiorentina. He came 3rd.
While having my monthly rummage through my finances and confidence, I noticed that Ellis Short is looking to leave the club. I hope a takeover doesn't coincide with the January window...
Everyone has had a week to recover, so I name an unchanged 11 for the Birmingham match.
On the bench are; Talbot (gk), McNair, Matthews, Rodwell, Larsson, Lens and Watmore.
Birmingham are playing 5 at the back, and it's difficult to break them down. Most of our shots are from distance and Dragowski is equal to them. Midway through the half, we need a great save from Pickford to keep us level. But we continue to see more of the ball without really looking like scoring. We go in at 0-0.
It doesn't take long in the second half for us to take the lead. Dozzell clears a corner to Khazri, who plays a long ball over the top for Anichebe. He turns the only defender back before scoring from just inside the box. 1-0.
After 53 mins, we go down to 10 men. Oviedo sees red for a mistimed tackle. Borini has been poor, so I sacrifice him for Matthews.
A few minutes later though and we score a second. After a good run down the wing, Jones finds Dozzell on the edge of the box. His shot takes a massive deflection, but he's still claiming the goal as his own!
For some reason, the game gets easier with 10 men and we score another less than 2 minutes later. Khazri slides a ball through to Anichebe who's left with a one on one that he tucks away to make it 3-0.
Birmingham pull one back after 63 mins as Pickford was caught out of position. Following that I made our second sub with Rodwell replacing Ndong.
Anichebe has a few good chances to complete his hat trick, but just can't get another.
A late change sees Lens replace Khazri, but there's no more goals.
This result keeps us just 2 points behind QPR at the top of the table.
Jon Harrod
Shortly after our last match, Lens comes to see me about his lack of game time. I tell him it's because of his injury problems but he's still not happy. I'll give him a few games and see if he can live up the hype that he thinks he has.
Th draw for the FA cup 3rd round was made and sees us with a home tie against West Ham. That could have been easier.
Midweek saw Anichebe pick up an injury. Really not what I needed. He'll be out for 2 weeks with a twisted ankle.
For the game against Brentford we make a few changes. Some enforced, and some to give complaining players some game time.
On the bench are; Mannone, McNair, Matthews, Dozzell, Khazri, Watmore and Asoro.
We take the lead after just 3 mins. A ball into the box from Lens falls to Kluivert after it isn't cleared and he's left with a simple finish.
Lens is playing like a player trying to prove a point. He sets up a number of chances but we can't take them and at half-time, it's 1-0.
The second half starts in a similar way, with us failing to take chances that fall to us. Borini is the main culprit. He's really struggled of late, so I swap him for Asoro just before the hour mark.
He gets involved and hits the post on 68 mins after a ball through from Kluivert. Turns out he was offside, so it wouldn't have counted anyway, but good to see him trying.
The two of them are involved again on 80 mins. Kluivert pulls the ball back from the left, just inside the box. Asoro should get to it but is pushed and it's a penalty. Lens gets the responsibility, but it cannons back off the bar!
A tired Kirchoff is replaced by Dozzell for the last 10 mins. Lens almost makes amends late on, but the keeper makes a good save and we end at 1-0.
It's enough to put us top for the moment though.
Jon Harrod
Only 3 days between games here and nothing much to report. Except for Oviedo's ban being increased by an additional 2 games.
The team are tired so there's quite a few changes to keep players fresh.
On the bench are; Mannone, Djilibodji, Kirchoff, Cattermole, Ndong, Lens, Borini
It's not the best start as McNair gives away a penalty after 14 mins. Madden tucks it away, with Pickford going the right way.
Thankfully, we aren't behind for long. After 18 mins, Kluivert curls one into the top corner after a clever pass from Khazri.
Kluivert puts us in front after 22 mins. This time it's a pass from Dozzell that finds him in space just inside the box.
It's 3-2 before half time. Ours comes from a piece of individual skill from Asoro, as he turns two defenders and the buries it in the bottom corner. Theirs is a cross from the left which Pickford flaps at and Madden heads home.
The second half is much slower going. After 70 mins, there's still nothing to talk of happening so I make a double change. Lens and Kirchoff replacing Khazri and Lescott.
Another cross that we don't deal with leads to it becoming 3-3. I guess we can't manage without the first choice defensive pairing.
We push and push, looking for a winner, but it doesn't come. A disappointing draw.
We lose top spot in the league as QPR pass us again. There's still plenty of time
Jon Harrod
After the last match, I thought we better go back to a full strength side for the Wolves match.
On the bench are; Mannone, McNair, Matthews, Dozzell, Watmore, Lens and Asoro.
After just 8 mins, Jones picked up an injury and needed to be subbed off. Matthews coming on to replace him.
Shortly after, we take the lead. It's a stunning strike from outside the box by Ndong after a knock down by Cattermole.
2 mins later and we score another. This time, it's a cross from Matthews turned in from close range by Borini.
Both teams have a few long range efforts, and then, just as I think we're going in at 2-0, Khazri slides a great ball into the box at the feet of Kluivert, who lifts it over the oncoming keeper for 3.
We start the second half strongly too, forcing a few saves. On the hour mark, I take off Cattermole, who's on a yellow, and bring on Dozzell.
Wolves hit the post on 69 mins, while Kluivert looks like scoring a couple of mins later only to be caught offside. As we go into the last 10 mins, Kone picks up a second yellow card. I was about to sub a tired Ndong, so still do so but bring on McNair to sit where Kone should be.
The 11 men see more of the ball for the remainder of the game, but we see it out 3-0.
Jones will only be out for a week with a slight chest injury.
Jon Harrod
After the last game, Kluivert picked up a wage rise after making his 20th appearance.
Anichebe has resumed training, while O'Shea and Larsson have both complained about their lack of football. I've told them both that they are free to leave, although I'm not convinced there'll be many offers.
We've had a week to prepare for this game, so tiredness isn't an issue. Jones isn't fit enough to start, while Kirchoff drops into defence to replace the suspended Kone.
On the bench are; Mannone, Jones, Oviedo, Dozzell, Lens, Asoro and Anichebe.
We take the lead less than 2 mins in. Khazri cutting in from the right before squaring it for Borini to knock home.
The rest of the first half is quiet. We see a lot of the ball but don't do much with it, while Pickford has a couple of easy saves to make.
The second half has an even start until the 56th min when Norwich equalise from nothing. Murphy left one on one with Pickford and coming out on top.
Anichebe replaced Kluivert after this, but the chances we were getting were all from distance.
I made a few tweaks and replaced Borini with Asoro with 10 mins to go and Paterson for Dozzell.
We can't find another though and it ends 1-1.
It's puts as top as QPR lose to Villa. Only on goal difference tho!
Grimnir
Jon Harrod
I must remember to add league table pictures occasionally!
Jon Harrod
It's Christmas, and Lescott wants a present... Me to play him more. I tell him that he can leave. After all, he's 35 now and he'll never be good enough for the Premiership again. Hopefully somebody will pick him up in January.
I got myself a little present too. Finalising a deal for Josh Donaldson.
He'll join on a free at the end of the season. It's a risk as my scout isn't sure he'll amount to much, but he has decent base attributes, and seeing as he's free, I thought it was a risk worth taking.
As far as the match goes, Jones and Kone return, while Anichebe starts after being cleared to play 60 mins.
On the bench are; Mannone, Kirchoff, Oviedo, Cattermole, Lens, Kluivert and Asoro.
We almost go a goal down after 14 mins, but Kone manages to clear the ball off the line. On 28 mins, we get lucky again. Pickford handles the ball outside the box, but thankfully only gets a yellow.
The first goal comes on 35 mins. An Ipswich corner is headed in by Berra.
Before half time, it's 2-0. McGoldrick getting onto a Vela through ball. We are struggling to cope with their basic 4-4-2.
At the break, I try and switch things up. Going 3 at the back to stop any further goals. Sacrificing Paterson for Kirchoff.
On 60 mins, Anichebe comes off for Kluivert. I don't want to risk him getting injured again.
We keep on top of possession, but struggle to create real chances. My final change sees Khazri replaced by Cattermole.
I'm starting to think we won't score, but on 80 mins Borini sets Kluivert through one on one and he smashes it home. 2-1.
After that we get a few chances to equalise, but it just doesn't come and our 5 match unbeaten run ends.
We've got one more game left this year. I'll post a league table after that.
Jon Harrod
After the last match, we received £500k from Crystal Palace as part of the van Aanholt deal. Also, Ndong and Rodwell picked up their 5th yellow card of the season, meaning they will both miss the next match.
Jermain Defoe is cleared to play 45 mins. So I'm comfortable enough to put him on the bench. It looks like we are up against a flat 4-4-2 again, which was a struggle last time out. So I take the risk and start how we finished the last.
On the bench are; Mannone, Sessegnon, Jones, Khazri, Lens, Dozzell and Defoe.
The first half is a cagey affair. We get few chances and Pickford makes one great save. We go in at half time 0-0.
Early in the second half, Borini has a one on one chance but fluffs it and it's an easy save for the keeper. After an hour, I take him off and give Defoe a chance to get his sharpness back.
We take the lead almost straight after this. Defoe isn't involved though. Gibson plays a 1-2 with Kirchoff following a throw in and then another with Kluivert before scoring from the edge of the box.
The lead doesn't last long. Forest hit us on the counter with Assombalonga setting up Osborn to score.
With Djilibodji getting tired, I switch to a 4-5-1. Bringing on Lens to replace him.
The switch seems to work as Kluivert (now playing from the left) gets free and is brought down in the box. Penalty! Gibson steps up and tucks it away.
Gibson has a chance at a rare hattrick on 83 mins as he finds himself with just the keeper to beat. But he puts it over.
Forest hit the post late on, but we hang in for a 2-1 win.
The top of the table at the end of 2017 looks like this.
Jon Harrod
I've had enough complaint from Dortmund about Bruun Larsen's lack of game time. I think I'll just terminate his loan so he can develop elsewhere. He just doesn't fit my formation.
Kluivert picked up young player of the month for December, while I came second to Ramon Diaz (Aston Villa) in the manager award.
As the window opens, the board give me the option to change my objective to winning the league. They are prepared to give my an extra £3.5m, but it's not a risk I want to take.
Marquinhos and Rzepecki arrive. This is how they currently look.
Marquinhos needs a WP which I've applied for but isn't likely, so he'll probably be heading out on loan. Rzepecki can probably hang around the 1st team squad for the rest of the season.
We switch back to our usual formation for the trip to the iPro. Defoe still not fit enough to start, while the games are too close together for Gibson.
On the bench are; Mannone, Kirchoff, Mathews, Gibson, Lens, Anichebe and Defoe.
We get off to a great start and take the lead after less than 3 mins. Khazri setting up Borini who remembered his shooting boots today.
We get chance after chance, but Carson is on form. Borini beats him again on 18 mins, but is denied by the post.
At half time, we've had 14 shots with 7 on target. Derby haven't had a single one. It's only 1-0 though.
The second half starts the same way, with Carson saving everything. We still haven't scored again by 60 mins so I chuck Defoe on to replace Kluivert who's been disappointing today.
Before he even gets on though, it's 1-1 as Vydra scores from close distance. It's their first shot on target.
On 75 mins, I switch to the 4-5-1 that worked last time out and replace Dozzell with Gibson.
A late change sees Kirchoff replace Djilibodji, and then the goal comes. 89 mins on the clock and Gibson plays a ball out to Jones who'd made a run to the edge of the box, he gets his cross in to the penalty spot where Defoe is waiting to smash home. We sneak a 2-1 win.
QPR win too, so we're still only top on goal difference.
Jon Harrod
We received offers for Seb Larsson from RB Salzburg and Trabzonspor. Salzburg offer slightly more money, but want a partial wage contribution. I accept both offers.
As expected, Marquinhos doesn't get a work permit. I offer him out for loan, but the only offers are from Brazilian clubs. I accept them so that he'll get some game time and then I'll revisit this in the summer.
Lynden Gooch returned from his loan at Real Salt Lake. QPR immediately offered to take him for the rest of the season, but I don't want to strengthen my nearest rivals. I might keep him and use him as back up for Khazri in the AMC role and see how he does.
Still looking at potential signings. If anything, I could probably do with another striker that's at least good enough to make my bench. However... an approach has been made for the club by dutchman Michiel Pieters and we are under embargo. Sounds like he wants to replace me with Claude Makelele too.
Onto the match. Defoe still not fit enough to start, but everyone else is ok.
On the bench are; Mannone, Mathews, Kirchoff, Rodwell, Lens, Kluivert and Defoe.
After an even opening, we take the lead on 13 mins. A cross from Jones eludes Randolph and Anichebe heads home from close range.
Borini makes it 2-0 just a couple of minutes later as he turns in a Khazri free kick.
West Ham start to come back into the match, but we hit on them on the break and make it 3-0. Khazri this time finishing off the move after some good work from Sessegnon down the left.
West ham do pull one back on 38 mins. A Lanzini cross finding Valencia unmarked. But we go in at half time 3-1 up.
We see plenty of the ball in the second half but West Ham are defending better. On 65 mins, Defoe comes on to continue his return to fitness, replacing Borini.
He almost gets an assist with his first touch as Khazri forces a great save. Shortly after tho, West Ham counter and we go 3-2. Kouyate finishing the move off.
I replace a tired Gibson with Kirchoff as we look to see the match out. It get's easier when Khazri sets Defoe through with only the keeper to beat. He does so with ease and makes t 4-2.
Turns out to be an easier game than I was expecting and it ends 4-2.
Khazri picks up a deserved Man of the Match!
Jon Harrod
After our cup win, Djiibodji comes to talk to me as he wants a new contract. He feels his form deserves it and I can't really disagree.
The FA Cup fourth round draw gives us another home tie. This time against league 2 Lincoln, who beat Oldham in round 3.
Marquinhos completes his loan move to Joinville in Brazil Serie B, while Seb Larsson completes his £675k move to RB Salzburg.
On his 18th birthday, Alerrandro arrived. He's another Brazilian who doesn't get a work permit, so he's offered out for loan.
He hasn't improved much since I agreed to sign him. Hopefully he'll kick on now.
Just before the match, I receive that the takeover has collapsed. At least that means the embargo's lifted.
I keep the same starting 11 for this game.
On the bench are; Mannone, McNair, Oviedo, Dozzell, Lens, Asoro and Defoe.
The first half is frustrating. We have 63% possession and 13 shots to their 0, forcing 6 saves. But we go in at 0-0.
The second half seems to be going the same way, so on the hour mark, I bring on Defoe and Lens to replace Borini and Khazri (who's been surprisingly poor).
Late on, things get worse as Gibson is show a second yellow. With Cattermole also on a yellow, I replace him with Dozzell to make sure we end the game with 10 men.
We manage to create a few more chances, but can't find a breakthrough. It's just one of those games...
QPR won, so we lose top spot. We do receive a nice £1m post match though from Crystal Palace as part of the Wickham transfer.
Jon Harrod
After our cup win, Djiibodji comes to talk to me as he wants a new contract. He feels his form deserves it and I can't really disagree.
The FA Cup fourth round draw gives us another home tie. This time against league 2 Lincoln, who beat Oldham in round 3.
Marquinhos completes his loan move to Joinville in Brazil Serie B, while Seb Larsson completes his £675k move to RB Salzburg.
On his 18th birthday, Alerrandro arrived. He's another Brazilian who doesn't get a work permit, so he's offered out for loan.
He hasn't improved much since I agreed to sign him. Hopefully he'll kick on now.
Just before the match, I receive that the takeover has collapsed. At least that means the embargo's lifted.
I keep the same starting 11 for this game.
On the bench are; Mannone, McNair, Oviedo, Dozzell, Lens, Asoro and Defoe.
The first half is frustrating. We have 63% possession and 13 shots to their 0, forcing 6 saves. But we go in at 0-0.
The second half seems to be going the same way, so on the hour mark, I bring on Defoe and Lens to replace Borini and Khazri (who's been surprisingly poor).
Late on, things get worse as Gibson is show a second yellow. With Cattermole also on a yellow, I replace him with Dozzell to make sure we end the game with 10 men.
We manage to create a few more chances, but can't find a breakthrough. It's just one of those games...
QPR won, so we lose top spot. We do receive a nice £1m post match though from Crystal Palace as part of the Wickham transfer.
Jon Harrod
Firstly, appologies for the double post previously. Not sure how that happened!
To try and help spread the burden on my strikers, I made an approach for Ben Woodburn on loan from Liverpool. I'd have been tempted to sign him permanently, but they want far too much!
Djilibodji agrees to his new deal.
Valencia make an offer for Kone. The promise I made to sell him for £13m still stands, but their offer is only £6.5m, plus a possible £3m in add ons, so I reject it.
Cole Dasilva returns from his loan spell. He's improved slightly but still not good enough, so I'll look to loan him out again.
While looking for a striker (and making the Woodburn loan offer), I come across Elie Youan at Nantes. I managed to pick him up for £1.3m, which I think will end up being a steal. He's already as good as Asoro, so the Swede will be making a loan move.
Meanwhile Alerrandro completes his loan move to Jaen in the Spanish Segunda, While Dasilva opted for TNS.
As far as the match goes, Gibson is suspended, so we line up like this.
On the bench are; Mannone, Oviedo, Matthews, Dozzell, Lens, Anichebe and Youan.
It only takes us 5 mins to take the lead. Ndong finding Borini on the edge of the box, who turns his man and scores.
Ndong himself make it 2 a couple of minutes later. He receives the ball 25 yards out and just hits it. It goes in off the inside of the post.
The third goal comes on 12 mins. A corner is half cleared and played back into Borini. He pulls it back for Khazri to slot home from the penalty spot.
It takes just over 6 minutes to get a fourth. Khazri returns the favour and sets up Borini to score from just outside the box.
It goes a bit quiet after that. In the last few minutes of the half, Borini and Defoe both manage to hit the post. Then United hit us on the break and John Fleck pulls one back just as the whistle is about to go. 4-1 at half time.
As we are comfortable, I bring Youan on at half time for Defoe so he can show what he's got.
We just waste chance after chance in the second half. All sorts of players getting in good positions but putting shots wide or over.
After 70 mins I replace Cattermole with Dozzell. Lens replaces Khazri 10 mins later.
After the first half, the second proves uneventful and we end at 4-1.
Still 2 points behind QPR
Jon Harrod
The last game was Dozzell's 15th since signing, meaning he's earnt himself a small wage increase.
The loan deal for Woodburn was finalised. I did consider not going through with it after signing Youan, but he can play anywhere across the front line, so may be useful for our promotion push.
Oviedo came to see me about his lack of action. Sessegnon has been keeping him out all season, so I tell him that he's free to leave if an offer comes.
Asoro meanwhile completes his loan move to Fulham.
I'm happy to play a slightly rotated squad in the cup game. The board only expected us to reach the fourth round, and I've got kids that need games.
This is how we line up. Woodburn would have played, but he's cup tied.
On the bench are; Pickford, Sessegnon, McNair, Ndong, Gibson, Khazri and Anichebe.
We almost go a goal down after just 2 minutes, as Wijndal under plays a ball back to Mannone, thankfully, the shot is put wide.
Lincoln are sitting deep and most of our efforts are from distance. At half time, it's still 0-0.
The second half starts slowly and then a defensive error by our usual defensive pairing lets in Davis to put Lincoln in front...
We just aren't doing anything with the possession we have,so on 66 mins, I bring on Gibson and Khazri for Kirchoff and Lens.
Not long after that Mathews picks up an injury. He tries to continue, but it's no good and I bring on Sessegnon to take his place.
Chance after chance goes begging. Our young strikers lacking the composure needed to get us back in the game. We lose 1-0.
I don't blame the team selection, but there were certainly some players that didn't turn up!
After the game, I get news that Alexander-Arnold is back in training. He's still a week or so away from fitness, but it's promising news.
Dan
Jon Harrod
It's certainly going to be close I think!
The day before our match, Sessegnon comes down with food poisoning, so he'll miss out.
The game is on deadline day, but I'm not expecting any further business to get in the way.
Well, I wasn't expecting any, until I see Arsenal make an offer for a Latvian central defender I'd been following. I match their offer and agree terms, but he obviously chooses them over me.
Meanwhile, Oviedo joins PSV on loan with an agreed fee of £3m, if he plays 5 games for them. John O'Shea will be joining Midtjylland in the summer when his contract expires.
Villa play really narrow, and although it's a risk that hasn't always paid off before, I think a change in formation is needed to counter them. We line up like this.
(Note: This was taken after the match as I forgot to upload it. Wijndal didn't start injured!)
Kone fills in at right back with Jones, Mathews and Alexander-Arnold all injured.
On the bench are; Mannone, Jordan, McNair, Dozzell, Kluivert, Woodburn and Defoe.
We create a lot of chances early on, forcing 4 corners in the first 6 mins. But it's Villa who score first, when Lucas Joao loses Lescott to fire home.
Ndong is the biggest culprit for missed chances, all the best ones fall to him and he can't even hit the target. Villa make it 2-0 after 16 mins, this time it's McCormack.
We're seeing much more of the ball and that dominance finally pays off as we score on 26 mins. a great run from Khazri who pulls it back for Borini to knock home from close range.
A couple of minutes later, Khazri almost scores himself as he heads a Wijndal cross against the post. Lens is on hand to knock in the rebound and make it 2-2. Well he would have, if he wasn't offside...
Villa have time to further the lead before half time as Tuanzebe heads in a McCormack corner. And then it's 4-1 before we know it. Simple passes through our defence, they may as well not be there and Joao gets his second. Kirchoff and Lescott are not a defensive pairing I want to play too often!
At half time i switch to 3 at the back with Kone playing between them. It leaves Ndong playing an unfamiliar wing back role, but things can't get any worse!
A couple of good saves from Bunn stop us making an immediate impact, but we eventually get a goal back after 52 mins. A cross from Ndong is blasted home by Gibson just outside the box.
Just after the hour, Wijndal is stretchered off. I don't really have anyone to replace him, so move Lens to wing back and bring on Woodburn for his debut.
He almost scores when he's set through one on one but puts it just wide. Needing an injection, I throw on Defoe for Borini and Dozzell for Khazri with 15 mins to go.
Dozzell creates the best chance of the game only for Gibson to put over from 6 yards out. We lose 4-2...
I don't blame the formation, I squarely aim most of the blame at Lescott and Kirchoff. They just aren't good enough to wear the shirt.
After the match, we pay another £100k to Liverpool for Borini's goal
Jon Harrod
Borini came 3rd in January's player of the month, while Sessegnon came 2nd in the young player category.
This is how the table looks on the 1st of February.
As you can see, we've let it slip a little, but there's plenty of time left.
These were January's signings:
While these were the outs.
Marquinhos and Alerrandro both needing work permits.
Jon Harrod
With a top of the table clash looming, Kone tells me that he no longer wants to leave. I think it's because there's nobody interested in him, but maybe he's just happy that we're heading in the right direction.
Bournemouth have poached my Director of Football, Mark Venus, paying me £145k in compensation. Although I don't use them for much, I do like to have one. Looking at those available that may suit my needs, I'm drawn to either Andreas Brehme or Tim Sherwood. The German wants less money and is currently unattached. He's also less likely to steal my job. I do have a soft spot for Tim though... such a tough call. I offer them both contracts while I think about it.
This is my team selection to try and haul QPR back in:
On the bench are; Mannone, Mathews, Krusnell, Rzepecki, Dozzell, Kluivert and Defoe.
You'll notice Kone continues at right back. Mathews and Jones are nearly fit, but not quite enough to start.
The first half is tough to take. We have almost 70% possession but fail to do much with it. Woodburn has a couple of decent chances which he lacks the composure to finish, while Cattermole forces a fingertip save from Smithies.
The second half starts the same way, so it's not long before I pull of Woodburn in favor of Defoe. Then with 15 mins to go, a tired Gibson is replaced by Dozzell.
Defoe almost wins it late on, but there's another great save from Smithies to deny him. We just can't get the ball past him, despite dominating every other area of the pitch. It ends 0-0.
Jon Harrod
It's Monday, and in walks Tim Sherwood for his first day in his new job, as director of football. He's determined and has a good eye for potential. Essentially, he'll just be in charge of the scouting team.
Trent Alexander-Arnold has now fully recovered from his injury. I'm glad to have him back for the run in. However, Anichebe picks up a knock in training that will keep him out of the Reading match.
We line up like this:
On the bench are; Mannone, Kirchoff, Alexander-Arnold, Rodwell, Watmore, Woodburn and Youan.
We take the lead after 11 mins, Defoe tucking home a low cross from Jones from the edge of the 6 yard box.
Defoe scores again after 22 mins. This time after a great solo run by Ndong, getting past 3 defenders before squaring it.
Defoe's hat-trick seems almost a certainty, but it doesn't come in the first half as Al-Habsi makes two great saves to deny him. We go in at 2-0, with Reading never really looking in the game.
The second half doesn't live up to the first, so just before the hour, I replace Borini and Jones with Youan and Alexander-Arnold.
Chances are still few and far between. Reading have a couple of efforts from distance that Pickford comfortably deals with, while we don't create anything of note. With the clock running down, Kirchoff comes on to replace Gibson.
We see the game out for a simple 2-0 win.
QPR won too, to keep the gap at 5 points.
Jon Harrod
With only 2 days between games, there isn't much to report.
A couple of changes as Gibson and Cattermole can't play 2 games so close together.
On the bench are; Mannone, Kirchoff, Alexander-Arnold, Gibson, Rzepecki, Kluivert and Woodburn.
We almost get off to a flyer as Borini hits the bar inside 3 minutes.Both keepers are on top form tho and despite numerous chances for us, and a couple for them, it's still goalless at half time.
Not much changes in the second half as we're restricted to shots from range. A disappointing Khazri is replaced by Kluivert on 63 mins.
Borini has also been poor, but he has a chance on 68 mins as Kluivert sets him away on a counter attack. He shoots straight at the keeper tho. Fed up, I haul him off and throw on Woodburn.
Just as we seem to be heading for a 0-0 draw, Rodwell gives away a penalty. It's the 91st minute and surely the last chance of the match. Browne steps up, but Pickford saves it!
We should have won, but in the end, I'm glad we didn't lose. I make my feelings very clear to the team.
In the post match press conference, it's brought to my attention that Pickford has now gone 315 minutes without conceding. Good for him.
Meanwhile, that was Borini's 60th game for us, triggering another £100k payment to Liverpool.
Gravyb0y