They may as well not bother letting journalists in to ask anything and just release a written statement. This is one thing about PC that narks me abit. Hope we can build on the last result anyway

blu_dru - perhaps the club should take it upon themselves to put together a folder containing a list of our moves, calls, tactics and footage of what we've been practicing in training in the week ahead of each game and hand it to the opposition in a pink bow a day before we play them?

I don't understand why people get their knickers in a twist with Cook by not giving information about the team/players etc. Team news is released an hour before kick off and we find out then what the team is, what's the problem. Don't want to give away anything to the opposition the day or two before the game.

I'm not asking him to reveal state secrets. Clearly he hates doing press stuff and he doesn't hide it. I don't want to know what the team or tactics are. And i don't wear knickers.

blu dru

you do wear knickers, its obvious to all on this board.

little pink ones with a lacey gusset.

Burns back in against his old club, certain to score (fingers crossed)

The next 3 games will tell a lot as to whether we have finally 'gelled' or 'clicked' or whatever expression you prefer for 'getting your sh.. act' together.
Doncaster was a bit of a false dawn, so we can't get complacent just because we had a big win. Portsmouth weren't great and dropped their heads after going behind, but we definitely showed a lot more in that game to give us confidence that we have turned the corner; the performance & quality of the play in the second half particularly, was excellence.
What we are also seeing now is the team finally taking shape. PC is finally getting to know his best options in the various positions & the best combinations.
I am delighted for Janoi Donacien because I always thought he was a good defensive full back. but his linking with Wes Burns on the right side has been a real bonus, KVY can be in no doubt as to what is required of him if he is to get back in the side, and that has to be a good thing. Similarly, Wes Burns has been a great signing, and it is almost inconceivable to think of not start him when fit, but Sone Aluko will be a very unlucky man if he is dropped to the bench tomorrow. With those 4, we are in good shape on that side of the pitch.
On the left I think Penney has done well enough, although Coulson is definitely a stronger option at LB for me. But in front of them, it's still hard to know who will be the preferred name wide left in the starting XI. From me the #10 should be a straight choice between Chaplin and Fraser, with Harper an option if we need to help out more in the midfield against tougher sides set up for battle. So that leaves Celina on the left in my book, that's where he's best. But again, it's inconceivable to think of Kyle Edwards not starting, given his ability. The fact that we have a third, exciting, left wing wizard, Louis Barry, who can't even make the match day squad, is an extraordinary situation to find ourselves in. The other issue on that side, is the link play with the full back. Will Penney or Coulson get the support from Celina or Edwards, that our right back gets from Burns? Is it an area that a shrewd opposing manager will look to exploit when our LB 'bombs forward'. KVY was caught out a few times, on the other side, early on in the season; Donacien & Burns have a good understanding though, which has helped combat that.
Bonne has had a sensational start to the season, but I still think Pigott will get his chance & come good for us. I worry about Norwood though, and wonder if there is a reason why he is not in the squad lately & why PC doesn't want to talk about him. Had Bonne not been the revelation he has been, I think Norwood could have gotten a fair amount of game time & done well in this set up, but he seems to be one of those players that does not respond well to being on the bench & can be easily distracted, I hope I'm wrong.
I'm also happy to see Toto back in the team & think he can be a good partner for Edmondson. Fleetwood, Plymouth & Wycombe will certainly test their partnership.
COYB

Would be great to get Joe some game time. If things go well tomorrow bring him on for the last 30, we need to keep him match fit and confident to step in whenever required, its a long season.

Pen blue, you nailed it, Pigott is going to be needed at some point this season so he needs game time. Expect him to play 15-20 tomorrow minimum if the match is going our way.

I have no problem with Fraser being slightly injured. I think the team benefitted from his absence on Tuesday as the attacking play became faster and more penetrative. I never thoughtI would ever see a midfielder slower than McCarthy's old favourite, Jonathan Douglas but Fraser would be left in Douglas's slipstream. Fraser's set piece deliveries are pretty dire as well and so far he is one of the poorest signings of the summer influx. Tuesday's midfield starters and subs are by far the best with Burns/Aluko and Celina/Edwards totally interchangeable as games progress

feargalsharkey I resent that comment. I too wear those knickers and I'm as hard as f**king nails me!

blu_dru he politely explained why he doesn't want to discuss individual players and with good reason. Cook is looking after ITFC first and foremost, long may it continue. We've had other managers who have treated the press with utter contempt and created a seige mentality, Cook seems an odd one to take exception to.

"“My [advice] to Joe would be get back on the pitch as quickly as you can and score those goals that will make your dad so happy and proud.

“Joe Pigott will be in the squad tomorrow and hopefully we can see that at Portman Road.”"

Well said. You normally talk utter pekpek Paul, but well said.