Two in one out!

Our last two games have seen a slight stutter as we drew 2-2 at Leeds no then went down 2-0 at league leaders Middlesbrough. 

The game at the Riverside was always going to be a tough one and it was tactics that did cost us in the end.

After holding out for the majority of the game, Paul Clement decided to gamble and try and snatch a win with his substitutions, but alas it backfired and we suffered our third defeat of the season.

We need to push on and replicate the first half of the season. Should we do that a top two place should be achievable. 

Clement has done his business early in the transfer window by bringing in Adboul Camara and Nick Blackman. What is interesting is that these two along with Tom Ince are capable of playing anywhere up front. 

I'm intrigued to see if he plays the 4-3-2-1 formation with these three behind Chris Martin as they can swap over from side to side during a game. 

Simon Dawkins has returned to San Jose in the MLS and I for one thank him for his efforts and wish him well over in the states. 

Alex Pearce has attracted the intention of several clubs and it would be no surprise to see him go given that he has barely played for the first team. 

The main topic on social media has been whether we will meet financial fair play rules next season. Although we have spent quite a lot this season, we do have insurance pay outs on various players and the fact that most deals are spread over a number of years. 

Also, the limits for allowed losses have been raised to 13m a season or 39m over the previous three seasons. The way in which Mel Morris has conducted his own businesses does tend to make people believe him if he says we will comply with the rules again!

Most of the moaning though has come from supporters of clubs who apart from not paying bills on time, have failed miserably in staying within limits. 

Saturday seesa visit to the North East as we face Hartlepool in the FA Cup. I'm expecting pretty much a second string side to be fielded for the game. It will allow Paul Clement to look at fringe players. Maybe a start or some game time for our new signings. What has been confirmed is that Jake Buxton should make his return from injury.