For those who may not have heard the result, 2-0 Frome and some questions to be asked regarding Rudgey's decision to retire, a strong commanding centre half is required and he fits the bill.....

I didn't get a chance to go yesterday although I've seen the result.

What was the general view from those that travelled?

I think we do need a commanding centre back, but is Rudgey really good enough these days?

Don't get me wrong he was a great player in his day, but time catches up with everyone eventually. Recently he has appeared to lack pace although clearly he still as an experienced tactical awareness, if he can stay on the pitch!

Casey for me is excellent, and Kite has been doing OK, but I feel a ball winner who is six foot four plus, who can marshall the whole defence is needed.

I guess they cost a few quid though?

.....which doesn't bode well if that is true.

Agree with above posts about a commanding defender.  We've conceded 9 goals in 4 games - that ratio isn't going to win you many football matches.

I think we are leaking goals with or without Rudgie on the pitch and the pattern was there in the PSFs - not sure why because we've mostly had the same core back four we have had for some time picked from Williams/Casey/Rudge/Tindle/Kite/Lamb - only Mani is still missing. Odd that Tindle left for Frome, maybe he and Rudge don't quite gel, I remember a few verbal altercations between them last season and you can't do that to the boss now! Also the two red cards for Rudge are a stepback to the old days, I thought his discipline was good last season and commanded the defence well although sometimes lacking a bit of gas, but maybe the pressure of being player-manager has caused a bit of carelessness/clumsiness.

On the slim evidence I have seen so far and from the end of last season, I think the problem is quality in central midfield where we don't control and play-make for creativity to supply the strikers and wingers we have in attack - ie Osman, Lye, Rogers, Harvey. Phillips needs someone to work with if he is supposed to hold the ball up.