Call it the residual impact of the previous regime. Another shriveling display late on allowed Preston to claw back for a 2-2 draw yesterday at Deepdale – not as damning as the Coventry capitulation, largely due to the Lilywhites continuing consolidation in the upper tier of the league. Gordon Strachan has a few tasks to prioritise once officially installed; improve the fitness, concentration, and discipline required to see out a full shift, completely unwilling to allow smash and grab points-raids at our expense; more pertinently though should be convincing Adam Johnson to sign on the line which is dotted…his darting and cunning run that produced the second goal prompted a guttural ‘Magic Johnson’ from Ali…that’s brilliant!

As we reveled in our tech totality – AV from the press box, Ali/Gary in the booth, and a dubious feed scrambled across the Middle East and then into our laptop – here were the observations that made it in the notebook:

Johnno’s goal – really magic; Leroy Lita chased down the long goal kick and held up play for the onrushing AJ…clinical finish

Gary O’Neil was very offensive-minded, advancing more forward than usual and getting efforts in on goal – the free kick for the first goal probably should’ve been dealt with, but good for the midfielder’s confidence no doubt

Rhys Williams thundered that shot off the woodwork – the potential 3-1 lead would have been unassailable

The foul on Joe Bennett leading to the free kick that produced the leveler was ridiculous – the young left back is clearly being unfairly targeted for his refreshingly physical approach – and the late off side ruling against Johnno as Boro pressed deep in stoppage time was bullshit too…

If Gordo has time, maybe convert Emnes to a RM role…could work…isn’t that what we bought his as?

Get well soon Moz…