The blue shoots of recovery?

Andy Munro is feeling optimistic after Blues’ latest pre-season friendlies.

Beating Swindon and Bristol Rovers isn’t a game changer but wins,even in friendlies, are always welcome. Dan Cowley turned in a very impressive performance for his first game and his creativity is what we’ve been missing. He could be a steal at 700,000 quid.

Bailey seems to be growing into his promotion to the first team squad and Jude Bellingham has now had a couple of decent cameos from the bench.

To be picky, whilst both Colin and particularly Seddon have been most impressive as wingbacks, against Rovers they allowed the opposition wingers a bit too much leeway, and that will need some work. Davies also still seems to labour a bit in midfield and if you’re playing with wingbacks, his is a vital role. Still, we looked solid at the back and if we can get in another midfielder and a forward, the outlook seems set fair.

Meanwhile, there are rumours that Garry Monk’s behaviour belies his surname. Having said that, even if he ends up being exposed as a Sam Allardyce Mark 2, he will still be remembered fondly by most Bluenoses.