From a PR point of view, if this trip more than anything was supposed to increase our commercial marketability in North America, then getting twatted by Bournemouth is something of an own goal. Americans don't seem to be big on plucky underdogs when it comes to their actual sports (not so their films of course). Another couple of beatings could see our North American fanbase and revenue actually shrink.

From a footballing point of view of course, it matters zero. Some of our best preseason in my lifetime have been followed by our worst seasons and vice versa. So I'm fairly relaxed, but suspect our marketing guys are holding their heads this morning.....