Of course it’s never nice losing a game, but as soon as I saw the team-sheet I knew we’d be in trouble and to be fair it isn’t the result that is getting to me.
Instead it’s the performance of what are largely backup players who failed to cover themselves in any glory when there was a chance to put down a marker for a spot in the first-team. With a chance to impress only a couple of players took the opportunity to shine with the rest proving why there is such a distinct difference between this season and last.
In many ways last season was built on through the strength of players itching to prove a point, players like Ryan Taylor and Leon Best who would get a chance and try to impress enough to keep their place in the first-team. We haven’t had that this season and the only players to come out of the defeat yesterday with any real credit are Vurnon Anita and Gael Bigirimana.
The truth is that Newcastle deserved to go out yesterday and were second best in pretty much every department. Sure it’s good news for our fixture list as we set about trying to maintain Premier League survival, but the fact remains that it’s another game we lost, and we’ve lost another player to boot after Shola Ameobi became the scapegoat for Lee Probert and the home crowd.
I’m also sort of blaming the fact we were down to ten men for the result but it was with eleven men when we were at our worst and Brighton deservedly took the lead just after the half hour mark after Wayne Bridge crossed for Andrea Orlandi to volley past Rob Elliot. James Perch had already cleared off the line and the best that Newcastle could offer in return were long range efforts from Gael Bigirimana, Shola Ameobi and Vurnon Anita, none of which looked likely to beat Casper Ankergren in the Brighton goal.
Shola Ameobi saw red in the 63rd minute after picking up a second yellow meaning that he will now miss the game with Norwich next weekend. In truth it was a harsh red when you look at the offences individually, but in a weird way it brought out the best in United and we actually started to play a bit with Sylvain Marveaux – on for Gabriel Obertan – looking to pull some strings.
However with just a few minutes left on the clock Brighton put the away side out of their misery and after Mike Williamson got caught the wrong side of Will Buckley the Brighton forward had the simple task of slotting the ball past Rob Elliot.
Another season and another FA Cup exit to a lower league team although on the day you’d be hard pushed to suggest just who was supposed to be the Premier League in all of this. Job done in terms of fixture list reduction, but it’s no real consolation to fans at the end of the day.
Howay the lads!
Brighton: Casper Ankergren, David Lopez, Gordon Greer, Adam El-Abd, Wayne Bridge, Dean Hammond, Liam Bridcutt, Gary Dicker, Andrea Orlandi, Craig Mackail-Smith, Ashley Barnes
Subs: Tomasz Kuszczak, Lewis Dunk, Andrew Crofts, Will Buckley, Stephen Dobbie, Kazenga LuaLua, Will Hoskins
Newcastle: Rob Elliot, James Tavernier, Mike Williamson, James Perch, Davide Santon, Gael Bigirimana, Vurnon Anita, Sammy Ameobi, Mehdi Abeid, Gabriel Obertan, Shola Ameobi
Subs: Tim Krul, Paul Dummett, Shane Ferguson, Sylvain Marveaux, Romain Amalfitano, Adam Campbell, Nile Ranger
Attendance: 21,740
Geordietwo
You miss the point. Most on here who back Obertan are saying that he has returned from injury an improved and more mature player. This is reflected in the praise he has received and the stats. He no longer tries fancy tricks and instead just tries to drop his shoulder and get into the danger area where he knows his quick feet will scare a lot of defenders into not making a tackle.
He was awful against Brighton, lazy and truly awful, but that is a contrast to how he has recently been playing in the league.
The Kid(Quote)
Oh and Oba cost us the 1st goal along with Willo. Tav was literally stuck in the middle and not at fault.
Shamrock(Quote)
Toonsy – if you are about I’ve put one in the vault 😉
Shamrock(Quote)
Shamrock
Of course Tavernier is partly at fault for the goal. He lost Orlandi and got sucked to the ball, which you don’t do. Yes, Obertan lost Bridge, which was poor, but Tav should still have stuck tight to his man and waited for Obertan to get back and pressure Bridge. If he does that then everyone in the box is marked and he easily cuts out Bridge’s cross.
The Kid(Quote)
I guess time will tell Kid. It would be good if you are right because we have needed a true winger for some time now. We should re-visit the issue at the end of the season. Sooner or later the owner is going to have to realize that he will have to spend and improve the squad at a number of positions or he may as well forget us and sell up. This dithering over crucial additions like a CB has been deadly for the morale of the team. Ashley baffles me with his inaction. It’s as if he has shut out the real world where we are 15th and just listens to any old bollocks from Llambias. We are 15th. We deserve to be 15th based on our play so far. We can get relegated if we play poorly enough for the rest of the season. These are facts Ashley. Pull your head out of your dark place.
GeordieTwo(Quote)
The reason he went for Bridge was because hes either free to cross or get into position to shoot with loads of space. Obertan was lost and would never have made it back because he just fooking gave up. Meanwhile, Williamson was stood next to the man Perch was already marking. Why? He should have been on man Tav had to leave to close Bridge down.
Shamrock(Quote)
Shamrock
I understand why he did it, but the fact is that is something you are told NEVER to do. You never run away from your man in the box. He is just a kid and will learn, but for you to absolve him of all blame is wrong imo.
Anyway, I’ve said it on here already, Obertan was poor v Brighton, but his recent league performances have been encouraging so I won’t be writing him off just yet.
The Kid(Quote)
Hmm, we’ll just have to disagree. Leaving a man free to do what he wants with the ball in the box is not good defending. Tav is no kid though. He’s 22 this month and will not make it imo – however there is an article waiting for publishing about all that…
Shamrock(Quote)
Btw Kid, are you based abroad? You seem to know a lot about French footy, or is Ligue 1 just something you enjoy following? I used to know loads about footy in France and Italy, but have no idea what’s happening on the Continent these days!
Shamrock(Quote)
Good discussion again lads and lasses. Be back to do the same tomorrow I hope.
GeordieTwo(Quote)
Goodnight Geordietwo 😀
Shamrock(Quote)
I would give Obertan more time, it’s not like we’ve got anybody else anyway. He gets the blame for everything but there were 8-9 lazy players out there on Sat with the exception of Bigirimana and maybe Tavernier/Marv. Santon was absolute garbage again, both defensively and going forward and nobody says anything about him because he is a fan favourite. Obertan has done enough on the left wing in the last few league games. He was having a good game until Pardew took him off against Everton and after that we had virtually zero pace or attacking threat but nobody mentions this because Obertan is just always **** and lazy apparently.
DJG(Quote)
Shamrock
No, I live in the UK, but go through fazes of being addicted to watching certain teams outside of the Premier League. In recent years it’s been mostly teams in France and Germany. Haven’t been into Italian or Spanish football for a long time so don’t know much about their respective leagues/players.
I look forward to reading your article about Tavernier et al tomorrow.
The Kid(Quote)
I agree re; Santon. Not sure about him yet. Likes getting firward, but forgetting his 1st duty – defending. Early days fir him though.
Shamrock(Quote)
Fair enough. It’s always good to have people around with knowlege of goings on outside of the EPL. Especially with our current recruitment policy!
Shamrock(Quote)
I have been mentioning my concerns regarding Santon for a while now. But then I don’t post that often 😆 Yes he is young so there is improvement possible. I like the comment someone made earlier today that Santon needs to be in a certain type of team.
griff(Quote)
With the signing of Debuchy that should solve our inbalance as far as width goes.
ut with Demba going its an ideal chance to bring in an attacking CREATIVE forward. Someone who sets up chances and scores a few rather than a poacher… That would compliment Cisse. Siem de Jong fits that mould… I support Remy at his best could perform both roles.
Once that signing is done then we will be balanced in attack.
Its then left to signing a defender. Someone with a bit of pace and height to compliment Colo.
For me that man would be either Mbiwa or Sakho because both are quick, both are powerful and composed. And if needed both could play in the fullback position or in a back three.
Being two million in the black this window. Having Wonga money coming in and being at risk of relegation I don’t think spending around 16 million for two quality signings would be ‘blowing cash’ this window.
Remy/de Jong and Mbiwa/Sakho for around 9 million each would seriously improve our squad depth and first team quality.
JJ(Quote)
Has Pardew resigned yet
Toby le Rhone(Quote)
Santon has had a poor last three/four games… Who hasn’t??? We played Man United, Arsenal and Everton which doesn’t make it easier.
Prior to that, he was by a long way our best player this season. Its incredible how pathetic people become after one or two poor performances.
Same goes for Obertan, he was excellent against Man United and Everton. Now one bad game he is useless again.
Colo is passed it, Saylor who has been out injured isn’t good enough. Anita is poor again after one bad game despite impressing so much over the past month.
Tiote is worth **** because he’s out of form. Yes, his discipline has interupted him but he’s always needed a run of games to find his best form. All players need that.
Michael 12 told everyone he was relieved Cabaye was out injured. “A blessing in disguise” as he offered nothing. Clearly we have missed Cabaye desperately even though he was in poor form.
Cisse has lost it… A one season wonder. This despite scoring 20 goals a season for four seasons and being played in a position he has never played.
No doubt when Debuchy starts slowly he will be a waste, a poor buy. Despite the relief at getting him now.
For me the blame lies with Pardew. How can so many players lose form all at once? Clearly they are not being implemented correctly. Or are so low on morale they simply can’t perform. He needs to get his **** in gear. Its HIS job to get these players to perform at their best.
The problem is with our fans is as soon as a player is in a dip they need to be “shipped out”…
Ba was very poor for four months of last season, now he is a Chelsea player after topping the goal scoring charts.
In fact I can’t think of one player that “supporters” haven’t been uphappy with.
JJ(Quote)
“The Cup usually leads only to disappointment because, somewhere along the line, you get knocked out, but my record at Newcastle is awful.” “I never thought we would be in the situation we are in – I’ve got a united dressing room and I think the spirit is strong, but we need better players out on the pitch.”
“We’re down to the bare bones. We are in a difficult patch at the moment and we are very, very short. I think the board knows that.” “People talk about players taking responsibility, but that’s a difficult word to quantify.”
“They gave their full effort, but it’s difficult for young players who should be in our development side to produce their best for the first team with everything that’s going on.” “We are working round the clock to bring new players in and get injured players back, but I make no bones about it and there’s no hiding away from it.”
“We are fighting to stay in the Premier League, and we are not too good to go down.” “We have to dig deep and stick together.” “Last year we had new signings coming in and making a huge impact, but this season we’ve had everything going against us.”
mark(Quote)
awful record?! We’ve been beaten twice by Blackpool, once by Stevenage and managed to scrape thru v B;ackburn. Yet Pardew said his players gave their all.. Really?!?! he often says the fans arent stupid. we’re not blind either.
mark(Quote)
I find it incredible that the only competitions that we have any chance of winning silverware in, we play the reserves!?!
Just shows a complete lack of ambition! Why did we fight so hard to make Europe if we don’t give a toss about it when we are in it!
JJ(Quote)
@321 soz Brighton.. too early 🙄
mark(Quote)
JJ @322 ,I don’t think it’s a case of not giving a toss it’s just we ain’t in a position to take it seriously this season or the Europa cup for that matter. It’s so sad that due to a lack of foresight by the owner in the summer this season has effectively become a write off .We now find ourselves in an awfull position of running to stand still .,everything must be about survival now even to the detriment of all cup competitions ,what a sorry state of affairs we are in.If Jabba doesn’t invest adaquately this Jan and we drop out the PL again then he deserves every loss he makes and any honeymoon period he managed to salvage with good buys last season will be well and truely over. If they have this so called list of names for each position they bragged about there can be no excuses for failing to bring in the staff needed ,the lack of a new CB for 3 seasons is shamefull imo.
KIMTOON(Quote)
@JJ: We will see certainly when Cabaye returns if things in general will change. I am more than prepared to eat my own words if he does come back and elevates his performance to such levels that it lifts us.
For me it has been Pardew. I do not even think he has ever had a plan. Last season was an over achievement but I still think we had the quality to have finished in the top 8.
We do not have the best team but it is by no means the worst and these results cannot be attributed to a lack of summer signings, injuries, pitches being used for rugby, intensity, youngsters e.t.c.
11 defeats in our last 16 is just poor. Pardew is working on the defence 4 of 5 days and man has it got worse.
For me he takes the blame. Now he is just hoping HBA will drag us out of this. Now Ba is gone it really is going to expose him as the man who used the Ba tactic.
Michael12(Quote)
Micheal ,We always look better when we play it on the floor ,this constant reverting to hoofball is getting tiresome now . Why bypass the midfield when you have creative players there ,it’s beyond me. There is no doubt in my mind that Cabaye and HBA have been a big miss as they are our creative outlet and in all fairness most teams rely on one or two wonder players ,we are not alone in that. You talk about missing Ba ,well where would Liverpool be without Suarez goals or Manure without RVP ,it’s pretty much the same with all teams. It seems to me that it’s mostly team spirit /fight we have lacked and there is a huge question mark over our general fitness levels too.We should be able to run for 90 + mins with players of our ability.
KIMTOON(Quote)
We can safely assume we’re never going to challenge for the PL title…so given that, how come we’re all so accepting that we don’t regard cups as being important and we’re better off out of them so we can concentrate on….what?……….. finishing 10th or 8th or wow maybe even 6th or 5th. All seems as bit pointless if this is your only ambition, and throwing good money after bad on season tickets etc is foolish if this is all we ever hope to achieve …..I agree with JJ@322
JoeSoap(Quote)
Michael I have no doubt that if you compared goals conceded per game with Cabaye & Tiote in the team, just Tiote out, and just Cabaye out – that it would show just how important he is defensively.
It may not be how some would like to see him playing, but he is pretty decent at it. If we can build the team to see him either playing sitting and selling Tiote, or working the formation to release him creatively, we would see the best of him. At the minute he is being asked to shoulder the bulk of both due to a poor defense and a lack of creativity further up the pitch.
SolanosTrumpet(Quote)
Telling the 2nd string that he’s making do until he can get his best players back is not exactly motivational management ……given last seasons finish, I think this whole debarcle is entirely Pardew’s fault! If he need new players he should have insisted….supposedly Ashley asked him last year when he was bringing a new CH in we’ve all known the defence was the problem even last year….that and pardew’s insistence on playing poor tactics. I’m asking that he be sacked…yet…but he must bear the responsibility when players aren’t motivated, and if they aren’t good enough then they should be drawing wages at the football club!
JoeSoap(Quote)
meant to say NOT asking that he be sacked…yet
JoeSoap(Quote)
shouldn’t be drawing wages at the football club!…..We all make mistakes I suppose….including Pard’s…but sensible people put them right!
JoeSoap(Quote)
Michael is just trying to get a reaction from everyone so just ignore him.
Stuart79(Quote)
This is my assessment for our current plight, last season everyone performed to the best of their ability from Pards to the players, we had very few serious injuries, and had the rub of the green more often than not. This season the performance of management and players has not been to the standard of last season, coupled with less luck than we had last season and more injuries and we are where we are. I still feel if we can sign a centre-half and get HBA, Cabs, and Tiote fit and in form we can have a good second half to the season
Instructatoon(Quote)
“For me it has been Pardew. I do not even think he has ever had a plan. Last season was an over achievement but I still think we had the quality to have finished in the top 8.”
That Michael I can agree with. Pard’s took the plaudits last season so he must take the blame this season because he has got it seriously wrong.
JJ(Quote)
Instructatoon
We NEED a forward and a centre half mate.
If Cisse gets injured we have to rely on Shola for goals, then we are looking more likely to go down than to stay up.
Shola is the most out of depth player we have had. Worst Newcastle player ever in my opinion.
JJ(Quote)
Shola’s not been that bad. Still hood as a late sub, but not a 90 minute man and he has been a valuable squad player over the years.
Shamrock(Quote)
JJ That is such a daft thing to say.
His early season form got us well on the road to getting out of the Championship. Without his goals we could’ve have crumbled as people expected after the 6-1 LO defeat.
If it wasn’t for him doing what Cisse & Ba couldn’t against QPR we would be in the relegation zone.
Can’t understand when people criticise players like Shola, Williamson etc. They are average at very best, sure. That isn’t their fault though is it. It’s up to the board to sign players so that they are the back up players they should be.
SolanosTrumpet(Quote)
Toonsy – article in drafts for you mate
Liam Southern Toon(Quote)
Solano,
I’ll correct my statement to worst long term Premiership football we’ve had ever.
JJ(Quote)
“Shola is the most out of depth player we have had. Worst Newcastle player ever in my opinion.”
Seriously?!?! worse than, Marcelino, Amady Faye.. the list goes on.
Yeah, he cant tackle, run, win headers, shoot and tackles like a bison but surely not the worst
mark(Quote)
I’m just concerned he said “I think”..
“I’ve got a united dressing room and I think the spirit is strong, but we need better players out on the pitch.”
The fact players have criticised his hoofball tatics, his bullshit to players that we are ambitious.. then we sign nobody to take us forward. I could see a very unhappy dressing room…
mark(Quote)
Take away Shay Given, Steve Harper & Alan Shearer and he’s the only long term player we have had in the last 20 odd years. Anything past that and I’m sure Shola would fare very well against some of our previous players – however, the fact that he is a long term player speaks volumes about his quality in itself.
If wecsere given the option of having another Shola at the beginning of his career as a long term squad player I’d jump at it. He has scored important goals for us and no doubt been a big influence in the changing rooms too.
Shamrock(Quote)
The fact alone that he’s the Mackem Slayer means he’s been worth his place imo! 😀
Shamrock(Quote)
Shamrock,
We do have that prospect, his name is Sammi… I’m dreading it! 😉
JJ(Quote)
Nah Sammy’s a completely different kettle of fish and wont make it…
Shamrock(Quote)
LST – Your title looks awefly simad to the article
i submitted yesterday. I jope they have a different spin on them! 😕
Shamrock(Quote)
Similar 😀
Shamrock(Quote)
Bloody mobile phone typing. Pretty much every other word comes out wrong on these things!
Shamrock(Quote)
Shamrock – IS your article in drafts then? 😯
Great minds think alike and all that just got in a rage about it to be honest and had to write it down! 😀
Liam Southern Toon(Quote)
No, it’s pending since yesterday. I only 😉 keep ’em in draughts when I’m still writing them – then I submit it gir review by Toonsy prior to publishing…
I’m sure we’ll have a digferent spin anyway mate. Great minds think alike
Shamrock(Quote)
Sham – if not the blog can compare the two! 😀
Liam Southern Toon(Quote)
Ha well mine is a thesis based on the workings of the late great Lord Beeskness, the well respected Godfather of amateur blog weiting so i’ll be sound mate 😆
Shamrock(Quote)
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I believe our midfield has looked far more effective without Jobas, Cabaye and Tiote all playing the same position in the same game.
No wonder the defence wasn’t too bad with them in, we were playing 7 across the back.
Its not the midfield but the defence that’s needs improving and hopefully Debuchy will be the start.
Get another top CB to play alongside Colo, drop Jonas, get a new left midfielder and a top striker and we are set for a rise up the table.
I still feel Pardew deserves time.
Troy Stavers(Quote)
Inagree with all thst Troy, but feel Pardew has lost the plot. Our players are not working hard enough and we are all over the shop. That’s down to training and tactics.
Nobby had some interesting things to say;
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2257764/Sir-Alex-Ferguson-breaks-silence-Newcastle-wee-club-comment.html
Shamrock(Quote)
(THIS IS A GOVERNMENT HEALTH WARNING. THIS POSTER IS LIABLE TO DISAGREE WITH YOUR POINT OF VIEW. ONLY ENGAGE IF YOU AREN’T SENSITIVE AND DON’T TAKE HISSY FITS)
@Shamrock
When managers are working on a shoestring budget and can’t just replace players when they want, then its inevitable that teams slump and go through bad patches.
Everton are a yoyo side and Moyes gets plaudits.
They don’t always finish in the top 6. Far from it.
We are going through a bad patch which is understandable. We haven’t freshened things up for a year. All the top clubs bring at least one big signing in.
Pardew is up against it as he has to convince his players to believe in the club yet he probably doesn’t believe in them himself.
Troy Stavers(Quote)
I would give Pard’s to the end of the season to buck up his ideas.
If we get a decent defender and forward in without losing any more then he really can’t blame anyone but himself for lack of results.
JJ(Quote)
Everton;
League positions
Season League Position
2000/01 Premier League 16th
2001/02 Premier League 15th
2002/03 Premier League 7th
2003/04 Premier League 17th
2004/05 Premier League 4th
2005/06 Premier League 11th
2006/07 Premier League 6th
2007/08 Premier League 5th
2008/09 Premier League 5th
2009/10 Premier League 8th
2010/11 Premier League 7th
Moyes was all over the shop when he started. He has steadied the ship but that may be down to being patient with him and establishing himself at the club. The players at Everton will certainly know who’s boss and there won’t be player uprisings.
Give Pardew time. The only time I would consider sacking him is if we are running out of games and we are in the bottom 3.
I wouldn’t expect us to get anyone better, but the instillation of a new manager sometimes has a honeymoon period which might save us.
I don’t expect us to be in that position anyway.
Troy Stavers(Quote)
Troy,
I would give him time, but what disappoints me is that Pardew was known for his sides playing attractive fluid football. He has never had a more technically gifted group than he has now, yet he has gone for the hoof ball tactic!
It smacks of him simply being out of his depth.
JJ(Quote)
@JJ
I’d agree with that. Pardew played some stylish football a year ago. now its just HOOOF! fans and toon players alike don’t enjoy it..
mark(Quote)
Mark,
I actually don’t think we’ve played anything too stylish since Pard’s has been here. Even last season we won ugly most of the time.
I do remember his West Ham days when he actually had them playing some terrific stuff but then ended up going down. Guess he’s just an aweful defensive coach and he is now compensating by playing four defensive midfielders 😉
JJ(Quote)
I would slightly disagree with that m8. When he first came and we were doing well some of our football was similar to Arsenal the way we used energy and spirit mixed with decent passing but I’d agree a lot of games were won ugly. But a wins a win which we struggle with atm
mark(Quote)
Troy @ 357 spot on.
Johno Toon(Quote)
I do think a lot of the ***** footie, hoofball and 7 defenders is simply down to one thing he has no faith in the defenders doing their job. We have 3 good defenders now so we need the missing link the CB then we should be ok
Big Dave(Quote)
I dont think the lack of effort, hoofball, lack of fitness or laxk of ofganisation have anyhthing to do with injuries or lack of transfers. Thy are all pro’s and we are getting the fundamental elements of the game wrong time and again. That’s largely down to bad coaching in my opinon – however you are right that signings should have been made and it certainly has not helped the situation.
Either way I rckon we are stuck with him, so lets just see what the Board do about supporting their man. If they dont invest well during this window then I give up on them…
Shamrock(Quote)
Dont forget the defence is exactly the same as last year. There’s no teason for it to capitulate so badly other than lavk of focus, effort and bad coaching.
Shamrock(Quote)
I remember reading that pards deals with defense and carver attack.
Sack em both! 😆
But really carver looking after attack mind you hes done well recently.
Complacency sure is the reason we are catipulating after last years success.
Liam Southern Toon(Quote)
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I must have missed this fantasy football that some say we played at one time.
Apart from a few decent games but mainly the genius from Barfa, Cisse and Ba I can honestly say I never saw it.
I don’t believe we have got the players to play stylish football.
It’s no good playing 20 mins per game which is eye catching when the rest is disjointed. If you have Simpson, Perch, Tiote, Shola, Obertan, Williamson, in your first team then it defies all logic that we played stylish football. It’s simply impossible. 😯
Troy Stavers(Quote)
Liam,
That might be the proble right there. You don’t defend and attack using differing methods. Its about working as a team together. Pushing forward and everyone getting back. Surely the same coach should be involved in showing players how to drop back from an attacking position into their correct defensive positions?
JJ(Quote)
Troy I agree.
We scored some stylish individual goals but I am yet to see any stylish team football.
JJ(Quote)
Have to say Troy makes a good point with Moyes and Everton’s league finishes, and people talk of Moyes replacing fergie, having said that i would expect nufc to be able to invest slightly more in players than Everton have over the years. I think the club simply has to give Pardew at least 4 full seasons to see where we get, the grass isnt always greener and we have learned that the hard way ever since we sacked sir bobby. Also Ameobi has been a good solid player for us recently, not great, but not **** either, and i actually have a lot of faith in Sammy
Instructatoon(Quote)
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@Shamrock
It’s the same defence as last year but since Cabaye & Jonas have been injured, our midfield has been more attacking, hence the increase in goal opportunities.
It was only the superb skill from Ba and Cisse taking half chances that covered the lack of service from midfield.
The top and bottom of it is, the defence have always been ****, hence the fact we’ve been shouting for a CB for 2 seasons. It was only shored up by Cabaye, Tiote and Jonas who played too defensively. That is the reason why though.
Troy Stavers(Quote)
Yep, nowt to do with pretty footy- it’s work ethic and organisation. The pretty follows on as a natural progression – which is why we saw glimpses of it last term. The main factor though, was our never say die attitude. Something we are just not sering this year. Funny enough, our recent losses to Manure, Everton & Arsenal have been amongst our best team performances this season – for large periods of the games at least. That was without Saylor, Benny, Cabaye etc. strange that….
Shamrock(Quote)
8 yr deal and suddenly it all seems rosy. We made a shocking start this season and there has been little motivation to turn it around.
What worries me the most is that most fans saw this happen in the summer and pards seems baffled as to why we are in this mess….beggars belief
Either pards isnt very clever (he dont seem the brightest) or he just plays the puppet to perfection
Liam Southern Toon(Quote)
Well I reckon he’s here for the foreseeable – So i’ll stop calling for his head as it’s not productive – however I have serious concerns about our approach to games and training etc. this needs addressing sharpish or we are in the poo. If we go down I dont think it will be easy to revover at all. It’s time fir the board to back Pards properly and then he can either move us onto the next level ( regular Top 8 ) or he can fall on his sword and give someone else a go.
Shamrock(Quote)
Pards wanted pace, power and heading ability…… Lakuku surely?
Liam Southern Toon(Quote)