Cronky

What do you think about Cabella's performance then? Did some good runs. Showed lots of energy. Not yet convinced though. Trying to pick up some last minute votes for worst overall football poster? Fair play That one's already in the bag.

What do you think about Cabella's performance then? Did some good runs. Showed lots of energy. Not yet convinced though.

I thought it was a good performance overall. In the second half, it was more a question of Chelsea playing with a lot more aggression, than us 'giving up'. Perez did well again, considering who he was up against.

Sir Bobby being granted patience? A large number turned against him when we finished fifth. If Garde is available and what is said about him is accurate, then we have to go for him. A lot of the criticism of Carver is way OTT (surprise, surprise) but I suspect he's a bit too thin-skinned to manage this club.

Thats like saying lube's main function is to make for a more pleasurable experience during sex, and then sleeping with an 80 year old where it makes no difference what so ever. This is a big example of what seems to go on a lot on this board - ie taking a comment out of context, having a go at it, and missing the main point. The question to which I responded was - given that Gouffran has been selected, will he be out wide or as a main, central striker. Given that it's the management's opinion of his work rate and ability to help the full back that is usually behind his selection, I can't see that changing for a game against Chelsea. And given that Ayoze has a much better chance of getting a goal out of nothing, he's more likely to be in the centre.

This is what I was wondering. I would most like it if this was the case. No, I think he'll be out wide, with Ayoze leading the line. Gouffy's main function at the moment seems to be to help the defence, so it makes sense to play him there in this game particularly. I also like to see Ayoze as main striker. He's our best bet for getting a goal out of nothing, or from a scrap of a chance, so again that makes sense to me.

http://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/john-carver-tells-lee-charnley-8415227 Publicly putting a bit of pressure on the Board, it looks like. Not a good idea.

It sounded like Ashley was reluctant at first, but was then persuaded. Basically, whilst I think Pardew was coping, it's impossible to actually be happy in your job under that sort of pressure, particularly when that pressure must have seemed never ending. The opportunity came up to go to something closer to a comfort zone and he decided to take it.

Well he certainly fits the job profile. Why is he out of work?

I voted for Bilic and Ketsbaia. I've always liked Bilic and I think he'd do well in the Premiership. Temuri I think would relish the job and would be a lot of fun. You never know how managers from abroad will adjust to England and Premiership football. Those two already know us. Eddie Howe seems to be doing a phenomenal job at Bournemouth, but we'd be taking him right out of his familiar ground.

I think Sissoko will stay until the end of the season, and then move if a club like Arsenal or PSG are in for him. But like Cabaye, I don't think he'll make the grade in that kind of team. Can't we swap Tiote or Anita?

Millen said there's no staff issue, it's 'paperwork' holding it up From what Millen said, the problem with the paperwork has arisen because the contract hasn't been finalised.

One story I read was that he wanted to bring Woodman and some other backroom staff member with him. That may be what's holding things up. A lot of papers have said that Pardew would get more control over transfer targets at Palace, but that's supposed to be the reason why Pulis quit. That might be an ongoing issue. Either way, it's too far gone for him to come back.

The hostility about Colback still baffles me. Either people made their minds up very early about his ability and are reluctant to adjust, or this resentment about his celebration for the Mackems still lingers on. As they say in Frozen, Let it go.

Amazingly strong for his size. He actually seems to be thriving on the extra physicality and pace of Premiership football.

Any old long ball had our back four in trouble that second half. Even when we won the challenge, Burnley usually mopped up the loose ball. You look at those crucial positions of Keeper, Centre backs and Midfield Anchorman and all looked weak. Hopefully we'll have Krul back soon, and Abeid may well turn out to be a decent long term option, but the centre of the defence really looks like it needs strengthening. The loss of Taylor may chivvy up a move in the transfer market. The biggest argument in favour of appointing a permanent manager ASAP is that it will be very difficult to strengthen the team otherwise in January. Good players will be reluctant to come if the boss is likely to change in a few months' time.

Booing doesn't help, but I can understand why it happened. The second half was the worst 45 minutes I've seen us play all season. We couldn't attack or defend. An old subject, but we really lack leadership on the field. Colo often struggles a lot with his own game, and it's hardly inspiring if the captain is at sixes and sevens.

We looked vulnerable defensively throughout the game. I think there's more than one problem. Burnley were not put under any pressure when in possession, and the midfield didn't protect the back four. Tiote actually looks slower than before. Maybe he's just being asked to go forward a bit more and gets more exposed. None of our back four look confident on one on ones. Janmaat, whatever his good qualities, always looks a bit tentative in defence. The third goal typified our defending. Their striker was surrounded by three defenders but still gained possession comfortably, and Alnwick was slow getting down to the shot. He does look like a third choice keeper. Carver went out there with a more attacking attitude, but then once our pace dropped our frailties were really exposed.

It's a worry. He's lost the ball twice with most of the side upfield. Nowt new. We look good going forward, but I get anxious every time they get at our back four.

All the bloke's been asked to do is take over for the next couple of games, possibly till the end of the season, until there's a permanent appointment. Why not just wish the guy well and let him get on with it. Sorry, but all this sniping gets on my nerves.

FFS, have we started on Carver already? Give the guy a break.

I'm inclined to think that McClaren has earned another chance. Derby play good football, and he wouldn't be the worst choice. PS - It does look like no-one in the media has a clue who's going to be appointed.

Well said.

I think the idea that 'anyone must be better than Pardew' is going to be well and truly tested out over the next few months. If we're talking about an internal caretaker, then I can't see that there are any great options, but Carver would probably be the most sensible choice if we're only talking about keeping things ticking over. Promoting someone over his head doesn't sound a good idea. With the January window coming up, we could really do with a long term appointment, but in the middle of the season, that's not easy. Of the obvious names - Pulis and Sherwood - I'd prefer Pulis, with his experience. Sherwood ended up looking a bit out of his depth at Spurs - a coach rather than a manager. We could always rescue Klopp from his nightmare season in Germany, yep? (Joke, by the way)