Parky

Thing is he was desperate to get back into football and like all managers with big ego;s (he has one don't be fooled but todays presser) taking on the challenge of a big PL club is basically too tempting. Wouldn't be surprised if the purse strings were loosened a tiny bit in Jan.

Tiny hope it might be someone we haven't thought of. [/strawgrasper]

The irony is that Jol has actually practically dropped into our laps at the key moment. It's with the football gods now.

Binning CH for Pardew is nothing short of madness.

Nil. What self-respecting man would allow himself to be sacked, replaced and the become no.2 to his successor? Would you do that if you lass got rid of you, replaced you and asked you to be "back-up" for whenever he was away on business? Well, if I didn't have much else going on... Yeah. If she was a good fuck, without the hassle and that. This sounds ace, man. Hmmmmm, perhaps my analogy is flawed... Yeah you underestimated mans apetite for quick meaningless sex.

The only way this can be justifyied is if someone significantly better is coming in.

Pardew. Curbishley, The Count of Monte Cristo.

MON will be the next manager ideally.

Just wanted to say that he has done very well under difficult circumstances. I have always had some reservations about him with regard to top flight boss experience and some tactical niggles here and there, but IMO he has done a sound job with a squad that is by PL standards poor.

Totally agree. If things aren't shaken up in Jan it's going to be close.

Very good point, Enrique has stopped going forward as much as he used to. Simpson was in their half much more and it's normally the other way round.

We sat very deep for a long time. On the other hand with key players missing CH might be forgiven for safety first etc...I still think the main problem is the lack of a competitive squad. Tbh if you take 2/3 players out even teams like Villa look poor.

This is the thing that sticks out for me the most. Both West Brom and Blackpool have beat us this season, the latter and more weaker even beat us at home, even though a few months before that we destroyed them at home. Its like we are afraid to go after teams and hammer them about 3-0, which we are definitely capable of doing against the likes of Blackpool and Wigan at St James' Park. It's interesting that people think Wba haven't spent much cause they spent 10m or so in the summer and they are the opp of what we are....Most of the side are big, pacey and mobile.

This is the thing that sticks out for me the most. Both West Brom and Blackpool have beat us this season, the latter and more weaker even beat us at home, even though a few months before that we destroyed them at home. Its like we are afraid to go after teams and hammer them about 3-0, which we are definitely capable of doing against the likes of Blackpool and Wigan at St James' Park. This is a valid point, cause when we do cut loose/get an early goal, we have dominated games for long spells.

Only really a decent squad player at this level. Can't even get the set piece deliveries right with a standing ball.

The squad is still two players short. A proper left winger (if we play 442) and a classic second striker to play with Carroll who has a bit of pace and intelligence to drop off or buzz around for the 2nd ball. Losing Bafra (who did a bit of both) was a big hit for CH and of course losing Barton/Tiote is a miss in any game. The squad is too weak for this league once suspensions and inj start to bite and we all suspected that months ago. Think the players are beginning to lose a bit of heart and might be aware of the difficult games ahead, sometimes it is difficult to get them to focus match by match once the form goes.

Nothin escapes the internet 'overmind' of Dave.

Benny in trouble at Inter.

Who do you suppose replaces Jonas? Jhonson on loan.

Little bit worried by the form they showed.

I'd keep Routledge in, thought he played well today, one perfect cross for Carroll who who have scored if he hadn't been double marked. Barton in for Guthrie would be my only change. Jonas is in and out, but often helps take the pressure of the side with periods of posession with Ricky on the left.

Well earned point. If only we had a second striker.