Minhosa

We'll never know who he's wanted and who has been a 'Boardroom' signing so the discussion is largely irrelevant Ian. Santon for example, strikes me as an 'Investor' decision rather than say a Pieters would have been due to the potential upside.

Everyone obviously thinks this but my instinct is that its all Pardew. I have had the discussion on Toontastic with posters who claim that Pardew is just a puppet. The logical extension of that position is that Derek Llambias is a footballing genius. Llambias either allow millions of clubs £'s be spent (gross not net) on the advice of a scout (who has got it spot on so Llambias' footballing judgement is sound), takes the decisions himself or its Pardew. In the scenario where its not Pardew, you either have Llambias making the decision himself or preferring the counsel of a scout over a manager who is on close terms with the owner. Not wanting to get all Sherlock Holmes (eliminate the impossible etc) but i reckon its Pardew making all the decisions bar the financial ones. People create fictional narratives about puppet managers and evil plans when the reality is more mundane. Pardew is the manager and makes the footballing decisions, any other scenario is not credible as it means someone else is making some great decisions and the only candidate for that is Llambias. Disagree and think it's even more simple than that. Carr identifies talent based on certain criteria (potential fit at the club, age, position/need and potential upside) he then discusses with Pardew/Llambias who discuss merits based on their own aspirations (pardew - team performance, finishing position and Llambias looking more at risk/upside). A decision to proceed is then made and if Llambias can do a deal in line with Ashleys overall financial strategy for the club then the deal is done. If not, then it doesn't happen. My view is that Pardew has a say, a minor ability to influence but the views of others and their aspirations when signing a player are given higher priority.

Playing better than I thought he was capable of this season. Well, I say better, I suppose more consistently would be the term. He's always looked like he's got a mistake in him previously but he's dishing out good consistent displays thus far. Humble pie being cut as I type.

Didn't like the way he was appointed, don't particular like him as a guy and he would never have been my choice to be our Manager, however I do recognise that he's started the season very well and that he seems to have maintained that all important spirit which is credit worthy. That's about as complimentary as I'll get about him.

Hmm............................takes him upto 32. Interesting development on the Ashley strategy.

Much better pressuring of the opposition today.

He's back. Thank fuck.

All 2-0 up after 30 mins! KISS OF DEATH!

Newcastle Spurs Swindon £5 returns £27.50.

Seriously man, what the fuck?

Mike Ashley has bid a £10 Sports Direct voucher, a 06/07 Ferencvaros away top and a 3 pack of Donnay tennis balls for it. Apparently Dekka's going to outbid him and then pull out when the staff ask him to sign the form after the auction ends.

Wonder how much it'll go for. Anyone care to hazard a guess?

Can't see him being willing to fly over to India every two weeks which is what Steve Keen is required to do now.

Pardew: "His resilience defensively was a feature of the game" You couldn't be any more far from the truth. Slightly worrying. Yeah - I had to rewind that bit - I thought my ears were playing tricks on me.

He can have no excuses for not tracking his man back when he loses possession. Just fucking weak man.

He needs to be played at quarterback with Tiote having a different role - both need defined roles as they're not hitting it off.

I think Cabaye and Tiote need more help and better defined roles so, on that basis, I'd go something like: Krul Simpson Taylor Colo Santon Cabaye Tiote Guthrie (or Gosling if fit) Marveaux Jonas Best (or Ba if Best unfit)

Very surprised how many people are starting Obertan after his gutless showing tonight. Literally watched players walk past him with the ball on at least 5 occasions.

Like watching Wimbledon circa 1989.

I think the fitness/ramadan arguments are exhausted now after a two week break.

Ever considered supporting Stoke City? What's that got to do with it? Because if results are the ONLY thing that matters to you, they might suit you better. Why go to the game, or watch on TV when you can just look on Teletext? If you can't see why we'd perform like that when QPR are on a buzz after promotion and half a new team out, I'm baffled. Nut, he started with 4-4-2. This isn't about the way we set out to play it's about how we performed and how Pardew managed the performance.

I think that's a part of it, there's only one player in the backline I'd pass the ball back to right now. Was just thinking about it and seem to remember Enrique would occupy that middle of our own half position on the left side far more than Raylor, i.e; he was confident enough in his ability to move forward, push on and manage his winger. Thinking back, I think his departure may have left a significant 'out' for Tiote. Not excusing his shit form in other areas but this could be part of the problem.

You keep making these posts and nothing is changing on the forum. It's all well and good being optimistic but you've got to be prepared to recognise obvious failings/criticisms. We're fans - it's what we do.

Did he use Enrique much last year? Is it because fewer players are showing for him? Just trying to piece this fucking mess together....................

Where the fuck has last seasons Tiote gone? Does ramadan last for fucking months nowadays?