Minhosa

Bristol City Vs Boro - cup upset all over it.

Southampton Away is my bet.

I'm going for Big Sam to continue his 'Arsenal' Hoodoo with us nicking a 1-1 draw. Lots of effort, great atmosphere and plenty of bookings due to the players being pumped.

Until said fans realise that it's going to take more than 3 months to turn us into a decent side. If Shearer had his head screwed on he'd turn down the job, if he gets it wrong it could seriously leave his reputation in tatters. I agree. Any sane manager wouldn't go near us if they actually wanted to progress their careers. As Gejon says, if you're an old duffer or if you fancy a nicely subsidised early retirement then we're your club.

Thats my feelings, they don't have Shepherds dream so why would they appoint such a risky candidate? I agree, I think it'd be the wrong move but there are some possible explanations for it;- - Great PR and a marketing dream for Ashley/Sports Direct. It will raise our profile and (perhaps?) bring a feel good factor back to the club. - Maybe they think it's what the fans want? - Maybe they think Sam can't/won't succeed but they've got no other option due to the Shearer thing constantly lurking in the background? - Keep Owen? I don't know really - all just guesses. I'd be against the appointment though.

Little Michael will be happy.

Worrying IMO. Given thats he's had the following issues since joining I'll be gutted if we sack him after 15 games; - He's had to buy a new back four and then try to get them to gel without a proper pre-season - He's not had a settled back four yet - He's not had Owen for any length of time - Viduka's been the 'turn up one game in 5 man' we worried he might be - He's had to flog Solano - He had to endure the takeover talks and uncertainty when Ashley bought us which impacted transfer planning - Given's been injured - Duff's not played - He had the Owen 'is he/isn't he?' shite in the summer He also doesn't feel he can play his preferred 4-3-3 system for some reason. I can fully appreciate those pissed off with the football being played and the tactics used but I think he's said the right things, he knows what needs to be done and he is capable of meeting the challenge this place has to offer but to do that he needs time. I'd honestly like to see Mort or Ashley come out and publically say 'we're judging him over 12-18 months unless we look like genuine relegation candidates in which case we'll review it'. Lets face it, we're a middle of the road club in a time of major change and upheaval; things aren't going to be great for a while but thats because we need a huge overhaul to give us the chance to be a force again. I've always looked upon change as the potential for opportunities and whilst Mort and Co. are analysing everything behind the scenes does this not make it a perfect opportunity for somebody with new, fresh ideas like Allardyce to generate positive, sustainable change within the first team set up? Giving him time is brave and, to me at least shows long term ambition because it's the club saying for once we can't expect somebody to come in and achieve instant success - we are here for the long term good and we'll take the short term pain. Come on Ashley & Mort lets not be swayed by those who think we can walk back into the top 6 or the press. Stick by Allardyce and have continuity.

Before I get stick here, I must say that I'm in the 'give Sam time/we need continuity' camp. 100%. I think sacking him now would be crazy and people should appreciate the work needed from top to bottom in the club. That said..............I am however interested in people's views on the type of Manager we should go for next should Big Sam get the chop. Mainly because I'm really not convinced Shearer is the answer and he appears to be the only man linked to the job and the club may feel it's a move they need to get out of their system and/or it's what all of the fans want. Voting rules; 1) You can only vote for one option. 2) You can change your vote as often as you wish. 3) The results can only be seen when you have participated. ALSO - Please do not take the examples given in the vote as the actual people you would like to see appointed they are merely people who I thought represented a 'managerial type'. Thanks

Its a shame there's not two threads on 'post match reaction'; one for those who watched the match and one for those who didn't. Thats because I'd be prepared to wager that those people who watched the match would be far more positive than those who posted on the 'didn't see the game' thread. The scoreline does not do our performance justice. Really promising performance. Much better in terms of effort, commitment and attacking tactics. I feel better, regardless of the result.

James are you just trolling now? I honestly don't know how you get away with it. Me too. He's like the simple child..................spawned from Invicta.

Tell you what, a result here would do us a massive favour and really knock the Blackburn Player's confidence. C'Mon lads.

He is on now Oh bollocks.

Can't we bring Emre on and drop Geremi back to right back, Beye to CB - ANYTHING but the troll.

How has the reaction been to Barton?

Butt Geremi central midfield should sort that problem out. I think they might be a lightweight and could possibly be over run Really? Can't see that. Butt and Geremi should be a good safeguard. Hopefully Barton will have been given a license to get the ball and come forward with it. Yeah really. I think the Blackburn midfield, especially Mokoena (who could do another Diop on us) and Dunn who on his day can create all sorts might be a bit much for us. Bentley should have the edge over the Zog at LB too. Fingers crossed that I'm wrong. I bloody hope so but they are a dangerous side (a bit of an Allardyce side actually - hard to beat, athletic and effective up front. Well, what an Allardyce side should be like). Fuck it, I'll stick with my 1-1 prediction but I am nervous. Wish I was there.

Butt Geremi central midfield should sort that problem out. I think they might be a lightweight and could possibly be over run

They look quite strong in midfield compared to us. Makes me nervous and I backed us for a point earlier today.

Very surprised by that. McShane looked to me like the one that needed dropping after last week.

Admin - feel free to merge with current thread if appropriate. Everyone's gonna have a view on this emotive issue - whats your's? Rules; Poll can't be viewed until vote received and; Voters can change their vote if they wish. That is all.

Do you think he will? The opinion on here is quite divided so it's definitely a possibility.

There's plenty of competition James but this is probably the stupidest thing you've said on this board.

I can see what he's saying BUT the people of the North East work hard to pay for their tickets and expect to enjoy the Saturday afternoon out...........that either means; a) A win b) An entertaining match or; c) An unfortunate defeat but the team giving 100% and nothing less.......at least giving hope for next match. He, Sam and their colleagues are the only ones who can influence the fan's reaction. Not achieving any of the above will result in a negative reaction, as it would at most grounds. The fans are annoyed at lack of effort, not the teams form. I think he's taken a massive risk in giving the press this piece, especially on the basis of his contribution this season. Why has he taken it upon himself to say it? He's not the Captain, Gaffer or Board Member. Surely a plea for patience would've been better coming from Mort?

Good opportunity to get one over on the Croats in revenge. Possible if we select the right coach.

Would we get out of that group? No. Non-qualification was a pre-requisite when selecting the opponents. Good breaks in the sun/ski/lap dancers was.

As much as I like Emre, I'd be inclined to start Barton against a Mark Hughes team away from home.