SUPERTOON

Not enough movement when going forward, get sissoko or Gini off.

That defence rules us out of getting anything tonight, it really can't get much worse, just pray we have players back for the derby.

Worth mentioning Leicester were on 19 points at this stage last season and obviously we all know they stayed up, however it just shows what momentum can do at this stage, and I think if we were to get a win either tonight or against Sunderland, our fixture list gives us the chance to do the same.

Sounds simple, but all we need to do between now and the end of the season is win one more game than Norwich and Sunderland, and we still play both. I also think the Benitez appointment gives us a chance in every remaining game as opposed to hand picking a couple that we may have a chance in under McClaren.

Any news on what will happen to Garde? With everything that's going on with your owners, I've not seen anyone blame him even though since he came in his results have been awful, surely he must shoulder some of the blame?

Haven't felt this excited/nervous for a match in years, think the most important thing is for us to have a performance that we can build on going into the next two games. Leicester have struggled a little at home recently, a narrow win over Norwich who had a few great chances, then dropped points against WBA. The longer we stay in the game the more I feel we could nick something, it's massively important we don't concede early.

It sounds quite simple, but basically we need to win one more game than Norwich and Sunderland between now and the end of the season. Those two are equally as bad as us, and considering how awful we were under McClaren and the fact they couldn't pull away, gives us a massive chance under Benitez, especially considering we play them back to back after the Leicester game.

Listening to Rafa, the players must be bouncing and so up for this, I honestly think Leicester are there to be got at having seen there last few games. If we can defend properly as a team we will be right in this, and have a great chance of getting something.

The pressure is rightfully on Wenger this year like, considering what other clubs are doing at the top of the league. He also still hasn't strengthened at CB, CM and striker which they have been missing for years. The thing is though they are still in the PL title race. No club can insist on winning things, even the two biggest clubs (Barcelona and Madrid) always have each other in competition for the title. I think a lot of it is frustration, every season is Groundhog Day for them, and Wenger has done nothing to change them.

The pressure is rightfully on Wenger this year like, considering what other clubs are doing at the top of the league. He also still hasn't strengthened at CB, CM and striker which they have been missing for years. All valid but the banners directed at Wenger are embarrassing. One of the greatest managers the club and the country have and will ever see. Completely agree, it's one thing wanting him out, but their actions are a disgrace.

The pressure is rightfully on Wenger this year like, considering what other clubs are doing at the top of the league. He also still hasn't strengthened at CB, CM and striker which they have been missing for years.

Would be great to see some giant flags and banners with him on at the next few games.

Can't see it being on SSN because soccer Saturday is on.

Serious question, and conversation I'm having with my Dad atm, where would you rank Benitez out of all the current premier league managers, based on what he's won? I currently have him second behind Wenger overall, although that's debatable considering their champions league records.

Imagine this place tonight if Reading beat Pardew in the cup.

Press conference is tomorrow according to SSN, plus Benitez was telling fans outside the stadium he will speak to them tomorrow.

We will nick this 2-1.

I was only a kid when Keegan (first time) and Bobby were appointed, so can't compare, but this appointment has just united everyone in and out the club, and has lifted the mood unbelievably, that should be underestimated for our run in.

http://vignette4.wikia.nocookie.net/friends/images/f/f2/Eddie_gif.gif/revision/latest?cb=20130523193713

I'm absolutely the same. Yep, although try not to think about it for now, and for the first time in years we can actively support and cheer our team again. Be nice to get nervous before match days again.

Probably still take training tomorrow.

If this all goes through, i wouldn't be surprised to see McClaren back at Derby for next season.

He said next summer's budget and sorting SMC's compo. I wouldn't be surprised if our tiny legal team have just had their hands full with the Rafa deal and haven't had time to deal with Steve. Probably why Steve looked miffed this morning. "Those f***ers said it would be today" kind of thing. Also he fully expects Benitez to be in charge for Leicester game.

Craig Hope saying that we want Benitez and Benitez wants us, and the hold up is possibly down to compo package for McClaren.

Last update this afternoon from As (who broke the news this morning that it was nearly done) is that talks are still ongoing, and that the holdup is that apparently Benítez demands significant transfer investment since his aim is to transform NUFC into a PL top team again. Note that Balagué writes for As, so I give them some credit when reporting about Benítez. Any idea on the figures he is asking for, hopefully he is being ambitious but realistic at the same time, similar investment from our last two windows coupled with Benitez actually being a good manger would work well.