AyeDubbleYoo

Was a no-win situation for Incey, Blackburn were over performing before he took the job and the only way was down for Blackburn. Not sure if he's been bad enough to get the sack, I suppose it's the same debate every time a manager gets the boot.

I think the bit in bold is very important to understanding the overall breakdown of the system (and maybe its inherent flaws). As you say, both Keegan and Wise/Jim/Vetere needed to be free to do their jobs, but the budget is limited and the team selection is Keegan's, so there is the biggest sticking point IMO.

Not bothering, I'm horrible with predictions.

Lovely looking ground IMO.

So because someone has done a good job in the past no modern regime can get any credit?

I knew this thread was a risky idea!

So the poor squad is the reason for Kinnear's shocking tactics in some of the games he's managed? Nope, I didn't say that, I just said that the squad being weak/strong has to be taken into account. Of course it does, but a weak squad doesn't account for piss-poor decisions by the manager. I agree!

That looks awesome, shame you can't guarantee the football year will be good before you start!

So the poor squad is the reason for Kinnear's shocking tactics in some of the games he's managed? Nope, I didn't say that, I just said that the squad being weak/strong has to be taken into account.

Good point fredbob, if the squad isn't good enough then the blame applicable to the manager must go down, if it is good enough then the regime should get some credit for assembling it.

The difference between a target and an expectation is important I reckon, 6th place is a good target for the club but I think the fans need to be patient if/when we don't reach it.

Alan Hansen seems to think he'd have nothing to gain by signing a contract at this point, and I have to agree. He'd be better off waiting until the end of the season, if he plays well he will be much more in demand then.

bobyule, I don't get it... what point are you making? Nobody suddenly thinks Owen is the messiah, but it was a class goal no matter how you look at it.

I think most managers disagree with you. Well I'm applying for the next Premiership vacancy then

I think NUSC really need to consider that there is more than one view among fans, and that their one track mind is doing them no good at all.

This. Our two biggest problems for a while. Quality football summed up in a sentence.

I think he'll stay! I'm an optomist though...

I really disagree that Milner is better than what we've got, he's more mobile than Geremi and Butt but I'd say that's about it.

Yeah, but at least the lad can shoot... oh, wait.

I noticed that as well, he seemed surprisingly mobile which is why Jon probably got him mixed up with Zog although I'd still advise an eye test. I don't think he's suddenly ahead of Viduka in the pecking order either, he's just clearly hungrier and fitter so he should get the nod at the moment. I remember Roeder saying that for Shola to play well you have to make him angry. Maybe Kinnear just shouts loads of abuse at him in training and before games. I remember people at Maiden Castle in Durham telling me Beardsley used to use that school of coaching on the kids. "You're not fucking good enough to wear the shirt", "You're a waste of space" etc. I think he got some complaints from parents actually, let's hope Shola's mam is more thick-skinned!

...and gains a yard of pace? That would help his chances, yep. If he turns himself into a CM or even CF he might get away without it I suppose...

Sorry, that's balls, aye his touch was a bit dodgy but it was a very brave and clinical finish.

Dawson was named defender of the week on talkSport the other night! Who needs Woodgate and King eh?

It's possible in about 5 years time if he really adds some proper end-product, and finds his best position.

It is, got sidetracked into the Ashley debate for a second there!