Lotus

I think HF is merely highlighting that some of the criticisms of the team may be hyperbole. The results have been bad but it may not have always been for the popular reasons. He can talk for himself but i'm not under the impression he's of a mind that Pardew is a good choice for the squad.

We played as a unit last season. It was a negative unit, but it was an remarkably rigid system for at least the first half of the season which proved very effective. Do you give Pardew any leeway on not being able to get back to any sort of consistency on that front due to injuries? We're very poor at transitional play, both going forward and back. My opinion was that last season we had results some of our performances didn't deserve. This season we have, by and large, had the results our performances have deserved. I'm certainly not in the 'anyone but Pardew' camp but there are a couple of attainable options i would have instead of him (with Prem experience which i think is important).

A far bigger problem has been an absense of goals from else where in the team (from open play).

Oh, one thing i have noticed about Pardew, he's pretty good and reflecting and identifying past mistakes. He's hasn't shown much ability and anticipating oncoming problems though.

He hasn't grown with the potential of the squad. Personally, don't think he has it in him. We can meander along at his potential or we could look for someone to get more out of the team than he does. Reading that, it's an easy decision. The next bit is a lot harder.

Good point!

Looks like a good prospect on YT. 6 assists in the league this season out of 27 starts doesn't sound so good though. As you say though, could be a decent squad addition if very cheap.

For a while in the 1st half we were passing quickly, keeping a good tempo, players moving around to receive the ball. Looked like watching someone else!!! Was a nice series of passes that led to the disallowed goal too. Quite enjoyed that 10 minute period tbf.

This game really making me change my mind about Martinez! Love their attitude, polar opposite to Pardew tbh. RM is about fearless incisive football. No doubt will feel differently when concede 4 in the 2nd half

Excellent option in the last 15-20 minutes if the game is stretched. Good news.

Concur!

I think having him and Marveaux for the last 2 games would have been a massive bonus.

Think he'll do quite well myself. Which is a shame!

HBA for me. I doubt you'll be right about that. Wrong Again Ronnie is a good moniker. W.A.R.

I see no benefit in giving him 'a few games next season'. It's ridiculous. He's not going to change that much over a couple of months. You either give him next season or you bin him after this one. 5-10 games in and it doesn't look good. Who are we going to get? No pre-season with the new guy, not his signings, etc. Just problems all over, plus who's going to good and available who'll be luckily out of work come October? Dread to imagine the dregs this lot will find as they do their 'ring around'.

Is be going to be as good as Gosling's going to be? Just so i have some sort of measure.

Could see the logic in that actually.

Read some Laudrup to Everton rumour somewhere this morning. But have been on a BBC feed.

Do you think we need someone with EPL experience? Not necessarily. After Laudrup i can't think of anyone i'd KNOW i want. How about you?

Do you think we need someone with EPL experience?

Interesting, I would worry that HBA might feel he has to do too much if he only has a half and he's expected to win the game for us. I don't know, just an idea. If we can get to half time at least level i think it would work. If the first half is a collapse it will be a terrible decision and i shall delete my posts! (if it were to happen of course)

Don't think Jonas can contribute much other than energy. With that in mind i wonder at the merits of having HBA come on for him at half time. We need to finish this game the better team with our best players fit and able to do what their best at (not charging around closing down anyone and everyone).

What a strange caveat 'if we can get someone better'. Wouldn't everyone say that? The point is that it's always a risk, just is the risk worth taking given the calibre of candidate we could attract, i.e. not the best. Would Laudrup be better than Pardew? Answer that and stick your neck out. 'If we can get someone better', i mean, you can apply that to every employee at the club..

Martinez. Rejected a far richer and ambitious Liverpool. If Wigan go down i can see him (or Wigan) changing their minds.