toon25

Yesterday would have been a good game for him to get 90 mins under his belt against a pish side. Next week against the mackems would be daft now, going in cold after months on the bench. Absolutely. Pardew bottled it yesterday - those quotes after the Spurs game about 'our first choice midfield' (including Raylor) being out were strange to say the least.

There's no excuse to be playing long balls given the talent we've got (or could have, in the case of HBA) on the pitch, frankly.

Needs a consistent run of games. Pardew's not given him anywhere near enough game time to settle, adapt, and adjust. Looked a frustrated figure yesterday (in so far as trying to do too much), and I don't blame him.

Mick - I actually agree regarding our first 11. Absolute bags of potential there if a suitable formation/tactics are adopted. Wasted on Pardew at the mo. This team could really go places - especially this year given how many points are separating 4th-7th. It's just a shame we don't have a squad - how the hell they failed to bring another CB in January I do not know. Desperately short of quality at the back beyond Colo/Santon/Taylor. Absolutely crippling us at the mo - you can't build a 'solid' team from the back when Simpson is still gettig games.

They should have got a draw then too iirc - they had a perfectly good goal disallowed. Been poor for a while now and no signs that changes are forthcoming. Such a shame given that we're in such a good position.

He's come out with some strange stuff lately - esp about 'letting our hair down' against Spurs. Beginning to wonder if he watches the same game(s) as us. Appreciate that he doesn't want to criticise the team and all, but it's perplexing as to why he's doing little to change things up.

Pardew's not been in this position before, and fuck me it shows. Needs to learn how to build on a lead and kill teams off, especially if he harbours ambitions of gettig into Europe. Far too tolerant of the shit served up week in week out by Simpson an'all. Either tell him to pack in the long ball bollocks or drop him.

Don't get me wrong, we're desperately short of options at the back so I understand that he's got to make do, but it's becoming obvious the guy hasn't a fuucking clue how build upon a lead. We've been shit for weeks now, such a shame he's not inclined to actually let our 'footballers' play.

Gonna end up 2-3 this, the way we're playing.

Pardew has needed to wake up for the past few weeks. Even when we're winning we don't look convincing (see Villa performance also).

Squad needs a complete overhaul akin to Germany a few years ago. I read an article some time ago about how it was done - involved sitting down with all league managers iirc, at which time Klinnsman/Lowe outlined their plans and the way they wanted to play, encouraging managers to give youth a chance. Can't imagine similar happening in this country.

Spain away looks shite. The Canada shirt looks like some cheap old shit I could pick up at Mike's Emporium. I do like the Puma tops though - very smart indeed.

On the contrary. I quite enjoy receiving the odd snippet about African football/African transfers - we hear so little of it in this country which is surprising given the number of top African players playing in the top European leagues. We hear plenty of Spurs news, on the other hand.

What did he say?

I'm probably showing my ignorance here, but I cannot for the life of me understand why Gareth fucking Barry is even starting for Man City let alone get picked for England.

What's most surprising is that I don't think Wovles are are that unattractive to manage. They've a decent fan base, an expanding stadium, a few fairly decent players, etc. they just need some organisation. Would much rather have them in the PL than Wigan.

Indeed. 'Experimental squad' my arse. I'm sorry, but what on earth is Young doing there? He's barely played for Man Yoo lately. And Walcott and Downing ffs.

Sounds about right tbh.

They've spent a fortune as well haven't they on their youth development? Which so far has yielded them fuck all. Yup. To be honest, I'm struggling to think of any players brought through by Chelsea's youth system that have even gone on to become a regular, decent, player elsewhere. Was Scott Sinclair a Chelsea youth product?

As people have said, one of the main problems with Chelsea has been the reluctance to blood young talent. They are certainly not, nor have been, an 'evolving' side. OCK's right - they've rested heavily upon the likes of Cole, Terry, Lampard, Essien, Drogba for a long time without any foresight as to how a transition can be made. Shit is hitting the fan in many respects - in so far as even the players brought in by AVB are not particularly doing well. That said, they're still 5th with the same points as Arsenal. Not bad considering really - although I do accept that for most Chelsea fans this isn't good enough given their success in recent years.

I've been thinking this every time I see him play. Always mouthing off at officials - I dare say it's the 'us against them' mentality of the Dippers rubbing off on the twat.