That was the worst for me, the fact that we never approached a game to win it. I don't mind that we don't play the best football, but being so shit scared of the other team is what did it for me.
People talk about how a manager doesn't make that much difference but it's a pile of shit. Even if we forget tactics and team selections, the mental aspect of the game is so important. I've noticed it even just playing a daft game of 5 a side, when your not confident and you don't feel like your good enough then your performance massively reflects that. Pardew instilled a losers mentality by being so scared himself. Our players never seemed confident in their own ability, with so many players shit scared to take a risk or get forward even when it was the right choice.
We got some decent results playing with our backs to the wall or parking the bus because that's all the players thought they were good enough for. Our 5th place finish was basically based on this. We never played expansive or even attacking football because the players had no confidence, and to play that way, you need to have the confidence to take risks.
Anyway, just so glad to be rid of him. Be nice to cheer the team on properly again, and will also be great having this forum back onside. Hasn't been the same.