Holmesy

Ok, just explain to me your reasoning behind not looking at someone's previous track record as an indication of what they're likely to do going forward. Genuine question, so try to keep it civil if you can (I appreciate it's rare on here and beyond the capabilities of many). We use people's track records to judge their likely future performance in every walk of life, especially football. So putting any personal bias aside, why wouldn't we do it with Eddie in this scenario. History suggests he isn't good at the defensive side of the game (in the PL at least), and every season barre last season supports this.

Thanks pal. Right back at ya

So let's agree that these two seasons cancel each other out, right? Then we need to look at more evidence/information. Bournemouth were consistently in the top 5 for goals conceded during their time in the Premier League under Eddie.

No, i don't. One swallow does not make a summer

I know i'm in the minority here, and I fully understand the consequences of saying anything that doesn't toe the party line on this forum, but if there was a young-ish proven winner available, I wouldn't be devastated to see him replaced. Winning teams are built on a solid defence and I just don't have faith in Eddie to be able to deliver that consistently. Last season we were exceptional at the back, but history tells us that this season is more Eddie's norm than last. Despite our injury crisis, the one area we've consistently had options (until the past 4-5 games) was in defence but all-too-often, even when we fielded our full strength line-up, we looked shambolic. The Burn debacle was nothing short of negligent at times. I appreciate the players in front of the defence contribute to goals conceded as well, but there has rarely been any attempt to shore that side of things up to help the defence. I love our attacking prowess under Eddie, I love him as a person and I love a lot of what we're about under him, but I don't think he's the man to take us into the upper echelons of the Premier League consistently. You don't win anything conceding 2-3 goals per game. We got in the Champions League last season by having one of the meanest defenses in the PL, and that's what it will take every season if we're going to challenge. FWIW, I would genuinely love him to prove me wrong.

Somewhere like Leicester feels like it would be a good move for him. He'd be a regular starter for a decent sized club who could easily punch above their weight as a newly promoting team.

Don’t know anything about him but this is exactly the kind of signing I love. Could be world class, could be shit.

I reckon the players know Ten Hag is on the way out. None of them seem to give a shit

I don't get people talking about the defensive side of his game. I thought he did great defensively yesterday and he was excellent going forward as well. He's surprisingly good in the air for someone of his size. There was one occasion where he dwelled on the ball and had it knicked off him, but that's the only mistake I can remember him making. Pretty telling that since Dan Burn stopped playing left back, the number of goals we've conceded has reduced by about 250%. In part due to how well Burn has played at CB admittedly, but actually having a proper mobile full back playing full back makes a world of difference.

Whatever Kompqny just said to his players seems to have made them even worse. Top management! ?

Thing is, I totally agree he's perfect for them but they can suck a spikey dick.

"His representatives have held talks with a number of Premier League suitors, with Newcastle looking increasingly likely to beat off competition from Manchester United, Tottenham and West Ham to land the centre-half." Love beating off the competition!

Fair play to Palace, they’ve done a proper number on us tonight. Played it perfectly. We’ve been terrible but I think some of that is down to Palace executing a perfect game plan. Ref has been a joke but what’s new?! It’s foolish to expect anything different these days. On to the next game! Hopefully Burn back at CB, Hall back at LB and Murphy sat at home.

Anywhere else on the pitch that's given, whether he goes down or not. Ref’s bottled it because it’s in the box. Shit dive but still a foul

That’s fucking disgusting! What’s the point any more? The games fucked

What the fuck is wrong with Lewis Hall ffs?! We’ve got a right winger playing right back, a right back playing centre back and a centre back playing left back. Bring Hall on and we can play the whole defence in their proper positions. What the fuck am I missing?

Good half! Clear to see what we’ve been working on for the past 11 days. Great composure from Burn, Murphy and Krafth. We’re cutting them to shreds. Just need a goal!

They're a different beast with Mateta, Eze and Olise all fit. 5 goals last time out, and pace all over the pitch. It looks like their new manager has started to bed his ideas in as well. Definitely not a banker

Obviously But that wasn't the point. The point is that he categorically says the measure of him being a top player in his own eyes is winning things. If we don't win anything, loved or not, he's off. It might be 2-3 seasons down the line, but....

That struck me as well. People are worried about Bruno and Isak leaving for bigger clubs. Gordon sounds more ambitious than anyone

Fuck, he's seriously impressive!

Gusto is starting to look like a decent buy as well. No question they’ve spunked a lot of money on some very ordinary players though.

? He’s got the composure of a 10 year old

Jackson is absolutely toilet! How the fuck much did they pay for him?

Gallagher is one of the league's best pressers and consistently covers more ground in PL games than any other player. If we are after him, I suspect that's why. Very underwhelming signing if true, but there will be method to the madness