Antipode23

Do I have some good news for you.

There's loyalty, and then being in denial. I only have an issue with one of those.

Genuinely starting to think some of these eternal Eddie apologists are mackems on the wind up.

I think the players have cottoned on to the reality that we've hit our ceiling with Eddie, with our recruitment approach, and probably other things. They dont believe anymore and I somewhat don't blame them. We'll probably get our twice annual schooling by the footballing powerhouse Bournemouth next week. Fun fun.

When reality becomes unbearable, some choose to live in an alternate one.

As much as he aggravates me, the poor bloke needs a rest.

It's interesting when I hear people talking about Eddie giving everything for the club, as if to defend him to a large degree. I think that unintentionally highlights the point - if what we're seeing is Eddie's best, thats kind of a damning indictment isn't it. We need a manager whose best is not buying overpaid dross in the transfer market, obsessively playing the same formation, being unable to coach a decent team to control games, I could go on. I'm grateful for Eddie, but come on, it's time. Even if we did well in our remaining games.

The fanbase is imperfect but the evidence says Eddie is almost certainly done. Both things can be true, it's not either or.

You really can't handle Howe criticism can you. Give it a go, you'll be ok, I promise. I know it's scary.

As bad as things are, this has been building for a while, even before this season. For all his good, Eddie just is not an elite manager. The evidence is becoming overwhelming. The fact people still try to deny this is why I only pop in here occasionally. Can't be bothered being gaslit in addition to watching the club in the state that it is.

The funny thing is I don't trust the ownership to do the right thing and give Eddie the boot at the end of the season. Interesting times.

3 weeks build up for this. If you think Eddie is anything like an elite manager, words fail me.

Bets on us sitting back and trying to cling on to this?

It's almost like the amount of games we're playing is not our main problem.

Really dont understand people expecting a great performance today. We've been diabolical most of the season, Eddie looks out of ideas... the amount of times previously we've been dire after an extended break meant to revitalize us. Come on guys. We're just crap.

I could be 'Eddie in' if he was willing to change his approach in some fundamental areas. Sadly, the evidence suggests he can't or won't.

If my grandmother had wheels she would've been a bike. How close were we to winning? Or even worse, how close were we to playing well? Fact is, we lost in diabolical fashion as we have done all season.

Can we at least try and distinguish between the rabid Eddie out brigade, and his actual reasoned critics?

Most people are unhappy with Eddie for far more than just the two losses to Sunderland. Come on.

It is, you're the silly billy.

Spurs really are in massive trouble.

For the sake of my own sanity I'll probably emotionally disassociate from the club for the next wee while. Channeling my inner (slightly deluded) optimist, I will hold on to hope that in the coming months, the ownership wake from their slumber, Eddie learns about other formations, and PSR goes in the bin. Or something to that effect.

Contrary to what many believe, to love someone (or something) doesn't mean always affirming them - it sometimes means being willing to call them out for their BS. I love Newcastle (and Eddie), therefore I am willing to call them out for their BS when needed. Now is such a time.

Yeah I think they're working hard, but not smart. Some of that's on the players, a lot of that's on the manager/coaches.

I did think of that during the game. Maybe it'd be better that way?