23 Feb 2020 02:03:17
Look, today can't have been a major surprise to any of us, with all the will in the world, even though we hoped we could win, the stats tell us the reality, the secret to staying the course of the season is to get the players to give their all;whether it be against Liverpool or any of the less glamorous teams, and what a surprise, we play well ONLY against the high fliers, and before anyone mentions 'what about against Norwich ', don't forget they had 8 first teamers out of that game, so motivation is key, and guess whose primary function that is-the gaffers', he can talk all he likes about how he wanted the players to show they cared-really? -sounded to me he was playing the blame game, it's everyone else's fault but his, he might as well start wearing a Teflon suit from now on and have done with it -the simple answer is that deano had a plan, ultimately it hasn't worked all season and during that time he has been unable to either find another one or is so stubborn and arrogant that he thinks it's his way only, these actions unfortunately show a man bereft of the tactical savy needed for this league, I honestly think big Sam wouldn't come in now, why would he, for me, the only man who can come in to this contradiction of a team is Neil Warnock, whether you like or detest the man, he's performed miracles at clubs with no money, a team of under-achieving players and dealing with all the pressure it brings, could he keep us up, there's only 1 way to find out, but heck, I'm guessing we'll be all nicey nicey and let deano stay till the end of season, but here's the thing, how many of that squad truly believe what deano says anymore?

1.) 23 Feb 2020
23 Feb 2020 10:33:33
Ah I Big Sam would jump at the opportunity Class - We aren't even in the relegation zone and may not be by the end of the game week as West Ham have Liverpool and Watford have United.

I agree with a lot of the criticism of our players but the lack of tactical nous is really what is killing us. Playing the same formation worked last year for Smith because we had the best players. And Jack Grealish! This year we don't, and he is coming up against managers who do this super weird thing. Tailer their tactics on a match by match basis, madness I know.

I think there are players who aren't up to Premiership standard but the buck has to stop with Smith, it's his team formation that leaves us wide open in midfield, it's his high press that leaves us constantly vulnerable to a ball over the top etc. It was obvious yesterday that the 2 v 3 in midfield wasn't working, he had a chance to rectify that with the El Ghazi injury and failed, Hourihane came on when, the 70th minute or so and we looked much more compact! The blame sits with Smith, I love the guy but he's been found out at this level and we need a change. Or face another spell in the Championship!

2.) 24 Feb 2020
24 Feb 2020 03:28:29
Totally agree BK1982-BUT I fear the horse has well and truly bolted.