I've a feeling we've seen his peak. Spending more time out injured has taken its toll in terms of consistency.
I really don't know what people are expecting from Ralph - top 4? European football? A trophy? He's kept the ship steady under the Gao era. He needs a chance under Sport Republic with a summer transfer window. Yes his tactics are questionable at times and we are very streaky (good and bad) but he's the right man for us IMO.
How has Che not scored! We’re playing better now, but up to this point it’s been a case of us playing like I feel watching it, “Burnley away, not sure if I can be arsed”.
We do need a big improvement in our playing squad. However, to be so tactically negative from the offset and leave making changes so long is disappointing. I don't mind losing to goals like the first one but we have had too many poor performances.
I also think he suffers possibly more than most when we play three at the back. From his own point of view, being one of three forwards (rather than four) means that he's more likely to be marked and probably has to slightly higher up (thereby restricting his bursting forward runs from deep). From the formation point of view, it ideally requires pace up front so that quick counter attacks can be sprung. And whilst Stu isn't slow, he's hardly Usain Bolt. Slow, ponderous build-ups are all the worse with one less attacker.
Oh I don't know, maybe.... Not putting together appalling runs of losses Not getting dicked by 5+ goals every season Not setting record PL defeats Making us defensively sound Any of those will do. As for a summer transfer window, we will be spending sweet FA. It will be exactly the same as under Gao, we'll have to sell to buy. Nothing about these new owners suggests that they're going to be putting money in. So, if that is the case why on earth would we stick with RH?
