In fairness how have they done since they left, **** really, the club didn't have to tell them at the start of the season their contract wouldn't be renewed this season, but they did, given them a chance of securing their future. Pritchard chose to stay, for his final season, he did OK and was offered a new contract, it's hear say as to what was agreed and what wasn't, only the club and Pritchard know what that was. If Pritchard told their honest account and the club told theirs, they would still be different stories. I don't really think the club have list any players we would have benefited from keeping. The mistake they have made has not brought better experience to develop the younger signings. It was well documented with Neil that both parties agreed to a 12 month rolling contract, he got a pay rise for promotion but wanted a longer deal, there are rumours of broken promises but again is hear say. It wasn't just about contract length, I was to do with recruitment, that's not his job, yes I'm sure he'll have had some input but minimal. We needed experience, we all knew that but if his signings at Stoke were anything to go by I'm happy he wasn't given a say. The club have gotten a lot of things wrong but losing Neil, Gooch, Baath and Pritchard wasn't one of them
People always say that but, if things had stayed exactly the same, and we'd managed the play off final, all those people would be wanting tickets. That's a fact. The same owner, Speakman, staff, etc were all here when we scraped in with Mowbray ... ... yet people were positive.
Well you are one point out and a place out if my league table after 38 games is right, we were 11th and on 53 points. Then when you add that we had only lost 13 at that stage, compared to 18 now, plus last season we all had played 38, but six teams above have played less currently, then yes there is an argument that way too. But the crux is that we got another 16 points in those last 8 games, it would need to be a massive turnaround for it not to be any worse than that. Maybe not falling off a cliff, but definitely tripped over the kerb.
Yeah, I see what you mean. His career trajectory suggests he's willing to take a step back to take a step forward. I'd definitely be happy if it was him.
Of course we're all concerned ... ... optimists and pessimists are all realists. One believes things will improve, the other doesn't. However, Birmingham have fallen off a cliff ... ... we've just strayed off the path and need to pay attention imo. Hopefully our satnav is working
Apologies I used the date not games played We are worse than last season I think thats a fact, I just don't understand some comments that are being made.
The certain fact that Newcastle are now a much bigger club and much more likely to win a trophy is much to blame imo ... ... plus the almost dead certainly we'll probably never challenge the top four whereas they probably will.
I'm not so sure they will challenge the top 4, it seems to me the FA, PL and EFL are starting to finally get some teeth and are upholding the sustainability rules. They have the richest owners in the world but its essentially pointless as their income isn't big enough. Even the sponsorship deals can and will be scrutinised. They will have to sell one or 2 of their better players to help comply with the rules and if they miss out in European football qualification this season their income only goes down.
Define native prehab. I left in 75 which is probably long before you were born. Does that make me less of a supporter as i'm not in the area? 50 years of snippets in the press, finding anything to hear the news, spending the equivalent and more of a season ticket on merchandise each year. Get your ****ing blinkers off mate as there are more expat fans than those that live in Sunderland, thats a fact
Oh, to add to that prehab i'm guessing your a Tyne and Wear lad, not a County Durham lad like most of us old expat worthless gits
What the actual **** is all the arguing about? WE all want the club to do well, it doesnt matter if you live on the moon. **** it going to have some beer
Apparently if you don't live local you don't understand and your opinion means nowt. Other than that it's all rosey
Thought it might get the thread back on track. It seems we are stuck with Dodds and that worries me. We look like heading into the close season in a steep downward spiral to me. We will end up with the first big player sales, but struggle to recruit the sort of talent we need to challenge. Appointing a head coach now is vital, but obviously not Bruce.
Is it worth the agro? I lived in Devon for 20 years, surrounded by Man u and Liverpool supporters who had never seen either side play, one lad told me he supported liverpool because his uncle did, glory hunting bastards, anyhow where in Oz are you?
