What happens if?

[Cest Advocaat]

So I am the big bad wolf? My god this us a football forum not a bible society.

If some people want to get their knickers in a twist because I don't just accept everything the club does or suggests then so be it. I care not what is said or thought.

I have been called a mag, a wum and a bully for daring to think that PDC is not a good manager. Would I be one of the 'gang' if I just agreed with one or two posters who want to dominate the discussion currently? Branding people with different views as the mob as outcasts or enemies has been tried and failed by regimes and organisations for centuries but it can't stop freedom of speech and thought.

Never been interested in being one of the gang so I'll keep having my opinions as I see fit ta very much.

Let's see how the mood changes in the next few weeks. If we rack up a couple of wins then the majority will be behind Paolo. Another 3 or 4 defeats and it may not be so supportive.

I stick by my opinion that he isn't a top flight manager capable of handling the players or the situation of a premier league club and nothing I hear or see convinces me otherwise. The situation with Cattermole being a prime example of that. Made to wear a lepers bell all summer he is now suddenly back among the leaders thoughts? Bardsley has been treated like a common criminal and yet is now training with the first team? Cabral was playing champions league football last year but now isn't good enough to replace Vaughan or Larsson?

He is lurching about from one idea to the next with no conceivable plan or direction. Team selection is a lottery and aftermatch press interviews a time to hide behind the sofa. I don't see revolution I see total confusion.

I hope I am totally wrong and will be happy to eat my detractors humble pie if offered but until I see I am wrong I will continue to express my opinions as i see fit and no I have never pretended I am some kind of forum leader at all. I would laugh at that if it were not so pathetic.

Upwards and onwards then to WBA and we shall see what discussions that game brings about.

 

[Smug in Boots]

So I am the big bad wolf? My god this us a football forum not a bible society.

If some people want to get their knickers in a twist because I don't just accept everything the club does or suggests then so be it. I care not what is said or thought.

I have been called a mag, a wum and a bully for daring to think that PDC is not a good manager. Would I be one of the 'gang' if I just agreed with one or two posters who want to dominate the discussion currently? Branding people with different views as the mob as outcasts or enemies has been tried and failed by regimes and organisations for centuries but it can't stop freedom of speech and thought.

Never been interested in being one of the gang so I'll keep having my opinions as I see fit ta very much.

Let's see how the mood changes in the next few weeks. If we rack up a couple of wins then the majority will be behind Paolo. Another 3 or 4 defeats and it may not be so supportive.

I stick by my opinion that he isn't a top flight manager capable of handling the players or the situation of a premier league club and nothing I hear or see convinces me otherwise. The situation with Cattermole being a prime example of that. Made to wear a lepers bell all summer he is now suddenly back among the leaders thoughts? Bardsley has been treated like a common criminal and yet is now training with the first team? Cabral was playing champions league football last year but now isn't good enough to replace Vaughan or Larsson?

He is lurching about from one idea to the next with no conceivable plan or direction. Team selection is a lottery and aftermatch press interviews a time to hide behind the sofa. I don't see revolution I see total confusion.

I hope I am totally wrong and will be happy to eat my detractors humble pie if offered but until I see I am wrong I will continue to express my opinions as i see fit and no I have never pretended I am some kind of forum leader at all. I would laugh at that if it were not so pathetic.

Upwards and onwards then to WBA and we shall see what discussions that game brings about.

No you're not any kind of wolf, you just have a very annoying and condescending manner.

Neither are you the 'daring & brave' soul you see yourself as. Not one of us accepts everything the club says, you're no different to anyone else in that respect.

All of the opinions you have, about PDC and various players, are shared to an extent by many people including myself ... nowt new or unusual however you try to portray them.

It's simply that you keep pushing yourself forward as the only one clever enough to be able to recognise things and courageous enough to say them.
Most people want their concerns to be proved wrong whereas you appear to wish yours to be proved right.

We all have concerns, it's just that not all of us want to score points of the club and other Sunderland supporters.

 

[Cest Advocaat]

No I don't actually. They are my opinions on a football forum which to my knowledge is what football forums are for?

You may not like my manner which is neither here or there quite frankly as far as I am concerned but you just jump on everything I say with your interpretation of it and then twist it to suit yourself.

If that makes you happy then full your boots.

 

[Smug in Boots]

No I don't actually. They are my opinions on a football forum which to my knowledge is what football forums are for?

You may not like my manner which is neither here or there quite frankly as far as I am concerned but you just jump on everything I say with your interpretation of it and then twist it to suit yourself.

If that makes you happy then full your boots.

Your opinions don't differ from most people in any big way.

But not everyone sees themselves as the 'caped crusader' you appear to.

I don't twist anything ...... it's always my totally honest opinions which 'to my knowledge is what football forums are for'.

 

[Cest Advocaat]

Calling me the caped crusader? Not twisting this to suit your position?

Point proved I think.

I will continue to offer my opinions on a free to access football forum and you can continue to leap about on everything I post likewise.

That's what freedom of speech is all about? Of is it you actually want to be the caped crusader?

 

[Smug in Boots]

Calling me the caped crusader? Not twisting this to suit your position?

Point proved I think.

I will continue to offer my opinions on a free to access football forum and you can continue to leap about on everything I post likewise.

That's what freedom of speech is all about? Of is it you actually want to be the caped crusader?

I'm not twisting anything, that's how you always come across to me and, I suspect, other people.

Why do you keep demanding 'free speech' as if I've tried to deny you that?

I've said nothing of the sort yet you keep ranting as if I have .......... it seems you wish to infer that I'm trying to stop you posting your opinion which is nonsense.

You seem intent or portraying yourself as someone who's too brave to be 'silenced' which is pathetic tbh.

Only in my opinion like, to which, I believe, I'm entitled.

Just keep ranting away and I'll choose when to respond ........ okey-dokey?

 

[Cest Advocaat]

But can't you see what you're now saying? You accused md of speaking for others them post you suspect your views are held by others as well? Hypocritical maybe?

I just post my thoughts on a shared passion. How you or others interpret that is open to the individual. I can't effect that and have no desire to do so.

I will state again. I only ever speak for myself and offer opinions held by myself and myself alone. I can't change your perceptions but at least I can stop the falsities surrounding them.

 

[Smug in Boots]

But can't you see what you're now saying? You accused md of speaking for others them post you suspect your views are held by others as well? Hypocritical maybe?

Errrr, no ...... I'm saying that, in my honest opinion, some of the people I've noticed expressing similar views actually hold similar views, not at all hypocritical.

I just post my thoughts on a shared passion. How you or others interpret that is open to the individual. I can't effect that and have no desire to do so.

I don't interpret anything, I don't care enough about you to make such an effort, I simply respond to the things you say.

I will state again. I only ever speak for myself and offer opinions held by myself and myself alone. I can't change your perceptions but at least I can stop the falsities surrounding them.

You can say what you like, I'm simply telling you how you come across to me no matter how you perceive yourself.

If you don't claim to be speaking for other people you shouldn't say 'we' when you mean 'me'.

You should also avoid claiming that people are 'trying to silence you' when they're not. Personally, I couldn't care less whether you post or not.

 

[safc1978]

We don't win next week against fellow out of form WBA?

Will we win against Liverpool, Man Utd or Swansea? Probably not in all fairness. Will we lose all 3? Again, IMO most probably.

We have a League Cup game v the Posh as well in between and then a little local affair at the SOL.

If we lost all 5 league games that would mean 8 out of opening 9 games lost and including a derby. Could the manager survive that or would the crowd turn? Whats the consensus of opinion?


The plain fact is we have outplayed Fulham and lost; scraped a draw against Southampton (could have easily lost this one too); lost badly to average relegation favourites Palace; lost at home again to a decent Arsenal team today (albeit playing okay in patches but not good enough overall) and now face another 5 season defining matches in PDC's fledgling managerial career here at our club.


Whilst there will be some who don't like the question, its a very realistic one to ask given our current plight.

What happens if we lose the next 5 games (inc a derby game) which will be 8 out of 9 played and have 1 point after 9 games? If oit were Bruce or MoN with that opening 9 games would they have survived? I think not.

Do we keep PDC, or do we have say Gus Poyet or Roberto Di Mateo (just two credible available managers we could turn to) hanging on the phone ready to step up for the rest of the season?

Will Short keep his nerve or will he cash in his chips if we do lose the next 3 or 4 games?

Next game is a 6 pointer. But I still think PDC will be given till the end of November to turn things around.
If we are still in trouble then I think he will go. God knows who we could get to replace him.

 

[Cest Advocaat]

You can say what you like, I'm simply telling you how you come across to me no matter how you perceive yourself ...........

That's fine. Like I say I'm neither interested in what you think of me or in changing that perception. It's a football forum where opinions are the lifeblood of debate and ours have rarely matched. I can't see that changing but leaping on every word I say or post is hardly debate.

You have your opinion and I'll have mine. We are both neither always right or always wrong but if you don't like what I say or think then just put me on ignore and I will do likewise. I won't be offended or in the slightest bit bothered as I assume you wont be either. but it may allow this forum to operate without every thread being hijacked by us.

Agreed?

 

[Smug in Boots]

That's fine. Like I say I'm neither interested in what you think of me or in changing that perception. It's a football forum where opinions are the lifeblood of debate and ours have rarely matched. I can't see that changing but leaping on every word I say or post is hardly debate.

You have your opinion and I'll have mine. We are both neither always right or always wrong but if you don't like what I say or think then just put me on ignore and I will do likewise. I won't be offended or in the slightest bit bothered as I assume you wont be either. but it may allow this forum to operate without every thread being hijacked by us.

Agreed?

I'll respond to whoever and whatever I choose, I've never put anyone on ignore and never will .......... I find it childish to do so.
If I see something I disagree with I'll respond irrespective of the poster.

Our opinions aren't that different and neither, I suspect, are most Sunderland supporters ....... how could they be, there are only so many variations.

You simply see to believe that only you can see the truth and have the courage to state the 'facts' ...... I think you care more about your opinions than you do about the club.

I don't like your attitude.

 

[Cest Advocaat]

I'll respond to whoever and whatever I choose, I've never put anyone on ignore and never will .......... I find it childish to do so.
If I see something I disagree with I'll respond irrespective of the poster.

Our opinions aren't that different and neither, I suspect, are most Sunderland supporters.

You simply see to believe that only you can see the truth and have the courage to state the 'facts' ...... I think you care more about your opinions than you do about the club.

I don't like your attitude.

Aye whatever keeps your pecker stiff mate. Fine by me.

 

[Smug in Boots]

Aye whatever keeps your pecker stiff mate. Fine by me.

Don't be so daft ........ this is a little chat forum for a few dozen people, I'm not fussed about being on here either way.

You're of very little interest but I'll always respond to whichever of your posts I choose to, that's all.

 

[Sidthemackem]

All about opinions and nowt else.

Mine are, as previously stated, that we'll be doing OK in a couple of months time, but will still be bottom three come the end of October. I don't think PdC is in any danger, unless he has a rush of blood to the head and does something totally stupid (always possible), as Ellis knows he (i.e. PdC) has a massive job on his hands and must be sick of continually changing managers. I know I am, but I'm also sick of crap results, so I hold no particular brief for Paolo, but I would rather give him a few years even if we did go down, just like we did for Peter Reid.

 

[Cest Advocaat]

All about opinions and nowt else.

Mine are, as previously stated, that we'll be doing OK in a couple of months time, but will still be bottom three come the end of October. I don't think PdC is in any danger, unless he has a rush of blood to the head and does something totally stupid (always possible), as Ellis knows he (i.e. PdC) has a massive job on his hands and must be sick of continually changing managers. I know I am, but I'm also sick of crap results, so I hold no particular brief for Paolo, but I would rather give him a few years even if we did go down, just like we did for Peter Reid.

Yours is by far and away a better outcome kidda and I be delighted if this is the case.

 

[SAFC_Derry]

All about opinions and nowt else.

Mine are, as previously stated, that we'll be doing OK in a couple of months time, but will still be bottom three come the end of October. I don't think PdC is in any danger, unless he has a rush of blood to the head and does something totally stupid (always possible), as Ellis knows he (i.e. PdC) has a massive job on his hands and must be sick of continually changing managers. I know I am, but I'm also sick of crap results, so I hold no particular brief for Paolo, but I would rather give him a few years even if we did go down, just like we did for Peter Reid.

I hope so lad, but questions need to be asked and answered. I understand the club is going through a major change in it's outlook and future model. I also understand what PDC is trying to do in installing a new mentality and no matter how many critics he has (worryingly quite a few) he should be given a chance. What I want answered is why we let Alfie go? And although I've read the piece on Cabral I don't think it rings true! I've seen many a footballer in my time with great attitudes unfortunately it didn't mean they had any quality. The attitude and hard working ethic will work in the lower leagues but in the premier you need the quality as well and unfortunately that type of player is a different kettle of fish when it comes to dealing with them. I hope PDC can manage to deal with all of these factors as not every pundit/ex player/manager can be wrong.

 

[Brian Storm]

I hope so lad, but questions need to be asked and answered. I understand the club is going through a major change in it's outlook and future model. I also understand what PDC is trying to do in installing a new mentality and no matter how many critics he has (worryingly quite a few) he should be given a chance. What I want answered is why we let Alfie go? And although I've read the piece on Cabral I don't think it rings true! I've seen many a footballer in my time with great attitudes unfortunately it didn't mean they had any quality. The attitude and hard working ethic will work in the lower leagues but in the premier you need the quality as well and unfortunately that type of player is a different kettle of fish when it comes to dealing with them. I hope PDC can manage to deal with all of these factors as not every pundit/ex player/manager can be wrong.

Alfie flunked the challenge and asked to leave. As for Cabral, if you can't listen to instructions and then carry them out what good is he? He needs to start grasping and using the language if he wants to get by. Not an easy thing to do. It's the one thing I couldn't pick up at school. Foreign languages are tough and some take longer to pick it up. His ability is there to see. But Paolo says he can't follow instructions, I believe him and consider that particular question answered clearly.

 

[Schwerer Gustav]

Questions need to be asked.................yes they do, after a reasonable period of time.

 

[SAFC_Derry]

Alfie flunked the challenge and asked to leave. As for Cabral, if you can't listen to instructions and then carry them out what good is he? He needs to start grasping and using the language if he wants to get by. Not an easy thing to do. It's the one thing I couldn't pick up at school. Foreign languages are tough and some take longer to pick it up. His ability is there to see. But Paolo says he can't follow instructions, I believe him and consider that particular question answered clearly.

That's fair enough I didn't know that was the case, as for Alfie I just haven't read any reason why. Well it must mean that he is happy with Vaughan/Larssons ability to follow instructions as it doesn't look like it's working to me.

 

[Brian Storm]

That's fair enough I didn't know that was the case, as for Alfie I just haven't read any reason why. Well it must mean that he is happy with Vaughan/Larssons ability to follow instructions as it doesn't look like it's working to me.

I think if paolo had his way we'd have a midfield clear out. Alfie defo left because he wouldn't fight for a place. He wanted guaranteed first team football. Not an attitude Paolo wants at the club. If Cabral knuckles down with his English I've every confidence he'll be fighting for a starting place as opposed to fighting for a place on the bench.