remarkably, not our worst run...
But even more remarkably we're still just two points from safety (or a point and five goals elsewhere).
How do we find form? It's difficult because, ironically: (i) I honestly think that for us we're playing quite well and should be picking up points (I dread to think what it will be like when we play badly); (ii) our defence hasn't looked better than it is right now with fewer really horrible moments, and yet we're conceding every single game; and (iii) the players still seem to be fighting for the manager.
I know Alex Neil looks at a loss as to how to solve this, but tbh even as an armchair manager I am too. Changing manager is unlikely to help because to be honest our players aren't really very good. And given that they seem to still be behind the manager it might even make matters worse (!) much like when Hughton was sacked and players seemingly went on strike.
I think at this stage it is pretty inevitable we will be relegated, so from hereon in I think it's about preserving morale and getting the team together. Naismith, after an initial excellent couple of games, to me looks like he's not interested. Get him out, I doubt he'll be up for the Championship if he can't be arsed now. As for our other new signings, Pinto is improving defensively after opening horror shows. Klose is looking better too, so I think we stick with them. Keep developing this back three/five too because I think it plays to Brady and Pinto's strengths and could run riot in the Championship.
I'd like to see Bamford starting now. His movement is excellent and although he hasn't scored he has looked our most dangerous striker. Mbokani doesn't offer enough movement, but is a useful option off the bench to throw on. Jerome's failing. So I don't think we've got anything to lose. Then behind him, Hooloahan is still playing well, as is Redmond. Howson is a no-brainer. After that I'm at a loss. O'Neil has his moments (both good and absolutely dreadful) and I just don't trust him for some reason. I had such high hopes for Mulumbu and yet he's just been a huge disappointment. However, I think in the Championship, Mulumbu could find some real form and I'd be tempted to get him up to speed now.
That leaves left midfield (assuming Hoolahan is in the middle). I know he doesn't defend, but with a back five I think we could put Vadis back in the team. I'm not clear why he's seemingly been permanently dropped because he was instrumental in our Christmas period success - clearly it was when we were looking defensively weaker Neil felt maybe leaving Vadis out would shore us up, but frankly we need to start defending from the front and we know Vadis is superb at Championship level.
Just my musings. Otherwise fuming, with a mixture of resignation... Much like Neil I suppose
But even more remarkably we're still just two points from safety (or a point and five goals elsewhere).
How do we find form? It's difficult because, ironically: (i) I honestly think that for us we're playing quite well and should be picking up points (I dread to think what it will be like when we play badly); (ii) our defence hasn't looked better than it is right now with fewer really horrible moments, and yet we're conceding every single game; and (iii) the players still seem to be fighting for the manager.
I know Alex Neil looks at a loss as to how to solve this, but tbh even as an armchair manager I am too. Changing manager is unlikely to help because to be honest our players aren't really very good. And given that they seem to still be behind the manager it might even make matters worse (!) much like when Hughton was sacked and players seemingly went on strike.
I think at this stage it is pretty inevitable we will be relegated, so from hereon in I think it's about preserving morale and getting the team together. Naismith, after an initial excellent couple of games, to me looks like he's not interested. Get him out, I doubt he'll be up for the Championship if he can't be arsed now. As for our other new signings, Pinto is improving defensively after opening horror shows. Klose is looking better too, so I think we stick with them. Keep developing this back three/five too because I think it plays to Brady and Pinto's strengths and could run riot in the Championship.
I'd like to see Bamford starting now. His movement is excellent and although he hasn't scored he has looked our most dangerous striker. Mbokani doesn't offer enough movement, but is a useful option off the bench to throw on. Jerome's failing. So I don't think we've got anything to lose. Then behind him, Hooloahan is still playing well, as is Redmond. Howson is a no-brainer. After that I'm at a loss. O'Neil has his moments (both good and absolutely dreadful) and I just don't trust him for some reason. I had such high hopes for Mulumbu and yet he's just been a huge disappointment. However, I think in the Championship, Mulumbu could find some real form and I'd be tempted to get him up to speed now.
That leaves left midfield (assuming Hoolahan is in the middle). I know he doesn't defend, but with a back five I think we could put Vadis back in the team. I'm not clear why he's seemingly been permanently dropped because he was instrumental in our Christmas period success - clearly it was when we were looking defensively weaker Neil felt maybe leaving Vadis out would shore us up, but frankly we need to start defending from the front and we know Vadis is superb at Championship level.
Just my musings. Otherwise fuming, with a mixture of resignation... Much like Neil I suppose
criticism, suggestions on how things may have been / will be in future perhaps improved are kind of missing the point of a fans discussion forum, where ideas, suggestions, viewpoints etc are the entire raison d'être for the forum's existence in the first place?
We go again, as they say 
