20. Newcastle: 9, -8, 2 but it was a world class 2 points right? In until he performs worse than his predecessor.
No point in even discussing it. If he's out, we'll get worse in - Ashley's never making the "mistake" of bringing in someone like Rafa again.
Phew! What a relief! I was concerned there was going to be lots of "knee-jerk" reactions on here following our 1 - 0 loss at Chelski.
Really interesting that people want him out. Some of those same people decreed Rafa blameless last season when he was performing worse in his first 9 games... Just once again shows that if you are English and/or unfashionable, the job is that much harder. We've had all sorts this year. Bruce has been criticised by some for reverting to the 3 at the back counter attack style of last season. They say he has nicked Rafa's tactics. Can you imagine the difference if Rafa didn't have the luxury of buying a whole squad when he kicked off and he'd had to adapt another man's squad to his style? It would have been "Rafa has been left with a load of ****e, its not his fault" etc etc. Bottom line is the previous manager built a squad that was very restricted in the way it could play. He had a lot of midfielders who were ok with the ball but can not do a lot of running or compete physically. The new manager has had a look and realised that key components are missing to change our style, so he has taken the sensible decision of playing to the squads strengths until he can buy players to help us change our style. You'd think he would be commended but not at Newcastle. I still have my doubts about him and certain games have been disappointing but I have to say overall I've been pleasantly surprised. He has done ok. We haven't suddenly got a world beating squad. The squad was still a bottom half of the table squad, but one which, as with under Rafa, would be expected to avoid relegation. I know the prediction generally under Rafa and Bruce was that the squad was relegation cannon fodder, but I have to say I don't think either Bruce or Rafa has been given any such squad. Perez, Rondon went and we've had to buy replacements. They have to integrated and allowed to settle. Hopefully over time that will improve the squad. Rafa has never been the easiest manager to follow anywhere. He has a unique stop the opposition way of playing. Unfortunately that will take time to change. The fans need to be patient and throw even more support behind the manager if anything.
I voted In - not because I like him but because he isn't really the issue here is he. He will do his best as we all would as Geordies given the chance of a lifetime. Let's just hope that's enough. He may not be the best manager but Christ it could be Kinnear.
Pretty much this. I think the Ashley "protests" (or grumblings) should just be put to bed and get behind him. Is he much good? Not really. Can we get better? Almost certainly not. Is it worth even thinking about with Ashley in charge? Definitely not.
I voted IN as I really don't see the point in sacking managers all the time. We seem to be doing passably at the moment and I think the players prefer him to playing for Rafa as they get more freedom. I suspect if Rafa was in charge St Maximin wouldn't be getting a game as he couldn't get him to back-up the full back enough. Think we will get a few more whuppings, like the Leicester result, than we did under Rafa, but will probably create a few more chances as well. It's got to be about entertaining us every week and I suspect that we are more likely to get that now than we did last year.
I've written off the next two games, but there is a chance of getting something against Sheffield United. However, the six games in December represent an excellent chance of a good points haul. I reckon a minimum of 10 points with every chance of more. Effectually, 10 points from the next 8 games is an end year total of 25. It is very, very difficult to imagine a relegation scrap from that position. Add to that, the improvement in chances created, an assumption that at least one of the front 3 starting boys start scoring, or their replacements do, and the fact that currently, unlike last season, when after 20 games we sat in 15th. But only 3 points above 18th. A gap to the bottom 3 or 4 appears to be developing. Obviously, that could change by January and we might now go on a Rafaesque 10 match run without a win. All in all, I'm enjoying games much more, there are more points on the board, and the deprogramming of tactical negativity is slowly and surely happening. It may come back to bite me, but I predict possession stats to climb above 40% in the month of December. Still Bruce in, all day long.
13th is a decent position for us right now, first performance against Arsenal was dire, and they've been some utter ****e games like Leicester and Brighton, but we've looked like different team since the Man U game. Finally good selections in ASM and Matty getting in the team, but reliance on Joelinton and Miggy up front need to change, they're too lightweight and don't get goals. ummmmm, Bruce is still not my favourite and never wanted him, but we're doing better than I thought we would, so I'm fine with him for now.
bad place for us! I think we will lose!! bound to have a set back we don't win 3 in a row and go 9th mate, no chance
Whoops, not sure why I thought Sheffield United instead of Aston Villa. Makes it even better outlook for the new year.