Dusic

Still thinking we will be fine, pal?

Biggest thing he needs to do is find a way for us to be more of a threat without being too open. Two strikers isn't always the answer to not scoring, especially given some of the games we have to come. Mostly though, it will be changing the mentality of the players and trying to instill a bit of belief and confidence.

On a short term 8 game deal how can anyone really say its the wrong appointment? The whole thing is a gamble, thats the point, there is no right or wrong, just a gamble that may or may not work but which was made necessary because we were just drifting to relegation. Short term deal is the best option for all parties. Reconsider in the summer at either way the requirement then will be different to now. Key in these sort of scenarios is to get a good start. Lose to Wigan and WH and it will unravel quickly. Beat WH especially and it will look positive.

Some people would do well to remember: a.) We are 17th in the PL b.) There are only 8 games left c.) Most of those are hard games meaning relegation is more likely than not Hughes is experienced in the PL, knows our players well and our opponents. Whether he is in charge still in August is irrelevant. He is being appointed right now with a view on now. On those terms, I don't see many better options, simply because we waited too long to fire Pellegrino. Bit rich to moan when 99% wanted Pellegrino out. Who did people thinknwe would be getting? Rodgers, Tuchel, Wagner? Delusional.

Its for 8 games. Things like youth promotion is a non factor, and have no PL ready young players anyway. What we want is someone who can motivate the players short term, who gives them confidence and most importantly works out the best way to win with this set of players right now. For me: Silva - last thing he needs in his career is another short term role Hughes - from the obvious names he is the safest bet. Very PL experienced, firm character which is what our squad needs and knows all the PL sides and playera well, including ours. No communication problems or settle in time Billic - slightly similar to Hughes but a bit more maverick. Can't really setup a defence though Rodgers - delusional if anyone thinks there is a chance of that Pearson - saved us in the Championship ages ago. Lots has happened since then. Old timer IMO. Strachan - see Pearson I think it will be Hughes or someone not yet mentioned.

No incentive really for Silva with Benfica or Everton on the horizon.

http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/marco-silva-benfica-head-coach-rui-vitoria-a8252431.html Silva not an option by the sound of it.

If it doesn't happen today then it won't IMO. And thats relegation without even making a gamble to stay up, either in Jan despite money available, or by changing the Manager. Unforgivable mismanagement.

You would be suprised. Which is why its ridiculous we are even in this position.

Or we are down without a real fight. At least try something FFS. Reed and Krueger are so weak if they put their own reputstion as stability merchants ahead of an absolutely obvious need to make a change. Two weeks before the next league game. No brainer.

If Newcastle, Hudds and West Ham all win today which is very possible then we are screwed. Really we deserve to go down, easily one of the three worst teams this season.

Sensible lineup. Better players than Newcastle. Go and win.

A couple of weeks ago you said we would be fine and listed about 5 teams more likely to go down. Whats changed your mood?

They would have been a slow, static partnership, often occupying the same space.

TBH relegation is being brought on by those who bring chicken cooked at home in a tuppaware. Absolute disgrace.

He had a really good game. Would be far more odd if he was dropped.

Will be mostly happy clappy day trippers and French tourists angling for a Jeremy Pied shirt.

Austin = good goalscorer Austin = woefully unreliable fitness wise and that very much diminishes the above Surely that is simple to understand? At least he can enjoy Cheltenham again.

He won't be fully match fit by the end of the season as by the time he is back there won't be enough games left to achieve that. He is a 10-15 game a season player now, as proven by significant injuries in each of the three seasons he has been at Saints. That is little use to any side.

Palace have some really kind fixtures to come. Win this and they will be fine. The pool of teams who realistically might go down is shortening. I think its between the current bottom 3, Newcastle and Hudds but if they beat us then Newcastle will be fine. Not looking good and won't be 7/2 after tonight.

If we had a player like Austin who was actually available for more than about 10 games a season (instead of Austin) then we would be nowhere near relegation. His inability to keep himself in the condition needed to play PL football is a big factor. All very well scoring 6 goals in 8 games or similar but not much use if those 8 games are all you manage in a season because you aren't in good enough physical shape.

I have forgotten about him for thisbseason as no way he will be sharp enough to play until right bear the end, by which time it will be too late. Very poor signing overall, simply doesn't spend enough time available to play, and its not bad luck, its poor conditioning. We should have shipped out Austin and Long last summer.

Palace, Hudds and Swansea for certain. The first games listed on that graphic have now gone and we failed to win our best opportunity. Some have tougher games in the nezt 1 or 2 but then very appealing games in May. We have ****ed up so many chances to escape from our position.

I think we are stuffed now. Yesterday was a must win and we didn't win. Other teams have far kinder fixtures than us, and a few like Brighton have now hauled themselves safe. The next two are absolutely huge and if we don't win at least one of them then its time up in the PL. I think the three that will go down are WBA, Stoke and Saints - the three worst teams in the league this season. The worst thing is that relegation when it happens will have been so utterly avoidable. The club has been absolutely mismanaged on and off the pitch the last 2 seasons. Unforgivable.

We are only a couple of wins from the top half. As MLG says, we should want the sides at the bottom to beat the midtable teams as then we have a better chance of overtaking them. 8th and 9th gone but 10th still achieveable.