RobM

We'll be OK. If we put in the very same performances against Utd, City and Arsenal but spread over the season, rather than in the first four games, there wouldn't be the same level of panic or concern as nobody would expect a result. The fact it is three of our first four games makes it look terrible to anybody who expected a result from Utd, City and Arsenal. Context, it's all about context.

Yes, 100%. The only thing I would add, is if we have a 'new' five year plan to establish ourselves as a Prem club (as has been hinted following our rapid rise), how much does it matter how we achieve that? If we survive this season and establish ourselves from now on, it's job done. If we get relegated this season, promoted the next, survive the one after and establish ourselves from there, it's still job done, just a much more painful job done! You learn by your mistakes and you learn with experience. I'm sure Adkins is learning a heck of a lot right now that will be put to good use.

Do you have one with a bus in?

That may be true, but that law doesn't state they must legally be allowed to be added to our 25-man squad outside of the window allowing changes. It's possible with specific permission, but not a definite.

If the performances and results against Man City, Man Utd and Arsenal were exactly the same, but were spread over the course of the season rather than being in our first four games, I'd bet people wouldn't be crying quite so much. It's just because they are the first four and we are bottom of the league that people are so upset. Before the start of the season, nobody would have bet on us winning these games and few would even bet on a draw.

It's just as sensible as sacking NA! NC was given the task of completing the 5-year plan, keeping us in the Prem and push us toward Champions League football. If this season is doomed as parts of this forum suggest, NC has failed in that. Or, perhaps, sacking either of them after four games, three of which against some of the best teams in the world, is ridiculous.

At least we now know what 'his club' is. He's been amazing for us, but has certainly found his level so I can't see him ever coming back. Probably a good thing, since Brighton are 'his club'.

OUR right, not theirs. We face the other way.

Counting isn't his strong point then, I assume.

Share your thoughts on the question then, rather than posting nothing of value to the debate.

What has reading the last few pages got to do with anything, when you could watch the game (live or online for free) and make your own mind up, based on what you see?

A - 'Suddenly' implies you had no idea what you were talking about in the first place and don't understand how to properly judge a performance. B - That's what new teams with good players, coaching and managers do. That's what we have done consistently over the last few years. C - Nobody is surprised, but that doesn't mean his quality shouldn't be mentioned. D - Your posts make you look a bit of an idiot.

Damn right people responsible should be identified. Bringing in international talent to strengthen the team deserves praise, especially since both Ramirez and Yoshida are already showing their ability despite coming on part-way through an away game against Arsenal! Since they came on we look much, much better in defence and attack, so praise goes to whoever is responsible for bringing them in!

Row Z, but worth a go...

We seem so much more confident at the back with Yoshida. Almost as we did when Jos came in...

I agree. I think RL for England would be a mistake, as you can bet England won't filter so much of their play through him like we do. That's when you get the best out of him, when he is an integral part of your build-up play. For England, they'd just stick him up front with Defoe and let him crack on with it. He'd come back in a worse state than he left. I'd rather he was somebody we all wished and shouted and pleaded to have a chance for England as we love him so much, while secretly hoping it doesn't happen.

I kinda agree, he didn't fit our style of play at the time. But he chased, battled and scrapped for the ball at every opportunity, he ran for everything he could and when he did have a chance to influence play, it didn't seem wasted on him. Sadly though, as you imply, the game passed him by as it didn't suit him at that time. As for it costing us points, I don't agree with the common view that the subs alone cost us points. The turning point wasn't the subs from us, but the introduction of Scholes before our subs. Scholes provided the passing, the vision and the creative outlet Utd has desperately lacked. Even SAF says he changed the game for them. Sadly for us, well, Adkins... Scholes came on, roughly 15 minutes later we made changes, by which time Scholes was well into the game and bossing things with his passing. That was the turning point, but it could also look like the subs ruined the day.

Likewise. I'd love Sharp to have become a massive success here, but he just isn't quite up to it. Instead we've got an international striker with pace, who gives us another option that we lack now.

I make of that he likes breakfast and prefers to eat it in the morning.

I don't think he's a great player, but I think he is a talented one. I just wonder if he can be truly effective as a bit-part player, I think he needs a run of games to see the best of him and to allow him to form a partnership and understanding with Clyne, or whoever is playing RB.

Nope, they hate Deano.

It tells you the The Echo shouldn't be read by anybody who wants news.

NC OUT! He'd have gotten a much better deal at Dominos, their special offers would have saved a few quid. No wonder Mark Lawrenson has questions about our board!

SSN are getting their moneys worth though, one reporter, **** loads of signings in and around London.

Complete, except it's not complete. Tosser.