SaintLondon

Kaiser Soze might have to delete his account later today..

I know it's Alex Crook but he's saying that both Wolves and West Ham have approached Graham Potter. Not that he'd want to come here but the fact that our relegation rivals are making moves means that when they do get rid of Russell, we'll be shopping in bargain basement. The thing is, they will sack him at one point, our fortunes aren't going to turn around and when we're 14 points adrift with 1 win in 25 they'll then have to and it'll be a fucking waste of time.

If it hasn’t already, the rot is bound to set in soon, and even if the board still supports him, it’s hard to see how the situation remains tenable - much like the Nathan Jones scenario. The damage is clearly done. We’re almost certain to go straight back down, but what’s the point in not even trying to salvage something from this season? From the players’ perspective, they seem to respect Russell Martin and are trying to implement his vision, but the reality is that the squad lacks the talent to execute his philosophy effectively. Over time, frustration is bound to creep in. Mistakes from players like Jack Stephens only exacerbate the problem, and you can imagine morale sinking further. If heads drop across the squad, we’ll end up as nothing more than whipping boys for the rest of the season. Clubs always say they’re nothing without the fans, but expecting supporters to show up week after week, watching hopeless performances with no glimmer of optimism, feels like an insult. It’s hard to justify this approach when the lifeblood of the club - the fans - are being asked to endure such futility without any real fight.

It's really good of the ownership to make our return to the PL so miserable. Great work. I'm not even sure that sacking Russell helps our plight, our squad ain't great but it's the fact that we've seemingly just accepted it and we move on. Even Russell doesn't believe we'll stay up now - he was punchy 5 games ago with press, of course we can stay up, we're 6 games in etc. Now he has 'belief' Boring. Watch Brighton smash us tomorrow and Russell will say the lads were brave and were great with the ball but not quite at it in the final third. Couldn't quite find the final pass. Rinse and repeat.

To bring it back round - I think if we lose on Friday he's going to go. It doesn't matter what they've said before, you simply can't lose that many games and stay. It starts to become a real problem - there are seemingly no repercussions for poor performances - what message does that send to the players?

This I cannot argue with.

People saying we can't attract top / top half managers because of our plight might be true to an extent but I think because of our plight, it won't harm the brand image if they're not successful. Therefore, someone comes in and does well and keeps us up, they're a genius. Fail to keep us up, they were far too gone, I tried but the damage was already done. Also, let's say it was David Moyes and he failed to keep us up, do you think that stops a Leicester, a Wolves or a Palace going for him in the future? Of course it doesn't and he can make a few mill in the process. Win win, get it done, cheers.

I do think Russell's time is up, I like the guy but it's just not happening. I caveat that with the fact we have BBD, Armstrong, TP and Archer as our striking options so whoever was to come in is going to struggle to get a tune out of that lot. I think though that a change is needed, possession for possession sake is pointless if it ain't working, and it isn't. I have heard a rumour (do not shoot the messenger) that the board is now split and the feeling is more towards him going than staying - which wasn't the case very recently. This could all be bollocks though, you know what pub chat is like.

Not suggesting O'Hara is the oracle or the Dalai Lama but on this occasion I think he was right. Even a broken clock is right twice a day etc etc.

Yeah changing managers never works, you're right.* *You're not. Yes our squad isn't great but people aren't calling for Martin's head for the fun of it. There are clear and fundamental issues which hark back to his early days with us which are still playing out. Jamie O'Hara on TalkSport said he thinks Russell Martin is managing his own future and not what is best for us. I think that might be the nail on the head. I like Russell but his lack of ability / desire to adapt is what is really punishing us. Say what you want about this squad but we should be on more than 1 point - arguably we should be on 6 perhaps 7. Which I might add would put us out of the relegation spots as it stands. Changing the manager might not yield the desired results but I fear not changing the manager guarantees unchanging results. PS - I would love to be proven wrong, I'd love to win the next two games before the international break with my tail between my legs but I just can't see it happening.

I'm not sure it's true Moyes has turned down the approach, I'm not saying he *wouldn't* turn it down but I don't think SR are that far ahead yet.

I don't know whether this is a secret code for who it might be or just simply that he's a Sunday league pub manager. I hope the former.

I see Charlton's new manager is doing well, could he be someone to look at?

Ross Stewart fit apparently.

Was still hoping for a secret no 9 but alas it's too late now - still decent window!

I presume (and hope) as long as it's registered by 12 they could announce tomorrow if they wanted and still play new arrivals.

I think we'll still get a striker and I think there is a chance we did try for JWP but couldn't make it work and whilst WHU were on the blower they said you can have Cornet if you want.

JWP confirmed to Forest

I think we'll see a surprise face who hasn't been mentioned.

I actually agree that we might as well give TP a go if Trabzonspor are effing about with low fees it's worth a shot. I can't remember what game it was but at the tail end of the relegation season he came on and caused all sorts of problems and hit the crossbar with the header. (Or am I looking back with hopeful memories?)

My friend, who has a contact at the club, mentioned that his source says it's never been busier with transfer activity, both in and out. Said it's gonna be a wild few days!

I think the club have probably long moved on from MOR so I'm now more interested in who else they've set their sights on. Only thing that could work in our favour is if the Shea Charles to Celtic thing is a reality but even then, they'd most likely be separate deals anyway so irrelevant.

32.

Mad how far behind we have fallen but I know Brighton have sold well in recent times but it still baffles me that they can go out and spend £40m + on several players. Even if the heady days of us shifting big stars for big wedge we were never in that world of big money transfers. The financial aspect of football baffles me.

My point is, if the contact at the club said to ignore the noise and we'll be in a better position - one would assume that is a positive thing but only time will tell!