Nicola wants better League Results

[Window Cleaner]

I don't think anyone is saying that our recent results (or performances) have met expectations. However, since when do you judge a manager on the last couple of games ? I think its more prudent to judge over the course of a season myself - but maybe thats too long ? My main complaint is the public nature of the statement and the unrealistic demand for a play-off place. I think we all hoped to get there, but I think making it a necessity is too much... and I think that the cost to the club of sacking AP exceeds the potential benefit at this stage.

 

On the subject of coaches... I agree. Georges Prost is/was an absolute legend and should be an all-time Saints hero. How much money did he make for the club when he was here ???? I think its too early to judge our current set-up, but I think its unlikely they will be able to match George Prosts achievements.

 

 

Who's judging the manager on the last couple of games, certainly not me.

Although I'd be prepared to accept this season's results as a positive step it's obvious that to the top management they aren't what's required. Our league results have been erratic all season, that's why we only have obtained 44 points from 28 games and Norwich have obtained 60 odd despite a poor start.We have good players, we've had them all season and have some even better ones now.AP has been erratic in his team selection and has made some f**k awful substitutions which have cost us games (ie the double horror shocker at Huddersfield ) Waigo isn't always used correctly, he's a striker, always has been, always will be, no point playing him wide,

Thomas is vastly undersused and Gillett and Holmes never had a chance from day 1, perhaps with reason.AP is erratic in his team selections and has "binkies" like James for whom a place must be found every game.

[Saint_Jonny]

I really hope NC doesn't go sticking his nose in where it doesn't need sticking. Everyone on this board was united in the fact that this season was a write off in September, and that AP would do the buisness in 10/11. Now for some retarded reason that has changed. NC is MENTAL if he thinks Saints will make the playoffs this season, and if we get there, who's to say we will win the ****ing things. Its all about next season for me, I hope he can have some patience and perspective.

[Under Weststand]

What I want to know is whether NC just wants to get to the Playoffs, or if his expectation is promotion via the playoffs. If he expects promotion, I feel he is being unrealistic due to the lottery of the playoffs and as such, possibly needs to reign in expectations.

Totally agree with that, I hope it just a kick in the pants. Next season we need to be genuine automatic candidates. For that to happen we need a settled side & back-room staff to hit the ground running straight away. Even then I will not expect us to run away with the league (merely hope), I've been around to long to know that in football there are no guarantee's, no matter how much you spend You only have to look at Leeds 3rd season down here 2 play-off defeats 1 at Wembley. You still need time to get a settled side. That is what AP must do between know & the end of the season get a settled mostly winning side. If he does that then I cant see any reason for NC to want to get shot & unsettle things again.

[doddisalegend]

Who's judging the manager on the last couple of games, certainly not me.

Although I'd be prepared to accept this season's results as a positive step it's obvious that to the top management they aren't what's required. Our league results have been erratic all season, that's why we only have obtained 44 points from 28 games and Norwich have obtained 60 odd despite a poor start.We have good players, we've had them all season and have some even better ones now.AP has been erratic in his team selection and has made some f**k awful substitutions which have cost us games (ie the double horror shocker at Huddersfield ) Waigo isn't always used correctly, he's a striker, always has been, always will be, no point playing him wide,

Thomas is vastly undersused and Gillett and Holmes never had a chance from day 1, perhaps with reason.AP is erratic in his team selections and has "binkies" like James for whom a place must be found every game.

 

I'm sorry but unless you have a time machine you can't Know that. I see posters stating comments like that as fact all the time. In your opinion substutions may have changed the game but just as easily they may not. No one will ever know for sure.

[Nineteen Canteen]

Quick...

 

Someone tell nicola he is a troll and unrealsitic

 

If he is not careful that attitude of his will see him making a guest appearance on one of the top 5 most like to threads in the muppet show.

 

3 words should act as a warning for management by fear, shame and lack of humility:

 

Queens Park Rangers

 

and even

 

Public Limited Company

 

Just my opinion as always and also am I the only one to notice there is a weird irony developing here?

[corsacar saint]

If NC is saying with the players we now have, that we should be winning games we are

drawing and losing[last 5 away performances], I agree totally.

[Pilchards]

Cortese is fair on what he made public on Solent, If the team was playing well and was unlucky with results then patience would be the word. Struggling against teams like Exeter by producing another lame performance is not good enough.

 

On our recent performances since the beginning of December, I fear Cortese is worried it will continue next season.

 

Another worry Cortese should have is, IF we go out the F A cup then our gates will drop to 15k because the fans know we won't reach the playoffs.

[FMPR]

From an outsiders perspective I thought pre Jan window you were nailed on for promotion via the play offs. However after the window and being 15 points off the play offs I am really struggling to see how you can make up that many points.

[LaptopSaint]

I really hope NC doesn't go sticking his nose in where it doesn't need sticking. Everyone on this board was united in the fact that this season was a write off in September, and that AP would do the buisness in 10/11. Now for some retarded reason that has changed. NC is MENTAL if he thinks Saints will make the playoffs this season, and if we get there, who's to say we will win the ****ing things. Its all about next season for me, I hope he can have some patience and perspective.

 

I agree. If we change manager at the end of this season then some other poor sap is stuck with all Pardew's buys and we have another summer of upheaval (not nearly as bad as last year but you know what I mean) and another new team starting again.

Pardew has to be given until this time next year. If we're not in the top two or three by then I could understand action being taken. Any time before that would be folly in my opinion. We've done the new manager every year thing, we've seen the comedy at QPR and elsewhere, and now for the first time in years we have a settled set-up with everyone pushing in the same direction. If Nicola is saying to AP come on need to do better that's fine... a little bit of pressure. But let's leave it at that for now.

[INFLUENCED.COM]

You had the cheek to call me a nut job the other day...Border line abuse.. But no doubt your buddy.. A respected poster ?.(A friend of yours per chance)...

Maybe respected by you.... but IMO a very disgruntled poster with an axe to grind..like a few others on here.

 

Come on ottery, firstly, I called you a nut bag, an almost affectionate term and one I constantly use for my Dog who I am very fond of.

 

I did not name any posters from either side and although you may think it sad I have no friends on here nor do I seek any, its a place I visit when I have little or nothing else to do so don't take it THAT seriously. I appreciate information that is given and thereafter is down to me whether I believe it credible or not, in the main it is, due to its source and never have reason to believe an ulterior motive exists.

[ottery st mary]

Come on ottery, firstly, I called you a nut bag, an almost affectionate term and one I constantly use for my Dog who I am very fond of.

 

I did not name any posters from either side and although you may think it sad I have no friends on here nor do I seek any, its a place I visit when I have little or nothing else to do so don't take it THAT seriously. I appreciate information that is given and thereafter is down to me whether I believe it credible or not, in the main it is, due to its source and never have reason to believe an ulterior motive exists.

 

 

Woof, Woof ,Woof..As long as you feed me daily and buy me a few beers, I will be your friend:smt052

 

 

PS I am not sleeping outside in the kennel...

Edited 8 February, 2010 by ottery st mary

[Window Cleaner]

I agree. If we change manager at the end of this season then some other poor sap is stuck with all Pardew's buys and we have another summer of upheaval (not nearly as bad as last year but you know what I mean) and another new team starting again.

Pardew has to be given until this time next year. If we're not in the top two or three by then I could understand action being taken. Any time before that would be folly in my opinion. We've done the new manager every year thing, we've seen the comedy at QPR and elsewhere, and now for the first time in years we have a settled set-up with everyone pushing in the same direction. If Nicola is saying to AP come on need to do better that's fine... a little bit of pressure. But let's leave it at that for now.

 

I really don't see the problem, these are good players, they are not "Pardew's boys" there are managers in our league who are doing far better with far worse.

The problem is that either the players aren't motivated for the League (which I could see being true because contrary to popular opinion the play-offs were all but gone last September) or that they're being deployed wrongly and that is p*ssing them off.It could also be that there are "new boys" on salaries vastly superior to the others.Now if I was Connolly on a paupers contract

and then Barnard comes in at 5K a week more I might just tell them to shove it.I don't say that's happened but it's a distinct possibility, hence the mysterious injury which got better and then got worse all by itself.

[Block 5]

Hate to say it but I told you so..........

 

.

[george]

If NC is saying with the players we now have, that we should be winning games we are

drawing and losing[last 5 away performances], I agree totally.

 

Totally agree, Corsacar. One of the most frustrating issues is the amount of games we have been leading and ended up dropping the points. Any CEO in his position would do the same. Having invested in the team he and we expect better. He has put a warning shot across the bow and I for one am glad. We should have won on Saturday, but allowed Exeter to come back into a very poor game on a very poor pitch. We have to kill these teams off.

[Glasgow_Saint]

I really hope NC doesn't go sticking his nose in where it doesn't need sticking. Everyone on this board was united in the fact that this season was a write off in September, and that AP would do the buisness in 10/11.

 

The majority were agreeing - not everyone. I have always said the PO this season was realistic.

 

It was

[LaptopSaint]

I really don't see the problem, these are good players, they are not "Pardew's boys" there are managers in our league who are doing far better with far worse.

The problem is that either the players aren't motivated for the League (which I could see being true because contrary to popular opinion the play-offs were all but gone last September) or that they're being deployed wrongly and that is p*ssing them off.It could also be that there are "new boys" on salaries vastly superior to the others.Now if I was Connolly on a paupers contract

and then Barnard comes in at 5K a week more I might just tell them to shove it.I don't say that's happened but it's a distinct possibility, hence the mysterious injury which got better and then got worse all by itself.

 

They're not Pardew's boys but they are Pardew's buys. Would Coppell for instance want Seaborne? Would he want Barnard? I dunno - maybe he would maybe he wouldn't. Point is a new manager always wants to change a few things, and I think it's something we could do without in the coming summer.

[saintjay77]

Still there was no reason to continue with Mills over Harding on Saturday was there? Apparently(according to my cousin) some of our corners and free kicks could have been better if they had been taken by a tyro league player. You work hard,get corners and free kicks (and you do work to get them) and then you just waste them through basic kickng faults.

 

I know this was said a while ago but Mills played a blinder against ipswich and probably deserved to keep his place in the team. If he is not doing as well now then he has played himself out of the shirt and no doubt it will be hardings before too long.

 

Most of the changes seem to have been out of being cup tied or injurys. When we got a load of defenders in I was suprised to see so many start but when we keep shipping goals I suppose it shouldnt have been so suprising.

 

Maybe it would have done us better if we had been knocked out of the cups? Less to concentrate on and more time to organise the team.

 

This does seem to be a turning point though, the whole team, including the management need to get the basics sorted and work as a solid unit. No interest in excuses and results matter more than anything.

 

i am happier about the saints this season than I have been for years but can see the point that we are on the verge of something great and a touch of ruthlesness is not out of order IMO.

[Window Cleaner]

Totally agree, Corsacar. One of the most frustrating issues is the amount of games we have been leading and ended up dropping the points. Any CEO in his position would do the same. Having invested in the team he and we expect better. He has put a warning shot across the bow and I for one am glad. We should have won on Saturday, but allowed Exeter to come back into a very poor game on a very poor pitch. We have to kill these teams off.

 

And we had chances to do just that, just as we did against Brentford, you don't need 2 of the division's leading strikers and a Senegalese international to put away 1 easy chance out of every 4 or 5.The strike force is still a big problem as far as I'm concerned, because it's never settled and you have the

nebulous Lallana getting under their feet all the time, one minute he's there ,next minute he isn't.Lambert has to step up and start scoring from open play again or be rested. We have plenty of others who can hit juicy free kicks and take penalties, perhaps then we'll start playing the ball on the ground again.

[northam soul]

We had also better hope that an improvement occurs tomorrow then as i think everyone including cortese judging by his win at norwich statement is taking it for granted we will get to wembley.

If we put in a below par performance against franchise then that will not be the case and boy if you think its bad on here now just wait until tuesday night / wednesday morning.

[VectisSaint]

I guess it's been reassessed - probably due to the bigger fan support than expected?

 

Could explain the spending in the window - Nicola won't want to lose the momentum built up...because the last thing we need is another Burley scenario, where you start getting the same excuses each week.

 

I'm not going to lay into Pardew yet, but he really needs to decide on one team and formation and stick to it.

 

The chopping and changing (a la Burley) is costing us.

 

As my Dad has always told me...'NEVER change a winning side'

People need to get off this obby orse. You cannot keep the same team if you have to deal with (a) injuries, (b) suspensions, © cup-tied players and (d) aging players who cannot play 3 times a week.

 

So come on smart arses everywhere how would you have kept the same team given long term injuries to Hammond and Connolly (and Murty) and short term injuries to Harding and Jaidi. How do you deal with Spiderman's suspension even if it was rescinded after he missed 1 game. How do you deal with Jaidi and Perry not being able to play 3 times in a week. How do you deal with Fonte not being available for FA Cup, and Dan and Semi not being available for JPT, and now Puncheon not being available for JPT and Barnard not being available for FA Cup? Where is your settled side. Picking a team is not as easy as some people on here like to make out. Even then there is the issue of players losing form that is not even considered.

 

Don't get me wrong I am a strong advocate of not changing a winning side unless you really have to. I thought it was wrong to drop Bart and put KD back in. Once we get this week out of the way I would expect AP to pick his strongest side for every league game until the end of the season.

[Window Cleaner]

I know this was said a while ago but Mills played a blinder against ipswich and probably deserved to keep his place in the team. If he is not doing as well now then he has played himself out of the shirt and no doubt it will be hardings before too long.

 

Most of the changes seem to have been out of being cup tied or injurys. When we got a load of defenders in I was suprised to see so many start but when we keep shipping goals I suppose it shouldnt have been so suprising.

 

Maybe it would have done us better if we had been knocked out of the cups? Less to concentrate on and more time to organise the team.

 

This does seem to be a turning point though, the whole team, including the management need to get the basics sorted and work as a solid unit. No interest in excuses and results matter more than anything.

 

.appier about the saints this season than I have been for years but can see the point that we are on the verge of something great and a touch of ruthlesness is not out of order IMO.

 

 

But this is where you have to have a set of 11 first choice players who make up the team when they're fit.A lad comes in has 1 good game against a different style of opponent and then screws up big time in the next game. A manager must have 1 first team and peripheral players who come in a do a job when the first team isn't fit or out of form. Football management isn't a greek democracy.

[Clifford Nelson]

By this time in the season I expect the manager to be clear over what the best positions are for his players. But is he clear over Lallana? Or Waigo? He also out to have demonstrated what type of football he expect the players to play, but if I'm to draw any conclusions from the football I keep watching the instructions are: Keep heading the ball forward and hit it for Ricky's head, and I can't believe that is the intention.

 

By now we ought to be clear over whether our strength is 4-4-2 or 4-5-1. To change the game plan in the middle of most games doesn't fill me with confidence, so what about the players?

 

AP ought to have the confidence of his convictions, but I'm not sure what they are. So for those who feels that things are OK at the moment, could you tell me what game plan you see when you're watching the games.

[ottery st mary]

People need to get off this obby orse. You cannot keep the same team if you have to deal with (a) injuries, (b) suspensions, © cup-tied players and (d) aging players who cannot play 3 times a week.

 

So come on smart arses everywhere how would you have kept the same team given long term injuries to Hammond and Connolly (and Murty) and short term injuries to Harding and Jaidi. How do you deal with Spiderman's suspension even if it was rescinded after he missed 1 game. How do you deal with Jaidi and Perry not being able to play 3 times in a week. How do you deal with Fonte not being available for FA Cup, and Dan and Semi not being available for JPT, and now Puncheon not being available for JPT and Barnard not being available for FA Cup? Where is your settled side. Picking a team is not as easy as some people on here like to make out. Even then there is the issue of players losing form that is not even considered.

 

Don't get me wrong I am a strong advocate of not changing a winning side unless you really have to. I thought it was wrong to drop Bart and put KD back in. Once we get this week out of the way I would expect AP to pick his strongest side for every league game until the end of the season.

 

Vectis you are far toO knowledgeable and that is why I have always idolised you:smt052.....It will take a while longer for some to catch on and others who for some reason do not want to:rolleyes:

 

 

 

COYRS

Edited 8 February, 2010 by ottery st mary
SPELLIN NOT ENOUGH oS IN TO

[saint_stevo]

Yeah but does NC go to games, if not he is a moronic moaning troll

[Window Cleaner]

They're not Pardew's boys but they are Pardew's buys. Would Coppell for instance want Seaborne? Would he want Barnard? I dunno - maybe he would maybe he wouldn't. Point is a new manager always wants to change a few things, and I think it's something we could do without in the coming summer.

 

 

So then tell me how many players Lambert has signed at Norwich or Boothroyd at Colchester (could be hundreds for all I know) not all managers are Harry Redknapp types,some can do a good job with whatever they are given,probably because it's what they're used to doing.

[SnailOB]

 

Don't get me wrong I am a strong advocate of not changing a winning side unless you really have to. I thought it was wrong to drop Bart and put KD back in. Once we get this week out of the way I would expect AP to pick his strongest side for every league game until the end of the season.

 

To be fair I think thats what everyone wants.

 

The 'problem' appears to be that AP still doesn't know his best XI / formation / tactics. And if he does - he is doing a very good job of hiding this fact !

 

You mention Bart / KD scenario - fair comment.

Then someone says that Mills deserved to keep his place ahead of Harding because of his performance against Ipswich.

But then Semi comes straight in for Thomas who (IMO) played quite well at RB.

 

Inconsistencies in selection seems to be a problem

[Wilko]

It's fair enough to ask for better results. However, I'd be worried if management changes were being discussed so early on in Pardew's reign. In my opinion, uncertainty will only lead to poorer results.

[saintjay77]

But this is where you have to have a set of 11 first choice players who make up the team when they're fit.A lad comes in has 1 good game against a different style of opponent and then screws up big time in the next game. A manager must have 1 first team and peripheral players who come in a do a job when the first team isn't fit or out of form. Football management isn't a greek democracy.

 

I agree with that but also agree with giving the periphal players the idea that to get in the team they have to perform and if they earn the shirt they have the chance to keep it.

 

Its no good having 11 players who know that no matter what they have the shirt.

 

Brum have a stable 1st team but generally they are all performing to keep there shirts. If one has a drop in form there will be a player in the background chomping at the bit to take there place in the team.

 

No-ones place in the team should be safe but the people who have that starting 11 spot need to do more to keep that place in the team IMO.

[Window Cleaner]

I agree with that but also agree with giving the periphal players the idea that to get in the team they have to perform and if they earn the shirt they have the chance to keep it.

 

Its no good having 11 players who know that no matter what they have the shirt.

 

Brum have a stable 1st team but generally they are all performing to keep there shirts. If one has a drop in form there will be a player in the background chomping at the bit to take there place in the team.

 

No-ones place in the team should be safe but the people who have that starting 11 spot need to do more to keep that place in the team IMO.

 

which is why i stipulated "or out of form".When everybody is fit at MU (or Arsenal) there is only 1 first team.

[corky morris]

For me its all about motivation. IMHO & trying to keep it as simple as possible there are only 2 types of motivation. The first is the carrot (toward). ie, win bonuses, public accolade, professional respect etc. The 2nd, more powerful is away. ie, the stick. It has been proven many times that you are more likely to run faster from a pack of lions than you are from simply trying your best.

Maybe NC is just letting AP know that standards have dropped & he is expecting more. Making it public means that AP cant hide behind rubbish pitches for poor performances.

 

I have a client whose client is NC & they say he is all over them all of the time. Admittedly they are private bankers & he was a private banker so knows a lot more than the average client, but often in their opinion they have to go back to the agreed expectations to manage him. Maybe that is what AP needs to do? But maybe ML & NC agreed new expectations with AP when they spent the money they did in January?

 

I dont think anyone wants AP to be sacked. I certainly dont, but it appears from what I am watching we have gone backwards in recent weeks & I think it reasonable for me as a fan & NC as chair to be able to comment about that.

[Window Cleaner]

I don't get it. We have most people saying the playoffs aren't realistic this season. So given that, what are we moaning about? If it's unrealistic, then this season is about giving time to build a good team from a good squad. We have players who've played a handful of games together, we clearly have excellent attacking options.

 

Once again, most of you said at the start of the season you'd give Pardew time, probably until the end of next season give the -10 and lack of time this season. It's always the same with new managers. Saints fans moan about the frequent managerial changes, say they'll be patient with the next one, say they have no unrealistic expectations this time, then get fed up in the first season and change their minds. Surely you can't say the playoffs were unrealistic AND we're underachieving? Which is it? Should we be going up this season or waiting for next season? Is starting yet again with another manager going to help? Will that manager get more time to start again and build a team?

 

I imagine we'll lose at Norwich the form they're in, but we have plenty of winnable games after that and I'm sure with the cup games out the way and a more settled side we'll start to show what we can do and go on a winning run. Doesn't mean we'll get in the playoffs, but if we finish within 10 points, it's not Pardew's fault we didn't make it, it's the administration ruling. And given the lack of any team for the first 5-10 games, making the playoffs in the real table is good enough for me.

 

We aren't moaning ,Nicola Cortese is.He who pays the piper calls the tune and all that.

[Thedelldays]

So seeing as NC is also not to chipper bout te results of late (like me) the question is

 

 

Is he an unrealsitic troll ?

[Ivan Katalinic's 'tache]

Had a feeling this type of warning shot was about to be fired. You don't expect to spend the money we've spent, at this level, and then fail to beat Exeter & Brentford and struggle, initially, against Stockport.

 

I'm sure part of this is down to the squad size. Quite simply, we have too many players, which can't be easy to integrate into proper training sessions. As much as we needed to add some quality (and have done so with Fonte, Barnard & Puncheon, in particular), we also badly needed to shift some of the dross.

[Dr Who?]

Solent read out a statement from Cortese, which he provided when asked about the upcoming cup games this week.

 

Basically the gist was that although it is great to have the opportunity of progression in the FA Cup, and a Wembley appearance, that the League is the main priority.

 

He stated that the investment was made in order to reach the play offs this season - and expects better performances, starting with the Norwich game in 12 days time.

 

---

 

This guy means business.

Perhaps the kick up the ar$e that some players need - yes, we are in a great position as a club, but if you don't perform.......

 

I think he is doing the right thing and saying what he expects from the team. We cannot just drift along, but next season will be the time to make changes if things are not happening on the pitch.

 

I still think we are going in the right direction.... just seem to be turning away wins into draws!!

[Dr Who?]

I think he is doing the right thing and saying what he expects from the team. We cannot just drift along, but next season will be the time to make changes if things are not happening on the pitch.

 

I still think we are going in the right direction.... just seem to be turning away wins into draws!!

 

Which could be from tightening up at the back, but not being so free flowing going forward. We need to address this situation and quickly!

[Minty]

So seeing as NC is also not to chipper bout te results of late (like me) the question is

 

Is he an unrealsitic troll ?

 

lol... you get called a troll because you repeatedly post things to get a bite. A bit like this question, which you posted earlier on this thread but no one replied to, hence you're posting it again... which is known as trolling.

 

I'm not having a pop because I know what it's like when people just have a go at you for having an opinion, and agree with you that in that regard, many people are pathetic. But if they can't constructively disagree with you, then they're not worth bothering with.

[derry]

The tipping point was the failure to hold the lead in injury time against Millwall. I was told that Cortese had gone ballistic over the fact we had brought in defenders to stop this happening, then Brentford and Exeter conceding from corners.

 

I along with Duncan and Weston had been aware of the pressure mounting from Cortese. I think the performances are seen as not acceptable despite picking up points with the help of free kicks/corners/penalties.

 

We have had recently some really awful displays, I just couldn't see how Markus Leibherr and Cortese were enjoying the performances.

 

Obviously they weren't, as Pardew quoted yesterday admitted as much but stated he would continue to play pragmatically. I suspect that Cortese's public statement is a riposte to this.

 

If Pardew doesn't produce a team that can perform and is obviously going to be the best team in the division by the end of this season, including having a blitz at the playoffs he will be history.

 

It has long been my view that fielding negative teams and scraping wins against mid and lower placed sides from deadball situations whilst leaving talent out wasn't going for it. We really have to also be realistic about our worth as we haven't beaten 9 out of the top ten teams yet.

 

I am pleased that Cortese has grasped this particular nettle.

[Saint_Jonny]

So seeing as NC is also not to chipper bout te results of late (like me) the question is

 

 

Is he an unrealsitic troll ?

 

yes.

[trousers]

I don't get it. We have most people saying the playoffs aren't realistic this season. So given that, what are we moaning about? If it's unrealistic, then this season is about giving time to build a good team from a good squad. We have players who've played a handful of games together, we clearly have excellent attacking options.

 

Once again, most of you said at the start of the season you'd give Pardew time, probably until the end of next season give the -10 and lack of time this season. It's always the same with new managers. Saints fans moan about the frequent managerial changes, say they'll be patient with the next one, say they have no unrealistic expectations this time, then get fed up in the first season and change their minds. Surely you can't say the playoffs were unrealistic AND we're underachieving? Which is it? Should we be going up this season or waiting for next season? Is starting yet again with another manager going to help? Will that manager get more time to start again and build a team?

 

I imagine we'll lose at Norwich the form they're in, but we have plenty of winnable games after that and I'm sure with the cup games out the way and a more settled side we'll start to show what we can do and go on a winning run. Doesn't mean we'll get in the playoffs, but if we finish within 10 points, it's not Pardew's fault we didn't make it, it's the administration ruling. And given the lack of any team for the first 5-10 games, making the playoffs in the real table is good enough for me.

 

I disagree that "most people" had the playoffs down as an unrealistic target. As recently as just before Christmas Pardew himself was saying that they were now a realstic target. It's only the last handful of games whereby it's become more unrealistic than realstic.

[Dibden Purlieu Saint]

Just my opinion as always and also am I the only one to notice there is a weird irony developing here?

 

No, you're not, but he hasn't sacked anyone yet, whereas Rupes might well have.

[trousers]

The tipping point was the failure to hold the lead in injury time against Millwall. I was told that Cortese had gone ballistic over the fact we had brought in defenders to stop this happening, then Brentford and Exeter conceding from corners.

 

I along with Duncan and Weston had been aware of the pressure mounting from Cortese. I think the performances are seen as not acceptable despite picking up points with the help of free kicks/corners/penalties.

 

We have had recently some really awful displays, I just couldn't see how Markus Leibherr and Cortese were enjoying the performances.

 

Obviously they weren't, as Pardew quoted yesterday admitted as much but stated he would continue to play pragmatically. I suspect that Cortese's public statement is a riposte to this.

 

If Pardew doesn't produce a team that can perform and is obviously going to be the best team in the division by the end of this season, including having a blitz at the playoffs he will be history.

 

It has long been my view that fielding negative teams and scraping wins against mid and lower placed sides from deadball situations whilst leaving talent out wasn't going for it. We really have to also be realistic about our worth as we haven't beaten 9 out of the top ten teams yet.

 

I am pleased that Cortese has grasped this particular nettle.

 

this

[Window Cleaner]

this

 

this what??

[tttdcs]

Basically he has now come out in public what I was told he was previously saying privately.

 

It is also what a lot of supporters have been saying for a little while now. We are not good enough and part of that has to be down to Manager tactics.

 

Make no mistake, Cortese will fire Pardew if he does not demonstrate an ability to improve our lot by results on the field. Sad that we are talking about the possibility of losing a Manager again when it has been the most enjoyable and fruitful season for years but these guys, or particularly Cortese, mean business.

 

I agree, football is enjoyable at the moment for the first time in years. I hope Cortese has a little patience ( I understand large sums of money invested = expected instant results) but what happens if Pardew goes we get Coppell/ANother similar Championship/Div1 manager back to square one.

[trousers]

this what??

 

Sorry....lazy shorthand for 'i agree with this'

[Window Cleaner]

I agree, football is enjoyable at the moment for the first time in years. I hope Cortese has a little patience ( I understand large sums of money invested = expected instant results) but what happens if Pardew goes we get Coppell/ANother similar Championship/Div1 manager back to square one.

 

 

Not really back to square 1. We have some really really exceptional players for our league, that they're not sweeping all before them is a commentary on how they're being used.On our day we can beat the best, it's just that we can't do it at Exeter or Brentford. I think we may just need a new manager before we really see the true ability of our squad on a weekly basis, either that or the same manager with better,more modern coaches.As I've said elsewhere I'm not at all sure that the ability of the players hasn't surpassed the ability of the coaching staff.

Edited 8 February, 2010 by Window Cleaner

[trousers]

I agree, football is enjoyable at the moment for the first time in years. I hope Cortese has a little patience ( I understand large sums of money invested = expected instant results) but what happens if Pardew goes we get Coppell/ANother similar Championship/Div1 manager back to square one.

 

perhaps the media got the wrong end of the stick when they reported the 'cortese approached by AC Milan' story...perhaps it was t'other way around and it was cortese approaching AC Milan for their manager...? :-)

 

Or maybe he just wants to build a monkey-chicken petting zoo...

[derry]

Not really back to square 1. We have some really really exceptional players for our league, that they're not sweeping all before them is a commentary on how they're being used.On our day we can beat the best, it's just that we can't do it at Exeter or Brentford. I think we may just need a new manager before we really see the true ability of our squad on a weekly basis, either that or the same manager with better,more modern coaches.As I've said elsewhere I'm not at all that the ability of the players hasn't surpassed the ability of the coaching staff.

 

This is the basic problem. The team is always a compromise, players that pick themselves and a few sacred cows that have to be picked. The team has to be the best collection of players with the tactics tailored to get the best out of them. Not pick a formation and shoehorn the players into it.

[Dig Dig]

if NC is having doubts re AP then I would question why he sanctioned around 2 million in transfers and then a couple of weeks later put out a statement which could be interpretated as an ultimatum? providing someone that kind of financial support is usually a sign of trust

[ottery st mary]

From a very reliable source..Man in pub...

 

When AC Milan approached NC for top position, part of the offer was to bring Pards as manager.....

 

Pards refused as he wanted to finish the five year plan at Saints....Therefore Milan dropped NC like a ton of bricks.....

 

I will check with my source but he has been more reliable than some of the ITKs on this forum...

 

 

Good man Pards..keep up the good work..

 

COYRs

[Window Cleaner]

if NC is having doubts re AP then I would question why he sanctioned around 2 million in transfers and then a couple of weeks later put out a statement which could be interpretated as an ultimatum? providing someone that kind of financial support is usually a sign of trust

 

I really don't see it as an ultimatum, NC wants better results, he's probably been telling the players and staff that for a couple of weeks,now he's gone public. Being forthright and saying what you think isn't one of the world's worst afflictions it's just gone out of fashion that's all.Some of football's great leaders and managers never thought twice about saying what they needed to say.