Who is playing for the manager?

[Legod Third Coming]

I thought it was very interesting today that our best player (Lee Holmes) was a player often overlooked by Pardew, even when he was fit.

 

He clearly feels there is a clean slate/fresh opportunity whereas some others appear to be missing Pardew and contemplating their futures.

 

For me, this is very typical of business when a new boss comes in.

 

Later in the game, it seemed that some of the other players (even including Hammond who hit a couple of sublime balls over the top) appeared to wake up to the notion that Pardew is now gone... perhaps this is the shape of things to come?

[Nexstar]

With Holmes back is sort of like a new signing (if he stays fit), it means both Harding and Puncheon can be replaced if needed with Dickson slotting in at left back.

[Pilchards]

I thought Pulis shined today under the new manager. During the half time knock about I saw him do a lovely side pass to Bart when they was all in a circle.

[S-Clarke]

Holmes was very lively, and Dickson was good as well - Dickson had one fantastic run right down the left, from left back to left wing - i loved that.

 

I just hope holmes can stay fit, that's his problem - too injury prone and he can never cement a place in the team because of this.

[ulstersaint]

I'm hoping that NA putting Pulis on the subs bench was really a message to NC that we are desperately in need of some loanees for midfield.

[NickG]

always hoped that Holmes would live up to the undoubted potential he has shown.

 

Him and Dickson improved us greatly - usually one of them was hugging touch line at the time - something I noticed NA keep asking Harding to do - lesson there!