What d'you think of nigel Adkins now

[Pilsmer]

I didn't know too much about Adkins before we got him so didn't have any preconceptions about him but after watching the game on Saturday I was very impressed with the brand of football he's got us playing, or at least he's trying to get us to play. There really were some great performances out there and the desire shown by the whole team is completely at odds with what people on here were saying about performances earlier in the season.

 

What impressed me most was the attempts to play out from the back at every given opportunity. Most of the time it was passed 3 or 4 times before going back to Kelvin for a hoof but at least the first thought is to try and keep it short. As the team gets more used to Adkins' methods and grow in confidence then more and more of these plays from the back will form the basis of attacking moves.

 

I liked Pardew and am grateful for the silverware, the comebacks and the 5 goal matches which made last season so enjoyable. However, if Saturday was just a work in progress for what we can expect from Adkins' Saints then I think we're going to see some truly great performances in a very successful season this term.

[lordswoodsaints]

Well, when Strachan came in, it took several weeks for him to get the players fit and results to turn after a disastrous start to the season, so I wouldn't expect any improvement to be gradual rather than instant.

 

I don't suppose you'd care to elaborate about your "not as rosy" comments? I'm not going to bandy round the ITK thingy, but I would be interested to know where you are coming from with that

 

I also don't expect miracles overnight,tbh I am happy at the way things are going but it's not me that makes the decisions.

I'm not claiming to be itk but my source has suggested that 2 or 3 are not happy with things at the moment,this is no surprise really as you can't please all of the people all of the time.....I don't think it will develop into a luggy type situation but more than likely the unhappy individuals will be shipped out......if true of course.

[The9]

You can almost see this happening now with NA. Hammond is a good example and Schneiderlin (though not a Pardew buy) is a completely different player. This has to be because they have space to pass in and are not constantly by-passed by the tactic of repeatedly hoofing it up to the forwards both from the goalkeeper and the centre backs as well. They don't have to constantly win a war of attrition to get the ball. It's actually passed to them and the they have time to think. Using the whole pitch creates space in which to play. It's as simple as that to quote NA!

 

Hm, I don't share your over-enthusiastic appraisal of our central midfielders, partially because I've only seen them do it in one match this season so far (Saturday - but I've not been away yet), and partially because IMHO they weren't doing any of the things you said about a war of attrition last season, and I think were doing exactly what you've credited Adkins for bringing in for most of last season already - which is why we were successful.

 

All Adkins has done so far is got them to realise that if you don't try hard enough you don't win matches by default - but that is, of course, the toughest thing to get players to do when they cross the line and become out of your control.

 

They already had all the necessary tools, it's only ever been motivation that's lacking. Having Lallana back as an option doesn't hurt either.

[The9]

I also don't expect miracles overnight,tbh I am happy at the way things are going but it's not me that makes the decisions.

I'm not claiming to be itk but my source has suggested that 2 or 3 are not happy with things at the moment,this is no surprise really as you can't please all of the people all of the time.....I don't think it will develop into a luggy type situation but more than likely the unhappy individuals will be shipped out......if true of course.

 

I couldn't care less if some whiny footballers would rather laze about than do what it takes to win matches.

[Dellman]

My worry is how the Barnard fiasco will be handled and what effect it will have on both morale and performance

[NickG]

I will still maintain that we will be looking for another manager before his contract expires (probably next summer)......there is obviously still a problem with fitness and discipline and things are not as rosy behind the scenes as some think.

 

Adkins has said how impressed he has been with fitness here

[NickG]

Interesting comparison :

 

when we played the little cherries in the cup - Pardew said Howe's tactics confused him.

 

after Saturday Vital Little Cherries forum was full of their fans moaning that Adkins beat them with his tactics and Howe didn't react.

[lordswoodsaints]

I couldn't care less if some whiny footballers would rather laze about than do what it takes to win matches.

 

Nor do I have time for these players and I'm all for shifting the balance of power from the players back to the clubs but unfortunately 'doing what it takes to win matches' is a tough task if there are a few bad eggs trying to spoil the party.

The way I look at it is the players that are not happy are either not happy about the departure of pardew or not happy with the appointment of Adkins either way I presume this will be nipped in the bud and they will either come onside or fook off......if it's left to fester then we will have a situation the same as we had with luggy.

[capitalsaint]

Nor do I have time for these players and I'm all for shifting the balance of power from the players back to the clubs but unfortunately 'doing what it takes to win matches' is a tough task if there are a few bad eggs trying to spoil the party.

The way I look at it is the players that are not happy are either not happy about the departure of pardew or not happy with the appointment of Adkins either way I presume this will be nipped in the bud and they will either come onside or fook off......if it's left to fester then we will have a situation the same as we had with luggy.

 

so the players are relatively senior, rather than being on the fringe of the team?

[sperm_john]

Was saw practically behind the touchline in the Itchen on saturday and I was really pleased to see the sheer amount of passion coming from him, getting up, throwing his hands about, talking to the players and he seemed to have a good working relationship with DW ...from what I could see they were talking tactics quite a lot and refering back to a piece of paper ..

 

Just some observations!

[offix]

I was not enthusiastic about his appointment, but given the changes in the playing style and tactics I am now mildly optimistic

[doddisalegend]

Interesting comparison :

 

when we played the little cherries in the cup - Pardew said Howe's tactics confused him.

 

after Saturday Vital Little Cherries forum was full of their fans moaning that Adkins beat them with his tactics and Howe didn't react.

 

Comparing the two match stats is interesting

 

1st match under Pardew

http://www.saintsfc.co.uk/page/MatchReport/0,,10280~53938,00.html

 

2nd match under Adkins

http://www.saintsfc.co.uk/page/MatchReport/0,,10280~51535,00.html

 

Possession wise we had more under Adkins (54%) but only 3 shots on target (two of which were pens). We had less possession under Pardew (51%) but 8 shots on target. Bournemoth managed 2 shots in the first match ans 0 in the second. More interesting is Bompey commited 6 fouls and got no cards in the first match and commited 14 fouls and got four yellow and a red card in the second match (which might explain why they thought the ref was a little biased on saturday). We on the other hand got one card in both matches and committed about the same number of fouls 11 in the 1st match and 12 in the second match.

 

what does it all mean? god knows.

 

but basically the two managers performed pretty much the same against the same opposition with basically the same team. To hazard a guess I'd say Pardews way of playing was more attacking (he got more corners than Nigel too) resulting in more chances on goal but leaving us more exposed at the back (we didn't keep to many clean sheets last year). Nigels teams are more solid at the back but lacking punch up front (in fairness that might say more about our strikers at the moment than Nigel but I don't think so).

[It's There]

first opinions good. I like the fact he wasn't one of the tried and tested (?) managers like Brown - but rather has firm loyalty and a clear desire to "play" football! I believe that, given TIME, he will be a good manager for us even if we fail to get promoted this year. Having written that, I'd be surprised if we weren't there or there abouts as the league is not as strong this year (imho). To be a great manager he'll get Pulis playing, as a sub, when we're 4:0 up...and Pulis will surprise the doubters by being quite good!

[View From The Top]

I was delighted when he was appointed and I'm still delighted.

 

He's a young, bright, hungry manager who plays football the right way.

 

There will be ups and downs along the way but I'm confident we'll go up under Adkins.

[Dig Dig]

I was also pleased with the appointment, he seems like the type of manager which in recent times would slip under the saints radar and end up doing really well elsewhere.

 

He has a clear view on how he wants the team to play and I think if the players can consistently pull it off then we should go up this season, no problem.

 

Be interesting to see how he does in a full transfer window come Jan. Whilst Pards was more pragmatic in how he set up the team which did cost us some points, his legacy is the players he bought in.... there really wasn't a bad signing was there?

[Dalek2003]

I wish him the best but i think we may regret not going form a bigger name manager. Still I trust in the chairman and give NA my full support.

[Saintandy666]

I wish him the best but i think we may regret not going form a bigger name manager. Still I trust in the chairman and give NA my full support.

 

I think in order to get out of this league, we don't want a big name as such. We need someone who knows the league well.

[sandwichsaint]

I wish him the best but i think we may regret not going form a bigger name manager. Still I trust in the chairman and give NA my full support.

 

Did you have anyone particular in mind?

[Professor]

I don't trust the Chairman, but I am pleased with Adkins. We still need to knock in a few goals from open play, but its the players who are in front of goal, not the manager and I think it will come. I like the preference for 4-4-2 as well as his selections and use of subs. The team will be even better when the injuries are resolved. Chaplow is a good addition in midfield, and I imagine he's had some advice since Saturday about dirty play. I'm not sure we need a striker on loan, as it looks as if Goble is adequate for cover and overall there are good reasons to be optimistic about climbing the table.

[Dig Dig]

Did you have anyone particular in mind?

 

I think anyone of us could answer on his behalf!

[La BoIS Saint]

Most people on here were happy when he was appointed, but there were some who were disapointed - it's footie we're all entitled to have a view.

 

He's been in for a couple of weeks and he's managed to get that side I saw at Swindon playing like a team, and winning games. Now that is a big achievement in such a short period because we were woeful, so that says to me that NA is a motivator and a man who tries to instill his hungry ambition into the team. You cannot transform perormances so quickly on the training ground, we have seen a mental improvement above all else,

 

That is why I so wanted AP out last season and was glad Nicole fired him. I don't like Pardew much as a person anyway because he always comes accross as having the arrogance of a manager that considered himself a member of an elite circle of managers - part of the cream of the crop and we should've been grateful and unquestioning of him as he'd lowered himself from his natural level to manage little Southampton and I felt that he wasn't hungry for success like he would have been in his early days - it happens all the time with managers be they football managers of managers in a factory who've done 20 years - they slow down and reach a point where they get stuck in their ways and stubborn - We lost points last season at places like Brighton because Pardew had selected a crazy team and system and he wasn't going to change it because he'd have sooner bitten off his nose to spite his face rather than make the necessary and oh so obvious alterations that would've benefitted SFC and fans were calling for, he left things not woring and hoped something would come from nothing so as not to dent his grossly inflated ego. It was at this point that I thought he had to go because it was so clear with that attitude he didn't have the old fire in his belly to win at all costs - it almost seemed to have become chor and he was comparable to an old boy plodding along and counting the days till retirement watching that chink of light through the tunnel get slowly bigger and brighter, and as he became less and less hungry the players would have sensed it and mirrored him just like poor employees in any environment are a reflection their managers. There is of course the Italian argument and they do OK with old managers and you can cite fergie as getting by, but it is still a fact a high numbers of managers in any environment burn out early.

 

With NA we have got just the sort of manager I have wanted for a long time. English and desperate to deliver for the fans and the chairman and for himself and his squad - he wants all of us to buy into a positive can do attitude and I like that a lot - that is the way of the world now and with NA we are like a state of the art ship with a captain who knows what nobs to press, and he has got where he has from being a decent and loyal manager at Scunny and hasn't forged his managerial career on the back of a playing career as such, he's worked tirelessly and done it the hard way and you have got to admire any man who reaches a high point from a lower than average start point that has so many more obstacles to negotiate - that shows desire and focus driven by a feeling of wanting to be the best by doing things the best way.

 

I really do think we now have a manager that can get on with the chairman (as they're both from the same modern school of business), and staff and players and fans as we all admire NA teams for their unstinting effort, and the players will play with a smile on their faces as NA thrives on pressure and will absorb it and turn it into positive energy turning our team into a slick match winning machine that is confident and wily.

 

Won Drew Won in the last 3 games - Welldone Nigel - That is a very impressive turnaround - everyone involved should feel proud of what they have achieved and now show that we can take the small step from being a good team and become a clinical steamroller that respects any given opposition but never fears playing anyone at home or away. A team that thrives on ripping into a team that comes to St marys to sit behind the ball - that is our achiles heel, and therefore it can be a huge advantage if we learn how to exploit teams sent out with a negative attitude and like the likes of Man U and Chelsea we should be looking for three goal cushions and sending a message out to try something different and when they do hit them even harder to make it even more difficult to prepare for a trip to St Marys. Leeds did this and the only way of playing them was by matching their quality and going for their throats. SMS has got a bit of a reputation as a ground Saints don't like playing at - and I think that's fair comment. Banishing the ghosts and mending the achiles heel of breaking down defensive teams will be the key factor this season on whether we finnish in the top two or not and we can beat it simply by playing good football - it's not rocket science - it's a simple game and I think this is what NA will be emphasising and encouraging the team to work as a confident happy unit - that is all there is to it, tactics and all the other peripheral details pale into insignificance in comparison. Bill Shankly used to say here's the ball, now play with it. I like manages like that, although with NA I can see it being a bit more technical that that, but essentially I see in NA an old school motivator but with a few more strings to his bow. He is going places IMO and I hope it's with us.

 

Racist

[Saint Fan CaM]

I like many others were not overly impressed by his arrival. However, he has something about him and the way the team played Saturday told me he has started to sort things out. In fact that was the best I've seen Saints play for a long time, so let's hope he continues to get the results we deserve.

[woodsaint]

Not counting the franchise game because NA only had 2 days with the squad, so far so good.

 

First game - good point, could have been 3 if colchester keeper hadnt of had a blinder

Second game- good away win against fellow promotion hopefuls despite what their form is

Third game- good away point, should have been 3 but for a silly pen conceded

Fourth game- great home win against our 'rivals', totally outplayed them

Fifth game- ?????? Hopefully a hammering of tranmere to get the goals flowing

 

So far, Nigel gets a B+

[Red and White Army]

Happy enough with Adkins so far. We didn't need to get rid of Pardew, and have jeopardized our chance at promotion by doing so... but after that is done and dusted then we need to move on and the initial signs for Adkins look good.

[Kingsland Codger]

Comparing the two match stats is interesting

 

1st match under Pardew

http://www.saintsfc.co.uk/page/MatchReport/0,,10280~53938,00.html

 

2nd match under Adkins

http://www.saintsfc.co.uk/page/MatchReport/0,,10280~51535,00.html

 

Possession wise we had more under Adkins (54%) but only 3 shots on target (two of which were pens).

 

what does it all mean? god knows.

 

I guess it means the person who did the stats count wasn't paying attention.

 

Barnard had a shot parried by their goalkeeper, Lambert's shot from the rebound was blocked on the line and a header from the resulting corner was saved sharply by their keeper just below the bar. These first two efforts can still be seen on the Saints page of the BBC website.

 

Then in the second half there was Lambert's free kick which their keeper palmed away for a corner and later Butterfield had a shot saved - a bit of a tame efort and more or less straight at the Bournemouth goalie but still on target. So, together with the two penalties, I make that 7 on target and there may be one or two othes I can't remember.

[Wes Tender]

Happy enough with Adkins so far. We didn't need to get rid of Pardew, and have jeopardized our chance at promotion by doing so... but after that is done and dusted then we need to move on and the initial signs for Adkins look good.

 

Just to help you, I have highlighted the two statements that you are not entitled to make without any basis of fact to back them up. Whether we have jeopardised our chances of promotion by sacking Pardew, presupposes that Pardew would have won the matches since his departure, something that is impossible to prove.

[Doctoroncall]

A shame Pardew left but very happy about the Adkins appointment, in fact for me it's a step up considering their footballing experience, their football style, Adkins' ability to improve the squad without resorting to buying (6 vs 10 player buys per season) and being able to change things in a game.

[doddisalegend]

Just to help you, I have highlighted the two statements that you are not entitled to make without any basis of fact to back them up. Whether we have jeopardised our chances of promotion by sacking Pardew, presupposes that Pardew would have won the matches since his departure, something that is impossible to prove.

 

Sorry are people only allowed to post their opinion if they get your permission first Wes?

Edited 6 October, 2010 by doddisalegend

[doddisalegend]

I guess it means the person who did the stats count wasn't paying attention.

 

Barnard had a shot parried by their goalkeeper, Lambert's shot from the rebound was blocked on the line and a header from the resulting corner was saved sharply by their keeper just below the bar. These first two efforts can still be seen on the Saints page of the BBC website.

 

Then in the second half there was Lambert's free kick which their keeper palmed away for a corner and later Butterfield had a shot saved - a bit of a tame efort and more or less straight at the Bournemouth goalie but still on target. So, together with the two penalties, I make that 7 on target and there may be one or two othes I can't remember.

 

Lambert put that one wide don't think the keeper got near it.

 

You are right about the others though, but assuming that the same person does the match reports and misses out a few shots every match the point still holds that in general Pardews teams where getting more shots on target than Nigels have so far. A bit worrying that clubs OS can't get it's match stats right though.

Edited 6 October, 2010 by doddisalegend

[Red and White Army]

Just to help you, I have highlighted the two statements that you are not entitled to make without any basis of fact to back them up. Whether we have jeopardised our chances of promotion by sacking Pardew, presupposes that Pardew would have won the matches since his departure, something that is impossible to prove.

 

Yes moron, these are my opinions. Well done for pointing out that people are giving their opinions on a subjective thread entitled "What do you think ...".... clap clap clap. If you don't have anything useful to add, why don't you shut up?

[bugenhagen]

Lambert put that one wide don't think the keeper got near it.

 

You are right about the others though, but assuming that the same person does the match reports and misses out a few shots every match the point still holds that in general Pardews teams where getting more shots on target than Nigels have so far. A bit worrying that clubs OS can't get it's match stats right though.

 

Lambert did put his header wide, but Hammond had the header Kingsland Codger is talking about (watched the highlights last night...)

[Wes Tender]

Yes moron, these are my opinions. Well done for pointing out that people are giving their opinions on a subjective thread entitled "What do you think ...".... clap clap clap. If you don't have anything useful to add, why don't you shut up?

 

Just to correct you again, the thread is entitled "What do you think of Nigel Adkins now?" I saw no mention of a request for opinions as to whether we were right to dismiss Pardew, or whether his dismissal has jeopardised our chances of promotion this season.

 

What I added that was useful, was a challenge to your assertion that we did not have to dismiss Pardew and that the result of that action had jeopardised our chances of promotion this season. You have no evidence to support either of your assertions, so I suggest that you stop the puerile name-calling and shut up yourself until you can post something sensible.

[Window Cleaner]

Just to correct you again, the thread is entitled "What do you think of Nigel Adkins now?" I saw no mention of a request for opinions as to whether we were right to dismiss Pardew, or whether his dismissal has jeopardised our chances of promotion this season.

 

What I added that was useful, was a challenge to your assertion that we did not have to dismiss Pardew and that the result of that action had jeopardised our chances of promotion this season. You have no evidence to support either of your assertions, so I suggest that you stop the puerile name-calling and shut up yourself until you can post something sensible.

 

In fact I think that when the fresh start is in motion any silly puerile name calling from a registered user should just end in one result, a permanent ban of the individual in question with his e-mail address and IP blocked for ever. We just don't need that sort of poster...if he hasn't paid £5 for the privilege. Too many smart assed RUs on this forum nowadays.

[CanadaSaint]

Yes moron, these are my opinions. Well done for pointing out that people are giving their opinions on a subjective thread entitled "What do you think ...".... clap clap clap. If you don't have anything useful to add, why don't you shut up?

 

Why is it that most of your recent posts have been attacks on other posters?

 

Take a look and see. It's rather pathetic, really.

[Dalek2003]

Did you have anyone particular in mind?

 

Your obsession with my obsession is something that you should be seriously worried about !

[sadoldgit]

Not the "wow factor" that I was expecting. Not sure if that came from the possibility of KK joining us maybe...anyway, early days yet but he has cracked on with his job and I hope the guy gets a chance to build.

[wightman35]

Agree with Window Cleaner (post 83 above) re name calling and proposed bans! In answer to the OP question about Nigel Adkins I am impressed so far, for NOW, but will be happier to have that opinion next May when we can really judge.

[Red and White Army]

Why is it that most of your recent posts have been attacks on other posters?

 

Take a look and see. It's rather pathetic, really.

 

Wes Tender attacked me, I responded. Since he holds a different opinion on Pardew to me, he believes I shouldn't be allowed to state my opinion - only facts!!! if it is time for a fresh start idiots like him should be swept away. He typifies the lack of tolerance for others opinions that discourages people from posting here.

[saintscottofthenortham]

Wes Tender attacked me, I responded. Since he holds a different opinion on Pardew to me, he believes I shouldn't be allowed to state my opinion - only facts!!! if it is time for a fresh start idiots like him should be swept away. He typifies the lack of tolerance for others opinions that discourages people from posting here.

 

To be fair, your post was utter tripe. The fact that we are only 9 points from top of the league, with 108 points to play for, supports this. Now show me what supports your fact that due to Pardew being dismissed we will no longer be promoted?

 

Are you another one who forgot that Pardew WAS here at the begininning of the season and we were absolutely dog sheeite under him? Dont be fooled by the Brizzle Rovers result either.

[CanadaSaint]

Wes Tender attacked me, I responded. Since he holds a different opinion on Pardew to me, he believes I shouldn't be allowed to state my opinion - only facts!!! if it is time for a fresh start idiots like him should be swept away. He typifies the lack of tolerance for others opinions that discourages people from posting here.

 

But just take a look at your recent posts and nearly all of them contain needless insults aimed at other posters.

 

Wes didn't attack you as far as I could see - he disagreed with you, and for that he was called a "moron".

 

Hell, you even resorted to the name-calling in your reply to my post ("idiots like him"), in which I pointed out that you do this too often.

 

If you can't disagree with someone without calling them a moron or an idiot or worse, perhaps you'd be better not posting at all.

[Doctoroncall]

Wes Tender attacked me, I responded. Since he holds a different opinion on Pardew to me, he believes I shouldn't be allowed to state my opinion - only facts!!! if it is time for a fresh start idiots like him should be swept away. He typifies the lack of tolerance for others opinions that discourages people from posting here.

 

I think that attack is a bit strong, perhaps patronising in his first sentence which you could either ignore or ask him not to be childish. The rest was spot on.

[doddisalegend]

I think that attack is a bit strong, perhaps patronising in his first sentence which you could either ignore or ask him not to be childish. The rest was spot on.

 

Yes Wes seems to patronise a lot of people if there opinion doesn't match his though. Telling someone they're not allowed to post their opionion on a message board is frankly stupid, thats what message boards are for unless the new start message boards are for posting cold hard facts only now. Red and white didn't deal with it too well though insults don't really add much.

[niceandfriendly]

He says exactly what I'd say in interviews, so that's nice.

 

You're full of cliches and can't stop repeating yourself either then?

 

I like what I've seen so far from Adkins. The lack of HOOF has been a lovely change. I rated AP, but that tactic frustrated me no end.

 

It's as simple as that.

[Wes Tender]

Yes Wes seems to patronise a lot of people if there (their) opinion doesn't match his though. Telling someone they're not allowed to post their opionion on a message board is frankly stupid, thats what message boards are for unless the new start message boards are for posting cold hard facts only now. Red and white didn't deal with it too well though insults don't really add much.

 

Everybody is entitled to their opinion and internet forums are indeed the place to express them. But where did I tell anybody that they are not allowed to express their opinion? I told Red & White Army that he was not allowed to make those statements without any basis of fact.

 

We didn't need to get rid of Pardew, and have jeopardized our chance at promotion by doing so

 

He has absolutely no evidence to support either statement. If he wished those statements to be taken as opinion, then simplicity itself to have said "in my opinion", "as far as I'm concerned", "I believe", "probably", etc. He really ought to try it sometime. And if I get accused of being patronising or of attacking people for pointing this out, then so be it. Better than to be called a moron or some similarly inane name-calling by those who seem unable to take criticism of their opinions without resorting to insults.

[John B]

Everybody is entitled to their opinion and internet forums are indeed the place to express them. But where did I tell anybody that they are not allowed to express their opinion? I told Red & White Army that he was not allowed to make those statements without any basis of fact.

 

 

 

He has absolutely no evidence to support either statement. If he wished those statements to be taken as opinion, then simplicity itself to have said "in my opinion", "as far as I'm concerned", "I believe", "probably", etc. He really ought to try it sometime. And if I get accused of being patronising or of attacking people for pointing this out, then so be it. Better than to be called a moron or some similarly inane name-calling by those who seem unable to take criticism of their opinions without resorting to insults.

 

I am sorry to be pedantic

 

but it is true that we did not need to get rid of Pardew and it may have jeopardized our promotion chances

 

on the other hand getting in Adkins may have helped our promotion chances

 

Just a couple of opinions which people may have.

 

I do agree with your comments about name calling but you do give the impression that you are not tolerant of other peoples views.

 

Somethings on here I agree with some I dont but posters should be able post what they really think without others being agressive towards their remarks

[Wes Tender]

I am sorry to be pedantic

 

but it is true that we did not need to get rid of Pardew and it may have jeopardized our promotion chances

 

on the other hand getting in Adkins may have helped our promotion chances

 

Just a couple of opinions which people may have.

 

I do agree with your comments about name calling but you do give the impression that you are not tolerant of other peoples views.

 

Somethings on here I agree with some I dont but posters should be able post what they really think without others being agressive towards their remarks

 

Sorry to be pedantic back at you, but unless you know the real background to the dismissal of Pardew, then it is not possible to make the statement that he could have remained. The decision was Cortese's anyway and that also makes it impossible for anybody else to decide on his behalf whether he considered it an option for Pardew to stay or not. But that is old ground and has all been debated before and as far as I'm aware, nothing new has surfaced to change anything.

 

As for the second part, there is nothing to disagree with there, as you have said that his dismissal may have jeopardised our promotion chances. Had Red & White Army qualified his statement that way, then I would not have challenged it.

[Jones91]

Yeah, i knew all along he was better than MON

[dune]

12 goals conceeded this season, only bettered by Brighton. Under Hoddle we became hard to beat and then the goals started flowing. The same is happening under NA now.

[Durleyfos]

I'll hold my hands up and admit I was totally underwhelmed when NA was made manager. I thought it was a step backwards after Pardew.

 

I'm happy to be proved wrong, and now think it was an inspired choice by Mr Cortese and his advisers.

 

He has been fantastic for us, long may it continue.

 

NIGEL ADKINS RED & WHITE ARMY!

[Legod Third Coming]

One thing I would say. Last night, we hoofed it as much as we ever did under Pardew.

And were it not for Oxo, we might have been very, very pedestrian.