How Long Will BM Last at this rate?????

[Ian Royal]

Interesting question posed to Ady Williams this evening - We would all, mostly, rather lose tomorrow and win against WBA, but what happens if we lose both?

We're out of a cup we've got no chance of winning and we fall back closer to certain relegation?

[AthleticoSpizz]

Either way, Copps (on BBCB tonight) reckons that we should stick with McD whatever and for a long time.

When God speaks, you listen

[Ian Royal]

Either way, Copps (on BBCB tonight) reckons that we should stick with McD whatever and for a long time.

When God speaks, you listen

The time for the sack was after Sunderland. No point doing it after he changes tactics, improves results and we've got to January.

[Tommy Youlden's Ears]

Dunno if this's been posted elsewhere, but interesting and sensible perspective from Guardian today.

"A comfortable 3-1 victory against League One opposition is still a comfortable 3-1 victory and, if there is anything more to be gleaned from Reading's simple act of third round banana-skin avoidance, it is perhaps just a reminder of the basic virtues of the current team. Brian McDermott likes nothing more than soft-pedalling any notions of over-reaction and was close to inaudible at his post-match press conference, so even was his keel, so cooled were his boots. But this could still be a quietly significant moment for Reading, who were 1-0 down to Crawley after 14 seconds but refused to panic, instead quietly and attractively asserting their superior attacking play and looking here like what they are: a spirited, well-drilled team that is just a little short of the highest quality.

There has been some suggestion Reading's owners might make a desperate grope for the instant returns of another season at Premier League level by replacing McDermott, rather than taking the longer view that, if Reading are relegated, he is still the best man to take them back up. But at the Broadfield Stadium, and against lesser opposition, the suggestion was the armature of the promotion team remains intact, as does its basic morale. If McDermott learnt anything more here, it might be that Adam Le Fondre, who scored twice and was a constant threat with his movement, perhaps deserves a little more game time".

http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/blog ... ing-points

[Extended-Phenotype]

Nice write up. I also feel Alfie deserves more, but fail to see how. 4-4-2 makes my dong ninja itself, and I can't see Alf leading the line alone. Our wingers are so shite I'd be tempted to have him cut inside from the wing but the reality is Pog and 4-5-1 are our best chance of surviving the drop.

[Esteban]

Nice write up. I also feel Alfie deserves more, but fail to see how. 4-4-2 makes my dong ninja itself, and I can't see Alf leading the line alone. Our wingers are so shite I'd be tempted to have him cut inside from the wing but the reality is Pog and 4-5-1 are our best chance of surviving the drop.

Should we get to the end of the transfer window and find that we've not managed to sign an attacking midfielder, then perhaps Le Fondre might fulfill the role? It would definitely be a square peg in a round hole, but I definitely think he's got the movement, pace and strength to play there. Whether he's got the discipline to fill in in midfield or not is questionable. It would also give us the flexibility to change to 442 without having to make a substitution.

[melonhead]

he disappears for quite alot of the game when playing in a two
let alone on his own

[Esteban]

Fair enough. He's got goals in him though, so it seems to me as though we should find a way of getting him a run of games.

[melonhead]

dont get me wrong. love the bloke.
would like to see him play more.

just saying

[Esteban]

Up top with Pog in a 4132 then. Which is basically 442 with a different name, but Lawro says we're not allowed to play that in the PL.

[Extended-Phenotype]

Judging by our results with 4-4-2, I'd say he's right.

[Esteban]

I'm not calling for a return to 442! It just makes me laugh when Lawrenson and his mates say there's no place for 442 in the PL, when Man U often play that formation (or variations thereof) and they're top of the league.

Anyway, back on topic, Le Fondre is awesome.

[Extended-Phenotype]

Don't think we have the quality to play a single holding player, and don't think ALF has the stamina, range nor defensive abilities to play in midfield, nor the strength or presence to play up top alone. So yeah, he's great but there's little argument for him starting.

[Esteban]

Don't think we have the quality to play a single holding player, and don't think ALF has the stamina, range nor defensive abilities to play in midfield, nor the strength or presence to play up top alone. So yeah, he's great but there's little argument for him starting.

Well, sure, when you put it that way!

[Lacoste]

Fair play Melonhead. So far you look to be right he's doing a good job now!

[Rex]

It was almost a fcuk off moment Lacoste but ill let you have it.

[jellytot]

Hmm that would be harsh now but look what saints have just done!!

Now AZ should spend and strengthen the squad with quality for the dog fight to come!!

[JIM]

I think it should read PARDEW out out out

[Mr.T10]

I think it should read PARDEW out out out

No keep him in. He is doing a cracking job.

[peterroyal76]

I think it should read PARDEW out out out

No keep him in. He is doing a cracking job.

+1