ludgershallsaint

You're probably right. Therefore the building argument just doesn't hold water. Let's say, hypothetically, that we finish the season in say 10th more than 10 points from the play offs. Many will say we're building etc. and that Pardew should carry on. Another million or so spent in the summer and we then don't win any of the first four next season. What do we do then? Sack him and appoint someone else? We'll then be back in this circle of give the bloke time, not his players etc. The world and football have changed; for what he's been given a return of 90 points earned on the pitch isn't unreasonable despite the 'upheaval' in the summer. In this league everyone has upheaval letting half squad go on frees and bringing in a load more on frees etc. It looks as though he'll miss the target by 15 points and unless Cotese is 100% certain he won't reach for the revolver if we start badly next season he will have to go unless we finish the season very strongly. The last 16 games - 10 at home and away trips to such giants as Tranmere, Yeovil, Gillingham, MK Dons, Bristol Rovers & Brighton. Minimum return 35 points or he has to go.

I think Seabourne will play Tuesday. It'll be interesting to see how he manages Jaidi. I don't think he's going to want to alternate his centre halves once we get in to March and April and we play twice a week most weeks.

79 is a bit high. Every year since 2004 76 points has been enough with some seasons it being as low as 71.

That's the paradox. If we show promotion form over the last eighteen matches with 10 of them at home (Norwich apart the away games are much better than they could be) we should get very close to the play offs.

Last 16 games - 10 at home and of the 6 away none of the big boys. IF we can get to 40 points after the next two I'll still believe there is a chance.

I quite agree. People are taking this building business to far and using it as an excuse for Pardew. What do people think will happen if we only win one of the first five next season?

It isn't what other teams do that is most important. We need 73/74 points to have hope - it is as simple as that. 6/7 out of 9 in the next 3 league games that are all away and we'll be well placed for a push over the last 16 games (10 of which are at home).

Swindon 2 up. Looks like there is far too much ground between us and any of the top five......

Just an idea; maybe individuals have to be involved for a full year before they get included?

One hell of a big site for a new Aldi or Lidl! Nobody is going to buy SMS, demolish it and put something else there. It will not happen.

Fee for Skacel? Must be dreaming! We'll be begging him, Saga, Rasiak and Thomas to tear up their contracts and go.

Okay how much then? I take it a few grand changed hands. It was another Rupert knows best signing. He was probably expecting him to be linked with Arsenal now after spearheading our charge to the play offs this season!!!! We were not in a position at the start of this season to take punts on eighteen year olds with absolutely no experience in this country. It was plain wrong; simple as that.

That is pretty normal for out of contract players!!!!!!

Quite right, nobody else will want them. I wonder whether Skacel, Rasiak and Saganowski will cancel the last year of their contracts? I'm pretty sure nobody will pay them what we are contractually bound to.

If we can afford it the first bloke we should be getting is Cox from Swindon. 27 goals in a team fighting relegation is an exceptional return.

The one problem that is far more significant (financially) than anything else is finding someone to take Skacel. Does anybody know if Watford are going to take Rasiak?

Quite right. If Forest wanted to be mischevious could they just give us the bare minimum and leave the rest of the seats empty?

good shout

That's about right I reckon. I don't think Forest will beat Blackpool - they'll need to get something to make sure they're safe before the final day. If Norwich lose today, I see them losing one of their last two games. Us winning next week and beating Forest is the stuff of fantasy.

We'd need Forest not to win next Sat (Blackpool A) and Norwich to lose one of their last two games after today (Reading H, Charlton A). If Forest got the draw we'd probably need to beat them by a couple. Very slim chance.

2-1 Ipswich

Released from Plymouth and we give him a three, yes THREE year contract! It absolutely beggars belief!

Somebody reassure me that Wotton won't play again this season, please?

Yes, a rather expensive one.

So if that is the case why are they mucking about. If it is all down to what they want they could have just said on tuesday -10, like it or lump it.