SKD

I wouldn't blame you for being negative. Even at international level, the standard is extremely poor (considering they are supposed to be elite performers, I can't imagine how bad it is at 'championship' level. The recent focus on women's football is all down to PC anyway. A different subject all together I know, but don't get me started on BAME managers.. How about just give it to the best man / women for the job (I'm not saying that currently happens BTW, football is notoriously 'a job for the boys').

This is where you are spot on - On field matters do not sit with Ralph, they sit with Les. Ralph has actually done a pretty decent job (greater exposure abroad, big commercial deal, maintaining a profit etc...). His only fault is putting too much trust in Les Reed. He could also do with someone above him applying pressure so they are both responsible for their actions. In the current structure, if I had to pick 1 to go, it'd be Les.

On the balance of what we have seen, he would offer just as much (if not more) than Carrillo has

:lol: Someone send him this on twitter - It would be great!

I do agree with you, but in fairness Butland is one of the best keepers in the PL - He would certainly improve us (If we could attract him, I think he'll go to Liverpool personally). Other than Butland, the only player I would take is Shaqiri but I'm not sure he would suit us and we would find better value else where. If we are to take a player from any potential relegated side, I hope it's Aaron Mooy from Huddersfield.

Fair enough, I’ll say sorry. Your post didn’t read like that, but it’ll Teach me not to jump to conclusions. Unfortunately many fans will do as I said though.

Agree.

This is about the only thing right with this post. The fact games like this attract fans like you leaves a bitter taste in my mouth about getting there.

Can agree with the OP. Having been fortunate enough to head to Israel in the EL last season, both Tel Aviv and Jerusalem are amazing places! Completely not what I expected. For me, the best place I have personally been is Vancouver. Stunning in the summer and great for winter sports during the colder months. St Lucia (best beach I've seen) and Rio (was out there for the world cup) also up there.

The only time it is worth having a membership is to cover times like this - Having given up my ST for this season, I now fall into the category of having attended around 10 games, both home and away (including all of the cup games, other than Watford), but run the risk of not getting a ticket as I don't have a membership. Not that I'm complaining as I knew that giving up an ST would result in this should we get here. Fortunately, I know a few people at the club, so I should be sorted.

I do tend to agree - same can be said about Austin, as well (the more of a threat, not that he's been poor).

May as well just copy and paste the January thread. We still need a CB, pacey winger and a CF as a priority. A nice to have is GK and creative CM (Still want Wilshere, although doubt much chance now... got laughed at for suggesting him pre-season, but he's showing the class that I knew he had, again this season).

Hughes and Arnautovic hate each other.

Clearly a MP signing.... Clearly overpaid (massively, probably by about £5m-£10m).... Clearly a panic buy.... Whilst he hasn't been great, I saw a few things that I thought could help us improve, but he seemingly has got worse. It was clear we wanted to target man (we'll someone who can hold the ball up) but I honestly think we could have found someone in the lower leagues or even abroad for about £5m or less, who would offer the same as Carrillo has. I hope he improves (not confident in that though), but we are crying out for Austin to return. A massive ***** up by the board on all accounts on this transfer.

The squad have been unfit since they replaced an out and out 'fitness coach' (Jan Kluitenberg), with a student bod who is putting too much focus on sports science. All IMO, of course...

A positive first interview from Hughes and I'm very much warming to the idea of keeping him next season (of course results will impact that). A few concerning points around intensity etc.. which really do show how out of his depth MP (and Eric black, who I and a few others, told you is a poor coach) was. Hopefully he can get the best out of our underperforming players and if he can, he's got a pretty easy job on his hands.

What, them comments that turned out to be 100% accurate. He had no affiliation to us, that was his opinion (which looking back, was right), he was entitled to express it.

Les and West Ham are made for each other. I hope he *****'s off before he runs us further into the ground. He might do alright with someone breathing down his neck, but he has far too much power and a far too big ego. Les leaving will be the best thing that could ever happen to us.

Agree - would be the perfect manager for us in the championship, IMO.

Disagree on this one. Unless he comfortably keeps us up and wins the cup, then yes, I agree. I think the fact we waited so long to sack MP and that we've only given him an 8 game contract suggests that we have our eye on someone in the summer. Or at the very least want to keep our options open. (should we stay up) Personally, I think we'll go for Rodgers or Emery. (If we go down, I wouldn't be surprised if we kept Hughes - all depends on how we perform over the next 9-11 games.

That’s also where they conducted interviews over past couple of days. Rented a few conference suits. Was told Marco Silva interviewed yesterday, but starting to doubt and think they got the wrong Mark!

All but signed. Expecting it to be announced tomorrow He’s currently staying in that new hotel in ocean village. I’m pretty happy happy if I’m honest, could have been worse.

Tell him that I f he wants an interview he’ll have to follow our strict criteria: Be unemployed Happy to play Les’ favoured formation Happy to answer to Les FWIW I think Rowett would be great for us, not sure we’d be great for him though!

I think we’ll play in a similar way to how we did under Koeman. Defensively organised, break with pace on the counter. Think we’ll continue to play 4231, but expect him to show a bit more flexibility. I think we’ll do alright.

I think this pretty much sums it up. Not anyone’s first choice, but good enough to keep us up and probably the best fit of those available. I’d be concerned if we keep him into next season (unless we go down, where he’ll be perfect). 2/3 more wins should see us safe.