Dusic

Depends on the league games before we play Chelsea, but overall staying up is the main factor. Our realistic chances of winning the cup are slim, but you never know.

So, the vocal section of the fanbase who have been calling for two strikers got their wish yesterday and for the first 45 minutes we played as poorly as we have all season, barely creating a single chance. To add to that, we were absolutely bossed in central midfield where Hojbjerg and Lemina were overrun and often left looking for a pass with nobody anywhere near them. Do similar against the likes of Arsenal, Chelsea, City (and probably others in the PL) and we would have been hammered, especially as our two centre backs look like they need all the protection they can get. Second half we were much better, but none of our chances really occured because we had two strikers on the pitch. Will be interesting to see how Hughes goes in the PL, especially with so many away games but IMO with two strikers plus two wide players who don't track back very well we could be left very exposed against better players. Afterall, the only teams in the PL who play with two are either a.) the extremely direct teams who don't care about having 30% possession (see Burnley) or the very good teams who dominate anyway (Spurs, sometimes City). Certainly for me its a myth that this is the only way to be able to improve our attack. We definitely missed the extra midfielder yesterday for large parts.

Dire first half, up there with anything this season, really poor. Second was good though, against tiring opposition who pushed forward. Most PL sides would have battered us first half. Still not sure that two strikers really helped us and certainly most PL sides would expose us through the middle. Wembley though, good stuff!

Hopefully we can hit the channels and get their back four facing their own goal.

The home atmosphere is crap and some players do get a hell of a lot more stick than others so little surprise they have noticed it and don't especially love playing there.

Seconded.

Don't mind him, just doesn't play enough minutes for what we pay him.

Now Cheltenham is over he canconcentrate on his day job.

West Ham game is massive. Lose that and they are safe I think, leaving the nunber of catchable teams very low. Hudds have good fixtures for now, then tougher. Palace the reverse. Ultimately I think Hudds are more likely to drop than Palace, but they do have very winnable games. Our record against the teams around us is crap this season and I think to stay up we have to beat West Ham and Swansea.

Thats why Palace will stay up easily.

With Head Boy Wilson wearing one of Reedo's cast off suits. Comedy duo.

Good interview. He is a solid, safe pair of hands for what is likely to be a fruitless task anyway, especially if we lose vs West Ham which is an absolutely huge game. If they win, they are safe pretty much and the number of teams we can catch would start being drastically reduced. For balance, interesting comments from Mark Schwarzer: http://www.skysports.com/football/news/11700/11290386/mark-hughes-out-of-his-comfort-zone-inspiring-southampton-says-mark-schwarzer

Solid appointment at a stage where few would be interested. Note that Reed nor Krueger have made a single comment on either Pellegrino nor Hughes via the website. Pretty spineless leadership.

Still thinking we will be fine, pal?

Biggest thing he needs to do is find a way for us to be more of a threat without being too open. Two strikers isn't always the answer to not scoring, especially given some of the games we have to come. Mostly though, it will be changing the mentality of the players and trying to instill a bit of belief and confidence.

On a short term 8 game deal how can anyone really say its the wrong appointment? The whole thing is a gamble, thats the point, there is no right or wrong, just a gamble that may or may not work but which was made necessary because we were just drifting to relegation. Short term deal is the best option for all parties. Reconsider in the summer at either way the requirement then will be different to now. Key in these sort of scenarios is to get a good start. Lose to Wigan and WH and it will unravel quickly. Beat WH especially and it will look positive.

Some people would do well to remember: a.) We are 17th in the PL b.) There are only 8 games left c.) Most of those are hard games meaning relegation is more likely than not Hughes is experienced in the PL, knows our players well and our opponents. Whether he is in charge still in August is irrelevant. He is being appointed right now with a view on now. On those terms, I don't see many better options, simply because we waited too long to fire Pellegrino. Bit rich to moan when 99% wanted Pellegrino out. Who did people thinknwe would be getting? Rodgers, Tuchel, Wagner? Delusional.

Its for 8 games. Things like youth promotion is a non factor, and have no PL ready young players anyway. What we want is someone who can motivate the players short term, who gives them confidence and most importantly works out the best way to win with this set of players right now. For me: Silva - last thing he needs in his career is another short term role Hughes - from the obvious names he is the safest bet. Very PL experienced, firm character which is what our squad needs and knows all the PL sides and playera well, including ours. No communication problems or settle in time Billic - slightly similar to Hughes but a bit more maverick. Can't really setup a defence though Rodgers - delusional if anyone thinks there is a chance of that Pearson - saved us in the Championship ages ago. Lots has happened since then. Old timer IMO. Strachan - see Pearson I think it will be Hughes or someone not yet mentioned.

No incentive really for Silva with Benfica or Everton on the horizon.

http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/marco-silva-benfica-head-coach-rui-vitoria-a8252431.html Silva not an option by the sound of it.

If it doesn't happen today then it won't IMO. And thats relegation without even making a gamble to stay up, either in Jan despite money available, or by changing the Manager. Unforgivable mismanagement.

You would be suprised. Which is why its ridiculous we are even in this position.

Or we are down without a real fight. At least try something FFS. Reed and Krueger are so weak if they put their own reputstion as stability merchants ahead of an absolutely obvious need to make a change. Two weeks before the next league game. No brainer.

If Newcastle, Hudds and West Ham all win today which is very possible then we are screwed. Really we deserve to go down, easily one of the three worst teams this season.

Sensible lineup. Better players than Newcastle. Go and win.