DT

How does he manage to find so many boring, safe players to play? With all that talent available it’s a singular skill that Southgate still finds room for drab players like Henderson.

Can't see that happening if we draw tbh

I think we will lose 0-1 and Ralph will be toast. I hope it all clicks and we tonk them 3-0

If we were to make a change, now would have been the obvious time in the international break. Or perhaps they have spent the time doing due diligence on lining someone up over the next couple of games, depending on results

It’s Graeme Le Saux. Ex saint…

I’d stick Greg Wallace up front. Torode in the hole

Ralph-esque subs there by Southgate. 1-0 down against Italy. Bring on Luke Shaw. That should do it.

😉

Ballard. Get him in the first team.

See also: cabinet minister

Ralph still second favourite to be next manager to leave his job behind Rodgers but moving out (I think) at 9/4. Was probably just a few punters getting on after seeing that Wiki nonsense. Actually would quite like it to happen though, I suddenly realise

Guys. Poch isn't coming.

I would agree with that. Might be an okay guy but tactically I think he's very odd, and man manager wise he can't be much cop. Chooses wrong players for roles, doesn't seem very aware of needs to alter position, mid-game, doesn't really inspire. Think wheels may be in motion to look to the next person.

Agree. Seems to have this belief that 'keeping it tight' (ie no attacking at all) in the first half will then transition to us nicking a goal and clinging on for dear life. Only thing possible with our budget etc etc. More adventurous managers would get more out of this crop of players. Still in the 'replace him soon please' camp, I'm afraid. Might be very costly all round if we don't.

Might be a good time to approach Thomas Frank, if that's still in our thinking.

Isn't Ralph 'retiring' next year? I hope we have our own replacement nice and lined up. Suspect he may be a coach at the club at the moment...

exactly this. such a knee-jerk national fetish for 'grieving' being all about being sad and morose rather than celebrating a life. Pathetic really.

Agree

One of the upsides of having a bang average manager with a pretty dismal record is that big clubs do g come calling like they do with Brighton and Potter. But I wonder whether Ralph still plans to retire next year and if we have a replacement lined up. Potter after he is sacked at Chelsea ?

I think he'd be ideal for England. Was very pro him for us when lots of others on here said he was rubbish, incidentally. That ship sailed long ago though. Has the right mentality and calm authority for that one

and Poch would be much more their style (and his)

Can we recall loans, in extremis? (not you, Bedders)

I think Potter will turn it down and wait for the England job

Looks like at least Thomas Frank may be a bit unsettled for our match as reports suggest Leicester want him to replace Rodgers, who in turn fancies the Villa job, armed with his 10-15m compo. Merry go round! May help us, or hinder if Frank declares undying loyalty before kick off...

Happy for him, but also us. Think he held us back in more than one way on the field and perhaps a few off it (who knows?). Did strike me as a moaner, and never really ddid what he could have done - attacked with conviction and verve. Too much sideways and back, or poor end product. Think the team will benefit as a consequence, but hope he has a good time in Turkey and can find more of his level.