Toussaint

It feels like he's a busted flush, his authority has gone, its seems to have gone around the time of Villa away. We can only speculate why that is, he's not in the new owners plans, players had enough of Ralph looney ball, Ralph's retirement announcement, half the squad either being shown the door or wanting out... the list goes on. But in answer to your question, I think he's pretty much done with this squad.

Redmond wouldn’t have been there, he’d have played a short sideways or backwards pass 25 yards out and then taken a position where he couldn’t receive a return pass.

For me it was when Ralph started experimenting with some strange fashions known generally as “haute du p’do”, generally giving the impression of modelling himself on a choir master with an unhealthy interest in his young choristers. This, I believe, greatly unnerved some of the younger players.

It’s simply moneyball, the last few years, but I’ve always believed the moneyball philosophy is playing Russian Roulette with relegation. I think we will get away with it this season but we need a drastic change in strategy to continue. I do believe the people in power now understand that.

That sounds like being a little bit pregnant

I always do that!

There is only 1 relegation spot left, so I don’t think we’ll go down, especially after Burnley losing, but it’s not really the point is it?

In response to your first paragraph, I only saw the last half hour but I wouldn’t call it control, we had lots of meaningless possession about 20 - 25 yards from goal with no penetration, it was so comfortable for Brentford

If the last eleven games form continued over a season we’d be on for a heady 17 points.

Pause it there and go for a nice walk

It wouldn’t have happened like this if we hadn’t bullied Ralph into playing AA, we are normally rock solid without him.

What is Diallo like, I’m not a fan, I was wondering if today is his last chance before being loaned or flogged.

What about Pep and his Merry band of midgets, what is he thinking?

I was there and didn't get that vibe. I agree he didn't look comfortable, but no manager in any business would look comfortable facing the stakeholders after sustained poor results. What I got, just my interpretation, was that there is recognition from the owner and the chairman that the league is improving and we are not, therefore we are falling behind, which is always the result of standing still. I think Ralph's "not good enough" quote bears this out. I also picked up a whiff of a big clear out, which is why I concluded that Ralph is staying but a number of the players are not. I could be 100% wrong of course. I don't think its fair to compare with the ladies, as I understand things they are very well funded in the sphere they operate in.

If it isn't that Ralph then please tell us what is behind the pathetic 5 points from the last 30 available?

Hope so, hope he's central to the rebuild.

First team players moving on this summer (pure speculation) Redmond, Stephens, McCarthy, Djneppo, AA, JWP (oh no!), Bednarek, Walcott (wishful thinking), Broja.

I’m not sure you can jump to the conclusion that he is proposing developing talent to sell, per se. Hopefully we can keep hold of some developed talent? Of course we know what happens to very good players who play for teams lower down the food chain, I wouldn’t hold that against him as that is out of his hands.

You were there too?

I have heard a number of things in the last few days that make me thing Ralph will be here next year but a significant number of the current the first team squad won't be, which may explain the massive performance drop off.

Goal of the season - JWP Players player of the season - JWP Fans player of the season - JWP Can't argue with any of that, in his own way he is the new MLT, take away his goals and assists and we'd be somewhere where Norwich and Villa are

I think that's part of it, but we also seem to have had a policy of recruiting "nice boys" for some time, when we could really do with a couple of shithouses in the team, but they would be inevitably harder to manage, and the club and management would not entertain that.

My opinion is not based on that article, it’s based on my observations. A few months ago there was a lot of talk about him wanting to stay, his family wanting him to stay and do on. That went very quiet and his form went off a cliff. Of course I can’t be “certain” but I don’t need to be as it just a football forum where on blows off a bit of steam now and then

Well not as stupid as it sounds, if he could make himself useful by mopping floors, unblocking toilets, opening up for evening functions etc I wouldn’t be so bitter about the money he gets paid, at least with the combined cheerleader / janitorial role he’d be showing willing.