Legod Third Coming

I know there is no convincing you but ultimately two relegations outweigh any good that was done and for every Niemi there is an Augustin Delgado and failure to agree terms with Emanuel Adebayor... So on this I will not argue. However, the idea that the current regime should be judged by the same standard of performance as Rupert Lowe is grossly unfair. Lowe inherited a team who had been settled in the first division long before his arrival (18 years), and in fact had performed admirably better before his arrival than after. The current owners inherited a business in administration and are conducting business turnaround. If the current regime reach the Premier League it dwarfs the Lowe era achievements.

That would be with Ashley Young on the wing ripping us apart with pace and movement... Boothroyd is usng what resources he's got. He's currently ahead of us in the league. This is sour grapes and makes us sound like a bunch of **** if you want my honest opinion. They did us today, good luck to 'em. I'll take my chances on billiard table at Wembley with Wembley ball boys!

Yes, but moaning about it is pointless. You go there and stuff the feckers, that's how you deal with them.

Knighthood in the NY honours.

A harsh lesson for you friend. We are a League One club. Premiership aspirations but a League One club for now.

I would like to see central midfield cover for Morgan and Hammond. Wotton is limited as a 'sweeper/holding player' and fair play to him does the job ok. We lack a more forward-thinking Lampard type who can do the job Hammond should be doing while Morgan sweeps around. Would also like to see another left back as cover/competition for Harding and potentially a striker. Although we have Papa, Connolly and Lambert, we lack a fourth striker with experience (I'd love Paterson to be that man but I think it's too early yet).

Only creditors and shareholders will receive this documentation, from my experience.

My genuine hope is that we get there, under Pardew, and that we keep investing in the team and do what Aston Villa have done. As a club, we had this opportunity once in the early 80s and blew it. I really hope we don't do the same again... People might think it crazy, but I see no reason why (over a period) we could not aim to compete with the Chelseas of this world (never with Liverpool or United - well not in my lifetime because of their heritage which is something you cannot buy)... Our owner is wealthier than the Russian, after all!

No, we need to get back to the Premiership and keep improving, keep investing in the team and keep being competitive. With a stable management team, a fully invested playing squad and a vision and understanding of what makes for a successful football club - a focus first and foremost on the playing staff. Anything else would be a travesty and waste of the Swiss money. That way, we will not be floundering and the least successful team in the land (which is what we were for a decade during which we lost MORE games than any other team in professional English football). Do not kid yourself that those last day escapes were any measure of success. They were evidence of perpetual failings.

Hush your mouth!!!! The minute I saw the colour of the Swiss Franc and Pardew I knew...

Hahahahah - funnily enough I was thinking about that clown while I was turning the pages of what must be one of the most honest autobiographies for years. Matt can't help himself but also reveals so much about his personality. The truth is Le Tiss could have been an even better player, and probably did lack the drive and determination to make it happen. BUT - his analysis of what went on behind the scenes (first hand) is spot on.

I got 150/1 to win the league (although that's looking tough now!) 18/1 for promotion which I thought were cracking odds!

I did (as my betting slip proves)...

I know it is probably not the most balanced view in the world, but reading Matt's autobiography over Xmas is a shocking reminder of some of the most bizarre decisions in football history (not all Rupert's mind)... I just hope and pray that we might now return to the 'three managers post-war' mentality. Oh and Matt is right, it is a DISGRACE that our most successful ever manager is not honoured at our club.

Have a good day boxing at Colchester?? Are we playing Ricky Hatton???

I have just finished Taking Le Tiss and I suspect Rupert is equally engrossed...

Perhaps if your Burberry cap had a shorter peak...

More people turned up to watch Saints than Manchester United, how the mighty have fallen...

Aye, waited until we got stuffed 4-1 at home to Palarse first of course!!!! That was the day I knew we were in trouble...

I always thought that Burley's failure to replace Baird was the major cause of our near-relegation. He was a class act in the Championship.

Agreed on all the above but hope you are wrong about Morgan!!!!!!

How many goals did Rooney and Giggs score against Fulham last week?? Football is not a science. Sometimes you can throw all the best ingredients together and make Pot Noodle. Sometimes you think you've got bugger all in the fridge but can make a glorious pasta salad. There's no doubt we all wanted more points in those first six games but you have to accept the manager was using them as the pre-season he didn't have, seeing who could play and where. I don't doubt he was also expecting better from some of the players he had. If you don't like it blame Rupert Lowe and Barry the Briefcase...

Possibly. Depends what Pardew thought he was going to inherit and the reality of what he did inherit. Like Lancashire playing at centre back and no left back to speak of... Can you imagine life without Jaidi, Trottman or Harding back there now... scary thought!

Our first six games were a foundation - that's the difference. We were lucky not to become detached. But in hindsight, the results were not a disaster when you look at where the teams we played are currently in the league. Had Pinnacle not cost us the entire pre-season we could be in the playoffs now and then some!

I agree. If we're playing poorly and winning every week, God help our competition when we click!!!