MarkSFC

Now this I could get on board with... I could see 3 or 4 "EUROPEAN DIVISIONS" fed into from the various countries. Might be slightly complicated but as long as there is promotion and relegation all the way through, (so in theory Barcelona for example could end up back in the Spanish league) then I think it would be good. As a standalone I'm not sure.

I do think it's time for Ralph to leave. I don't think it's all his fault. I think the second 9-0 defeat has completely knocked the stuffing put of the players and the club. The subsequent performances suggest that players are just trying to hang on rather than what happened after the Leicester one and the fighting spirit. It looks to me like everyone is just done. I think we are in a worse position psychologically than even a relegated team would be. Time for big changes.

I think Ralph is a good manager/coach. I think he some flaws. Are his strengths beneficial to the long term success of the first team? Maybe, maybe not. Are his flaws detrimental to the long term success of our first team? Maybe, maybe not. And here in lies the problem I suspect the board are pondering. At his best, we are superb. At our worse we are abysmal. I think there are many mitigating factors for the downside, such as Covid and the training environment, a squad full of players on loan, and the consequences of them on the buget, and an injury problem I am struggling to recall ever being so bd in such a short period of time. I think he has a bit of the Wenger about him, in his stubbornness to play his way ALL THE TIME!! His substitutions (or lack of them) are frustrating, the latest example being on Monday when he just waited and waited and waited and then it was pointless. The question is, if he was to be replaced, who would come in. I have no idea who, but I am not a fan of Howe for example, and would want someone who is up and coming, rather than looking for a job for the sake of a job. Sometimes in leadership you need to hold your nerve. Tere is the famous example of Alex Fergusson being on the brink at Manure in his early days, and they held their nerve and reaped the benefit. This could be another example of that, although on a lesser scale it is all relevant, and its a bit different as the board have already held their nerve at least once. Although the financial position may well have prevented it in reality. Overall, and I'm not totally convinced even still, Id give Ralph the summer and the first 12-15 games to see. He still does not have "his team" due to the finances. This summer may allow that to be closer, especially if a takeover does occur and there is some more cash to invest in the team. 🤞

This "partnership" is not a good one, for all the reasons others have stated. Last night (and against Burnley) I thought Diallo was hesitant, negative and almost nervous. When he first played, I thought he was lively and skilful, but he seems to be inhibited now, most likely that he is being asked to do certain things which are slightly alien to him. He is playing consciously, rather than subconsciously (automation). We have missed Romeu a huge amount. Those who are being critical of JWP are being unfair in my opinion. I will agree that he is not the "hardest" but there are many players in that category who we would welcome with open arms. At the start of the season when we were playing great football I doubt these people even noticed. For me we need another CM in the Romeu mould. I hope AJ is that player but who knows. JWP is very clearly running on empty, physically and mentally. His corners and free kicks the last couple of games have been the worst of the season, particularly the speed. I have never really liked him as the captain, as he does not strike me as a verbal leader, just one who leads by example - which is great - but for me the captain on the field needs to be a motivator and organiser. I wonder if making Vestergaard captain would bring a little bit more from him and I like CBs being captain. On the basis he stays! Otherwise I'd probably make Armstrong Captain, but again, is he verbal enough?

It was interesting in todays press conference, as I sensed a bit of confidence from Ralph regarding transfer plans. Talked about early deals and this is not something you need to mention, so would think there's one or two fairly far down the line. I'll quite possibly be proved incorrect but I have a sneaky feeling that all 3 of Ings , Bertrand, and Vestergaard will end up staying. If that does prove to be the case I think the signing of Walcott and A.N.Other Striker will be all that is required up top. Sure you could sell Redmond or Djenneppo, or both and refresh but I wouldnt expect that. I like the prospect of Tella but think N'Dundulu wont make it here. I can see many of the fringe players going, cant remember all the names but the ones that I think will come through are Jankewietz (if he stays) and Caleb Watts next season. In CM Romeu, JWP, and Diallo are good, and if AJ does stay thats probably good enough. In worst case scenarios, Armstrong or Stephens can go in there. Although having mentioned Stephens I wonder if he will go, probably be lucky to get 10m for him but hes not going to get good enough to oust the 3 now ahead of him, and if there is a CB coming through (Tchapchat??) he will either block or get fed up not being involved. But we do need 4 CBs who can start! Fullback is obviously the big one this summer. I hope Bertrand stays, but like others I would like to see some more KWP energy on the left (not at the same time of course!!), but I think Bertrand is far better than given credit for. Someone to push him though (like Redmond has suffered and seemingly responded to, at least recently an short term) and start may be great. And someone who is perhaps a bit younger but can play RB as well, ideally a utility RB/CB? In the GK position, I would be fine with Fraser staying but think we should sell McCarthy and Gunn, and get at least one more in who should be able to start. All in all it could be a good summer.

It's points that matter. Last 16 games Newcastle are bottom of the league. https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/premier-league/formtabelle/wettbewerb/GB1?saison_id=2020&min=15&max=31

Steve Bruce has...

In his head....probably.

I think the mood in this thread of "sell him if we get X..." is the challenge the club has. It is proud of its academy and the success in bringing players through but if you end up selling them all you set the culture and mindset of players in the academy that you're here until we get the price we want fr you. That may mean you just play 25 games or 300 games or anywhere in between but that is an horrendous thing to have in the club. You could argue we are not too far away from that already but by not selling JWP and hopefully one or two more come through and stay for a long time over the next few years we avoid this. Of course, those players who are unquestionably too good for us (as a small number have been) then they may well be sold (subject to any ownership change and financial investment), but hopefully the majority of those will be young players we have bought and developed rather than had in the academy since teen years or before, which is a different thing. JWP has been the poster boy for our academy and him staying for most if not all of his career is very important for me for a few reasons, not mention he is turning into a very decent and useful footballer.

Its obvious we need a new owner/consortium, I'm curious to know though (particularly from those who are critical of Gao's total lack of investment in the business other than purchasing it) how much each season or up front you think any new owner(s) should / need to put in? Do you want them to invest in order to up the wage limit (which potentially takes the club beyond breakeven, should investment cease) or can better players be acquired without doing this? Can we even if they invest say 50m a year attract the type of players we need to progress ? Should their investment include/focus on the stadium in terms of capacity and facilities and therefore income?

It's a very very crucial next 3 games. A win at Bournemouth hopefully changes the mood and can be backed up with wins against Burnley and WBA and then we are near as damn it safe. Should we lose those 3 then we are under extreme pressure with only 7 games to get probsbly 8 or 9 points. We play Palace H Leicester H Liverpool A Fulham H Leeds H West Ham A in those 7.....Im not confident!!!!! Would you therefore wait until WBA game to change the manager? Win v WBA and lose v Burnley....slightly better. Jeez...who would be a CEO of Saints?!! The decision they face right now and over the next 2 or 3 weeks is huge and balanced on a very thin knife edge. We don't see the mood at Stappewood, we don't see how the players are with the manager. I would be in there Monday/Tuesday if I were Semmens seeing whether the players are still "believing in the manager". If they are. Stick. If not. Twist. Sad times.

It's really interesting because it clearly works very well with decent players (when they are fit). The quandary is perhaps the balance between teaching players this system/style so that they can move through the levels more easily and destroying their confidence with the style/method and internally. We've been exceptionally unlucky with injuries in the first team so tbe B team will of suffered losing players moving up and so too the 18s. I'm not worried we will go down but it's likely the league season finished very flatly. Let's hope somehow we can lift the Cup!!! I'd would give Ralph as long as possible. On tbe assumption we get new owners sooner rather than later we could be lucky enough to afford one or two better players and things change rather quickly. Next season also will not be as squashed not restrictive and obviously with fans so lots will change and lots can change. We just need to get to the psychological necessity of safety for everyone to calm down and let logic set in again😂😂 Im not saying though he is flawless. I do think there's been some strange selections and his substitutions are not the most inspired I've ever seen. I also think he needs to accept that we need to do what we do slightly differently at times. Sometimes we need to move the ball quicker. Sometimes we need to go longer. Sometimes we need to shut up shop. Overall I'm very pleased he is our manager and hope he gets the results to stay here for a long time to come.

Wow!!! Do you think Ings would deliberately play poorly in the months before the Euros, let alone in any case!! You my friend need to get out into the fresh air!!!

I haven't read the latest posts on this thread but I do think that RH should be left to see this season out and this will tell is how good he is when he has a full squad fit. There is so much contributing to this bad run but as bad as this is the start of the season was excellent. What matters is what it looks like after 38 games (and hopefully the FA Cup final😉). What concerns me right now is whether he has the mental energy. It's clearly been very tough time emotionally and I get the impression the bloke is knackered. Mental overload leads to poorer decisions. I also wonder whether he may offer his resignation. Forget the games against Everton and City, anything from then is a bonus, our season rest on the games before Leicester. Win 3 of those and the QF and season is very easy to finish.

My thoughts precisely.

Are we going into administration then? You incessant agenda (against Gao) is more tedius than the pedancy of MLG. Get over yourself mate.

Apparently we are signing Fu Kin Nowaan.

I think you're missing the point. To loan you usually pay a fee anyway. In this case we could pay the same fee but sign King on "permanent terms" for 6 months to get past the maximum loan period. Win win.

Was thinking the same. Reckon Ralph has wanted a left-footed AM and ANM fits the bill perfectly and also provides that LB cover. Must surely be motivated to perform given the Euros in the summer. If we get him on loan, great. If we get him with view to a permanent move....awesome.

So we're not considered a rival?!!! Would be very pleased if we get him.

It would be utterly crazy if not, unless very suddenly we have decided there's someone else in the club who can play LB!!!!

Certainly sounds plausible if a 19 year old who is on the brink of the first team, albeit maybe a year to 18 months if all goes well, "appears" to be throwing his toys out of the pram because one or two other kids have got in ahead of him in a couple of games. Seems pathetic attitude to me. Ego drives achievement and successful people but it also destroys some.

Bertrand will end up in the boardroom environment not on the coaching field by all accounts.

Please explain how that would work...

I wonder whether Ralph isnt actually too bothered either way. He has a history of building teams of young players and perhaps he has highlighted one or two younger players, probably 23-25, (theres been a few names bandied around on here) that he fancies more for the next 2-3 years.