Thank you for your attention to this matter!

Agree Jack. Lots to legitimately criticise this season but tonight showed what we are capable of. Like that the formation allowed Xavi to get on it more, maybe a template to follow, at least until the end of the season

Doctor Frankfurt

And by this point there should be at least some signs of progression, collectively and individually. I struggle to think of any. I do believe we need to back a manager and a project but what sane person sticks with something where all of the tangible evidence suggests the outcomes are negative?

The reason he has to go, beyond all else, is that the only time we look even half decent is when we’re already losing and the game becomes chaotic. In normal state, we’re too easy to defend against and too easy to attack against. Semi decent patches when you’ve nothing to lose is not progress.

If he goes, maybe the late goal is a dark blessing. Another “unlucky” 1-1 probably doesn’t move the needle but I think this may. Probably gonna give it Heitinga to the end of the season. Most likely brought in with one eye on that.

We should be called Noughts (through balls) and Crosses FC

Two bad football teams showcasing why they are so

More chance of getting Charlie Adam mate

Worryingly I don’t think the players have downed tools.

Just no ability to keep or progress the ball at pace means we are constantly out of shape and the defensive distances are wrong as well.

If this keeps happening it’s no wonder individuals get disheartened constantly caught out of position

We’re easy to defend against and easy to attack against. It’s so poor and it’s embarrassing.

Play him at 8, we’re short of those 🤦🏻‍♂️

I like the recognition of the divide between supporters and club. I also like the specific reference to wage structure, very pointed and deliberate.

Feels like we are at the forming or maybe early storming stage of the exec setup. Question is, how long until we get to norming and performing?

Calm & sensible is making sure the next appointment is the right one. As this season is now a write off with little relegation jeopardy, the board’s perspective is likely to leave him in post. If by some miracle it improves, they’re lauded. If not, time to recruit without constant speculation

Ask him about Frank!

I don’t really see how it’s anything other than a throwaway at this point unfortunately

Villa’s ball progression through the lines only serves to illustrate how inept we are. You can see our players constantly looking over their shoulders and not being able to cover the angles. They just sit in their block and don’t move and we fail to trouble it.

I think these things interplay…tactics = safety first mindset = less progressive attempts made = less expectation of receiving the ball = less off ball movement = less available passes = safety first mindset. Vicious circle.

I’m no apologist for Lange et al. but I think this interpretation is wrong. He said the other day we have a list for every position.

I take it that we are trying multiple avenues within those lists to see what’s viable. The selling club has to want to sell and usually needs to find a replacement

This is a brilliantly written article and a great read.

It boils down to intent. Logic says you’re better playing aspirational football, trying to emulate the best. If current squad strength then dictates the outcome is mid table, we at least have a platform to build better players into.

I think that statement in itself says a lot, unfortunately. We’re so far off competitive that we’re hoping that two or more big signings will get us to functional. Incidentally, I agree with you, but it’s indicative of how far the standard and expectations have fallen

And that’s it in a nutshell isn’t it. If you’re so bored and apathetic when watching us play (as I am), then you have to ask yourself, what’s the point?

Or perhaps Canon did it better…

Just up the road from me…it is indeed a beautiful spot

This is very true. Sometimes things don’t work out as you expect or hope, no matter how thorough you thought your due diligence was.
If so, the next step is to be objectively critical of the situation and act accordingly, regardless of how it paints your original decision. Easier said than done thou

Yeah I can’t think of many either. We seem to either lose them before they become valuable, botch loans, or let them stagnate so long that their value is nominal. Definitely one of many areas that needs to improve under Vinai.

Problem is, if we tried to do it you know we’re getting lumbered with a load of flops we couldn’t shift. Hard enough selling our first teamers, let alone fringe players 🤦🏻‍♂️

I enjoy it when the team I like get to do a big kick into the goal. Get in that net you bloody little rascal!

Such a weird half of football. Slavia are absolutely and clearly there for the taking yet we’ve contrived to concede a number of half chances to them. Disjointed and poor decision making for the most part.

The Beach Bogs