Chaser

Harper was at fault for balls coming into the box and not calling for them. They dipped a right sided cross right in front of one of theirs which fortunately they missed. Taylor left it and it should have been Harps ball. Maybe another who is devoid of confidence. I said to my smoggy mate after this game that I think we could now go on to beat Fulham and put ourselves safe. I'd prefer to see the Mackems go down over the Boro but looks like they are doomed.

Im certainly not getting too carried away. Still 2 games to go and its not over yet. What took the shine off tonights result was seeing the fat controller sitting with the biggest smile on his face, obviously pleased that his Sports Direct flags went down well and he's been saved from financial ruin. Survival means nothing without completely overhauling the team in the summer to make sure that this doesnt happen again next season. A vital 3 points, but its against a team which looked very much like a Championship one.

There definitely needs to be a limit on investment of players. I guess theres nothing wrong with spending on facilities, but when you have teams who just can't compete before the competition has even started is when the game begins to die. Its been going downhill for a few years now with Billionnaire owners and the wealth being concentrated at the top of the league. The more successful they are, the further they stretch the gap between them and the rest of us. Sour grapes? Maybe, but I dont think the league or even world football can sustain much more growth in money. I think we're nearing a point where theres a potential implosion going to happen.

There are many other clubs which should be in the PL which are languishing in the lower leagues. Leeds being the biggest casualty but the likes of Sheffield Wednesday, Coventry & Forest all have pedigree in the top division yet have spent quite a few years now in the 2nd or even 3rd tier of football. I think if we do go down, I cant see why we couldnt restructure like the likes of Reading & Birmingham have and bounce back up. If relegation is more or less confirmed on Monday night, I guess we'll have to look to try to take positives from it in that it could allow us to clear out the deadwood the club has been storing for too long. There are honestly about 4 or 5 players which I'd look to keep from the whole squad which says a lot about the players and provides the reason for us being in this position.

I think AS will be the only manager who does get time at this football club at the present time bar KK coming back again

Its got the makings of the worst premier league match 0-0 terrible play and both supporters to end up crying at the final whistle.

Mine would be Harper Beye, Colo, Bassong, Duff Guthrie, Barton, Nolan, Jonas Lovenkrands, Carroll. Subs: Krul, RTaylor, Smith, Martins, Geremi, Viduka, Gonzalez (nothing to lose) Scary looking team to put out against a side running for the championship. I reckon that side could do no worse than the side that was put out yesterday.

I thought we looked far too narrow, the midfield wasnt linking at all with the forwards, and when the forwards dropped deep, there was no one up top to put it across to. The only time we threatened was from a wide position yet we were trying to put the ball through the middle without success. Martins kept hold of the ball far too long at times and broke up attacks.

I didnt mind the idea of scarves, flags or cards, neither did I mind the rendition of Blaydon Races when it was on the telly. It was after that when Danby was singing songs to get the fans going, it was then I thought it was tinpot.

To stay Harper, Beye, Bassong, Jonas To go The rest of them. There is a too much deadwood in the team, the likes of Geremi and Cacapa amongst others who should be collecting their pensions.

Oh and we do?

Looking at tonights performance, we need players who are going to stand up and be counted. Theres too many out there who dont want the ball or arent prepared to go for the final ball. Owen was probably the most absent player on the pitch tonight and just didnt provide anything to support his inclusion. Martins looked lively but yet again his touch and probably a lack of confidence has let him down. Viduka showed those little glimpses which can win games but was just short on match fitness, something we dont have time for. In midfield, Smith was battling all day and alongside Butt probably kept us in the game. Once Butt went off, we lost shape and focus and the lack of his leadership showed. Duff tracked back and got himself in important positions defensively. Once Pennant came on, he was struggling with both him and Johnson running down their right flank. Guthrie looks short on confidence. Managed to put most of his corners in the right areas, but just felt that he slowed up the play when going forward as he tended to drop it sideways rather than play it up. Same could have been said for Martins at times and in the first half, was frustratingly ball greedy opting to run with it rather than play the pass and run. Jonas looked like he might do something when he first came on, but quickly faded and didnt do anything after that. We desperately need someone who can come in and create or at least have no fear at going for it and just taking some responsibility. I hope Butt stays fit as it looks like he is the real Captain, for me Owen is simply a Captain by name nothing else. Didnt ever look to be attempting to motivate the players. I said we had to get 3 points today and we havent done it. Personally, I now think we're beyond safety and we're going into freefall. My mate predicted a big club would go this season and it looks like its us. When it is confirmed, I dont expect us to bounce back up next season. I think this is just the beginning of some very dark years.

Anything less than 3 points is a disaster, its now us vs Boro/Sunderland/Hull

I love the bit about John Fashanu's cologne He is an arse but he is a good writer no doubt about that. Very eloquent. Stuart Hall for the new generation

Still the first fixtures I look at when they come out at the beginning of the season. If both are gone, then it takes that little bit of an edge off the competition Still think it'll be WBA, Boro & Portsmouth. I was 80% certain that we would be in the bottom three come the end of it, but with a bit of renewed hope, i'd say our chances are now about 50-50

I cant see how JoKin can come back, however one thing this club has taught me is that I should never underestimate Newcastle United in doing the unthinkable.

Dowie confirmed as assistant which is good news. Liked Dowie when he was Palace & Charlton manager.

Kinnear isnt high profile enough to be DOF.

Right just seen this on the Beeb and had to check this place to make sure before I went to work. I am wary that this is a bad April Fools but its definitely a bolt from the blue if it isnt. With Wise leaving at the end of the season, providing we can stay up then this could be a right time appointment. I am wary that he's a legend with no managerial experience and Ashley is clearly again trying to capture our hearts like he did with Keegan. More than anything, I just hope that they learnt the mistakes first time round with Kev and dont mess things up again. This has to be a morale boost for the players especially the likes of Butt, Owen and co. With Shearer on board, we might start to see some of the old guard coming back to coach which can only be a positive.

Sounded like Bruce is still keeping himself in the shop window if the opportunity comes up. I fear that even if we had a good manager in place, the structure around them would mean that any difference would be negligible. There is a cancer in the club which has spread way too quickly since MA. Better the devil you know with Shepherd. He should have stayed and called in the investors to stave off the receivers.

Bruce would get my vote for being the next appointment. Think he's done a good job at Wigan taking everything into account. Seems to have Bramble playing decently which means he might just get Collo doing the same. Reckon he'd come to us in the Championship though?

pretty much exactly what I had in mind, where do you live? hmmm that's a tricky one I wonder where RobCHESTER lives aye but if you look closely revolver (was he robchester at some point?) doesn't have any location clues in his profile or name Tbh I misread the name and hadn't even realised Peasepud, Im here I dont live in Chester either, im near Smogville.

Very insightful piece, on both what happened at the club post Robson and also why Bernard never got a game on his return. Speaks well of the club and obviously loves it up here. Wish him all the best for his next venture.

Sheringham Fowler Collymore

Started for 10... Shearer Sir Les