Big TRon

Nailed. That's why I can't see the fans staying patient even if the Chairman does.

I don't disagree with that Alex, he will be given time if only to be seen to be given a chance. But the reality is, having made such a balls up of the easy fixtures this season will probably be a failure, so that means we'll have to look at next season. Patience is fine, but there has to be a long term goal at the end of it. I just don't see us achieving it with Bolton-style football.

Sam isn't going to get sacked this season, but I'll repeat what I said in the other thread: his brand of football will ultimately only get us so far. The best footballers don't play that way, plain and simple.

There's that bullshit about Wenger and Ferguson again. How does Sam's Bolton relate to the successful teams those two have built?

This thing about giving Sam time makes sense to a point, but what I'm getting sick of is people pointing to managers like Wenger and Ferguson as proof that longevity provides success. They are a million miles from Allardyce in style and approach. I am pretty sure that given 2-3 years Allardyce will turn things round, but with his mentality all he'll create is another Bolton. Unless he gives up everything he's believed in, he won't ever be able to challenge the top 4 IMO. That is depressing.

That bit rings uncomfortably true though.

This one is definitely 50-50. Stoke are a physical team and if our matches against Derby, Sunderland and Reading are anything to go by, we will not use our (allegedly) superior skill to beat them but will end up in a battle which will suit them.

The players have a passing option with Sam as well. 5o yds upfield towards Viduka.

Those looking back on Roeder's reign favourably are wearing rose-tinted glasses. He had lost all respect in the dressing room and had he been allowed to stay we would have lost N'Zogbia, one of the few bright sparks this season. Allardyce's brand of football is limited but at least he's a real leader, not gutless bully.

Milner's not quick enough to go on the outside, that's why he invariably cuts in. Watch Zog and how he usues the option to burst past on the outside on occasions. You'll never see Milner do that, and if he tries, he gets caught and disposessed.

Mick isn't telling us anything we don't already know is he? he's the Irish Alan Oliver rather than Mourinho if truth be told.

What would Mick Martin know about playing at the top level?

I think the players saw Roeder less as a manager and more as a nice bit of carpet because by the end most of them were walking all over him. He probably thanked them for it and apologised as well.

I used to like him initially but I always had doubts that he wanted it badly enough. He's not quick and despite his nice footwork he doesn't deliver the ball when it matters.

I just read in the Journal that Sam had the opportunity to buy Elano but turned it down after consideration. You could call it luck that Sven bought him and Petrov. You could also call it luck that City seem to be playing very clever one touch football and not hoofing the ball 50 yds long. He might also have been lucky with his previous clubs where he's done quite well. There again, there's a small probability that he might know what he's doing.

bingo! We have a winner...

I don't really agree. For one, Liverpool promoted from within from a base of success, and even then they had to move on from that when it stopped working. Secondly, England also tried this with Mclaren with disastrous results. The bottom line is, the next manager should be the one with the best chance of success, and with Shearer that's an unknown element.

Thats got to be a joke? There's more chance of Chelsea buying Anelka then loaning him to us for the rest of the season.

England were doing shite under Sven though...

Someone tell Mike Ashley quick...

Fat chance.

which is why we keep changing managers.

no, we paid it after Sam appealed to Mort to hurry up and get him in.

to think we had to pay extra to release this ape from City...and then they bought Elano.

The problem with that is: 1) There aren't that many good quality fast strikers 2) they cost a bomb which is why we have Martins really.