NJS

I think even the most rabid outers (me included) recognise that last night wasn't a "Wigan level" disgrace. The last two games have seen improved performances both in terms of attitude and general play. I think if last nights game had taken place in September people would have had more of a "oh well" kind of attitude, focusing on the positives. The thing is its all part of a whole of a season that apart from maybe 4 or 5 games has been consistently poor. I guess the options now as I see the are: 1) Trust Allardyce to build on the better performances lately and with the addition of a couple of players have an acceptable/reasonable 2nd half of the season witrh the hope of something better next year. 2) Accept that we will be generally shite for the rest of the season to the same degree as so far, just scrape enough points to prevent looking below us and look forward to next season. 3) Recognise that he's the wrong man and get rid now. I'll be honest and say I'm actually torn between 2 and 3. I'll admit 3 is my instinctive choice but I do accept all the arguments about time and revolving doors etc. The problem is of course getting someone in which is why option 2 also appeals in that as long as the season is recognised as unacceptable we can try and get someone better in the summer. My worry is that a reasonable finish will fit into the so call plan of progress and we'll see the same as this season next year (see my previous arguments that Bolton were up and down never gradual). I'm still however plagued by the points and fixtures issue. I honestly only see Bolton and Boro as possible/probable wins until virtually the end of match and thats worrying. I don't want to have to say "but the Mackems/Fulham/Brum are worse than us" the simple fact is that 9 points over 17 games inst that much of a gap when you aren't winning. The harsh reality is that the improved performances of the last two games will probably be nullified by the fixture list which means more desperation.

I'd agree but both goals were down to basic football moves - something we are incapable of doing. The Duff decision didn't help but it shouldn't be seen as an excuse either. That was another odd one. I said to my mate when I seen the sub being made, that I didnt mind which went off, Milner or Zog as both were poor, in particular Milner who had a mare in the second half. Could have put zog or Duff on the right easy enough for Enrique to sit at LB. Then he took Duff off. We just laughed. I meant the offside/possible red card Though I also think he should have took Butt off. I also thought Milner had an off night.

I'd agree but both goals were down to basic football moves - something we are incapable of doing. The Duff decision didn't help but it shouldn't be seen as an excuse either.

Not really taking it out on you - you just happen to be one of the few defenders. Do you honestly think that if we sign say an "Okotcha" type player(s) that it will make that much difference that will warrant another 17 games of the same basic flaws? I wouldn't trust him with a penny.

This shows him up imo - and "improved" performance against Chelsea means the best he can do is use the same thinking again - no thought given to us being at home. This goes back to his basic game plan for every occasion - stop the other team playing and nick it if you can. Man U or Derby, Home or away, no change. Clueless.

Given the fact that there's no way we'll win the cup anyway, I'll take a humiliation on Sunday if it means his exit.

I fully expected to get beat. I fully expected us to be shit I fully expected City to play football as befits a team with a manger who has a clue. However being realistic as that is, I'm told I shouldn't expect anything more. Sorry but I do - and he needs to go.

9 points if the scouse cunts don't get their usual late winner.

If I was Ashley or Mort I'd be asking one question: If we can't beat Wigan and Derby which five teams will we beat to be safe? I honestly can't think of anybody we could beat at the moment.

Two object lessons: Mort/Ashley - getting a good manager in is a good idea. Allardyce - play footballers and ask them to play football - its that fucking basic.

On the contrary Fish - expectations are now so low that one or two bright bits now translates to "played some good stuff". Football Vs Allardyce.

They started off "right" but have now swapped.

I remember vividly blasting that out about 5 times in a row at my Mam's house before leaving for the Mackem 3-1 game in 85 Video doesn't even play for me. It didn't last night but sadly I recognised it from the still - Jiimbo's fixed it now.

I remember vividly blasting that out about 5 times in a row at my Mam's house before leaving for the Mackem 3-1 game in 85

Would "outside influences" include the fans who pay the bastards wages? If he's suggesting the fans are influenced by Shearer, Alan Oliver, Osama Bin Laden or George Bush he can fuck right off as well - they are influenced by the utter drivel his team is serving up.

This "works" for the same reason images of Christ appear on pizzas and dogs' arseholes - the human brain is hard-wired to recognise human images in the field of vision.

As has been said already, even if the speculation went down a bit, two things will stoke it back up - results in Jan and how much money is spent in the window.

What he was doing late on showed what I said when Dyer left - Zog could do a job in the middle of midfield imo.

I suppose this is just the way I see things but I think the negativity cost us. I have no problem saying the increased effort was great to see but I also think what defines Sam's view was on show as well - as I said there was a spell in the second half when we were so far on top it was embarrassing but there then seemed to be a visible "woah we're going too fast" moment followed by a throttle back. I'd also say that being brutally honest Chelsea were poor which contributed to the opportunity. As Wacky said its the next game which will now be more interesting.

Unlucky but that just amplifies the lost points against the lesser teams. Cue one of his "big teams get the decisions" rants - fair enough but I still think he should have put Emre on for Smith and had Viduka and Owen on earlier - we were on top and he visibly settled for one point - well we only got one less than he aimed for.

Yep one canny performance obliterates the rest obviously. (I hope it continues)

On top with a chance of winning so the 4th centre half comes on then Owen for Martins. Bottleless bastard.

Scrappy as fuck but just shows where Charlie should be.

He said that the 'focus' should be getting results against the smaller teams, ie. it's the most important thing. I agree. He also said that if Chelsea play to their very best, we could still play very well and lose. This is also true. As I said that's one angle - viewing it from mine it reduces the games against the good teams to token efforts. It also means that if you don't do the business against the lesser teams, you're screwed.

You poor deluded fool Jimbo