deep blue

I'm not convinced by the "unattractive" tag. The Prem is surely still the most attractive league in the world. There are only 20 teams in it. We appear to be able still to offer higher salaries than other leagues, Possible downers - - no European football, but then that applies to all but a chosen few - high possibility of relegation, but a player that has performed well will be the immediate focus of a bid from a surviving prem team, and will be a good value buy as clubs can play low ball with a relegated team - points deduduction; I don't think this is as relevant as some think because (a) I don't think it will be as steep as many fear and (a) the worst consequence of that would be relegation, which is not of much concern for the player's future for the reason given above.

That's a good point. You would hope that Cooper knows exactly what type of player he wants, knows Shkipp's capabilities, and has confidence he can improve him in the direction he wants.

No, it isn't.

Not that "first past the post" is truly democratic as the number of seats doesn't reflect the number ofvotes cast. In fact, you could argue that FPTP has for decades produced tactical voting. It has produced a two party system, such that most people tend to vote for Labour or Conservative not because they positively favour the party but they believe that voting Libdem, Green or other will have no impact ... so it's a negative rather than an affirmative vote.

Sums up the situation perfectly.

With regard to the "lack of vision" of the appointment, whilst this appears to be true I think that at this particular time, given the situation we are in, it is a moment where we need to address the immediate precarious situation and steady the ship. Once that is achieved we can attempt to look at a longer term view. With regard to the worrying views on here about our spending and points deductions, "potentially for the next few seasons", I think that is an overly negative prediction. The Prem is getting so much flak from all sides about the complexity and inappropriateness of the rules, and an increasing number of threats of legal challenges, that I can see possibly the collapse of it all or, at the very least, a face-saving softening in the penalties handed out.

On the other hand, any manager could look upon it as a "no lose" challenge. Given the difficulties under which he would be working, his stock wouldn't be reduced if we were relegated under him. I share the concern that if we are truly waiting for an answer from Potter, and he keeps us waiting much longer, then our ability to find an alternative may get harder with each passing day. For example, I've seen it said that Corberan is in daily touch with the WBA hierarchy about their plans for next season. If true, then the further down the line we go the more likely he is to become welded to his West Brom plans & future and less likely to be tempted away. Meanwhile, the other viable alternatives may have lost patience with us and signed up elsewhere.

We need to be aiming for 50 points next season (with all the flak & problems the football authorities are facing I get the feeling that even another PSR breach will only receive a very small points deduction, so 50 points should be enough).. To achieve that we need our players to be absolutely battling for us and fitting well into the team so that we can optimise our resources. So on balance I think we should keep our best and most committed players even if that causes us to break PSR rules again. I.e. hold onto KDH unless we're offered an insane price (which is unlikely).

From reports I've read there must be question marks about Pearson's suitability because of his health problems. Also, he performed best alongside Shakey & Walsh so would have to be able to bring in some v astute adjutant choices. My feeling is that he would make a brilliant DOF but I don't see that position becoming vacant any time soon. I have limited knowledge of the present alleged candidates but am not enamoured with Potter as I think it's time to move on from the sterile passing approach, and more than anything we need a manager who is astute and flexible in his game management, and someone who can get the best out of our talented youth players. For those reasons I would be reasonably happy with Cooper, although some of the other touted options look a little more exciting. (but definitely not OGS).

You have to take into account the ineptness of the manager they were playing for ... whether he played them out of position/didn't pick them often enough/gave them poor instructions on their role/coached them badly etc etc. The fact that Victor had a good season abroad shows that he must be better than many on here thought. He's a young lad, made a big move to come to a wrecked team, was positive in his loan to a new club in another country where he performed well. A year on from leaving us it's likely that he's matured a lot and has learnt much on the playing side. As long as his playing style matches well with our new manager's wishes then I can see no argument about giving him a second chance with us.

You could equally argue that with the quality of our strikers we should have scored more but our style of play limited the number of chanches that were created for them.

He was continually crocked playing for Rodgers. There are probably a few managers other than Enzo who could keep him injury-free.

Because the team was being selected by Rodgers, hardly a reliable barometer of the player's ability.

Something I would like to see tried against "Park the bus" teams is to find any way possible to get the ball to your tricky wingers in the box (or get them to run into the box once in possession) and get them to use their fancy footwork. In a crowded box it would be hard for defenders not to trip those players and give away penalties. Well, it's a theory

In 2015-6 we were bookies' favourites to get relegated

But but but ... isn't Rodgers an elite coach too?

Yes, a lot of fans seem to be unaware of that, or forgotten it. In my opinion this contributed to to putting a pause on Hamza's career & development, and likely dented his confidence.

Maybe one of our current players would be better at taking set pieces; and what about Alves. We don't necessarily need/can't afford to buy someone specifically for that role, just assign it to someone else from within the squad. Oh, and there's the whole of the preseason for candidates to practise and stake a claim for the role.

I think this is spot on, especially when you compare with how Chilwell worked on bulking up and his athleticism that summer. I wonder whether Thomas has missed the boat or whether, with the right guidance, it may not be too late for him to work on those things and improve himself this summer. I would like to see him succeed.

Precisely

2 shots, 2 goals. Shouldn't we we looking to sign Svmodics (?) In the s ummer?

I have the same misgivings, though I can see that his aggressive on-field nature and energy may be an asset to us. Does anyone think there is anyone in our development squad who shows similar aggressiveness and skill and has the potential to reach the level required for the Prem? Maybe there is someone who is a better investment than O'Hare. Obviously it would be a huge step-up for an academy player, but I would say that O'Hare is hardly oven-ready for the Prem himself.

Agree at least about staying on as attacking coach. Hard to think of a more intelligent striker in the leagues.

I'm inclined to agree. Maresca is very inexperienced as a manager; it's possible he will learn next season ( though if we're in the Prem it will have to be a quick learning curve). Being a good coach is one thing, but to be a good manager demands several other abilities (of which game management is one), and good coaches don't always mature into good managers. Enzo's inflexibility doesn't help either.

Very difficult to show a presence when you're on the bench.