Relegation

[HughieG]

I think we're in trouble.

Not based on what I saw yesterday because we were unlucky to lose but because of how thin our squad is and how poor our back-up options are. We have Wanquillo as back-up for BOTH full back ppositions and Yedlin is a poor first choice anyway. If Shelvey gets injured there is NO creativity left in midfield, just workers. I hope Fernandez is ok because Clarke isn't strong enough for the Prem. I don't know what the crack is with Murphy (another Rafa doesn't fancy? ) but Atsu is garbage, let's be honest.

Up front????

FFs....Rondon might turn out to be a decent 'target man' but he's not a goalscorer, no idea about Muto but his goal record is similar to Rondon's recently isn't it? Perez reminded us that he's shite (but gets through a lot of work, blah, blah) and Joselu is just shocking (despite his goal-even a stopped clock is right once every 12 hours).

Because of Rafa, if we could keep everyone fit, we'd be ok but looking up the table thinking what might have been.

But, because of Ashley, one or two injuries, I think we'll end the season looking at a lot more teams and wondering what will be.

Sorry to be a little raincloud of doom.

I agree with this and also with Rafa who doesn't think that the squad really improved that much (well obviously, fatty didn't get him what he wanted).

[MitchMag]

Agree about our fighting spirit.

But only one game into the season and Le Jeune and Yedlin seem out for a long time.

Bad luck happens.

[trinitoon]

I think the bottom feeders in the prem are weak this season.

I think we are feeding bottoms (or feeding from bottoms - however you want to visualise it) this season.

I'll take a guaranteed 17th too right now, if I'm being honest with myself.

[sherwoodmag]

Surprisingly I think Burnley will drop a few places this season,they rely on fighting spirit a lot but have signed nobody to bolster their squad even though they have Europe to contend with.

Dressing rooms become stale very easily when there is lack of competition for places.

[baggieal]

I think we're in trouble.

Not based on what I saw yesterday because we were unlucky to lose but because of how thin our squad is and how poor our back-up options are. We have Wanquillo as back-up for BOTH full back ppositions and Yedlin is a poor first choice anyway. If Shelvey gets injured there is NO creativity left in midfield, just workers. I hope Fernandez is ok because Clarke isn't strong enough for the Prem. I don't know what the crack is with Murphy (another Rafa doesn't fancy? ) but Atsu is garbage, let's be honest.

Up front????

FFs....Rondon might turn out to be a decent 'target man' but he's not a goalscorer, no idea about Muto but his goal record is similar to Rondon's recently isn't it? Perez reminded us that he's shite (but gets through a lot of work, blah, blah) and Joselu is just shocking (despite his goal-even a stopped clock is right once every 12 hours).

Because of Rafa, if we could keep everyone fit, we'd be ok but looking up the table thinking what might have been.

But, because of Ashley, one or two injuries, I think we'll end the season looking at a lot more teams and wondering what will be.

Sorry to be a little raincloud of doom.

You will stay up Zippity. Rafa is your prize asset and a good manager. I thought you were unlucky yesterday. You are right, Rondon is not a goal scorer as the chance he had - someone with more quality would have buried it and got the shot in quicker. That said, Rondon is an honest lad so needs to be given a chance, and think he will do alright.

So far, we are impressed with Gayle, and even though it's a division below, his speed of thought seems quicker than Rondon and he looks sharper.

Huddersfield will struggle this year along with Cardiff and Southampton don't seem much better. Brighton and Wolves will be down there too and you will be better than both of these.

I hope we can join you again next season but the championship is difficult to predict. Whilst, I love Darren Moore, I question whether he will be out of his depth as for a defender, our defense looks a mess!

All the best to you guys!

[Zippity]

Cheers, Al

Gayle will do well for you once he's up to speed. He's a good Chimpo striker as long as you create plenty of chances as he often needs a few. He's much more instinctive as opposed to being a great finisher. If he has time to think then he can fluff his lines but he has a knack of being in the right place and as a poacher he'll do you a great job.

Aye, this is a crucial season for Moore now the hard work has begun. it was almost a no-lose situation last season but now he starts off on an even footing with everybody else and he'll need more than being a nice guy and not being Pardew to get him by.

hope he does it for you.