Rousseau

Merry Christmas Everyone!

I expected nothing, the way we've been playing, and I'm still disappointed. I think the board have been deceived by a couple of good results. performances, on the whole, have been crap under Murty. I guess his grace period lasted a match, if that... Oh well.

I agree about Tavernier, but Hodson on Jones terrifies me! I'd rather see McCrorie out there.

The only real positive is that we're "in it", whatever that means. Too often we capitulate when we aren't playing well. Hopefully we see a bit of back-bone.

Mulumbu has been an average player everywhere he's been; tough tackler, nothing more; solid, but average. These "pundits" make him seem like a superstar up here. Hilarious. Sums our game up. Referee has been poor. Expected. I think the flat 4-4-2 was to match up against their's; their wide players are dangerous, as we've seen. However, it has come at the expense of our play; we're outnumbered in midfield. Jones looks dangerous, but just reminds of Walker: quick, tricky, likes to attack, solid at getting back. Average players. I'd take him as a squad player. The pitch is abysmal, I don't how it is allowed. The ball doesn't run true. There was a long ball that almost played Morelos in one-on-one, which shouldn't have, but it then bounces and misses him and almost the Killie player. Mental conditions.

#GoingFor55

Yes, it's today Coop.

These type of games really annoy me: there's just no control in it. Liverpool really have to replace their entire back line. Arsenal similar.

MOH at Right-back?

I stand corrected. It seems I had blanked them...

I forgot to add... IMO. At least mine are based on fact...

That was Caixinha's record -- exceptional away, shite at home. Murty has only lost one (?) at home, so far. We'd need to wait and see.

I wouldn't base my opinions on a rumour. Even if they are to "not be in their positions next season", there should still be a blueprint for another DoF to take over, a database of player profiles that suit the club going forward. If it was just a caretaker alone -- like the old style of process -- that made the transfer decisions then I'd have a problem. There is no issue here, except the one you're making up.

I'm curious to know what the "additional support" is. Walter... ?

There was an image on Twitter showing Halliday in an airport -- not sure of the veracity of the source.

Decent loan signing, and deserves a permanent deal. He's still young, but I hope going forward that he becomes a squad player.

This is mental. We're basically giving up on the season! Second is there for the taking, but Murty -- I hate to say -- won't get us there, unfortunately. Murty having say on signings in January is fine, because we have a DoF. There's continuity there; the DoF will not scout players that don't suit us long-term. The criticism there is unfounded.

You said he's had a "seven year losing streak", but it's not as bad as that. After Twente (1st spell) he had 1 year, albeit at Wolfsburg and Forest, where he failed completely. He returned to Twente and did 'OK', signing good players, consolidating their position etc., but was sacked -- so, failed! -- after a run of 7 games without a win. His Derby career was terrific. Play-off final, only losing out in the last second of the game, then second season he had them top for most of the season until injuries (his excuse) and Newcastle speculation (press), spoiled their run-in. He completely failed at Newcastle. And failed at Derby (2nd spell). For me, that's only 3 years of failures, possibly 4. It's not as bad as it's perceived to be -- some of it's even understandable (Forest and Newcastle!). He would certainly cost more, but I think he'd guarantee us 2nd. I also think he's a much better coach, so there's value there in the sense he'd be able to develop our players and team. Moreover, he can build and develop our squad towards European objectives. It may be too much money, but there's so much more value there than a McInnes or, heaven forbid, a Wright appointment. I can see why Allen would recommend him.

I actually see him being a useful forward in the 4-4-2 diamond -- playing a role similar to Windass.

Fascinating how we perceive things. McClaren -- who is by all accounts a 'better' coach than McInnes and most certainly Wright -- is perhaps a gamble. However, I don't understand how he can be spoken less of than Wright. He's just better: better coach, worked at a higher level, has experience of working with winners etc. The only down side is the dry spell, which does appear to be a long one. Is he the answer? I don't know. But if it's a choice between McClaren or Wright, that's no choice at all. Edit: Actually, after checking, that dry spell appears to be 3 years, only 2 of which he was actually managing (he's currently in a consultancy role). It's still a significant dry spell, but you could argue it's not as bad as it is perceived to be.

I don't think it was compo who posted that comment, but you're right. McClaren may have his detractors but there's no doubt there's a decent coach there. In what world is Tommy Wright considered a better coach than McClaren, looking at their careers? I don't get it? Moreover, If Allen is recommending him then surely we must take it seriously? That's his job to know these things.

When I see the Tommy Wright "rumours"...

I really don't, to be honest. Swansea are unique in the sense they have a club philosophy that has done well for them -- that's why they always had another man lined up that could take over seamlessly, Rodgers, Martinez, Laudrup etc. Pulis is really not that man. Any other club, I'd say, Yes, Pulis would have a good chance of keeping them up. With Swansea, I don't see it.