Chaser

Looking at tonights performance, we need players who are going to stand up and be counted. Theres too many out there who dont want the ball or arent prepared to go for the final ball. Owen was probably the most absent player on the pitch tonight and just didnt provide anything to support his inclusion. Martins looked lively but yet again his touch and probably a lack of confidence has let him down. Viduka showed those little glimpses which can win games but was just short on match fitness, something we dont have time for. In midfield, Smith was battling all day and alongside Butt probably kept us in the game. Once Butt went off, we lost shape and focus and the lack of his leadership showed. Duff tracked back and got himself in important positions defensively. Once Pennant came on, he was struggling with both him and Johnson running down their right flank. Guthrie looks short on confidence. Managed to put most of his corners in the right areas, but just felt that he slowed up the play when going forward as he tended to drop it sideways rather than play it up. Same could have been said for Martins at times and in the first half, was frustratingly ball greedy opting to run with it rather than play the pass and run. Jonas looked like he might do something when he first came on, but quickly faded and didnt do anything after that. We desperately need someone who can come in and create or at least have no fear at going for it and just taking some responsibility. I hope Butt stays fit as it looks like he is the real Captain, for me Owen is simply a Captain by name nothing else. Didnt ever look to be attempting to motivate the players. I said we had to get 3 points today and we havent done it. Personally, I now think we're beyond safety and we're going into freefall. My mate predicted a big club would go this season and it looks like its us. When it is confirmed, I dont expect us to bounce back up next season. I think this is just the beginning of some very dark years.

Anything less than 3 points is a disaster, its now us vs Boro/Sunderland/Hull

I love the bit about John Fashanu's cologne He is an arse but he is a good writer no doubt about that. Very eloquent. Stuart Hall for the new generation

Still the first fixtures I look at when they come out at the beginning of the season. If both are gone, then it takes that little bit of an edge off the competition Still think it'll be WBA, Boro & Portsmouth. I was 80% certain that we would be in the bottom three come the end of it, but with a bit of renewed hope, i'd say our chances are now about 50-50

I cant see how JoKin can come back, however one thing this club has taught me is that I should never underestimate Newcastle United in doing the unthinkable.

Dowie confirmed as assistant which is good news. Liked Dowie when he was Palace & Charlton manager.

Kinnear isnt high profile enough to be DOF.

Right just seen this on the Beeb and had to check this place to make sure before I went to work. I am wary that this is a bad April Fools but its definitely a bolt from the blue if it isnt. With Wise leaving at the end of the season, providing we can stay up then this could be a right time appointment. I am wary that he's a legend with no managerial experience and Ashley is clearly again trying to capture our hearts like he did with Keegan. More than anything, I just hope that they learnt the mistakes first time round with Kev and dont mess things up again. This has to be a morale boost for the players especially the likes of Butt, Owen and co. With Shearer on board, we might start to see some of the old guard coming back to coach which can only be a positive.

Sounded like Bruce is still keeping himself in the shop window if the opportunity comes up. I fear that even if we had a good manager in place, the structure around them would mean that any difference would be negligible. There is a cancer in the club which has spread way too quickly since MA. Better the devil you know with Shepherd. He should have stayed and called in the investors to stave off the receivers.

Bruce would get my vote for being the next appointment. Think he's done a good job at Wigan taking everything into account. Seems to have Bramble playing decently which means he might just get Collo doing the same. Reckon he'd come to us in the Championship though?

pretty much exactly what I had in mind, where do you live? hmmm that's a tricky one I wonder where RobCHESTER lives aye but if you look closely revolver (was he robchester at some point?) doesn't have any location clues in his profile or name Tbh I misread the name and hadn't even realised Peasepud, Im here I dont live in Chester either, im near Smogville.

Very insightful piece, on both what happened at the club post Robson and also why Bernard never got a game on his return. Speaks well of the club and obviously loves it up here. Wish him all the best for his next venture.

Sheringham Fowler Collymore

Started for 10... Shearer Sir Les

Ive never been so apathetic about football as I am now. Used to watch MOTD regularly, but not now.

It beggars belief that the management havent already addressed the managerial situation. Kinnear, who clearly isnt the solution to our long term plans, has serious health problems and a severance package would surely be in the best interests of both parties? The club could have brought in one of those top managers who were banging on the chairmans door and we would have had a much better opportunity to get out of this mess. Every few years a "big" club gets relegated and then steadily continue their decline. I can seriously see this happening with us this year. Before the weekend, I had our chances of survival at 25%, this week its now about 20%. I did a quick league predictor on the BBC site and has us staying up with 37 points (Sunderland, Boro & West Brom relegated), 2 points above the drop. I'd love to think that we were going into the final game of the season at risk of going down, staying up by the skin of our teeth with the board realising that something drastic has to be done, however I have little faith that they will even act upon that. Ashley's time is up here he needs to go.

Whats so difficult in the coaching staff getting hold of him and working on the weaker aspects of his game?

Is that true? He's well into his bikes, and apparently hasnt got an interest in football any more. Just goes around watching bike racing. Sounds good to me.

So the tide has turned then That makes me worried too

Looking ever more likely after tonights results.

We're dangerously close to the bottom 3 now though, Blackburn and Pompey both having games in hand over us could see us in the bottom 3 without doing anything. Boro look doomed and I dont think West Brom will fight their way out Its too close for comfort at the moment.

Sorry but Taylor has had too many chances. Has cost us quite a few goals this season and is only good for making Colo the 2nd worst defender at the club at present.

How many minutes left?

trophyshy you have pm mate.

is it still 1-1?