OTF

"the defeat was as bad as a draw" What?

What remains a mystery to me is why Ashley attends games. His other actions indicate he has little interest in the performance of the team.

Great description. That does sound rather hilarious. Hope there's no lasting damage to pride or body.

I really do think that our coaching staff are off the pace (certainly for our first team). Despite having a poorly balanced squad we do have more quality than is shown with our displays. Players here seem to stagnate at best. We seldom look to play to our strengths preferring instead to force players into an outdated and ugly style of football with absolutely no plan b.

Colback off Pardew's Christmas card list.

Pardew: "You're my last hope Obertan"

Play Gouffran behind Riviere and leave Cisse on the bench to start.

I'm ashamed to say that's Sydney, Australia.

I'm not happy with my podcast option at the moment. They download ok but the resume of podcasts is horrible as it doesn't seem to integrate well with the OS and as a result it's difficult to keep track of what I'm up to. I'm using the Sony Podcast 'app' which is nestled inside Walkman music player (I added a shortcut direct to the podcast section). What are you using?

CunT

"I'd like to fank Mike for ees support and fank me for taking on the radical extremists at the front line to produce what was a wonderful result in very tough conditions. We was worried that it might get out of hand but at the end of the day we was here to do a job and we done it. "

Assuming that's actually what that is, there's no reason to think it sincere or meaningful. For Ashley the clear indication he has given is that the only objective is survival in the league. There's a very real and patently obvious financial foundation for this, both in terms of revenue to the club and further growth of sports direct through their gratis advertising exposure. If a the club can plod along under the relatively low paid (for the league) Pardew then it's in his best financial interest to let that happen. He would be very foolish if he hasn't at least looked into alternative options to manage stemming back to last season at the very least. It hasn't been played upon much at all, but the team spirit that was present on the weekend was likely fostered as a result of Jonas' announcement. They were all wearing his number in the warm up and no doubt plenty would have had the undershirt as displayed by Cisse. On the subject of Cisse, Pardew owes him big time. Credit to Gouffran for the superb knock down for the second.

It was well played by the club in that respect, but hopefully it results in the sackpardew.com people becoming a little more shrewd in their approach. At the end of the day Ashley will make the decision based on numbers, the odiousness or apparent tactical failings of Pardew do not figure until the financial reality is staring him in the face. That reality is relegation, or the threat of it. Even still if he feels he can avoid it with a few January purchases that will be the option he pursues. From what I have gleaned here and there Pardew is one of the lowest paid managers in the league, perhaps part of securing that was the length of the deal which could mean that there isn't a particularly financially prudent way for Ashley to axe him. Being the risk taker that he is he might see how long Pardew can take the growing vitriol in the hope that he makes the decision himself. I'd say Pardew is too delusional to ever make that decision.

A fair result in terms of the game played on the basis of two very good strikes from them and otherwise dominant play from us. The point doesn't do much for us, nor should it for Pardew.

The onside Cisse again. Gouffran shows Williamson how to do it with a great headed assist.

Huddlestone, a cunt.

Cisse scores with a well timed run and a good feed from Tiote. Reveals a shirt in support of Jonas.

And another cracking strike from them. Diame this time, Krul had no chance. Cisse on for Riviere, no change to the setup then.

Sissoko is fired up...

The marauding Williamson did well there to create the chance. Not a great strike from Cabella.

That's some finish from Jelavic, Williamson half pointing at him pointlessly rather than actually marking him before the ball was delivered.

Don't expect much more than boring from us under Pardew. We've looked ok because Hull have poor defense and they've given us time. Tiote, whilst not always making the right decisions has added some enthusiasm to our midfield adding to that of Sissoko and Gouffran. Hard to see where a goal will come from.

It's the best we've played all season. That's not saying much as it basically has highlighted how badly we are missing strike power up top. Also the defense has not yet been tested.

Their defense looks pretty disorganised, not surprising with the shit Dawson there.