MY VIEW ON MALKY & THE TEAM EARLY ON

Last season we lost 9 games..... (the second least lost in the league to West ham's 8)

We drew 18! (the most in the league beating palaces 17)

So far this season we have lost 1game.....

To be going forward this season, we need to turn 7 of those draws into wins (doing that on last season's stats we would have snatched second place!)

Drawing 11 - 12 games was about the average last season, so there's no reason why we can't get that down into the averages.

I'm a firm believer of giving a manager at least 2 seasons in this division at any given team, but to see some people wanting to get shot of a manager after 1 win 1 draw and 1 loss is absolute madness!

I'm convinced Malky is the one to see us promoted, although he does need to look at his team selection and tactics. There is obviously a visible pattern with the players he continuously plays in the starting 11 (sometimes out of position) which could be the reason that some opposing teams/managers are finding us predictable....

MM clearly has the oversight & knowledge in training to see who should be selected at any given time to be in the first team, but what is not acceptable is the constant selection of these out of position players making the team when we have clearly displayed we don't need to (Newcastle friendly)? And MM does this without giving us 'THE FANS' an explanation into why he continually selects players playing in positions we already have decent cover in? (Cowie/Conway)

We could go on and debate about team and tactics for ever in one thread, but my point here is that Malky is the man for us imo regardless of what anyone thinks or tries to influence - im just pointing out he needs to correct his stubbornness before its too late and fans jump on his back like they did to Jonesy.

We have the players (maybe one more defender and one more striker to complete) and now we need our manager on the ball tactic-wise, to get us out of this very difficult league!

Exactly my thoughts.

I do generally agree with the points you're making Merlin, but the one thing I disagree with is that I don't think people are merely repsonding to the results of these three games - the following are all adding to people's perceptions that there are problems :

1. the play-off defeats to West Ham were woeful - no fight, no spirit and tactically poor in both games.
2. the way we'd played since Xmas was also very poor.
3. the persistence with Cowie is baffling virtually everyone it seems (and smacks of stubborness) and is costing us points.

I am definitely not in the camp of wanting Malky out immediately, and the results in the last 3 games are the least of my worries - it's our sterile way of playing at the moment that's worrying me rather than the results.

I definitely think Malky needs to be given time (and as much of it as possible), but the above issues do genuinely worry me.

Added to this is that I think we needed a good start after the re-branding to stop what could easily become a hostile atmosphere (especially at home games) and if we were to lose the next 2 home games, then I fear the situation could become quite troublesome, which in turn could actually contribute to us being less effective on the pitch.

Good post. I think fans are looking at more than the last 3 games. I hope that the addition of Kim playing with Bellamy will kick start the team. I think Malky does need and deserve extra time but I think that he has to change his formation and give some players a look in.

He appears rigid about his formation and the players that he is going to use. Its not only results but we need to play attractive attacking football which we are not are the moment.

The three most worrying aspects of Malky's reign IMO

1) His reliance on Cowie
2) Our Awful style of play
3)Wont sign an out and out striker who does nothing all game but shoot.

The three most worrying aspects of Malky's reign IMO

1) His reliance on Cowie
2) Our Awful style of play
3)Wont sign an out and out striker who does nothing all game but shoot.

My three most worrying aspects!

1) Over reacting fans
2) Players out of position
3) Continual Defensive Tactics

My worrying three aspects

1) 20 year old fans who have never kicked a real football but are international class on football/championship manager thinking they know it all

2) The atmosphere at our home games- Since the move, the Jacks promotion and now the rebrand the level of expectancy is ridiculous

3) The lack of cover in defence.

I do generally agree with the points you're making Merlin, but the one thing I disagree with is that I don't think people are merely repsonding to the results of these three games - the following are all adding to people's perceptions that there are problems :

1. the play-off defeats to West Ham were woeful - no fight, no spirit and tactically poor in both games.
2. the way we'd played since Xmas was also very poor.
3. the persistence with Cowie is baffling virtually everyone it seems (and smacks of stubborness) and is costing us points.

I am definitely not in the camp of wanting Malky out immediately, and the results in the last 3 games are the least of my worries - it's our sterile way of playing at the moment that's worrying me rather than the results.

I definitely think Malky needs to be given time (and as much of it as possible), but the above issues do genuinely worry me.

Added to this is that I think we needed a good start after the re-branding to stop what could easily become a hostile atmosphere (especially at home games) and if we were to lose the next 2 home games, then I fear the situation could become quite troublesome, which in turn could actually contribute to us being less effective on the pitch.

Things that i am concerned about atm:-
1. So called fans who would like to smash a lump hammer to crack a nut (sack MM)
2.Lack of voice/leadership from our captain at times coupled with our defence in general (not just the 3 games)
3.Goals from midfield (though i do think they will come from what we have got, both midfield and strikers given time)
4.Changing formation from 4-5-1
I do think MM will get the best out of our player's, and will get us up this season provided the player's selected perform to their potential, you cannot expect it every game but we do need more from them.
That's not all but for now address these and we will be fine IMO