happy clapping

[Ollessendro]

Come 5pm on Saturday, no matter what the result, I shall be clapping.

I don't care if we lose, I will still be one hundred percent behind Blackwell! Despite the international break we still have injuries so surely we should not be expected to win this one? Bennet is struggling, Monty and Naysmith are unlikely to me back and Williamson is not match fit. Hence expecting a result to bottom of the table is silly.

It doesn't matter if we get a 25k crowd on Saturday. They shouldn't be expecting us to win. Peterborough have a new manger and this means that their team will have a boost. Therefore I expect us to get nothing. However, I will be cheering the lads and Blackwell on!

I don't care how far Blackwell takes us down the swanny. He got us to 3rd and the play off final last year. This will be in my mind on Saturday. Even if we get turned over on Saturday, even if we play hurrendous football and look completely devoid of any confidence, I'll be behind Blackwell. If he looks completely out of his depth then it's just an illusion. Blackwell IN!

It's obviously the players fault. To say he has lost the dressing room is ridiculous. Kilgallon was messing around when he told him to fuck off last week. Oh and Harper (his signing) was just frustrated when he said you don't know what you are fucking doing!? And to say (his big signing) Ched doesn't look interested in playing for him or the club is just silly. He's a development player remember I'm sure he'll develop an interest in playing for the Blades. Probably at the same time King Kevin turns things around.

So who wants to join me in clapping til our hands bleed? Clapperty, clap clap!? Get behind Blackwell and the team, no matter what shit they serve up.

 

[Micalijo]

Just remember, it is just another game. We still have a million points to play for and just remember, things have been much, much worse so how dare anyone mention that getting rid of the manager might just improve things. Let's wait until the end of his contract and judge him then eh? Fancy football fans talking about the manager - ridiculous. On a fans forum - even more ridiculous.

 

[judge]

thats the spirit lads
and remember no matter how bad things get you can always come on here during the week and make countless threads slagging blackwell off

 

[lenners]

thats the spirit lads
and remember no matter how bad things get you can always come on here during the week and make countless threads slagging blackwell off

If they lose on Saturday, there'll be no need to make any more threads slagging Blackwell.

 

[judge]

If they lose on Saturday, there'll be no need to make any more threads slagging Blackwell.

thats a relief

 

[rachyblade]

I wont be there on Saturday

 

[raul]

I will

However,to cheer me up, why don't we all play "How much was Chedwins transfer fee??"

 

[lenners]

I will

However,to cheer me up, why don't we all play "How much was Chedwins transfer fee??"

Can I play?

 

[Micalijo]

His transfer fee is irrelevant isn't it?

 

[bartman]

and according to some fans,if we win,it will still be Blackwell's fault that

1.we didn't by more goals (because we're a massive club who should play like Arsenal)
2.Kyel Reid didn't play(because thay've seen himplay well loads of times)
3.We scored(as the player who scored shouldn't have started)
4.Hendo didn't start(why did Blackwell let our leading goalscorer get booked)
5.he didn't sign the players we said he should sign(we've got years of experiance on Champ Manager you know)
6.the Bovril wasn't warm enough at half time.(must be McCabe cutting the bills..let's get him out as well)
7.Gordon Brown is still Prime Minister
8.The Vindaloo I had last night gave me shits so bad that my arse still stings

 

[Guesty]

and according to some fans,if we win,it will still be Blackwell's fault that

1.we didn't by more goals (because we're a massive club who should play like Arsenal)
2.Kyel Reid didn't play(because thay've seen himplay well loads of times)
3.We scored(as the player who scored shouldn't have started)
4.Hendo didn't start(why did Blackwell let our leading goalscorer get booked)
5.he didn't sign the players we said he should sign(we've got years of experiance on Champ Manager you know)
6.the Bovril wasn't warm enough at half time.(must be McCabe cutting the bills..let's get him out as well)
7.Gordon Brown is still Prime Minister
8.The Vindaloo I had last night gave me shits so bad that my arse still stings

And according to some fans, conceding four at home is perfectly acceptable. Swings and roundabouts.

 

[Come from away]

Come 5pm on Saturday, no matter what the result, I shall be clapping.

I don't care if we lose, I will still be one hundred percent behind Blackwell! Despite the international break we still have injuries so surely we should not be expected to win this one? Bennet is struggling, Monty and Naysmith are unlikely to me back and Williamson is not match fit. Hence expecting a result to bottom of the table is silly.

It doesn't matter if we get a 25k crowd on Saturday. They shouldn't be expecting us to win. Peterborough have a new manger and this means that their team will have a boost. Therefore I expect us to get nothing. However, I will be cheering the lads and Blackwell on!

I don't care how far Blackwell takes us down the swanny. He got us to 3rd and the play off final last year. This will be in my mind on Saturday. Even if we get turned over on Saturday, even if we play hurrendous football and look completely devoid of any confidence, I'll be behind Blackwell. If he looks completely out of his depth then it's just an illusion. Blackwell IN!

It's obviously the players fault. To say he has lost the dressing room is ridiculous. Kilgallon was messing around when he told him to fuck off last week. Oh and Harper (his signing) was just frustrated when he said you don't know what you are fucking doing!? And to say (his big signing) Ched doesn't look interested in playing for him or the club is just silly. He's a development player remember I'm sure he'll develop an interest in playing for the Blades. Probably at the same time King Kevin turns things around.

So who wants to join me in clapping til our hands bleed? Clapperty, clap clap!? Get behind Blackwell and the team, no matter what shit they serve up.

Makes my heart just sing to know you and Mickey joe are actually blades supporters. Excuse the tears, just love you guys. UTB!

 

[Flatulent_Bob]

To be honest this comes across as a little precious.

The knockers are quite happy to paint everyone who won't lay into the side at the moment as clappers. I don't think the Blackwell out posters on here who actually add something to the various debates on the threads tend to get vilified, just when they are posting the same thing over and over. I think the entire forum know certain posters stance on the Blackwell in and out issue you don't need to hammer it home in every post.

We are where we are. Blackwell isn't going to be sacked immediately otherwise it would of been done over the international break so let talk about United keeping that in mind. If there is a thread (my god if there was only one) about Blackwell being sacked then fire away and get stuck in just don't pull it into every other thread I think is the feeling I'm gleaming from the rest of the forum.
I realise that the manager is an emotive point but going round in circles doesn't really do a great deal apart from killing all new debate.

Blackwell in/out? Surely it has been done to death and a simple search can probably find you exactly what each posters position is.
Ollessendro do you really think that there are a number of people on here who would feel like your original post? Obviously you were taking to extremes in order to prove some point. But even you must admit that you don't think that the happiest happy clapper would be happy with a defeat (or even draw) against the bottom of the league side, especially with quite a few senior players returning.

 

[Ollessendro]

Just remember, it is just another game. We still have a million points to play for and just remember, things have been much, much worse so how dare anyone mention that getting rid of the manager might just improve things. Let's wait until the end of his contract and judge him then eh? Fancy football fans talking about the manager - ridiculous. On a fans forum - even more ridiculous.

That's the spirit soldier!

I wont be there on Saturday

You are not a true fan!?

and according to some fans,if we win,it will still be Blackwell's fault that

1.we didn't by more goals (because we're a massive club who should play like Arsenal)
2.Kyel Reid didn't play(because thay've seen himplay well loads of times)
3.We scored(as the player who scored shouldn't have started)
4.Hendo didn't start(why did Blackwell let our leading goalscorer get booked)
5.he didn't sign the players we said he should sign(we've got years of experiance on Champ Manager you know)
6.the Bovril wasn't warm enough at half time.(must be McCabe cutting the bills..let's get him out as well)
7.Gordon Brown is still Prime Minister
8.The Vindaloo I had last night gave me shits so bad that my arse still stings

Hey Bartman. Let's go clapping together!!?

Ollessendro do you really think that there are a number of people on here who would feel like your original post? Obviously you were taking too extremes in order to prove some point. But even you must admit that you don't think that the happiest happy clapper would be happy with a defeat (or even draw) against the bottom of the league side, especially with quite a few senior players returning.

Of course my tongue in cheek comment is a little extreme Bob. However I am amazed that some people keep putting a positive spin on what is happening at the moment. People who read my posts will see that I am not a 'Blackwell knocker'. I thought he was the right person at the right time, gave him a chance, I thank what he did, bust firmly believe his time is up. I have been watching, listening, reading, following, etc our form this season and quite frankly it's pathetic. Some of the performances have been simply awful. You are right Bob; that it has all been said before. Hence I am not going to bang on. However, I reallly, really don't see how people can come out and defend that 'debacle' that has been the last 2 months. People cmoming out and making excuses about injuries, putting a positive spin that we only lost by one goal, defending performances were we have conceded 4 at home is (in my mind) quite simply ridiculous.

 

[Foxy]

Of course my tongue in cheek comment is a little extreme Bob. However I am amazed that some people keep putting a positive spin on what is happening at the moment. People who read my posts will see that I am not a 'Blackwell knocker'. I thought he was the right person at the right time, gave him a chance, I thank what he did, bust firmly believe his time is up. I have been watching, listening, reading, following, etc our form this season and quite frankly it's pathetic. Some of the performances have been simply awful. You are right Bob; that it has all been said before. Hence I am not going to bang on. However, I reallly, really don't see how people can come out and defend that 'debacle' that has been the last 2 months. People cmoming out and making excuses about injuries, putting a positive spin that we only lost by one goal, defending performances were we have conceded 4 at home is (in my mind) quite simply ridiculous.

It's not just your tongue in cheek comment that seems a little extreme, but your whole idea of the people you pigeon hole into your "clappers" section. I don't think I've seen anyone connected remotely with the Blades putting a truely positive spin on anything during this time, at most, finding the odd glimmer of hope.

Again, I've seen very little defending going on (both on the pitch and from the fans). Having the opinion that you can't disregard injuries isn't defending, it's merely conceeding that it isn't really an area you can attack the manager on as aggressively as many seem to be right now.

Off hand I don't recall anyone particularly praising any recent performance or even stating it was good enough, merely picking out glimmers of hope and signs of improvement over previous efforts.

I really don't see why we have to plunge into the old "clappers" v. "knockers" bullshit that has been a long term fixture elsewhere... It quite frankly is a load of crap and serves nothing other than to group up and "fight out" the discussions to points score and be proven right. The vast majority of blades I know (and I'm not talking about our fan base or any group as a whole, as I hate the notion of talking for other people) fit somewhere in the mythical "middle ground" and don't fit into the common definitions for either group.

It mainly gets tiresome and actually discourages dialog and even the reading of such posts by anyone but the people electing themselves as a spokesperson for either "side".

As annoyed as I am about the performances and form at the moment, I'm becoming more frustrated with the constant points scoring, shouting and mudslinging from the apparent "knockers" v. "clappers" situation.

Whatever happened to good old individuality and the confidence in your opinion to not have to slag off or pigeonhole others? and more than anything the confidence to not have to shout your view again and again as if nobody has seen it

Not sure if this makes sense, most of it is spurred by a shite day at work. I'm sure someone will work out my meaning though.

 

[Ollessendro]

It's not just your tongue in cheek comment that seems a little extreme, but your whole idea of the people you pigeon hole into your "clappers" section. I don't think I've seen anyone connected remotely with the Blades putting a truely positive spin on anything during this time, at most, finding the odd glimmer of hope.

Again, I've seen very little defending going on (both on the pitch and from the fans). Having the opinion that you can't disregard injuries isn't defending, it's merely conceeding that it isn't really an area you can attack the manager on as aggressively as many seem to be right now.

Off hand I don't recall anyone particularly praising any recent performance or even stating it was good enough, merely picking out glimmers of hope and signs of improvement over previous efforts.

I really don't see why we have to plunge into the old "clappers" v. "knockers" bullshit that has been a long term fixture elsewhere... It quite frankly is a load of crap and serves nothing other than to group up and "fight out" the discussions to points score and be proven right. The vast majority of blades I know (and I'm not talking about our fan base or any group as a whole, as I hate the notion of talking for other people) fit somewhere in the mythical "middle ground" and don't fit into the common definitions for either group.

It mainly gets tiresome and actually discourages dialog and even the reading of such posts by anyone but the people electing themselves as a spokesperson for either "side".

As annoyed as I am about the performances and form at the moment, I'm becoming more frustrated with the constant points scoring, shouting and mudslinging from the apparent "knockers" v. "clappers" situation.

Whatever happened to good old individuality and the confidence in your opinion to not have to slag off or pigeonhole others? and more than anything the confidence to not have to shout your view again and again as if nobody has seen it

Hold your horses Foxy!? You are really missing the point of my post. The whole e-mail is tongue in cheek and is just a bit of a laugh. Yes of course it is a dig at the people who defend Blackwell and keep making excuses for him. However, I am not catagorising fans as clappers and knockers. I am merely taking the piss. It really annoys me to be catagorised as a Blackwell knocker because I want him out. I supported him before and now think that his time is up. If you take my comments on clappers, people not going to the game not being proper fans etc properly then you are missing the point of my posts. Yes I am being pedantic (and hence am prepared to take a bit of stick) but I am having a bit of a laugh. The problem with e-mails/posts etc is that they can be misinterpreted by the reader, however I can assure that my sarcastic posts are (an attempt at) humour.

Oh and as for the defending of the team, then there has been a lot. There has been excuses galore and a lot oif rubbish about our performances getting better (when were losing) and us being unlucky. I don't have time to dig out examples, but there has been plenty of calls for support for Blackwell and plenty of excuses for our piss poor performances

 

[Micalijo]

I did. I praised the Newcastle performance, I think!

I think your post makes sense. I can't remember the last time we had a manager where the vast majority of support was truly behind him. Blackwell did his job but plenty had reservations in that summer about his ability, even if it was hard to deny he deserved a go.

 

[Fiery Blade]

Whilst I applaud your stance Foxy
it does appear that individuals are aligning themselves clappers or moaners, positives and negatives,pro and anti both vehemtley defending there stance particularly on Blackwell, his performance and his future performance.
As I happen to to be a 'moaner',negative or anti whatever name that is to be applied because i just think that given the results over the past two months Mr Blackwell is extremely fortunate to be in a job. Managers at Peterborough, Barnsley,Brighton, Tranmere and Grimsby have not been as fortunate given similar esults in the same time period. I also happen to believe the blame he puts on everyone but himself is the action of a conceited, arrogant person that really doesn't give a sh!t what the fans think-he may be fireproof I do no absolve McCabe from some of the blame for the current situation- his actions certainly contributed. We are all in this together whether Mssrs Blackwell and McCabe acknowledge the fact we'll be here picking up the pieces long after theyv'e gone!

 

[Micalijo]

Hold your horses Foxy!? You are really missing the point of my post. The whole e-mail is tongue in cheek and is just a bit of a laugh. Yes of course it is a dig at the people who defend Blackwell and keep making excuses for him. However, I am not catagorising fans as clappers and knockers. I am merely taking the piss. It really annoys me to be catagorised as a Blackwell knocker because I want him out. I supported him before and now think that his time is up. If you take my comments on clappers, people not going to the game not being proper fans etc properly then you are missing the point of my posts. Yes I am being pedantic (and hence am prepared to take a bit of stick) but I am having a bit of a laugh. The problem with e-mails/posts etc is that they can be misinterpreted by the reader, however I can assure that my sarcastic posts are (an attempt at) humour.

Oh and as for the defending of the team, then there has been a lot. There has been excuses galore and a lot oif rubbish about our performances getting better (when were losing) and us being unlucky. I don't have time to dig out examples, but there has been plenty of calls for support for Blackwell and plenty of excuses for our piss poor performances

No need to explain - know how you feel.

 

[Foxy]

Hold your horses Foxy!? You are really missing the point of my post. The whole e-mail is tongue in cheek and is just a bit of a laugh.

I got the fact that you weren't being entirely serious in the post. But your tongue in cheek effort did raise the point regarding "clappers" and "knockers".

By taking the piss, you showed up the stereotyping that I'm speaking about. I perhaps didn't use the correct wording, as I'm not particularly assuming that you hold these stereotypes, my aim was to comment on them... not comment on your interpretation of them (though I guess I didn't exactly get that across in the greatest of ways!).

Yes of course it is a dig at the people who defend Blackwell and keep making excuses for him. However, I am not catagorising fans as clappers and knockers.

Is this not just categorising people under a different name?

The problem with e-mails/posts etc is that they can be misinterpreted by the reader, however I can assure that my sarcastic posts are (an attempt at) humour.

Totally agree, which is why I often plead for people to not take things so seriously all the time and exactly why we encourage people (if they want to) to meet in person and have a drink before a match or something.
It's often far easier for people to have a enjoyable conversation online if they know where the other person is coming from, this is much more easily worked out from prior knowledge of said person's personality.

That's one of the reasons that a large influx of new people can often "upset" (for a want of a better word) the ethos/feeling of a place as many come in with a defensive/presumptious stance OR adopt a similar stance towards newcomers.

Oh and as for the defending of the team, then there has been a lot. There has been excuses galore and a lot oif rubbish about our performances getting better (when were losing) and us being unlucky. I don't have time to dig out examples, but there has been plenty of calls for support for Blackwell and plenty of excuses for our piss poor performances

I think the problem with that is, I don't think we'll agree on the defination of "defending".

I for example, have on many threads argued that the injuries cannot be written off as a poor excuse.... This doesn't mean I'm defending the manager or the fact he started with a squad that would be decimated with any run of injuries. Yet many read it as so, because I dare hold an opinion that doesn't instantly fit the more extreme negative on every point.

 

[Foxy]

As I happen to to be a 'moaner',negative or anti whatever name that is to be applied because i just think that given the results over the past two months Mr Blackwell is extremely fortunate to be in a job.

and I happen to think the same, but I'd bet that the people who percieve themselves as "knockers" already have pigeon holed me as a "clapper" because of my opinions on other factors.

That's one of my main annoyances, the classification of groups does nothing but cloud the water and dilute peoples actual opinions as many get caught up with point scoring for their respective percieved sides, rather than putting across their own opinion sensibly.

My point is, that we are all Blades and we all have similar and differing opinions, I just don't see why we can't put them across sensibly without all the bullshit that just puts people off reading/contributing (unless they are part of the game and keeping up with the points scoring)...

I can't wait for someone to come along and pick out the fact I've now pigeon holed the people who partake in the clappers/knockers "game" and those who don't

It's gonna get messy.

 

[Ollessendro]

No need to explain - know how you feel.

Shut it you knocker!?

 

[shorehamview]

I like clappers.


But then again, I like knockers.


But which is best?




There's only one way to find out.........





FIGHT!!!!!!!

 

[Ollessendro]

ok, let's get it arranged a tag team special - clappers vs knockers!?

 

[Oreyt]

Oooooh!

Ooooooooh!

 

[DuncDisorderly]

I like clappers.


But then again, I like knockers.


But which is best?




There's only one way to find out.........





FIGHT!!!!!!!

http://www.googlefight.com/index.php?lang=en_GB&word1=Clappers&word2=Knockers

Gulp...

Actually, this whole thing is too polarised, and as already stated by Foxy and others, there is no such thing as a 'clapper' in the way that it is being presented, that we are like seals happy to be chucked a mouldy kipper now and again.

I have been portrayed as a 'clapper' but actually I'm not much of a clapper at all. I am a positive person and that positivity goes through everything I do. I am an optimist because life is too short to be constantly thinking about and predicting of all the ways that everything could go wrong. I am not pleased by the present situation of the club, but I'm not going to let it spoil my days either. I am certainly not going to trouble myself with the manager question, because that is KMcCabes to deal with. Endlessly shouting for Blackwells head is assuming an importance for your opinions well beyond reality. When it comes down to it, we are all know-nowts about the back room workings of the club, and for many of us, of professional football itself. We see the end product, but have no idea about it really, other than we could 'do it better' than those with the experience and training who are doing it today. Its a debating position borne out of naivety, and is silly.

Anyway, when all is said and done, I was supporting the Blades before the current management and players were here (before the players were born, actually), and I will still be here long after they are gone. The badge on the front of the shirt is what matters, not the name on the back or on the managers door. I will turn up on Saturday with two or maybe all three of the little Disorderly's. I might even have a moan and a grumble about a miplaced pass or a missed opportunity, but I won't stop supporting the team and singing them on for all I'm worth. Neither will I disappear up my own arse with rage if it doesn't go to plan. The shoes will be staying on,

Keep the faith, UTB...

 

[Micalijo]

http://www.googlefight.com/index.php?lang=en_GB&word1=Clappers&word2=Knockers

Gulp...

Actually, this whole thing is too polarised, and as already stated by Foxy and others, there is no such thing as a 'clapper' in the way that it is being presented, that we are like seals happy to be chucked a mouldy kipper now and again.

I have been portrayed as a 'clapper' but actually I'm not much of a clapper at all. I am a positive person and that positivity goes through everything I do. I am an optimist because life is too short to be constantly thinking about and predicting of all the ways that everything could go wrong. I am not pleased by the present situation of the club, but I'm not going to let it spoil my days either. I am certainly not going to trouble myself with the manager question, because that is KMcCabes to deal with. Endlessly shouting for Blackwells head is assuming an importance for your opinions well beyond reality. When it comes down to it, we are all know-nowts about the back room workings of the club, and for many of us, of professional football itself. We see the end product, but have no idea about it really, other than we could 'do it better' than those with the experience and training who are doing it today. Its a debating position borne out of naivety, and is silly.

Anyway, when all is said and done, I was supporting the Blades before the current management and players were here (before the players were born, actually), and I will still be here long after they are gone. The badge on the front of the shirt is what matters, not the name on the back or on the managers door. I will turn up on Saturday with two or maybe all three of the little Disorderly's. I might even have a moan and a grumble about a miplaced pass or a missed opportunity, but I won't stop supporting the team and singing them on for all I'm worth. Neither will I disappear up my own arse with rage if it doesn't go to plan. The shoes will be staying on,

Keep the faith, UTB...

It's hard to disagree with alot of that but you have to accept that not everyone is as level-headed as you seem to be. It's blatantly obvious I know nothing about the day to day workings of a professional football club but I'm a passionate supporter, just like you, who happens to believe that my Saturday afternoons would be immediately impoved by the sacking of a manager who has a very nice financial safety net if that happens. I really do not see any problem with expressing that view (as many times as I like) on a fans forum, as long as a general level of respect is maintained which I think it is 99% of the time. You don't seem too bothered if he stays or goes which is fine, but I am bothered, and this forum allows people to let off some steam in that regard. I'm struggling to think of anything about the team and management I can post about if knowledge of how a club works is paramount. I think it goes without saying that every post is made without that knowledge, most people would accept that.

I can't see any need for your line about self-importance I'm afraid. I just do not get that at all. It's that kind of stuff that really winds me up (can't be arsed with detailed explanation why) just like people get wound up about what they see as endless drivel about Blackwell.

 

[mickle-blade]

If they lose on Saturday, there'll be no need to make any more threads slagging Blackwell.

I don't know about that Len. Robson still gets his share.
But you are spot on...a loss on Saturday and even 'Shutters' McCabe will have to act.

 

[Revolution]

I have been portrayed as a 'clapper' but actually I'm not much of a clapper at all. I am a positive person and that positivity goes through everything I do. I am an optimist because life is too short to be constantly thinking about and predicting of all the ways that everything could go wrong. I am not pleased by the present situation of the club, but I'm not going to let it spoil my days either.

This isn't the first time you've said something like this. I can understand (and respect) this sort of view, i.e. "I will always look on the bright side and as I personally can't do anything about what's going on at the club, I won't let it bother me, even though I may disagree with or dislike some things the club are doing."

But you're doing more than that. You never disagree or express dislike. You'll bend over backwards and defend anything the club does - transfer, tactics, business decisions, whatever - and you'll be dismissive of anyone who is critical. That's just as Pavlovian as saying "Blackwell out" in every post. It's just the mirror image.

More power to you, anyway. It'd be a boring board if everyone agreed with everyone else. Someone's got to say they are relieved we've finally lost at home to Wednesday...

And supporters do have an influence on the way a club is run, for better or worse. When and if there are thousands rather than hundreds in the car park, or five thousand less season tickets are sold next year, you'll see what I mean.

 

[DuncDisorderly]

But you're doing more than that. You never disagree or express dislike. You'll bend over backwards and defend anything the club does - transfer, tactics, business decisions, whatever - and you'll be dismissive of anyone who is critical. That's just as Pavlovian as saying "Blackwell out" in every post. It's just the mirror image.

It isn't the mirror image at all. It is a more neutral and balanced view.Life is seldom so black and white. I dont 'bend over backwards'. I have my views about things but as for being 'dismissive of anyone critical', can't you see that most of the postings around 'Blackwell out' just refuse to acknowledge any other possible position. It has stopped being a discussion about the club, and descended to the level of a four year old stamping their feet becasue they can't get an ice cream.

I only pay my money and watch the game. I am not the mouthpiece of the club. I have no influence, and so help me I wouldn't go and stand in the car park. If the current board are so out of touch with the feelings of the supporters (and I dont belive that for a minute), then 'forcing' knee-jerk reactions on them is a recipe for disaster. Look to Newcastle United if you dont believe me. They demonstrate for theior messiah, then they demonstrate for them to be sacked, then they demonstrate for the next messiah. Eventually you run out of messiahs.

As for criticism, here you go then. Cut and paste this somewhere.

I think the style of channel based territorial football that we play has had its day. It was fine when everyone played it. Then we could overwhelm them by doing it better. Now there are too many teams who play a passing game and we should stop being the 'mix it up team' and start playing people off the park with possession football. We have the players to do it, and they have shown themselves capable of doing it.

Blackie has had a good deal of success in getting results using this style, and it can be hard to give up a winning formula. The key is to know what to change and when, and that is more down to luck than judgement. However, he is the current manager and if he can revive our fortunes once we have our best players in the team, then I will support him no matter what style of football we play.

I think it is time to think the unthinkable and get a complete new pairing at centre half. Killas brain is miles away but the one that might surprise you is that I am concerned that Morgs has begun to fade. He hasn't been close to his performances of recent seasons, and as much as I love him, a move down the divisions is beckoning for him. Wenger doesn't have 30 somethings in his team, and he isn't daft. (Although, as arguably the best 'football' manager anywhere, you could ask what he's achieved in recent seasons?) I was disappointed that we didn't buy Sean St Ledger over the summer as the base for this.

Having said that, my optimistic side kicks in again. We have a run of games up to and beyond Christmas that are all winnable (only WBA away where a point would do) with our best players on the pitch. 20 points from the next 10 games would see us back up in the playoff spots, and then its 'game on' again.

Keep the faith and UTB...