Rafa The Man

[Robster007]

I just saw the Rafa post match interview, not since Kenny have I been this emotionally attached to our manager, I sincerely hope that those yank muppets dont sack him because its plain to see hes got the necessary passion to turn this around, hes got the expertise for sure. Keep Rafa please.

[Craig_H]

I think we have the makings of an excellent side and will soon be challenging. I also think that any cup win should be celebrated.

I didnt say it shouldnt be celebrated in its own right, however in the overall scenario, we're better than just finishing 4th without the remotest glimpse of a title challenge and without a good run in the CL, even if we win the FA Cup.

[Craig_H]

One question scott, and a genuine one...

Are there ANY circumstances whereby you'd want the manager changed? If so, what are they?

[Robster007]

Drumroll.........

[kurtangle01]

One question scott, and a genuine one...

Are there ANY circumstances whereby you'd want the manager changed? If so, what are they?

If there is substantial regression then that's when. Finishing outside the CL places maybe.

In my opinion though we're a bit away from that. Quite a way infact.

[Revo]

One question scott, and a genuine one...

Are there ANY circumstances whereby you'd want the manager changed? If so, what are they?

if the manager doesent get anyone in january then all opinions are moot (he is gone). was alarmed even further today hearing mike newell say he believes rafa will be let go. the fact that everyone played today suggests no one is leaving with the exception of momo and villa wouldent be dumb enough to pony up anything now. sad times baby, sad times

[Kilteragh]

If there is substantial regression then that's when. Finishing outside the CL places maybe.

In my opinion though we're a bit away from that. Quite a way infact.

So as long as we continue to be a top 4 team you will be happy?

I'm not saying sack Rafa but I'm struggling to see when or where a title challenge is going to come from any time soon. We have been playing pretty **** football since September and that's too long.

[Neil Young]

I wont even consider rafa`s position until the end of NEXT season.

Only then in my mind will he have had a decent ammount of time to truly turn the club into HIS club and have had all his ideas bedded in place.

Then I will sit down and see where we are going with him. I suspect by then we will be going very high places with him.

Every season under him i have seen improvents in us of some sort and while this is happening i`m happy.

There is nobody else out there that can do the job better IMO.

[Dhav]

I hope Lawro is right and that the yanks are gone before Rafa is. I believe we are two top players away from having a title winning side, makes no sense ripping it all up and starting again when we are close to being right up there.

[vonk]

if the manager doesent get anyone in january then all opinions are moot (he is gone). was alarmed even further today hearing mike newell say he believes rafa will be let go. the fact that everyone played today suggests no one is leaving with the exception of momo and villa wouldent be dumb enough to pony up anything now. sad times baby, sad times

Agreed. If there is little transfer activity we will know.

[Craig_H]

If there is substantial regression then that's when. Finishing outside the CL places maybe.

In my opinion though we're a bit away from that. Quite a way infact.

Fair enough on that count.

You talk of improvement, which isnt a point without validity.

Surely though, you'd have to concede that this improvement should be visible in the contexts of the league table, would you not?

On that basis, we've basically stood still IMO.

Or would you disagree, would you argue that we're seeing annual improvements in terms of league performance? If you do think that's the case, how would you seek to substantiate it? For me, the crux of the issue is in the numbers, the points and the finishing position.

[Robster007]

Fair enough on that count.

You talk of improvement, which isnt a point without validity.

Surely though, you'd have to concede that this improvement should be visible in the contexts of the league table, would you not?

On that basis, we've basically stood still IMO.

Or would you disagree, would you argue that we're seeing annual improvements in terms of league performance? If you do think that's the case, how would you seek to substantiate it? For me, the crux of the issue is in the numbers, the points and the finishing position.

We've had our highest points tally in the league under Rafa, and finished 3rd for the last 2 seasons.

[desertscouser]

I hope Lawro is right and that the yanks are gone before Rafa is. I believe we are two top players away from having a title winning side, makes no sense ripping it all up and starting again when we are close to being right up there.

I wish you were right Dhavlos but imo we need more than 2 more players to win the league. For a start we need at least one more sh!t hot striker, a right and left winger and probably 2 full backs to replace Finnan who is gettng on a bit and Riise who's not very good.

[Roboklopp]

if the manager doesent get anyone in january then all opinions are moot (he is gone). was alarmed even further today hearing mike newell say he believes rafa will be let go. the fact that everyone played today suggests no one is leaving with the exception of momo and villa wouldent be dumb enough to pony up anything now. sad times baby, sad times

Dont see why Newell would know to be honest.

I agree with the above points about Rafa not being back over the transfer period means he's proably off tho. No idea who will want to come in & manage us under such a dictatorsip tho-especially with such financial limitations.

Everything is really really **** right now isnt it?

[Kilteragh]

Dont see why Newell would know to be honest.

Newell has always been full of ****.