On a lighter note....

[checkpoint]

There's no solid evidence to suggest he'd ever win the title...

As for this season, i'd like him to stay but i fear that we're not going to get into the CL next season.

Well, if that's the end result of this season I think Rafa's position is under serious threat. BUT if the coming weeks (as listed) ends on a high, and we're in the CL spots, I can't see Rafa getting sacked after this season.

Throw in a cup and a strong number 2 at his side before season ends (at least a name being leaked) and he will stay through another financial backing from the owners.

[checkpoint]

Now I'm going to bed, sulking myself to sleep.

If I live tomorrow (and haven't choked whilst eating one of my own balls during the night), I'm staying well clear of any sportspages.

Unless I'm IN IT.

[Craig_H]

Number 1 - Rafa will be sacked this summer, if Hicks remains.

Number 2 - it's all well and good saying 'if we dont finish 4th, his position will be under threat' but the fact is, if we fail to finish 4th, the financial situation will be beyond dire. It's no use saying "well let's see if we finish 4th" - we cant afford not to.

[carrsim]

at the moment i am of the inclination that anything less than 3 points against sunderland and i'm expecting a resignation

sorry rafa

[akjs123]

At this point last season
1 Scum 24 57
2 Chavsk 24 51
3 Liverpool 25 49
4 Arse 24 45
5 Bolton 24 40

[Diego]

compared to now

January 30, 2008 GP PT
1 Man Utd 24 57
2 Arsenal 24 57
3 Chelsea 24 53
4 Everton 24 43
5 Aston Villa 24 41
6 Man City 24 41
7 Liverpool 23 40

if we win our next game we'll be 6 points behind last season...

[akjs123]

compared to now

January 30, 2008 GP PT
1 Man Utd 24 57
2 Arsenal 24 57
3 Chelsea 24 53
4 Everton 24 43
5 Aston Villa 24 41
6 Man City 24 41
7 Liverpool 23 40

if we win our next game we'll be 6 points behind last season...with 1 less game played

[Diego]

meant to say that win our next 2 games and 3 points behind last season, getting a bit rusty in the night

[Nicey]

Rafa in, Rafa out. Out of our hands really BUT

I can actually see us get something to cheer about in the coming weeks.

02 Feb, 2008 Sunderland Barclays Premier League H 17:15 Y N Y -
10 Feb, 2008 Chelsea Barclays Premier League A 16:00 Y N Y -
16 Feb, 2008 Barnsley FA Cup 5th Round H 15:00 Y N Y -
19 Feb, 2008 Inter Milan Champions League Last 16 (1) H 19:45 Y N Y -
23 Feb, 2008 Middlesbrough Barclays Premier League H 15:00 Y N Y -
02 Mar, 2008 Bolton Wanderers Barclays Premier League A 13:30 Y N Y -
05 Mar, 2008 West Ham United Barclays Premier League H 20:00 Y N Y -
08 Mar, 2008 Newcastle United Barclays Premier League H 15:00 Y N Y -

Sunderland could prove to be a 'Derby experience' (ie 4-5-6 nil)

Facing Chelsea away at a time when they're not playing THAT free flowing footy could prove to be a 'turn of the season'. First team to beat them at SB in ages?

Barnsley. Next round please.

Inter. Now THAT is a challenge. But we all know what a CL night at Anfield is like. Juve sh*t their pants when they were here u know.

Boro is another team we'll beat. IF Rafa goes back to school and attends the 'Course of attacking, part one'

Bolton away, now with no SA urging them to kick the sh*t out of us, could also result in 3 points.

West Ham. Revenge time.

Barcodes. Even Kuyt could score against that defence.

NOW, this would not mean that we'd be any closer to the top spot, but it would surely mean that 2-3-4 spot would be within reach.

Any one else here on the same drugs as me?

Cheers for that mate I needed some good news .... Great football to look forward too hopefully

[akjs123]

meant to say that win our next 2 games and 3 points behind last season, getting a bit rusty in the night

Not bad considering the turmoil at the club and the longterm injury to Agger.

[Diego]

agreed, but we need to string together a serious run now, cause after that newcastle game we face the mancs (A), everton (H) and arsenal (A) all in a matter of 7-8 days and if that doesn't go we'll we might loose whats left of our confidence and the 4th spot...

but i agree with you despite the last 5 ****ty games we're not as ****ed as we thought we might be...

[Skillz]

I hope your right. Fact is we need to do well in this run of games because it will not get any easier afterwards. I still think a couple of wins will see us get back on track. Unfortunately we have many players out of form and in need of confidence boost. Must happen soon.

[blacky]

I hope your right. Fact is we need to do well in this run of games because it will not get any easier afterwards. I still think a couple of wins will see us get back on track. Unfortunately we have many players out of form and in need of confidence boost. Must happen soon.

I'd like to think that their will be "crisis - clear the air" talks between Rafa, his coaching staff and the players this week. Something drastic needs to happen. Personaly I think Rafa needs to bring in a respected figure as a number 2, preferably get Pako back or an ex-player like Sami or Thommo. we need to get back to basics, Rafa needs to pick his best 11 and play them for the next few games. No rotating. A win against Sunderland and some confidence will be restored.

[IJM]

I'd like to think that their will be "crisis - clear the air" talks between Rafa, his coaching staff and the players this week. Something drastic needs to happen. Personaly I think Rafa needs to bring in a respected figure as a number 2, preferably get Pako back or an ex-player like Sami or Thommo. we need to get back to basics, Rafa needs to pick his best 11 and play them for the next few games. No rotating. A win against Sunderland and some confidence will be restored.

There does need to be a good hard kick up the arse. In fact, there needs to be a load of good hard kicks up a load of arses.

Starting with Rafa and ending with the team.

I agree with getting Pako back. If there was a disagreement between Pako and Rafa; then good! The last thing Rafa needs is a "yes man". He needs someone to challenge him and tell him when he's talking ****. That's what a good number two is for.

Draw a line under January. Start February anew. Reinstill belief and energy.

[Craig_H]

This reminds me of his first season, we slip up, neverton dont take full advantage...they slip up, we dont take advantage...we look like we might catch them, but ultimately didnt.

And we all know how that ended...