GodZola

I said this had to happen a few weeks back, whilst my belief is that Courtois should be brought back to the club next season to challenge Cech for the jersey & to keep him on his toes, I believe this would be the ideal solution that can be beneficial for both Courtois & the club. One more year away should be the absolute maximum though & if we are to sustain a title challenge, it still worries me that we do not have a quality back up to cover Cech, so definitely something the club need to consider.

Torres would of been crucified on here if Steaua had scored after missing that pen but credit were & when its due, he had a good game tonight. Performance wasn't the best but done enough, one thing to note though - Cech sort out your kicking! Not embarrassed about the fans at all, many don't hold this cup with any regard & how many games have they had to fork out for this season on top of travel - bloody expensive hobby! Hopefully Spurs next, less travel & would be a tad enjoyable to knock em out.

The first thing you have to ask is, is this story credible? My suspicion is that its literally 'paper talk' the gutter press know that Jose likes to be in complete control & are just guessing to try & sell a few more rags. If indeed there is some truth in it, then with respect to Emanalo, he has to go. I don't know how to credit the guy as like most of us we do not have inside information that he is directly responsible for recent transfer activity & our blossoming youth product & by the same token we cannot hold him responsible for the appointment of Rafa. What we do know is the club finally showed some common sense & changed our transfer policy so that we now purchase younger players with a long future & a potential sell on fee as opposed to ageing players on huge contracts with no chance of a transfer fee. Do we credit the board, Emanelo or both for the change in policy? Lastly didn't I read somewhere that Hidink had/has an advisory role at the club, was he responsible? As for Jose, well I'm pretty sure he will have his own ideas on how our club needs to progress & will bring in his own people, I understand why fans are worried at his reasonable 'short stays' at clubs but where is he likely to go if he returns? I believe his next job will be his last before he goes into international management, hopefully its with us - just a little reminder, thle last time he was here his side or majority of kept us winning for another 5/6 seasons so my apologies but I'm not losing any sleep over Emanelo leaving.

Personally its more a question of losing the 'dead wood' rather than the veterans so those names mentioned top2b can be brought in to the squad next season, Hilario, Turnbull, Benayoun, Mikel, Torres and possibly Marin (those names are just my opinion so knockers don't turn this in to another debate - thanks) You can also add Lamps to that list though that's not my choice but the clubs amongst many fans. As i stated many times we need to appoint the right manger first and foremost, this is absolutely fundamental to our future, hopefully he will recognize the talent we have coming through and act immediately, 3 out of the those 7 are ready - the Belgium lads, it would be wrong for me to speak about Chalobah as i have not seen anything of the lad, i know you and Zola rate him very highly, the fact he is versatile adds weight to the argument especially if Jose returns. I've been very impressed with Feruz and Piazon, as for Ake he didn't look out of place at Middlesboro. Let's face it we have been going down hill rapidly since we won the double in 2010, our performances in the Prem back this up, with the investment we have had we should not be so far behind in terms of points that we were last year and again this year. The question is, are they better than what we already have, imho yes, if we pay attention to our attack where we have been light and punchless, you cannot tell me that Lukaku, Feruz and Piazon will not improve that department, the same can be said with Courtois who would arguably get in to any other side in the world, de Bruyne will add energy and goals from Midfield and another player that is versatile. Lastly whats the point investing all that time and dosh on our academy if we are not going to use that talent, these lads are hungry they want to make a name for themselves, i'm pretty confident you will get more commitment and passion from them than we are currently seeing from some of the older generation at the mo. We still need to go in the transfer market though, for perhaps 2 maybe 3 quality players.

The rest of your post was pure fantasy 'Rupert' but that comment gave me a little chuckle!

You don't mind losing if your team puts in the effort, shows some passion, a little heart, play for the shirt......The only people associated to our club who put themselves out were our fans who travelled - poor sods! Will give Steaua credit as they defended well, deep & in numbers but we sure made it easy for them.

I've never subscribed to the nonsense phrase that 'that player is too young or he is too old' bollocks, and i think we have a situation here that is at both ends of the scale, a group of top performing youngsters that deserve their chance and completely agree with you on this respect - I've said as much before especially regarding Courtois, then we have Lukaku, De Bruyne, Chalobah amongst others, these players should all be drafted in to the squad next season which will act as a double edged sword in that it will save a few quid in transfers, bring yet more youth to our squad and replace some ageing players that are also on large salaries. The other end we have Cole who has already signed and Frank who imho should be given another year, these players still have a lot to offer and can still do it at the highest level. I feel we are in a win-win situation for a change and hopefully if its handled correctly we can get back to where we should be. As i already stated the proof will be in the pudding next season, if the club let Frank leave and we are going great guns i cant see anyone batting an eye lid and i will be the first to say i got it wrong - well done the club, however if we are still struggling and Frank is banging in the goals elsewhere then the world and his brother are going to give the Club yet more stick for letting him go too early.

Good post, the formation or should I say the 'rigid' formation is something that has got my goat for too long, I keep saying we don't need to play a holding midfielder in the majority of our games, especially at home because sides mainly come to defend & 'park the bus' so why the hell do we need 5 at the back when most of the time those players aren't marking anyone? This brings in your point about shackling Frank & it was evident Saturday, his game is so much better suited to an attacking role - doing what he does best, I believe if he had those chances that Oscar had then we would not of been biting our nails at the end cus he wud of taken at least 1 & more than likely all 3. As for Frank well my view is if he is not producing & his performances are not up to the required standards then I would agree with the clubs stance in respect in letting him go, however he is still scoring - he won us the Everton game on his own, his fitness levels show no sign of ageing, we just need to use him like Fergie does with Giggs & give him a more offensive role when he plays. I suppose proof will be in the pudding next season if he goes to another Prem club...... As for a replacement, its difficult to replace a legend & a player of Frank's ability - such an uncanny knack of being in the right place at the right time, however Kevin de Bruyen looks the player to me, scoring goals from midfield, has 2 good feet, quick & has energy. He is performing consistently in a top league too so you have to take notice of it, keeping Frank for his experience alone can aid young players like this & provide them with a steady progression.

Well what goes around comes around Utd fans! They all said Torres should of gone for his challenge on Cleverly against us, now they want the Turkish refs blood - fucking hypocrites! Well done Jose, changed the game with subs, still it won't be enough to keep the wolves at bay, the detractors will carry on putting the knifes in - including our own, unfucking believable?!!

I was at the Bridge yesterday & was surprised that the atmosphere was nowhere near as toxic as everyone were expecting, Rafa did get some boo's when he touch the ball during the game a few times & there was a rendition of "Jose Mooorineeooooo" which prob dug at Rafa more! As for the game I'm going to upset the majority as I thought Oscar whilst had a reasonable game was nowhere near m.o.t.m, he somehow missed 3 piss easy opportunities & could of done better with a couple of others, he is pushed off the ball far too easily so I hope the club work on his strength. If West Brom would of equalized late on & thanks to Cech they didn't, Oscar would of been absolutely slated on here.... As you can see so much more going to games my observations were that there is neither enough movement or bodies in the final third of the pitch, if we can improve these areas & start taking our chances then we can start thinking with more confidence. Hazard was a threat & I was stunned to see him substituted, West Brom got a second wind when he went off, nonetheless we deserved the win & should of won by more. Lastly like a poster has already said & I've mentioned many times before, dead ball situations are just pathetic, especially corners, talk about frustrating to watch 100k per week players who can't execute them is an under statement!

The term or responsibility of their role might be the same but one was world class performing it the other is leagues away from that standard, unfortunately we still got the wrong one playing for us.

Guardiola ain't doing nothing for a few months..............

I believe that the club is making strides in the right direction to become self sustainable - most on here were applauding their business strategy last year were they were bringing in different revenue streams. The hierarchy finally have applied some common sense in their approach to signing players - younger, lower wages & a potential sell on fee, the youth set up is starting to bare fruit although there is still much work to be done in this area imho However its more on the playing side where the hierarchy have made mistakes, this goes back to Jose's reign were he had players shoved on him he didn't want, Arneson given overall running of the youth set up, he was then sacked that followed a succession of poor management appointments, Wilkins being sacked for speaking his mind & more recently the waste of 50m, premature sacking of Robbie & lastly installing a manager that would upset just about every fan & this was probably the straw that broke the camels back for many fans who saw this appointment as complete ignorance. For me though the near future is where the club can make huge strides forward on & off the pitch if they appoint the right manager who is given time to get things right for a change (not tin tacked after a poor spell) I have to agree with FB in that we need a football person on the board that can give the expertise on the playing side that is transparently lacking in the boardroom, Wilkins would be my choice - not only does he have the club at heart he also has a wealth of knowledge & has that personal touch too. There are some massive decisions coming up in next 6 months which will be fundamental to our future - releasing Benitez, employing the right manager, selling Torres, loan players returning etc, Roman & the board have a huge role to play & if they get it right then we will be sitting pretty this time next year & set up for the near future to challenge again, if they don't then it could set us back years. Come August I expect most of those decisions to be in place...... Oh by the way I don't care Rafa is still our manager, I will be there Saturday supporting 'the team' all this negativity about our club reminds me of sour fuckin bitter Liverpool & Arsenal fans moaning about what used to be, yeah we've been shite but let's not stoop to their art of whinge'ing - please!

My view hasn't changed since the start of the season - he should be brought back as quality cover for Cech, he will still get a good number of games under his belt, this will start his introduction slowly whilst gaining some useful experience in the PL. Whilst I can see the benefits of Courtois getting regular games elsewhere, we also need to be selfish because we need quality back up & a serious contender for Cech's position. I will be stunned if Jose returns & Courtois is not brought back? If it is true & Courtois is given another 2 years sabbatical then I hope he signs a new long term contract, can't believe the club would let him go out on loan for the majority of his contract without tying him down to a much longer deal? This lad is ready for the first team now imho, huge talent & I'm looking forward to the summer to see where his future is heading next season - especially if Jose is back on the scene!

Muzzie, I hope you had a beer in your hand whilst occupying the bar & I trust beaver was starring up at you from the floor dirty lucky sod! Lol.

Could do with some good ole common sense here...... Well Madrid fans want Rafa & FSW has apparently said its his dream club, also they don't won't Jose - we're the opposite (well majority) If only things in life were that simple................roll(y) on the summer!

Karen Brady wrote a little bit about Malouda after the summer transfer window were he turned West Ham down, she stopped short of calling him a greedy bar-steward, says it all really! For once I'm with the hierarchy on this one, they were open & honest with him, he had opportunitys to go but decided to stay & pick up a bigger slice, he had choice.& that's more than us mere mortals get nowadays, shut your trap Malouda, its your own fault. Never rated him, one season wonder, a very poor man's Robben - nough said.

Same shit different game, continue to fluff/miss our chances whilst also conceding sloppy goals - story of our season..... Don't think the performance was as bad as some are suggesting (could do a lot better mind!) We had enough chances to win the game comfortably, only a moment of class won it, brilliant from Hazard, makes you wonder why he wasn't brought on a lot earlier - ay Rafa???!!!

FYI and not that you need any advice top2b, its pointless making a defence of Jose (not that he needs defending in anyway shape or form) on this site because you will always get detractors that like to go out of their way to somehow disrespect his tenure as manager of our club or now its reasons for his return, it tedious and nauseating. Now its because he is controversial - ffs! Ask any Gooner whether they would prefer a trophy cabinet full of air or a manager that will put silverware in the cabinet for the first time in almost a decade - they wouldn't give a toss about controversy! Jose has a way that gets under the oppositions skin and its all part of a winning mentality which acts as double edged sword in that it takes all the pressure off the players, Ferguson has this all to his own at the moment but this will change once Jose returns to the PL - hopefully with us were we can finally mount a serious title challenge. Jose is the best available option, detractors beware he ends up at City or another PL club making them successful ahead of us - careful what you wish for........

Doesn't anybody else think this whole situation is just a tad ironic? Well Roman has been criticized by the world & his brother for being 'trigger happy' for the want of a phrase associated with our ever revolving managers door, yet when we want him to wield the axe, Roman let's him hang around like a bad smell.......... Trouble is the aroma is the whiff of failure and its coming from a rather large Spanish bottom!

Brentford 2-1 down he brings on a defender......... Reading 2-1 up he brings on an attacker with the only talking CB in JT, who can organize still on the bench......... Ummmmmmmmmm...... That aside, I blame Oscar more than anyone for not winning, he should of made this game safe but his poor strike rate and decision making infront of goal is clearly not good enough for a player of his talent, he really has to improve & its not the first time I've said that. I can't argue that our defending is nothing but shocking either, Cahill & Ivanovich were sleeping for the first goal & I'm not going to get started on the equalizer! One thing to note though was, where did the ref get 5 minutes from? There was 1 short stoppage for Cahill & a few subs? Yet last week against Swansea there were two 4 minute stoppages, plus subs yet there is only 6 minutes???

You'll watch 10 minutes of our game then!

Alright for you 'whippa snappers' by that time i will probably be long gone and hopefully reincarnated as a Chelsea player winning multiple Prem and CL titles! On the other hand and more appropriate, you lot will be calling me a 'useless B'stad' and chanting get that 'fat cnut' out of our club!!!

Spot on fella, could not of put it any better myself!

Essentially i concur with most of your first post but could be 'picky' with it, however the point you make in this post is something that i have said recently and stated many times since Jose left. I was apoplectic when Jose was sacked, i couldn't understand why both Roman and Jose could not iron out their differences for the long term benefit of the club, they were both at fault but there was no possible explanation for Roman to sack Jose. This brings me onto the relevance of my post, imho it is absolutely paramount to have the right man at the helm and can use Ferguson as a benchmark, he has revolutionized Scum U into the power house they are today with never ending success that continues churning out trophies, he does this successfully despite having to rebuild teams over 4 decades, a large part of that success is due to the fact he has total control over all footballing issues and rightly so (before someone comes in with Wenger having the same power at Le Arse, they have been for large part of a decade a selling club amongst other deficiencies including Whinger's poor on field management) Now back to Jose, when he arrived in 2004 he identified our weaknesses and brought in the Portuguese contingent as well as the magnificent Drogba, instilled confidence which is/was underrated by many and for me a major reason why were successful during that period, he went hell for leather to win the Carling Cup to give the players much needed confidence to go on and win our first league title for 50 years, laterally he brought in Essien and a few others to bring the squad up to strength in every department - his view was to have 2 class players in virtually every position and to have some versatile players mixed in with it. If we use our the position as goalkeeper as an example, in 2004 Jose had to make a massive decision were he had the number 1 keeper in Cudicini and the incoming Cech, suffice to say he got it right by making Cech the regular keeper, now forward to next season, i have absolutely no doubt he will bring back Courtois from his loan to give him the same problem. My point is he will identify the weaknesses of the squad and put it right, were as i'm unsure of a different manager coming in can implement this successfully but am welcomed to be proved wrong. I believe that Roman bringing back Jose would rectify many of our deficiencies, would unite the fans and the club can move on as one - its a no brainer as far as i'm concerned, both Roman and Jose need to swallow some pride, set out a series of objectives were Roman has to be patient and were i would like to see Jose give much more thought to our youth team players, as if there was one criticism from Jose's tenure then this would be it.