I'm admittedly one of the hysterical "get him out, this football is suicidal, why haven't we signed anyone, SP has murdered us" people and although admitting it doesn't justify my petulance sometimes I am liable to calm down!

I had an interesting chat with someone on here last night which really reminded me of just how nuanced and unpredictable football can be and no matter how sure I am on my usually radical views it is worth listening to other people's perspectives.

Would genuinely like to hear what people would like to see between now and Burnley however small or big as I think it's fair to say something needs to change?

I was all for the "revert back to our tried and tested formation with players in the right positions and sign a GK,CB, no.10 and a striker and/or sack FdB" stance but as mentioned was challenged on this with some genuine and insightful comments which made me rethink!

Would preferably not hear back from anyone looking to just slate people be it from either the murderous mob or rose tinted la la land side although you are entitled I suppose. would do my blood pressure some good to hear a few genuine footballing perspectives for some good for thought!

Now Zaha's got a bit of green grass ahead of him here... and finds Ambrose... not a bad effort!!!!

IMO this is our best team and set up with who is available (forget the injuries we are suffering).

Hennessey

Fosu-Mensah, Tomkins Dann, PVA

Milivojevic

Townsend, Cabaye, RLC, Zaha

Benteke

4-1-4-1 for me allows Zaha and Townsend to provide the width and Cabaye and RLC to join the attack through the middle. We simply cannot play with wingbacks as the first three games have clearly shown. In this format Ward can be substituted for FM, Jimmy Mc for Cabaye and Riedewalde for either of the CH positions. For me Punch doesn't start and is behind Jimmy Mc in the pecking order for that midfield spot. Everyone else in the squad is cover. Upgrades would be Sakho as we know, and a new keeper.

Should add that I wouldn't object if Schlupp replaced PVA based on recent showings.

One of our main problems is our squad. A couple of unhappy players may move here but it is going to be hard to convince anyone of quality to come to a team that already looks like relegation fodder. It's quality players that we need, however.

Red and Blue Army!

Yeah,

One of the things I was challenged on was the fact that FdB might only be suited to playing one style of football and getting him to try and adapt the way he wants to play could be even worse (although hard to worsen current form) - LVG at Utd was referenced.

Haven't radically changed my thinking but found it helpful to have a genuine football chat rather than a to and fro between either being from one extreme to another which seems to be happening on here.

Feel a bit more open now to considerations of giving FdB a bit more time or what me actually want/not want change hence opening up the thread in general.

Still an overwhelming feeling of dread within me and I am bricking the fact we might not sign anyone but talking through matters seems more helpful to me than just irately moaning (which I'm most inclined to do!)

Now Zaha's got a bit of green grass ahead of him here... and finds Ambrose... not a bad effort!!!!

This did echo my thinking and still does but then I would question the point in having FdB as manager and even if he did would he be able to work with this (mentioned in another post).

My only other comments or suggestion would be I wouldn't mind it being adapted to having two deeper CMs with a No.10 (4-2-3-1) and yeah I actually prefer Schluppy although not too tough, would also like a GK,CB, attacking mid. (No.10/winger) and some CF cover with regards to new signings if it is possible!

Now Zaha's got a bit of green grass ahead of him here... and finds Ambrose... not a bad effort!!!!