They should make PV and all the players sit down and watch Where Eagles Dare, Ward and Wilf exempted.

“That’s a joke son, I say, that’s a joke.” “Nice boy, but he’s sharp as a throw pillow.” “He’s so dumb he thinks a Mexican border pays rent” “ “Son… I say, son, some people are so narrow minded they can look through a keyhole with both eyes.”__ Forhorn Leghorn

Our results haven't really changed over the last decade, we've just morphed into a team that can pass rather than punting it up field. I do think we need a midfield general, but personally I love watching players like Olise, Eze and Zaha. Last season we played some of the best football we've seen at Palace in my 30 years watching the club. We didn't or couldn't invest in the summer and we're not quite the same.

As they say, nostalgia is a seductive liar.

I think that all the old skills, that Coppell started would still work, direct, quick and aggressive, easier to play, less mistakes at the back, and the Refs are more lenient now than they have for many a year, i would love to see it back, i think Burnley just didnt have the funds

“That’s a joke son, I say, that’s a joke.” “Nice boy, but he’s sharp as a throw pillow.” “He’s so dumb he thinks a Mexican border pays rent” “ “Son… I say, son, some people are so narrow minded they can look through a keyhole with both eyes.”__ Forhorn Leghorn

Newcastle are like Burnley on steroids, but that shows the kind of investment you need to reinvent yourselves. We are a young and inexperienced team and it is clear that the club have a vision, whether that proves to be successful or not. It has been investing in players that have flair and technique and the potential to grow, as well as developing a top tier academy that could hopefully pay dividends in a few years. Vieira may or may not work out, but if the club are focused then they should find it easier to replace him if they know what the club's strategy is. In my mind it is the first period since promotion where the club seem to know what they want and are not just fire fighting. On the downside there is clearly an issue with funding as no-one can genuinely believe our current squad is good enough.

Just felt it worth saying I agree with all of that.

With regards to 'Palace Spirit', it is still there in my experience however I think this was overly emphasised, and probably necessary, when we were still very much the underfunded, unfancied, PL new boys.

Fact is we're not anymore (which must have been the plan surely) and to try and act as such would be a bit ridiculous. There was a wave ridden upon our backs to the wall, world against us fight for survival however we are now a middling to lower PL stalwart of very modern times.

The trouble here is that it begins to feel as though we either push on or just drop back down again like so many others have. I have faith we will not drop down this season, blind faith alone, however the lack of funding, transfer activity, development of the ground and so on is leading me to fear the dreaded descent that may capture a hold of us in the near future. The football does look slightly better but whilst we don't want to be Hodgson-esque forever there is a balance between good football and good old fashion gumption. This season it looks as though the pendulum has swung too far the other way.

Selhurst still has drums banging however the raucous atmosphere is more of a dim drone these days and I again have faith that if things get stickier, we will see the volume increase. Having often laid eyes upon the likes of Man City, United, Arsenal 'fans' coming to our ground I still look upon our supporters as true kin, and 'real' football fans, and I believe only real success might threaten that as opposed to the failures and lows we always anticipate and are accustom to.

If things do go very south this season, I think we will see our supporters react accordingly and hopefully this will spur the players. COYP

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

Odds on Palace being relegated are shortening all the time. We are now as low as 9/1 with some bookies. Wonder where they will be after our next four matches?

The right place at the right time