We only seem to have 'lost our identity' when we're poor. Like at the start of every season in the premiership bar one. And the manager of that one time flash in the pan, of a good start, then went and f**ked up for 12 months after half a season.

Hmm s**t for half a season, great form for half a season IS OUT IDENTITY.

"One Nation Under God, has turned into One Nation Under the Influence of One Drug"
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In which the players have come disillusioned about style. He mentioned I like the ball on the ground many times in his pressers. I don't think it's a matter of going 343,352,433 or 4141. I personally think its de Boer philosophy that holding us back. Majority of our players aren't comfortable in possession and parish knew this especially when pardew experimented. Granted de Boer hasn't had the funds but it was the wrong appointment. It looks even more of a foolish appointment after his words were turn back the dial , need a manager that the current group suits in Dec. 3 signings later and big Sam 4 survival signings barring Sakho. It's basically a similar group that failed in a possession based style. This for me why parish is to blame.

Another Damien Diagonal - Total Football

I'm not so sure we're completely incapable of holding possession. We had quite a bit last season under Pardew and Sam and didn't look really uncomfortable. I do, as you know, think 3 at the back is the current problem. Ward has nobody in front of him to help or to have that pass. PVA surprisingly the same, yet in a 4-whatever is comfortable to turn out with the ball to his left and pass it onto the left mid. He will overlap all day long.

These gaps and changes are making it difficult for central players if there is no wide midfielder there and no wing back there. Even more so with no attacking mid there, which again leads back to why are we relying on PVA and ward as our wide passing option, especially when sometimes they have the ball themselves.

Oh and even though Zaha was injured Townsend wasn't. Neither was Schlupp, Chungy or punch. 1 of whom did come on and another in Schlupp could've come on for Tomkins to become 4-whatever. Trouble might've been if we did have success it wouldn't have been by design but by accident because he had to, which I dont agree with. Instead Kelly came on, back 3 got switched about and the 2nd goal he was exposed big time.

COYP

He's buggered up this appointment and even the parish lovers must realise this. Tell a manager to play a certain way. Why don't he take over, it's complete mess. He got it wrong. Now wants de Boer to set a team up like a big Sam or pulis. Yet that's not his philosophy. Parish buys players like Sako, Zaha and persuading him to get mama Sakho , when I've seen FDB say that he'd rather get other players with more value for money like Chambers. I'd love Sakho back but you can't tell me that he was in de Boer plans, hence he bought reidewald. One game later found out that Riedewald not ready yet for the grind of the league and now have to get another defender in Sakho. I'd love Sakho back but does de Boer want him or does parish want him.

Constant dithering in transfers, unprepared for the first 3 games. Starting the season in September apose August 12th. Time to step down mr parish. You haven't left a legacy, yes 5 years in the prem is great, you gone through umptine managers, neglected the academy and haven't developed the ground. (I know Sainsbury's is the issue). If parish left 2morrow what is his legacy?

Another Damien Diagonal - Total Football

Trouble with booing is that a lot of the time nobody knows what you're booing so it may have the wrong effect, especially at half time.

After giving it a decent go 2nd half it could've been anything. Your pie filling? The new gluten free soup pots.

COYP

I forget he saved the club it's all irrelevant.

Another Damien Diagonal - Total Football