I agree, he seems to have lost all confidence, which is obviously important for any player but I guess even more so when a big part of your game is taking people on and shooting from distance.

He's a class player, always had been, and this is nothing more than a dip in form. He's been out of sorts recently but give him some game time against teams outside the top 6 and I'm confident he'll rediscover his form and prove to be an important signing for us.

I look at Townsend's body language and feel he is really unhappy at the moment. He obviously feels his best place is on the right and his relationship with the manager doesn't seem healthy to me. Who knows what is happening behind the scenes!
My instinct is that he is now regretting leaving Newcastle for what seems another relegation battle, only this time he is seen as a villain and not the hero he was at Newcastle where he was loved. I would not be surprised if he returned to them in January! They are almost certain to be back in the PL next year and he could have lots of fun until then.

For the avoidance of doubt any comments in response to a previous post are directed to its ideas and not at any, or all, posters personally.

I know it's not the same exactly, but when I go for a job interview I find out exactly what the role is and what is expected of me.

So did AT and AP not discuss along similar lines before he signed ?

Whatever, he looks like he would rather be elsewhere so for that reason alone I would trade him in January.

Old, Ungifted and White

Not at all, if you read my final line I referred to 'reasoned debate' and additionally a mixture of views is essential. So with that one out of the way is it your opinion that Pardew shoulders no blame for our disastrous run and it is the players fault?

Bring back Brolin

Quite right; he's part of the problem, but not part of the solution. As I said earlier in this thread, he's not been a team player or demonstrated the flexibility we need.

Bexley Dave

Can you hear the Brighton sing? I can't hear a ******* thing!

"The most arrogant, obnoxious bunch of deluded little sun tanned, loafer wearing mummy's boys I've ever had the misfortune of having to listen to" (Burnley forum)

I suspect it's a bit of both, although CW's main problem is injuries. The current coaching staff do seem to struggle to get the best out of individuals and the team as a whole don't they?

Bexley Dave

Can you hear the Brighton sing? I can't hear a ******* thing!

"The most arrogant, obnoxious bunch of deluded little sun tanned, loafer wearing mummy's boys I've ever had the misfortune of having to listen to" (Burnley forum)