First defeat in a meaningless friendly - welcome to the fickle world of Crystal Palace fans Frank. Mind you had we won you know you would be expected to win the Premier League at a canter.

I agree, in fact I'd say let's see what happens through to the Huddersfield game, but if we're then still struggling with the 'system' a rethink on timescales and tactics wold be appropriate. I've a feeling that the signings may drag on towards the end of next month.

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)

Should've listened to myself and not come on here after a pre season defeat. You were already spouting your nonsense in the official thread and wouldn't listen to any rational thought then. If you're gonna hate on a manager (and believe me I've hated many) at least give the guy a chance to fail first FFS. Anyone drawing a conclusion now is ridiculous, no one knows how well it will turn out. But this constant attitude of "DONT LIKE ALL THAT POSSESION STUFF ME NA KEEP IT COMPACT HIT EM ON THE BREAK" will never get us anywhere as a club in the modern game. There are only so many big Sams and Pulises knocking about and eventually you run out of lifelines. Moving to a more progressive style is in the end a neccesity, whether Frank is the guy to make it work is yet to be seen but get behind the team until he's proven not to be for crying out loud.

I for one find it very encouraging that he seems to be concentrated on the defence first and foremost and is exploring 3 at the back for when we go against better teams.

To put a long story short, we could've had Pep or Mourinho or Poccetino or Klopp as a manager and we still wouldn't of been able to learn pretty much anything from today. If you want us to progress at all it will take time. If you wanna be stuck in the old fashioned Paul Merson type hoofball bulls*** then I'm sorry to say that eventually your luck will run out. A failure to push on and adapt to your surroundings inevitably leads to a stagnation and ends up in tears - in all walks of life.

Edited by Mstrobez (19 Jul 2017 7.34pm)

We're the Arthur over ere!

Let's hope so, because if we continue with the poor starts, and have to again pull it around from January onwards, our luck will eventually run out and there's no white knight this time.

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'd previously stated 3 posts in response to others on this thread, but lost the will to finish them off as they turned into a rant... This one however covers my thoughts very well... Thank you

The Voice of Reason In An Otherwise Mediocre World

Yesterday did bring us back down to earth with a bump.

FDB was unconvincing in the tv interviews pre and post Match and the Fast Start to the Season that he said we need in 3 weeks time looks unlikely given the poor quality of our squad, the lack of an attacking threat and the return to open house defending which just does not work in the Premiership.

Liverpool are at the same stage of fitness preparation pre Season as we are but they look streets ahead. Our players were clearly struggling to play a brand new system at this very late stage in Pre season. One shot on target and no supply to Benteke doesn't suggest Sexy Football.

We need some real quality signings into this very ordinary looking squad of players, not just more budget buys.

Saturday will show if FDB can uplift things significantly.

Hope he can.