That is a large part of why we're "underprepared" and using players out of position (which Pardew was slated for incidentally). Switch to 4-3-3 and suddenly we have the personnel for the system and the experience to make it work. We're trying to change too much in too short a time and without the personnel to do it. We should start with a system we can cope with and work on change over the season.

I sincerely hope de Boer can make it work because I certainly don't want to see us struggle again this season. It does make you wonder what those in the camp with PL experience, like Sammy Lee, have to say about it. Is it like the emperor's new clothes where everyone just goes "good idea boss" and don't point out the potential pitfalls?

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)

Hi Al, hope you are good, sorry to disagree but fans do have the right to moan, after all they are the paying customers and they want the best for the team. You must agree that our investment in the team this transfer window has been rather poor compared to those teams around us who will also be fighting the relegation battle this coming season. Our defence is poor, the goalkeeper suspect and FdB wants a passing game out of defence using defenders that only know the big boot and hope clearance or are otherwise rather past their sell by date. I can understand that you are a glass half filled person and that has to be admired but being optimistic is not going to keep us out the relegation battle unless some quality players come in before the window closes. Hope I'm wrong but have a bad feeling about Saturday, we will probably have a lot of possession and attacking but in the end the defence or GK will make a mistake and we will lose 0-1!

Right wing back is a question mark.

COYP

I'm anxious, new system, clearly some large needs to the squad, but like a lot are saying, in SP we/I trust. To me he's barely put a foot wrong and think he deserves the benefit of the doubt.

Whilst I'd love to see some more signings, equally I would rather see fewer, well thought out signings and some great loan deals than the board or manager just splashing the cash for sub-standard players like "Panicbiyi" or Adebayor.

Still a few weeks to go too, so fingers crossed they'll come up with some real gems, and personally whilst I fear the worst I really hope we get MS back. Not cheap, but I don't know what else you want to see from a player before you decide he's worth the money.

Benteke was worth the price tag, and so is Sakho.

I think we ought to get in a director of football or similar figure to assist with transfer dealings, but I don't think we're looking particularly unprepared this season. We do need a backup striker, but he'd only be a backup and so we can wait. Plus there's the little voice in my head saying that we've not yet got another CB because we're holding out for Sakho...

A little harsh. Kelly was catastrophic as a left back under Pardew. He's a right footed center back that can cover RB if absolutely necessary but there's never been any hint he can play as left back. That's not his fault.

At RB again he's only a 4 or 5 out of 10. Not good enough.

As a center back though, particularly one that is covered by 2 other defenders in a back 3, he can definitely do a job. I think he was a solid 6 out of 10 more often than not in that position, occasionally a 7.

He's a competent backup CB is what I'm getting at, not a player I'd never want to see again like an Adebeyor or Jordan Mutch.