Parker

[beddie]

He lost his three best players at the start of the season and accordingly had to re-construct the defence whilst facing five European qualifiers whilst at the same time losing his top scorer.

The big concern is Broja. We need a forward who knows where the net is and by the sound of it he is way off it.

The big bonus has been Dubravka who has been up there with Tom and Popey.

I agree about Broja, to be honest he looks way off. I still don’t understand why we signed him.

[Darnhill Claret]

We have to remember that Foster has had to carry the team up front, through the middle.
Broja has had barely any preseason and to a lesser extent Flemming had an injury which curtailed his preseason. Hopefully in another 10/11 days those two will have caught up with their fitness and will be able to do some speed and strengthening work, which hopefully will make a considerable difference.

[Darnhill Claret]

Similar with Tuanzebe and Humphreys. When we get a few more points on the board, we'll all be able to relax a bit more, and Parker won't be under as much scrutiny.

[TheFamilyCat]

We have to remember that Foster has had to carry the team up front, through the middle.
Broja has had barely any preseason and to a lesser extent Flemming had an injury which curtailed his preseason. Hopefully in another 10/11 days those two will have caught up with their fitness and will be able to do some speed and strengthening work, which hopefully will make a considerable difference.

Broja is on international duty.

[claretonthecoast1882]

After losing to the teams currently 2nd, 3rd, 5th, 10th and 13th all away expect for the reigning champions which was at home to a last minute penalty and picking up 4 points from the 2 games played against teams who are more akin to teams we are in competition with you can see why some might think he should go.

[Clive 1960]

Is this for real?

I'm not saying he should go i was just asking people's opinion...

[NewClaret]

I'm not saying he should go i was just asking people's opinion...

Honestly struggle with the notion that any Burnley fan would have an opinion that Parker should be sacked, or that they’d value the opinion of anyone that did, to be honest.

Anyone that looked at the fixture list and expected a much different outcome at this point is delusional.

There’s another point, overlooked here so far, but given the reality is that we’re likely to go down whoever is manager (odds will always be stacked against newly promoted teams), and we’ll be in and around the relegation zone all season, who could we sign that would stay with us in the Championship and stand a better chance of bringing us straight back up that Parker? I can’t think of any.

[Jakubclaret]

Honestly struggle with the notion that any Burnley fan would have an opinion that Parker should be sacked, or that they’d value the opinion of anyone that did, to be honest.

Anyone that looked at the fixture list and expected a much different outcome at this point is delusional.

There’s another point, overlooked here so far, but given the reality is that we’re likely to go down whoever is manager (odds will always be stacked against newly promoted teams), and we’ll be in and around the relegation zone all season, who could we sign that would stay with us in the Championship and stand a better chance of bringing us straight back up that Parker? I can’t think of any.

People seem to go on about this fixture list being difficult citing that's the reason we are where we are but fail to explain how some of our relegation rivals have fared better against the same teams we have failed. Based on that all in all it isn't entirely wholly unreasonable to expect a different outcome. It's become more apparent with our failure to get any sort of positive result win especially (Sunderland exempt) our focus needs to go on other teams as we are failing to better their results.

[ClaretTony]

I'm not saying he should go i was just asking people's opinion...

I find it beyond belief that anyone would seek that opinion

[Clive 1960]

I find it beyond belief that anyone would seek that opinion

Why Sean Dyche was given vote of confidence and new contract by Pace and then sacked...

[Luppy]

Parker has earned the right to manage this Club all season, regardless of the position we find ourselves in. We are not a sacking Club - you only need to look down the road to see where that gets you.

He's done a brilliant job in difficult circumstances at the beginning, the majority of summer signings that weren't part of the previous season's loan deals have, in the main, improved the first team - Hartman, Walker, Les, Florentino, Tchouna all an upgrade in my opinion, and to be honest Dubravka is currently looking an upgrade on Trafford. Broja - let's see if we can get him fit. Tuanzebe looks a poor signing in my opinion - but again time may prove otherwise.

I'm happy to stick with him even if relegated - just like we did with Dyche.

[ClaretTony]

Why Sean Dyche was given vote of confidence and new contract by Pace and then sacked...

Not sure of the relevance of that to be honest

[CrosspoolClarets]

Parker has earned the right to manage this Club all season, regardless of the position we find ourselves in. We are not a sacking Club - you only need to look down the road to see where that gets you.

He's done a brilliant job in difficult circumstances at the beginning, the majority of summer signings that weren't part of the previous season's loan deals have, in the main, improved the first team - Hartman, Walker, Les, Florentino, Tchouna all an upgrade in my opinion, and to be honest Dubravka is currently looking an upgrade on Trafford. Broja - let's see if we can get him fit. Tuanzebe looks a poor signing in my opinion - but again time may prove otherwise.

I'm happy to stick with him even if relegated - just like we did with Dyche.

Agree with this apart from the implied part about any level of bad performance cannot lead to the exit. Clearly it can and should.

But so far we are “par” with the points I expected and the only surprise has been Sunderland being higher than I wanted. We are well off even having negative mutters in the stands from fans, Parker should have nothing but support at this point, though there are tiny areas of concern with strange selections and attackers sidelined in favour of more defensive players (I use Hannibal in the right wing / inside right position as an example before Loum got in). If we start to lose the easier games while these strange selections continue, it may change the dynamic a tad, I very much hope that doesn’t happen.

[Goliath]

Just to add balance. I think I'm right in saying Parker has lost 1 home league game since he arrived. That being against the current PL champions.

[ollieclarets8]

I think he deserves until at least next Christmas time, assuming we're back in the Championship. I felt the same way with Dyche as I feel he'd have also got us back up again, just not at the same excitement level as Kompany did.

[NewClaret]

People seem to go on about this fixture list being difficult citing that's the reason we are where we are but fail to explain how some of our relegation rivals have fared better against the same teams we have failed. Based on that all in all it isn't entirely wholly unreasonable to expect a different outcome. It's become more apparent with our failure to get any sort of positive result win especially (Sunderland exempt) our focus needs to go on other teams as we are failing to better their results.

Not sure if you just mean Sunderland and Leeds, or others, but I’m not convinced their results are a lot better than ours. Sunderland’s Forest win is stand out, but their Villa draw was at home which is a totally different prospect (and should’ve been a Villa win). Plus we beat them at home, which would be one they’d have wanted to win.

Leeds’ Everton win on the opening day is also stand out but another home fixture, and don’t think they’ve played anyone we have, but good points against Toon and Bournemouth also came at home. We also came close to points vs Liverpool & United bar some player stupidity.

The reality, as I see it, is every team in this division, bar those two, have more experience and a stronger squad in terms of value and budget. So we go in to all but those two fixtures as big outsiders and underdogs.

Realistically, as an impartial observer looking at the teams in this division you’d expect us to finish rock bottom. Anything else is out performing, which is sort of underlined by Walker saying he’d consider survival his “17th trophy”.

If we can survive, the newly promoted teams replace us as the underdogs and we hopefully build from there, but the odds are stacked against us based on 8/9 of the prior teams being relegated.

I think we’ve done very well, Parker has set us up to give us a chance in some of the bigger games and we look competitive which is about as much as we can ask. It’s not nice to watch at all and I can understand some fans not enjoying it, as they didn’t under Kompany.

But changing the manager isn’t going to help that at all, I don’t think.

[NewClaret]

Just to add balance. I think I'm right in saying Parker has lost 1 home league game since he arrived. That being against the current PL champions.

And very nearly got a point in that game.

[The Shire Claret]

There is absolutely no chance at all that Parker is at risk

He has and is doing a fine job

I sometimes struggle to understand how people can not see the tremendous gulf in the difference of teams we were beating last season compared to the teams we are playing and losing to (whilst being competitive) this season.

The 2 teams we have played that we can consider closer to our level (Sunderland and Forest) we have come away with points.

Finish 17th this season and it's a better achievement than last season.

also to add where the current relegated teams are in the Championship...

[Foshiznik]

People seem to go on about this fixture list being difficult citing that's the reason we are where we are but fail to explain how some of our relegation rivals have fared better against the same teams we have failed. Based on that all in all it isn't entirely wholly unreasonable to expect a different outcome. It's become more apparent with our failure to get any sort of positive result win especially (Sunderland exempt) our focus needs to go on other teams as we are failing to better their results.

The only time our relegation rivals have bettered our results against the same teams are Sunderland against Forest (win vs draw) and Villa (draw vs loss). You are comparing apples with oranges.

For everyone's perspective:-

Sunderland
West ham (h) 3-0 W
Burnley (a) 2-0 L
Brentford (h) 2-1 W
Palace (a) 0-0 D
Villa (h) 1-1 D
Forest (a) 1-0 W
Man utd (a) 0-2 L


Dirty Leeds
Everton (h) 1-0 W
Arsenal (a) 5-0 L
Newcastle (h) 0-0 D
Fulham (a) 1-0 L
Wolves (a) 3-1 W
Bournemouth (h) 2-2 D
Spurs (h) 2-1 L

Burnley
Spurs (a) 3-0 L
Sunderland (h) 2-0 W
Man Utd (a) 3-2 L
Liverpool (h) 1-0 L
Forest (h) 1-1 D
Man City (a) 5-1 L
Villa (a) 2-1 L

[Jakubclaret]

The only time our relegation rivals have bettered our results against the same teams are Sunderland against Forest (win vs draw) and Villa (draw vs loss). You are comparing apples with oranges.

For everyone's perspective:-

Sunderland
West ham (h) 3-0 W
Burnley (a) 2-0 L
Brentford (h) 2-1 W
Palace (a) 0-0 D
Villa (h) 1-1 D
Forest (a) 1-0 W
Man utd (a) 0-2 L


Dirty Leeds
Everton (h) 1-0 W
Arsenal (a) 5-0 L
Newcastle (h) 0-0 D
Fulham (a) 1-0 L
Wolves (a) 3-1 W
Bournemouth (h) 2-2 D
Spurs (h) 2-1 L

Burnley
Spurs (a) 3-0 L
Sunderland (h) 2-0 W
Man Utd (a) 3-2 L
Liverpool (h) 1-0 L
Forest (h) 1-1 D
Man City (a) 5-1 L
Villa (a) 2-1 L

There's more than 2 other teams that contest as relegation rivals. Before the season kicked off Brentford & Bournemouth were courted as such or are we conveniently forgetting that because the narrative doesn't suit. Palace were even mentioned as dark horses in the event that eze left & the European campaign affecting league form.

[ecc]

However disappointing the last two matches were, are we really just like the fans of so many clubs (notably London clubs) who knee-jerk after seven games?

I don't know whether SP can keep us up but I reckon if anyone can then it's him.

[kentonclaret]

However disappointing the last two matches were, are we really just like the fans of so many clubs (notably London clubs) who knee-jerk after seven games?

I don't know whether SP can keep us up but I reckon if anyone can then it's him.

I’m not quite sure whether the sacking of Graham Potter can be classed as “knee jerk”. Having won just 5 of the 18 games during which he was in charge last season the dire performances and results continued into this season.

[ecc]

Yes, you're right re. Potter, kentonclaret. He was on a slippery slope after a poor start there but not helped by an awful transfer window. However, West Ham fans do tend to think they are a "big" club. Given their catchment area, the number of league titles won is mighty impressive.

I can't stand Postecoglu but Forest fans wanting him out already is, I feel, a bit ridiculous.

[The Shire Claret]

Yes, you're right re. Potter, kentonclaret. He was on a slippery slope after a poor start there but not helped by an awful transfer window. However, West Ham fans do tend to think they are a "big" club. Given their catchment area, the number of league titles won is mighty impressive.

I can't stand Postecoglu but Forest fans wanting him out already is, I feel, a bit ridiculous.

You're bang on right for me about London clubs and Forest...

I always take a bit of pride that we have more common sense as a fan base but the fact that there is even a topic on this it ridiculous in my opinion.

[kentonclaret]

You make reference ecc to a disastrous transfer window for West Ham but that was not how Graham Potter viewed it saying that the business concluded was both “happy and productive” being particularly pleased with the Deadline Day deals for Igor Julio and Ward-Prowse.
When singling out London clubs posters obviously turn a blind eye to the ongoing pantomime and circus that is Manchester United

[NewClaret]

There's more than 2 other teams that contest as relegation rivals. Before the season kicked off Brentford & Bournemouth were courted as such or are we conveniently forgetting that because the narrative doesn't suit. Palace were even mentioned as dark horses in the event that eze left & the European campaign affecting league form.

I think anyone comparing our results to Bournemouth, Brentford and Palace are going to be very disappointed across the season. These are established clubs and their experience will deliver better results.

Realistically, we’re competing with Leeds & Sunderland and hoping one more established club drops a clanger and gets drawn in to it to replace us. That could be one of those that you mention but looking more likely Wolves/WHU, whose results I definitely wouldn’t swap for ours.

[ecc]

You make reference ecc to a disastrous transfer window for West Ham but that was not how Graham Potter viewed it saying that the business concluded was both “happy and productive” being particularly pleased with the Deadline Day deals for Igor Julio and Ward-Prowse.
When singling out London clubs posters obviously turn a blind eye to the ongoing pantomime and circus that is Manchester United

I think he was being diplomatic TBH.

No, it's not just London clubs. It's virtually all clubs. The media today feed on sackings. They start the pressure and muppet fans lap it up. Social media only makes things worse.

We live in a society where only winning is acceptable. Losing is not tolerated.

[Jakubclaret]

I think anyone comparing our results to Bournemouth, Brentford and Palace are going to be very disappointed across the season. These are established clubs and their experience will deliver better results.

Realistically, we’re competing with Leeds & Sunderland and hoping one more established club drops a clanger and gets drawn in to it to replace us. That could be one of those that you mention but looking more likely Wolves/WHU, whose results I definitely wouldn’t swap for ours.

I agree wholeheartedly but if we are holding true to our predictions we shouldn't just dismiss teams. At the start that's what was said please feel free to find threads suggesting otherwise. It was discussed at length who would be in the mix (let's face it could still be early days). It's only fair to mention the teams we regarded as relegation candidates & compare results like for like.

[Jakubclaret]

I think he was being diplomatic TBH.

No, it's not just London clubs. It's virtually all clubs. The media today feed on sackings. They start the pressure and muppet fans lap it up. Social media only makes things worse.

We live in a society where only winning is acceptable. Losing is not tolerated.

Part of what you are saying is true. Some sackings are justified that said some appointments are plain daft & will go that way. The people who should be accountable are the people doing the sackings & appointing but the buck always stops with the manager that's the way of the world unfortunately. The media wouldn't have the appetite without the food & more often than not it's the fans doing the feeding people should show more patience but don't.

[boyyanno]

I agree wholeheartedly but if we are holding true to our predictions we shouldn't just dismiss teams. At the start that's what was said please feel free to find threads suggesting otherwise. It was discussed at length who would be in the mix (let's face it could still be early days). It's only fair to mention the teams we regarded as relegation candidates & compare results like for like.

There's some mad logic on here to be fair,

United and Spurs are crap because they finished poorly last season, Forest are crap despite where they finished last season.

I think people just need to accept that you can't see how the table will finish after 8 games. We're one thread away from last seasons we will never score enough goals to go up stuff.

[Jakubclaret]

There's some mad logic on here to be fair,

United and Spurs are crap because they finished poorly last season, Forest are crap despite where they finished last season.

I think people just need to accept that you can't see how the table will finish after 8 games. We're one thread away from last seasons we will never score enough goals to go up stuff.

It's only mad I guess if you choose to perceive it that way. In my opinion it needs to be taken into consideration what our so called relegation rivals have done or are doing if we are consistently bemoaning our fixtures it needs to be viewed side by side. I think it's far too early to be questioning parkers position but I'm not on the hard fixture bandwagon that's clearly in full force.

[CrosspoolClarets]

The only time our relegation rivals have bettered our results against the same teams are Sunderland against Forest (win vs draw) and Villa (draw vs loss). You are comparing apples with oranges.

For everyone's perspective:-

Sunderland
West ham (h) 3-0 W
Burnley (a) 2-0 L
Brentford (h) 2-1 W
Palace (a) 0-0 D
Villa (h) 1-1 D
Forest (a) 1-0 W
Man utd (a) 0-2 L


Dirty Leeds
Everton (h) 1-0 W
Arsenal (a) 5-0 L
Newcastle (h) 0-0 D
Fulham (a) 1-0 L
Wolves (a) 3-1 W
Bournemouth (h) 2-2 D
Spurs (h) 2-1 L

Burnley
Spurs (a) 3-0 L
Sunderland (h) 2-0 W
Man Utd (a) 3-2 L
Liverpool (h) 1-0 L
Forest (h) 1-1 D
Man City (a) 5-1 L
Villa (a) 2-1 L

I’m all for relative optimism and it is for now too early to conclude, but those Sunderland results aren’t equivalent, they really stand out. They have beaten 3 sides in this league last season, we have beaten 0. As well as the draw against Villa they got a draw at Palace, who have been on fire.

None of that is Parker’s fault by the way, but it is clear they have made a move on us, making our task much harder.

We have to forget all that and get to 36 points, draws will not do it, that means attacking teams in the way Sunderland have. Hopefully we will.

[Tall Paul]

Sunderland have attacked teams so much better than we have, which is why they've scored seven goals while we've only scored 7.

[claretonthecoast1882]

At least it is a club like Sunderland and not Luton that we have some flapping about this season

[The Shire Claret]

Sunderland have attacked teams so much better than we have, which is why they've scored seven goals while we've only scored 7.

We did that under Kompany and it didn't pay off ...

Fair play to Sunderland but it is a risky strategy and it's currently paying off

[CrosspoolClarets]

Sunderland have attacked teams so much better than we have, which is why they've scored seven goals while we've only scored 7.

Just seen this. What you don’t say is that Sunderland have an xG of 7.3 (on fbRef) and we are on 4.9

The other thing is that 6 of our 7 goals have come from behind. So we don't tend to go for it when drawing. Which will tally with our instinct from watching the games.

Those are differences to Sunderland and Parker has to make sure it doesn’t cost us in the games to come. Hopefully that was just his approach in the games against big 6 or European competing sides.

[Bullabill]

What you don’t say is that Sunderland have an xG of 7.3 (on fbRef) and we are on 4.9

Whooosh!!!!

[Woodleyclaret]

We need to utilise our loan and bring in a striker
We can't expect Broja to step up as he needs time
Recall Hountonji and Ramsay in January.

[fidelcastro]

Recall Hountonji and Ramsay in January.

Aye, that'll do it!

[Jakubclaret]

Sunderland have attacked teams so much better than we have, which is why they've scored seven goals while we've only scored 7.

7 is quite a fitting figure in more ways than 1 irrespective of goals scored.

[CrosspoolClarets]

Whooosh!!!!

What’s whooshy about it? I was fully aware TallPaul was being a bit clever and sarcy in response to my earlier post about Sunderland having stolen a march on us.

I was simply pointing out that our goal stats may seem as good as Sunderlands but close inspection disputes that and we have to attack teams when level, which was my original point. Basically that means against Leeds we cannot have the same tactics as we did at home last season against them.

[willsclarets]

7 games in. Thought we might get to 10 or thereabouts before a thread like this appeared but hey ho.

How fast the dial turns. There were people wanting him out midway through last season, who then had to eat some humble pie by the end of it. A few months later, and I'll bet it's at least some of the people who got impatient too quickly last season, who have already forgotten what he achieved and are starting to turn.

You couldn't make it up. Another few rough games and Esteve will probably go from being the best centre back in history to a waste of space we should've sold. This league is ridiculously difficult, Sunderland will hit a rough patch. Leeds will hit a rough patch. Other teams will too. Keeping a newly promoted team up is harder than it's ever been. It was always going to be a slug, but 7 games. Come on, we can be better than that. By all means have a grumble when we don't win on a Saturday, that's normal. But the bigger picture needs some perspective and some patience