its obvious we are dropping

[KateR]

Interesting thread, hope it stays around until the end of the season.

[Newcastleclaret93]

Can you name 6 teams who would finish above our current squad if we played in the championship this season?

Bournemouth, Fulham would defo finish above us. The rest are all much of a muchness but would argue with the age of our squad and playing twice a week we would be around 7th - 13th

[ClaretTony]

Problem is that SD will want to keep the majority of those players.

I think it was October 2012 when you first turned on Dyche wasn't it?

[SkiptonClaret]

I think it was October 2012 when you first turned on Dyche wasn't it?

Whatever, Tony. I was stating an opinion, is that not allowed ?

[Dy1geo]

I wouldn’t say it’s obvious that we are dropping but we are certainly in a precarious position.

The match against Leeds is looking like a “must in ” as an 8pt spread will be hard to pull back if they win and with the next 4 matches against Leicester, Arsenal, Man Utd and Liverpool we could be looking having on the 1 win from 21 matches.

Win on Sunday and situation will certainly start to look better.

[Tall Paul]

I wouldn’t say it’s obvious that we are dropping but we are certainly in a precarious position.

The match against Leeds is looking like a “must in ” as an 8pt spread will be hard to pull back if they win and with the next 4 matches against Leicester, Arsenal, Man Utd and Liverpool we could be looking having on the 1 win from 21 matches.

Win on Sunday and situation will certainly start to look better.

They probably won't be the next four matches. At least one and probably two of the rearranged fixtures will be in there as well.

[ClaretAndJew]

How or why? I've no idea why, but guess it's because they needed upfront cash and wanted some of his wages off the bill and this was the only way. No idea on the % but been told from several sources that Lyon are paying a part of it.

They got his wages off their bill when we bought him. Do wages stay at another club when a player is transferred?

[Dy1geo]

They probably won't be the next four matches. At least one and probably two of the rearranged fixtures will be in there as well.

Hopefully it will not be the Spurs game.

The point that I was trying to make was that sometimes things can seem to conspire against you and that it cannot do anything for the players confidence to go into that run of matches on the back of a defeat to Leeds.

[Norman]

They got his wages off their bill when we bought him. Do wages stay at another club when a player is transferred?

Lyon are paying some of his wages. I'm not debating it.

[duncandisorderly]

Lyon are paying some of his wages. I'm not debating it.

The sky is blue because we live in the eye of blue eyed giant.

[Ric_C]

Bournemouth, Fulham would defo finish above us. The rest are all much of a muchness but would argue with the age of our squad and playing twice a week we would be around 7th - 13th

Interesting opinion, I'd be quite confident of finishing above those two teams. Next summer is going to be an interesting one whatever happens

[BurnleyFC]

Interesting opinion, I'd be quite confident of finishing above those two teams. Next summer is going to be an interesting one whatever happens

We’ll definitely finish above Bournemouth and Fulham this season.

Unfortunately, we’ll also be swapping leagues with them.

[Norman]

Bournemouth, Fulham would defo finish above us. The rest are all much of a muchness but would argue with the age of our squad and playing twice a week we would be around 7th - 13th

You forgot the smiley.

[Newcastleclaret93]

Interesting opinion, I'd be quite confident of finishing above those two teams. Next summer is going to be an interesting one whatever happens

I struggle to see more than 3 of our players getting in either of there teams. It just shows how far we have fallen

[Colburn_Claret]

Not obvious, but looking more and more likely all the time.
Played very well at times this season, without the rewards we deserved, but this last 6 games we have gone backwards.
The effort is always there, but no nous, no courage to commit forward, no composure in the key moments, especially Wood and Vyds. The midfield, which has long been our weak spot, are playing worse than ever. There is little point in pressing from the top, when teams can play through us with ease.
We have always conceded possession, but managed to do it without conceding many opportunities, that is no longer true, and while the back 5 are still as strong as ever, you cannot keep conceding the chances and not expect to be punished.

We are missing a Joey Barton personality, to do some shouting and barking on the pitch, and get the team focused and working. It's all too nice the way the players react to each other, wether it's missing open goals, losing possession in dangerous areas, not tracking back and putting in the effort, it just seems to be acceptable. It isn't, and the players should think that it isn't acceptable as well.

There is time, fortunately, to turn this around, but unless we change our mentality I can't see it happening.

And I still think Collins should be playing in front of the back 4.

[ClaretTony]

Whatever, Tony. I was stating an opinion, is that not allowed ?

Yes, but just pointing out that you've been anti-Dyche from day 1.

[KRBFC]

Problem is that SD will want to keep the majority of those players.

I suspect Dyche doesn't want to keep these players hence why they haven't been given new deals yet, Dyche went public with Garlick not offering deals quick enough to some he wanted to keep previous (Lennon and Bardsley i think?) but he hasn't seemed anywhere as stressed. It's an incredibly strange situation we find ourselves in with so many out of contract, Palace had a similar situation but with less starters.

[Jakubclaret]

I suspect Dyche doesn't want to keep these players hence why they haven't been given new deals yet, Dyche went public with Garlick not offering deals quick enough to some he wanted to keep previous (Lennon and Bardsley i think?) but he hasn't seemed anywhere as stressed. It's an incredibly strange situation we find ourselves in with so many out of contract, Palace had a similar situation but with less starters.

Offloading dross (mostly injured/unavailable) like Meyer & PVA & sakho & wickham who were on astronomical wages for a club like palace helped I even think bentekes contract terms were reduced helped them, gutting a team that isn’t achieving can be the best thing & I’m not necessarily referring to palaces.

[GodIsADeeJay81]

Palace found a new investor who dropped £100 million into the club, that helped them make decisions on certain players.

[Middle-agedClaret]

No it isn’t x

[superdimitri]

You can't just release 10 players. A balance has to be made. Retain some and get some new faces in gradually.

[jojomk1]

Jan is traditionally a difficult time to add value to a squad for most Prem clubs
Newcastle's new owners will have pretty much a full wallet and will certainly spend big (no doubt they will pay over the odds to try and get players in.)
Even with only a modicum of success they will, I fear, get enough in to finish above us by the end of the season
Which means we have to finish above two other clubs
"We have been unlucky" has often been seen as a reason on this messageboard for our current position but I am pretty sure supporters of the likes of Leeds, Watford, Brentford and Southampton have had similar thoughts
Our continuingly obvious weakness in midfield will not improve with the current group, they are now simply too old (Brownhill being the exception)
Our failure to score goals (3rd lowest in the league) relies mainly on Wood to improve and he is going through a really bad patch
Goals scored would have been even worse if not for Cornet, and we are also about to lose his positive contribution (when fit) for the duration of AFCON
Without additions in these key areas it will be a difficult watch in 2022

[Woodleyclaret]

4 out of the last 6 were cancelled we will get at least 9 points when rearranged

[warksclaret]

Not obvious, but looking more and more likely all the time.
Played very well at times this season, without the rewards we deserved, but this last 6 games we have gone backwards.
The effort is always there, but no nous, no courage to commit forward, no composure in the key moments, especially Wood and Vyds. The midfield, which has long been our weak spot, are playing worse than ever. There is little point in pressing from the top, when teams can play through us with ease.
We have always conceded possession, but managed to do it without conceding many opportunities, that is no longer true, and while the back 5 are still as strong as ever, you cannot keep conceding the chances and not expect to be punished.

We are missing a Joey Barton personality, to do some shouting and barking on the pitch, and get the team focused and working. It's all too nice the way the players react to each other, wether it's missing open goals, losing possession in dangerous areas, not tracking back and putting in the effort, it just seems to be acceptable. It isn't, and the players should think that it isn't acceptable as well.

There is time, fortunately, to turn this around, but unless we change our mentality I can't see it happening.

And I still think Collins should be playing in front of the back 4.

Agree Colburn-there seems to be an "acceptance" in the team that they are not going to win at times. There is no hurt shown when we miss a glorious chance and there have been quite a few. There is no barking when we let in a soft goal.We sadly need a leader who can lift and get the players worked up and who shows he cares-Joey Barton was outstanding, as was Kevin Ball. Both were free transfers by the way.Players like Delp a few seasons ago might have been worth a punt-remember he has captained England and liked by Southgate for his inspiration to other team members. McGinn at Villa is another natural leader and was available for peanuts from Scotland. Gallagher of Palace has been on loan for over three seasons now.These players exist but we have been clueless in recruiting and when we do get someone they tend not to play for ages.If I can come up with possible names, surely the scouting team in the club can.

This means if Cornet is out we have basically the same 11 that has gained one win in 19. How unfit is he. Would Norwich or Newcastle be playing him right now in his current state of fitness, or like SD keeping waiting for the next game.We keep playing the same players, some of whom know they will be leaving in June/July, and it makes no odds to them if we get relegated, and they are not going to see a drop in wages. You would think Cork, Rodriguez, JBG and a few others would be playing to earn a new contract, but I am not seeing any evidence of this.. I think these guys will get a nasty surprise when they realise no one else in the PL will want them.

How long before SD starts making some key changes-he tried Lennon on Thursday which I found encouraging, but for example would he think of bringing Collins on in front of the back four if we were in a winning situation with 10 minutes to go. Even Pep makes these kind of moves.Will he bring Roberts in when fit to replace JBG who just does not contribute and seems to have had endless opportunities. He has not made a telling cross in his 15 games.And whilst we are not winning it puts doubt in the mind of players like Mee about a new contract as I am sure he feels quite rightly he still has several years in the PL, and has many admirers. Same applies to McNeil and Pope. I find SD so hard to read- is it stuborness, loyalty or what that drives him ?. He must be fearing relegation too. The ever worsening stats just don't lie

[RingoMcCartney]

Agree Colburn-there seems to be an "acceptance" in the team that they are not going to win at times. There is no hurt shown when we miss a glorious chance and there have been quite a few. There is no barking when we let in a soft goal.We sadly need a leader who can lift and get the players worked up and who shows he cares-Joey Barton was outstanding, as was Kevin Ball. Both were free transfers by the way.Players like Delp a few seasons ago might have been worth a punt-remember he has captained England and liked by Southgate for his inspiration to other team members. McGinn at Villa is another natural leader and was available for peanuts from Scotland. Gallagher of Palace has been on loan for over three seasons now.These players exist but we have been clueless in recruiting and when we do get someone they tend not to play for ages.If I can come up with possible names, surely the scouting team in the club can.

This means if Cornet is out we have basically the same 11 that has gained one win in 19. How unfit is he. Would Norwich or Newcastle be playing him right now in his current state of fitness, or like SD keeping waiting for the next game.We keep playing the same players, some of whom know they will be leaving in June/July, and it makes no odds to them if we get relegated, and they are not going to see a drop in wages. You would think Cork, Rodriguez, JBG and a few others would be playing to earn a new contract, but I am not seeing any evidence of this.. I think these guys will get a nasty surprise when they realise no one else in the PL will want them.

How long before SD starts making some key changes-he tried Lennon on Thursday which I found encouraging, but for example would he think of bringing Collins on in front of the back four if we were in a winning situation with 10 minutes to go. Even Pep makes these kind of moves.Will he bring Roberts in when fit to replace JBG who just does not contribute and seems to have had endless opportunities. He has not made a telling cross in his 15 games.And whilst we are not winning it puts doubt in the mind of players like Mee about a new contract as I am sure he feels quite rightly he still has several years in the PL, and has many admirers. Same applies to McNeil and Pope. I find SD so hard to read- is it stuborness, loyalty or what that drives him ?. He must be fearing relegation too. The ever worsening stats just don't lie

Some great points, well made.

[gtclaret]

We have won just 1 game in the first 16,we have the lowest points per game total in the country this calendar year, and some on here insult the OP for suggesting that we are dropping. Supporting the club and wanting an upturn in our form is fine, but some of you are totally delusional

[evensteadiereddie]

The OP has stated, the clue's in the title, quite catagorically, that we are going down. To point out that that isn't necessarily true is not insulting.

[jrgbfc]

We have won just 1 game in the first 16,we have the lowest points per game total in the country this calendar year, and some on here insult the OP for suggesting that we are dropping. Supporting the club and wanting an upturn in our form is fine, but some of you are totally delusional

We're playing really well though, it's all down to bad luck, VAR, referees don't like us etc etc

[SouthLondonexile]

It’s obvious this is a windup.
If by the end of February we are not winning games then I’ll be surprised if we stay in the Premiership.
At the moment other teams are in the same boat, but relying on others misfortunes is not good.
Personally I want to stay in the top league, winning every other game from now on should be our target. The top teams really are quite special, we can be forgiven for losing at Old Trafford.

[tiger76]

The OP has stated, the clue's in the title, quite catagorically, that we are going down. To point out that that isn't necessarily true is not insulting.

I just had to check the PL table again, the way some folks are chucking the towel in already, you'd think we were marooned at the foot 10 points adrift, whereas we sit 18th, a mere 2 points shy of Watford as it stands, and with games in hand on ALL the sides around us, including 3 in hand on Newcastle & Norwich who are below us.

Now this is not to say we don't have issues, and 1 win in 16 has to drastically improve, but to state relegation is inevitable is far too early in my humble opinion. Are we in the midst of a relegation fight, absolutely, but we can and will get out of trouble, let's show some faith in the manager and squad who've served us so well for several seasons, and keep defying the odds.

[Nipples]

Was going to take this serious, but cant take anybody serious when posting a kiss at the end of a stupid enough post

Whats so stupid about it ? OUr 2021 form is the worst in the whole football league. You can;t just magically turn that around.

[taio]

Whats so stupid about it ? OUr 2021 form is the worst in the whole football league. You can;t just magically turn that around.

Thankfully things aren't decided based on results in a calendar year. The constant reference to this is complete ********.

[Jakubclaret]

Palace found a new investor who dropped £100 million into the club, that helped them make decisions on certain players.

For sure textors money helped them that’s a point I mentioned earlier regarding the financial backing.

[Papabendi]

I think we are dropping ?

Don't you ?

[THEWELLERNUT70]

Was going to take this serious, but cant take anybody serious when posting a kiss at the end of a stupid enough post

Does it f#cking matter if theres a kiss or not ? 11 wins in 53 PL games ffs!

[Papabendi]

So how do we start meaningfully prepping for the Championship?
Who stays and who goes.

[ElectroClaret]

I'll be amazed if we keep Cornet, for a start.

[BurnleyFC]

So how do we start meaningfully prepping for the Championship?
Who stays and who goes.

God knows, it’s going to be one hell of a rebuilding job whoever has the reins.

Keep (with absolute blind optimism) Pope, Roberts, Collins, Mee, Taylor, Brownhill, McNeil, Cornet, Vydra, Weghorst, Rodriguez.

Couldn’t give a shiny **** about the rest.

[Quicknick]

God knows, it’s going to be one hell of a rebuilding job whoever has the reins.

Keep (with absolute blind optimism) Pope, Roberts, Collins, Mee, Taylor, Brownhill, McNeil, Cornet, Vydra, Weghorst, Rodriguez.

Couldn’t give a shiny **** about the rest.

So that's 11 players you'd keep.

[Claretitus]

McNeil?? Really? Did you see him go forward more than twice last night? He spends most of his time looking to pass it backwards. He can go tomorrow for me, most wouldn’t even know he’d gone.

[BurnleyFC]

So that's 11 players you'd keep.

Out of a squad of 24 which is fairly frightening.

There’s no way we manage to keep hold of all eleven of those names, though.

[warksclaret]

McNeil?? Really? Did you see him go forward more than twice last night? He spends most of his time looking to pass it backwards. He can go tomorrow for me, most wouldn’t even know he’d gone.

I blame the coaches not McNeil. He would not be doing that if we had David Moyes for example

[Ric_C]

It's an interesting one if / when we eventually drop. Who out of our crown jewels will want to stay? If all of them (minus Tarky) then at least we have a solid base + get rid of all the out of contract dead wood. Either way it's a massive rebuild in the summer.

And lay off McNeil please, granted he's lost his form, but he has saved us many times in the past, he is a young player who plays in a position where you are going to get variations in form. Some of the comments on here about him are pretty disgraceful tbh.

[Claretitus]

I blame the coaches not McNeil. He would not be doing that if we had David Moyes for example

Maybe, but when he’s facing his man, he’s lost the desire to take him on.

[willsclarets]

Total rebuild job we should've started 3 or 4 years ago. But we are where we are, and I think we're way short of a championship team who can get promoted once our best players leave.

Then we have a choice, buy age and experience to try and rebound as quickly as possible. Or invest in youth and accept we'll have to wait a few years. Either way since our 7th placed finish we've made an absolute mess of things.

[KRBFC]

It doesn't matter what you think he's worth, it's whatever someone is willing to pay.
People on here are notorious for undervaluing players, I've never understood it.

I don't happen to think that lad Buendia is worth the £38 million Villa coughed up for him, but Norwich held out for a good price because he had 4yrs left on his deal and Villa have a lot of money sloshing about.
You want McNeil to go for far less though just because you don't think he's worth much.
He's got 2.5yrs left on his contract, plus I think we have an option of s further 12 mths, so 3.5yrs
English, 22yrs old, attacking winger who can play on either flank or through the middle and one of the few to regularly to have TAA at Liverpool on toast.
I think he's also trained with the senior England squad.

Yet you value him at less than £30 million......aye alright then.

I think that's made the score 50-2 for the football expert. Imagine valuing Mcneil at more than Buendia #There'sAReasonTheysayI'mAnExpert

[mybloodisclaret]

Not so obvious now. UTC.

COME ON BURNLEY!!!