So. What a shambles we seem to be in.
I have been a Brown convert and have, thus far, been in the "Better the Devil you know" camp.
But I do believe we are reaching - or have possibly even reached - tipping point.
Let's look at the common criticisms of PB and I'll offer my take.
He's not a good tactician
I would say "au contraire". He actually has a reputation among other managers for being a very good tactician. He is frequently changing systems, formations and teams to try and counter the opposition. Bad tacticians don't do that; they just play one style and that's that. PB's problem is that unfortunately it doesn't always work, which makes him more unlucky than bad.
He doesn't have a plan B.
Disagree - see above. The trouble is that he has Plans A-F, but isn't always sure which one is the best to use.
His media work gets in the way
I have no problem with this. We could never afford PB if we were his only source of income and it massively raises the profile of the club. In theory his contacts are top class and he has brought Premier League fitness to our players, a quality that has made us one of the fittest teams in the league (up to the end of last season).
He's lost the dressing room
I doubt it. He may have lost a couple of players, but by and large these guys are pro footballers. They will want to win. You only have to see the reaction when things do go well (not often this season, granted) to see how much it means.
Now having said all of that, it's clear that something isn't right. We are short of experienced personnel and have padded out the very small squad with kids. Our important players are AWOL for a number of reasons.
PB said last week that there were some members who simply didn't care. Now I have my own view on who these may be but we are kind of stuck. We can only sign free agents who aren't going to be fit, so it therefore looks like we are stuck with who we have until January.
Let's look at some of the player issues PB may be facing.
Goalkeeper
Ted Smith isn't ready yet. He is a season away. Oxley just can't make any saves for some reason, everything that is shot at him goes in and you can't actually say he is to blame. It's bizarre.
Right back
An embarrassment of riches with the players here... White, Demetriou, O'Neill and Leonard all can play there. White may not be everyone's favourite but is certainly good enough for L1. Demetriou is a full international and is easily L1 standard. O'Neill is an enigma... absolute quality player but is probably the most disappointing PB signing of all. But overall, pick White or Demetriou and we're cool.
Left back
Coker when fit is a shoe in for most L1 teams. Kyprianou has had a blinding start but the honeymoon is over for him, defensively he isn't up to L1 standard.. yet. But when Cokes is back fit, no problems.
Centre backs
Barrett, Thompson, Sokolik, Ferdinand, Innis. The trouble is that AB is old but committed, yet captain. Thompson is a decent lad but I'm not convinced he is always good enough for L1... same as Sokolik. Ferdinand obviosuly has the talent but 3-4 years of non competitive football at 31... bloody hell, the hamstring is absolutely going to be tested. Watch - next it'll be a groin. Then a calf. And even then he's not overly tall. Innis is the one who gives the height and we absolutely need him, no question. We signed him thinking he'd escape jail and he has, albeit on appeal. The only reason we got him was for his height. He's young as well so may well have some pace too. It's a no brainer... we can cut the self righteous bit, loads of players have been in trouble with the law, it's what is a danger to young men - kids even - with too much money.We need to think of points on the pitch and he must be part of it. So, for me, the giant Innis alongside Thompson or Sokolik. Let's not get too hung up on Innis, after all, Collymore was apparently a bit of a problem when he joined us, also from Palace.
Midfield
I know that here we have limitations. Bridge is a good prospect but hasn't made the same impact as Jack Payne did and truth known has been forced into 1st team action a few months too early. Atkinson and Leonard are the same player energy wise and Lenny should play further forward but doesn't as he is essentially a defensive player. Wordsworth can make it happen but get's injured in his sleep; there is no hope. The original sicknote. Timlin has fitness issues and I believe has suffered another setback. McGlashan and McLaughlin are ideal wide players but they just haven't performed. McGlashan just needs to play as he did at Roots Hall for every other team he's played for. I know McLaughlin has 3 goals, but one tap in and two keeper howlers... he also for me didn't look like he cared v Fleetwood. Poor attitude.The other midfielders in the squad are kids, none of whom are anywhere near ready for L1. This is a huge problem area. Personally, if all fit, I would play Lenny and Wordsworth in the middle, with Leonard playing deeper. Either of the Macca's on one side, Timlin on the other. King? Not up to it in my book. O'Neill should never be allowed near the midfield again.
Forwards
Ranger plays 20 mins and we score 3 away at Sheff Utd. Will he ever play again? I never thought 1 player would make such a difference. Cox - good pedigree, but wasted. Mooney - can score at this level but needs service. Williams is not up to L1.
All in all, our whole season seems to focus on Ranger, Ferdinand, Innis and Cox.
But questions about the recruitment policy must be asked.
All this stuff he is telling them (according to AB), I'm sure it is only trying to instill self belief, no problem with that, he's been trying for 2 years to drun that in.
Time is running out though... I think personally if we are at or near the bottom at end October, he's gone. And every game that passes becomes a game that makes his position more untenable.
I want a 20 match unbeaten run with us near the top and PB saying "I told you so."
Chances? - Very slim indeed.
