Portsmouth away, 4th August

[CrazyHorse]

I think Coyle probably in the long run will do ok in terms of bringing kids through. But sadly I think he's more a development officer than a manager of men.

This is nonsense. He's only interested in developing Arsenal's kids. Not ours.

[Wandering Willy]

I think Coyle probably in the long run will do ok in terms of bringing kids through. But sadly I think he's more a development officer than a manager of men.

This is nonsense because it contains something remotely positive about Coyle.

[Dave Sutton's barnet]

First things first: no way in hell would Souness manage us, certainly while Phil Gartside remains at the club, and probably not at all. He's exceedingly happy in Sandbanks (near 'Arry), keeping himself busy and remunerated working for Sky and RTE. Seems to have had no interest in returning to football since about the time we f*cked him over and he publicly denounced us - and that was when we were in a higher division.

I think the only way that we're going to afford someone the time to rebuild the club is either that somehow the fans suddenly develop patience, an unlikely scenario given the last 20 or so years of near upward-movement, or we crash to a god-awful nadir, similar to the 80's.

It must be bourne in mind, when taking Worthy's point (for example) that both Norwich and Swansea appointed young managers, is that neither were in our position of the immediate need to be promoted back to the Prem at the first attempt. They were given time to build from a much mower base point. With the added bonus for Lambert of the worst start to a season that Norwich had ever suffered. It may feel like it, but we haven't actually lost 7-1 at home to anyone recently, let alone Colchester in the division below us. And Brendan Rodger's record before Swansea was hardly illustrious, perhaps reasserting the idea that he was standing on the shoulder of a giant in Martinez, who has hardly set the PL alight himself. It will be interesting to see how both thes managers fair in their second seasons. An interesting point, given that Coyle's first with us was also a success.

A lot of sense talked here (and by Bish & BWFCi... nice to see thoughtful comment rather than knee-jerk arguments).

I do think Coyle's plan to bring through youngsters is a good long-term aim, but hardly groundbreaking in its insight. He has bought into the idea of reducing wage overheads, but it's not like we're the only club aware of the need to do so.

I like Coyle's objectives - playing good football, with a mix of our kids, almost-brilliant kids from bigger clubs and elder statesmen who buy into the philosophy. I worry that he may not be able to achieve them: as noted, this length of stay is uncharted territory for him at any club as a manager (and he rarely lasted three years anywhere as a player). There's nothing necessarily wrong with that - it's a job-stay lifespan he shares with Jose Mourinho - but it makes it somewhat wry that his long-term goal looks better than his short-term achievement...

[Chrisfu]

First things first: no way in hell would Souness manage us, certainly while Phil Gartside remains at the club, and probably not at all. He's exceedingly happy in Sandbanks (near 'Arry), keeping himself busy and remunerated working for Sky and RTE. Seems to have had no interest in returning to football since about the time we f*cked him over and he publicly denounced us - and that was when we were in a higher division.

I think the only way that we're going to afford someone the time to rebuild the club is either that somehow the fans suddenly develop patience, an unlikely scenario given the last 20 or so years of near upward-movement, or we crash to a god-awful nadir, similar to the 80's.

It must be bourne in mind, when taking Worthy's point (for example) that both Norwich and Swansea appointed young managers, is that neither were in our position of the immediate need to be promoted back to the Prem at the first attempt. They were given time to build from a much mower base point. With the added bonus for Lambert of the worst start to a season that Norwich had ever suffered. It may feel like it, but we haven't actually lost 7-1 at home to anyone recently, let alone Colchester in the division below us. And Brendan Rodger's record before Swansea was hardly illustrious, perhaps reasserting the idea that he was standing on the shoulder of a giant in Martinez, who has hardly set the PL alight himself. It will be interesting to see how both thes managers fair in their second seasons. An interesting point, given that Coyle's first with us was also a success.

A lot of sense talked here (and by Bish & BWFCi... nice to see thoughtful comment rather than knee-jerk arguments).

I do think Coyle's plan to bring through youngsters is a good long-term aim, but hardly groundbreaking in its insight. He has bought into the idea of reducing wage overheads, but it's not like we're the only club aware of the need to do so.

I like Coyle's objectives - playing good football, with a mix of our kids, almost-brilliant kids from bigger clubs and elder statesmen who buy into the philosophy. I worry that he may not be able to achieve them: as noted, this length of stay is uncharted territory for him at any club as a manager (and he rarely lasted three years anywhere as a player). There's nothing necessarily wrong with that - it's a job-stay lifespan he shares with Jose Mourinho - but it makes it somewhat wry that his long-term goal looks better than his short-term achievement...

Really couldn't have said it better myself. All of the above taken into account, we do need to give him some more time. He's not doing this for shits and giggles, and he's not trying to bring down the club like some idiots have suggested. He's trying to bring together all the elements to make the club both successful and sustainable, and it'll take time. We have to balance that against short-term success as well, as we can't afford another disappointing season financially; so the clock is now well and truly ticking for Coyle.

If he manages to pull us out of the Championship all of this will be forgotten, for we are a fickle bunch.

[thebish]

If he manages to pull us out of the Championship all of this will be forgotten, for we are a fickle bunch.

I wouldn't be so sure of that!! The "our squad quality masked his crapness and any idiot would have got us promoted" argument is already polished and ready for action!

[BWFC_Insane]

If he manages to pull us out of the Championship all of this will be forgotten, for we are a fickle bunch.

I wouldn't be so sure of that!! The "our squad quality masked his crapness and any idiot would have got us promoted" argument is already polished and ready for action!

If we go up I won't think Coyle has become a good manager all of a sudden, thats for sure. Mind who would? He would have to show continued development both in terms of results, performances and his own decisions.

But should he take us up, then job done, great, crack on with keeping us there (like he should have done last time!).

[thebish]

see!

[Dave Sutton's barnet]

I've been heartened this summer by Coyle's deadwood-shedding, shrewd signings and the fact that he's been targeting centre-backs (a fairly obvious necessity) and defensive midfielders (less so, judging by last season's performances).

The displays in pre-season certainly haven't been causing any air-punching, so it's a nervous wait-and-see. Since May I've said to anyone who asks that I have no idea whether we'll finish nearer 1st or 24th and frankly it could still go either way. But I certainly don't think the personnel need an overhaul, and that's the hardest job. This squad should be able to challenge for promotion. If it doesn't, it's Coyle's fault.

EDIT: When I say "judging by last season's performances" I mean Coyle's performances - ie subbing Muamba, starting without anyone who can tackle, that sort of farce.

[Prufrock]

If he manages to pull us out of the Championship all of this will be forgotten, for we are a fickle bunch.

I wouldn't be so sure of that!! The "our squad quality masked his crapness and any idiot would have got us promoted" argument is already polished and ready for action!

I don't know. I think we should go up, but so much can go wrong. If he does get us promoted he'll get credit from me. I'll still be reserving the right to call him shit if he reverts to type the year after though!

[boltonboris]

As has been said previously, I don't really take too much notice of Pre-season results. But to be honest, after such a shit season, I can't help feeling a bit concerned about how bad we look.

It's like last season, but against shitter teams.

And it's not just about fitness (as seems to be the popular excuse), it's about getting the shape of the team right, the basics right and cementing how you want to play going forward.

[Bruce Rioja]

Portsmouth 3 Bolton 0? Really? I mean really?

[Bruno3]

Portsmouth 3 Bolton 0? Really? I mean really?

No - it was 3-0

[BWFC_Insane]

They did have a bunch of trialists playing for contracts on their side. Who probably had a lot more to play for than our lot did....

If Burnley beat us 3-0 then that is time to worry and get the bedsheets out....

[Bruno3]

Sorry- could have sworn it said 3-1. Put it down to age, insanity, poor eyesight - whatever fits

[Bruce Rioja]

Sorry- could have sworn it said 3-1. Put it down to age, insanity, poor eyesight - whatever fits

I have to be honest - it did

Not quite as bad a mistake as calling Stu Holden English and Andy Lonegran American, mind!

[Dave Sutton's barnet]

Didn't realise Lonergan was American

Or Holden English

[thebish]

They did have a bunch of trialists playing for contracts on their side. Who probably had a lot more to play for than our lot did....

If Burnley beat us 3-0 then that is time to worry and get the bedsheets out....

not really sure what was going on with the programme - cos Ben Haim was playing for them and he's not a trialist - yet he doesn't appear on there...

[BWFC_Insane]

They did have a bunch of trialists playing for contracts on their side. Who probably had a lot more to play for than our lot did....

If Burnley beat us 3-0 then that is time to worry and get the bedsheets out....

not really sure what was going on with the programme - cos Ben Haim was playing for them and he's not a trialist - yet he doesn't appear on there...

Probably just wishful thinking that they would have moved him off the wagebill by the time the game came around.

He though, is effectively "playing for a deal" somewhere.....

[boltonboris]

A lad who plays for our team is Ashley Westwood's brother.

He was telling me that Ashley Westwood is the first team coach. He retired a few years ago after pottering around the lower leagues. He's now also on the playing staff because Portsmouth are THAT short..

[ohjimmyjimmy]

Ah i remember that time i thought we'd signed a player called 'A. Trialist'
I thought he was french or something!