Sage in or out

[thai-eagle]

Seems he has simply lost the plot. In truth, Sage has never had it here. His way of defending is just ridiculous and will send us straight down. Please Steve Parish, a reaction is needed even if it is only two days till Liverpool arrive. Remember 0-9 on Anfield way back.....BarCode and company will hit us hard with Sage still running the show.

 

[PatrickA]

While I don't think Sage has helped himself in many ways this season, I cannot lose sight of the fact that he was not helped by the transfer window which looks worse and worse as the weeks go by.

Chilwell and Tomiyasu were very good Premiership players in the past, but 'were' is the operative word.
They were signed on reputation and what they 'might' bring.
I'd be surprised if they make much impact in the coming months for a variety of reasons including injury.
I believe they were free transfers along with Mingueza, who was in European team of the year, but in truth looks well short at Premier League level.

Khalaili was brought in as an exciting prospect that Milan wanted to buy, but he too looks well short at present.
It may be that he will develop in time, but we needed someone who could hit the ground running to replace Munoz.

The situation around Guessand is well documented and it wouldn't surprise me if the deal is terminated in January ( if that is possible).

Osorio has not had much opportunity but presumably has not done enough in training to warrant a regular place.
It's also unclear if it's a loan whth an option to buy or a firm commitment to purchase.
Has the feeling of another Guessand deal.

McNeil seems to have been brought in to afford an opportunity to get shot of Johnson, but has yet to play in his correct position out wide on the left to demonstrate his accurate delivery.
He seems to have played everywhere but there.

Disasi looks like a fairly average centre back who has not made much of an impact to date.

Like so many of the above deals, it looks to be another one done on the cheap.

Timber has had the most positive impact so far offering energy in midfield, but I have yet to see the shoots of a partnership develop with Wharton.
The midfield looks unbalanced.

Some will see the above as unduly harsh and that more time is needed, but the Premier League is unforgiving.
We're around a quarter of the way through the season and we look well short all over the field, at least trying to implement Sage's gung ho tactics.

It's fair to say that Sage would probably have had a better start if Mateta and Sarr had been fit and firing from the first day, but that has not been the case.
We are where we are and he has not been able to forge a team capable of defending, achieving clean sheets or grinding out results.

 

[JHB]

While I don't think Sage has helped himself in many ways this season, I cannot lose sight of the fact that he was not helped by the transfer window which looks worse and worse as the weeks go by.

Chilwell and Tomiyasu were very good Premiership players in the past, but 'were' is the operative word.
They were signed on reputation and what they 'might' bring.
I'd be surprised if they make much impact in the coming months for a variety of reasons including injury.
I believe they were free transfers along with Mingueza, who was in European team of the year, but in truth looks well short at Premier League level.

Khalaili was brought in as an exciting prospect that Milan wanted to buy, but he too looks well short at present.
It may be that he will develop in time, but we needed someone who could hit the ground running to replace Munoz.

The situation around Guessand is well documented and it wouldn't surprise me if the deal is terminated in January ( if that is possible).

Osorio has not had much opportunity but presumably has not done enough in training to warrant a regular place.
It's also unclear if it's a loan whth an option to buy or a firm commitment to purchase.
Has the feeling of another Guessand deal.

McNeil seems to have been brought in to afford an opportunity to get shot of Johnson, but has yet to play in his correct position out wide on the left to demonstrate his accurate delivery.
He seems to have played everywhere but there.

Disasi looks like a fairly average centre back who has not made much of an impact to date.

Like so many of the above deals, it looks to be another one done on the cheap.

Timber has had the most positive impact so far offering energy in midfield, but I have yet to see the shoots of a partnership develop with Wharton.
The midfield looks unbalanced.

Some will see the above as unduly harsh and that more time is needed, but the Premier League is unforgiving.
We're around a quarter of the way through the season and we look well short all over the field, at least trying to implement Sage's gung ho tactics.

It's fair to say that Sage would probably have had a better start if Mateta and Sarr had been fit and firing from the first day, but that has not been the case.
We are where we are and he has not been able to forge a team capable of defending, achieving clean sheets or grinding out results.

I think that’s all very fair. The summer business was very poor. I know Munoz wasn’t the force he was before injury but selling him and spending all the fee on an unproven player was always a mistake in my eyes. Doubly so when Munoz was one of the few points of stability and leadership when we had sold Lacroix. Signing so many number tens and wingers when the system doesn’t use wingers and we had number tens was bonkers.

Timber has been eye catching because he runs around a lot and has energy. However, his positional play is poor and he frequently leaves Wharton exposed on his own in central midfield. We’ve been better (a relative term) when Kamada has been in central midfield but then less effective in the number ten position.

Bad recruitment made worse by a manager who has been a disaster of an appointment.

 

[park the bus]

While I don't think Sage has helped himself in many ways this season, I cannot lose sight of the fact that he was not helped by the transfer window which looks worse and worse as the weeks go by.

Chilwell and Tomiyasu were very good Premiership players in the past, but 'were' is the operative word.
They were signed on reputation and what they 'might' bring.
I'd be surprised if they make much impact in the coming months for a variety of reasons including injury.
I believe they were free transfers along with Mingueza, who was in European team of the year, but in truth looks well short at Premier League level.

Khalaili was brought in as an exciting prospect that Milan wanted to buy, but he too looks well short at present.
It may be that he will develop in time, but we needed someone who could hit the ground running to replace Munoz.

The situation around Guessand is well documented and it wouldn't surprise me if the deal is terminated in January ( if that is possible).

Osorio has not had much opportunity but presumably has not done enough in training to warrant a regular place.
It's also unclear if it's a loan whth an option to buy or a firm commitment to purchase.
Has the feeling of another Guessand deal.

McNeil seems to have been brought in to afford an opportunity to get shot of Johnson, but has yet to play in his correct position out wide on the left to demonstrate his accurate delivery.
He seems to have played everywhere but there.

Disasi looks like a fairly average centre back who has not made much of an impact to date.

Like so many of the above deals, it looks to be another one done on the cheap.

Timber has had the most positive impact so far offering energy in midfield, but I have yet to see the shoots of a partnership develop with Wharton.
The midfield looks unbalanced.

Some will see the above as unduly harsh and that more time is needed, but the Premier League is unforgiving.
We're around a quarter of the way through the season and we look well short all over the field, at least trying to implement Sage's gung ho tactics.

It's fair to say that Sage would probably have had a better start if Mateta and Sarr had been fit and firing from the first day, but that has not been the case.
We are where we are and he has not been able to forge a team capable of defending, achieving clean sheets or grinding out results.

An accurate summary. One cannot ignore issues regarding the competence of the board and giving the manager the tools with which to work. A bulk set of has beens, sick notes, frees, and hopefuls - all done on the cheap to cover for some earlier disastrous overspending on mediocrity. Sage doesn't appear to have a solution but more of the same, and the same isn't good enough.

 

[SnapperKain]

I was surprised when we appointed Sage, never heard of him and although winning a trophy, not exactly coming from any background that was recognisable, but you think to yourself "you never know, might be an undiscovered genuis" and gave him a chance.

Pre season came and for once we had a manager in place! Underwhelming results though, but you think "hey ho, new tactics, lot of players out at the world cup, give it time".

Then the season started two tough fixtures and you think, "well Man City is a baptism of fire and we never beat Everton at their ground so season starts after that".

Then there's the whole transfer window with Lacroix and Munoz gone, unknowns brought in and a complete lack of any recognisable replacement for Lacroix and you think "well that's difficult for him, give him more time to sort out the defence".

Then we get silliness and injuries with Mateta and Sarr and Disasi's straight red doesn't help and you think "well that's not his fault, perhaps we'll improve dramatically when they're back".

Then there's some wins and you think "AHA! there we go" despite having this niggling thought in the back of your head running around, something about paper and cracks (easy now).

Then Brighton.

Then you think, "hmm ok well you know, all of the above still can't have helped him".

Then you watch Newcastle, Spurs and last night.

Last night was the first time in a fairly long time that I was watching the game and thought, "I can't be bothered to watch this" as there was just nothing, no energy, no plan, passes going all over the place and causing us to do silly things to get the ball, defence being pulled out of shape like a piece of playdoh, confidence rock bottom and there's Sage, looking like Droopy f**king Dog on the touchline, seemingly without a clue. Although the ref was sh!te, Wharton getting sent off was like "yeah, course he is" as the way we play lends to getting bookings. Passes being so poor that we're stretching out and catching players, and we do manage to string a pass together, being caught on the ball as everyone spends ages trying to spot someone to pass to, as it feels like no-one is being coached as to where they should be when pushing up. I didn't even celebrate Kamada's goal when it went in, I just couldn't be bothered as the energy was just gone.

I completely agree that Hobbs and Parish f**ked up big time with the centre backs in particular in the transfer window. Lacroix reportedly told us before the end of last season that he wanted to leave and if you're going to make that decision to sell him when you don't have to, then surely you get his replacement in before you do that.

That being said, I've given Sage a chance, but now it's the "personality" of the team that I don't like and that is shaped by the manager and the coaching staff. The fight has gone and we've gone all Man Utd with a bunch of players that don't seem to know each other or care.

Regrettably for Sage, I don't see him fixing that.

 

[Willo]

I think that’s all very fair. The summer business was very poor. I know Munoz wasn’t the force he was before injury but selling him and spending all the fee on an unproven player was always a mistake in my eyes. Doubly so when Munoz was one of the few points of stability and leadership when we had sold Lacroix. Signing so many number tens and wingers when the system doesn’t use wingers and we had number tens was bonkers.

Timber has been eye catching because he runs around a lot and has energy. However, his positional play is poor and he frequently leaves Wharton exposed on his own in central midfield. We’ve been better (a relative term) when Kamada has been in central midfield but then less effective in the number ten position.

Bad recruitment made worse by a manager who has been a disaster of an appointment.

I heard an interesting conversation last night.This gentleman who was full of zing was 'Holding court' opining that us supporters are very much 'Au Fait' with the current situation in terms of performances, seeing before our own eyes the challenges we face.

In his opinion, the Americans have a different perspective, they consider the League table and witness we are not cut adrift, we have not even played 10 games in a long and arduous season and might conclude that Sage who was entrusted to replace Glasner should be afforded time to address the current issues and to move the team forward.
I happen to believe that this is a somewhat simplistic view, and our owners 'Across the pond' are far more knowledgeable about our current situation than merely forming conclusions based on statistical information.Time will tell how events will unfold.

 

[elgin eeagle]

An accurate summary. One cannot ignore issues regarding the competence of the board and giving the manager the tools with which to work. A bulk set of has beens, sick notes, frees, and hopefuls - all done on the cheap to cover for some earlier disastrous overspending on mediocrity. Sage doesn't appear to have a solution but more of the same, and the same isn't good enough.

Agreed. Both of Hobbs windows have been terrible for different reasons. I know there is no way to replicate it now, but it would have been interesting to know how Sage would have done with the team Glasner inherited, or how Glasner would do with these remaining 'defenders'. I guess there is a tiny chance of him coming back, but not if Glasner watches our matches on the TV and looks at what has been allowed to happen to our cup-winning side.

 

[JHB]

I heard an interesting conversation last night.This gentleman who was full of zing was 'Holding court' opining that us supporters are very much 'Au Fait' with the current situation in terms of performances, seeing before our own eyes the challenges we face.
In his opinion, the Americans have a different perspective, they consider the League table and witness we are not cut adrift, we have not even played 10 games in a long and arduous season and might conclude that Sage who was entrusted to replace Glasner should be afforded time to address the current issues and to move the team forward.

Well there have been a few reports from well placed and usually accurate journalists that has said some in the club wanted Sage gone as early as September but others have said he needs time. One reading of that is Parish (who actually gets football rather than just being an equity investor) can see it’s a disaster and FdB mark 2 while the Americans want to keep him.

I’d say if Woody Johnson has a view on something sports related the best course of action is to listen carefully and then do the exact opposite

 

[PatrickA]

I heard an interesting conversation last night.This gentleman who was full of zing was 'Holding court' opining that us supporters are very much 'Au Fait' with the current situation in terms of performances, seeing before our own eyes the challenges we face.
In his opinion, the Americans have a different perspective, they consider the League table and witness we are not cut adrift, we have not even played 10 games in a long and arduous season and might conclude that Sage who was entrusted to replace Glasner should be afforded time to address the current issues and to move the team forward.

Sadly in this case I would venture that he was not a 'learned 'gentleman.

 

[johnny the eagle]

Definitely the wrong man for the job, and Hobbs can go with him.

 

[eaglesdare]

What I wouldn't give for a few shithoused 0-0s or a 1-0 with 0 shots on target and a Troy deeney own goal!

 

[JHB]

Agreed. Both of Hobbs windows have been terrible for different reasons. I know there is no way to replicate it now, but it would have been interesting to know how Sage would have done with the team Glasner inherited, or how Glasner would do with these remaining 'defenders'. I guess there is a tiny chance of him coming back, but not if Glasner watches our matches on the TV and looks at what has been allowed to happen to our cup-winning side.

I suspect under Glasner we’d be much better defensively but struggle to make any chances with this team. I say that because that’s what we’ve seen of his teams in the last 12 months

 

[Willo]

Sadly in this case I would venture that he was not a 'learned 'gentleman.

I do not know this person, never set eyes on him before, but I can vouch for the fact that it would not be inappropriate if his nickname was 'Foghorn'.

 

[NEILLO]

I thought last night was a shambles of a performance.

Conceding yet another early goal , and a soft one at that, meant we were chasing the game and you could feel the anxiety levels on and off the pitch.

Credit to the players for keeping going and eventually getting a draw but I thought Hoffenheim were no better than a decent Championship level team.

I don’t see a way out of this for Sage. Results haven’t been great but looking beyond that, performance levels tell an even bleaker story. I think Sunday will be his last game.

I feel sorry for him to an extent. In any multi million pound business the buck stops with the CEO. I think Parish has himself performed badly for most of 2026. Sage was his appointment, as was Hobbs. The bad decisions taken at The Top are having repercussions on the pitch.

The Learned Gentleman may opine that it’s still early days in the season and that’s true. But there comes a point when the question becomes can things improve over time and I see no evidence of that.

Sadly, it’s time to say “ au revoir “ to Pierre. Hobbs should go too . He’s a part of the problem not the solution.

 

[eritheagle]

How is he still here?
I think it's quite cruel on him.
He's a dead man walking and it's could get toxic on sunday against him.

 

[johnny the eagle]

If you have the time, please give Parish a call - as your opinion is supported by the vast majority of our supporters!

And why would I want to give Parish a call then? Firstly, I wouldn't waste my money; secondly, I wouldn't waste my breath. Tell you what, why don't you give him a call with your opinion?

 

[elgin eeagle]

I suspect under Glasner we’d be much better defensively but struggle to make any chances with this team. I say that because that’s what we’ve seen of his teams in the last 12 months

i think so too. Both managers seem welded to their previously successful systems, and both managers now do not have the correct personnel to implement them. Probably why find themselves in 18th and 19th position in the table. Well one reason anyway.

Supporters of both teams would probably say their respective team shows promise at times. With Forest its the lack of cutting edge, and with us its a complete lack of defensive awareness and stupid errors. I think i know which situation is easier to correct though, and can foresee lots of laundered drug money being thrown at Mateta in January.

 

[BromleyMonkey]

Not sure what you mean by that comment and reply to my honest opinion ,Could you please expand but thank you for your input to the conversation .

Parish is a part owner, he has to run the club, keep the club financially sound and try to balance that with keeping us competitive in the hardest league in the world. Not long ago we were winning trophies

All you have to do is sit in your seat or at home in front of the TV moaning, so I’d say you and any of us are more expendable than he is

 

[MarkA333]

Parish should leave. He is to blame. More than Sage or Hobbs. Obviously they go also.

 

[Frickin Saweet]

think we'll use the international break to bed in a new manager. Sage might be gone before that and maybe Paddy takes the first team for a match or two. Whether it's Sage's fault or not, he'll be the fall guy.