CBGB

You’d assume he’d be good attacking set plays

I think it’s more of a Reflex.

Probably a shock to the system playing Leeds in your first Premiership game, but did some great things.

After the Stevenage game, then two players going off early in the first half with injuries, then a brand new player coming in with barely a training session under his belt, this was a really decent win. Nervy -yep. But very satisfying!

Undroppable

That’s my point. He should be given a lot of time because of his record. He’s worth giving leeway to.

Honestly, with his record, I’d give 3 years no matter what (even relegation).

Is he really only 23? Is that normal or am I just old?!

My thinking is, I’ve no idea how good our squad is. We routinely do poorly at St James Park even with our best teams (e.g. the 4-3 loss in the Yorke/Milosevic era). Plus we’re in a transition. So I don’t think we learn that much tomorrow. Also I wasn’t part of any “claims” so no hypocrisy/goalpost moving on my part.

Emery is coming anyway, so either the squad will be upbeat on 1 November (if we win or draw) or more chastened (if we lose). For the moment the pressure is off, so hopefully another good result with Danks. Realistically: 2-0 or 2-1 to Newcastle, though.

Perhaps Villa used Stephen Gerrard as a stepping stone? Maybe his higher visibility made it more possible to get Emery now rather than after Smith.

Still pinching myself, can’t believe we’ve actually got a manager of Emery’s calibre. I have no major expectations for this season. It’s basically on the players now: either they can handle the way he does things, or they can’t/won’t. In the latter case, it probably won’t be til next season til he has more like “his team” - whether mostly the same players or big differences.

I mean, he’s no Tim Sherwood but I suppose he’ll do.

Welcome Unai Emery! Hopefully you’ll do better than the last bloke (i.e., 5-0 wins every week).

I’m going old school 442: Martinez Cash Chambers Mings Young Watkins Dendoncker Luiz Bailey Archer Ings in my defence, I haven’t posted for about 15 years….