Patience

I have doubted his ability to manage a top Prem side well for a long time despite the Cup success, but it's not an easy job and anyone hired to do it should, in fairness, be given time to prove themselves. But the signs are not good are they?

His comments don't help to produce confidence but he continues to say something fatuous almost every day. I know he is under pressure from being at a club where the fans have unrealistic expectations now because they once fielded great sides, but this seems to have got to him and I think he has started to believe some of the things he says. Does anyone think that the purchase of a winger and central defender is the answer to all the ills? Isn't there a lack of 'team' about the side which needs solving?

You make a fair point. Maybe he does have some idea of how he wants his team to play but it is easy to doubt it, We might also think that he flounders around because he has no real idea what his best set-up really is. He said Cisse's goal gave him a selection problem !!! So much for an overall view of his players , " Bloody hell! he scored from a free kick, Maybe I should play him in his best position"? Constructive , or knee- jerk reaction?

What of his purchases? Hardly inspirational. No wide men so lets buy a lofty sriker who need them more than any other forward in the Prem because he is unlikely to score many by other than headers. No doubt Crouch will come into his own and answer the lack of goals problem as soon as the only wide man suitable arrives from Sth America, if we can sort out his permit problems of course? I wonder how many cheap little Euro gems Wenger has on his short list right now?

I could go on and on, and so could many of you no doubt. But just think about it, After 18 months Pool have not got a decent winger! Every other side in the world has one,,,,but not Pool.

Excuses do not wash for a manger who's job it is to restructure a side and has a reasonable amount of cash available to do it. Only results matter. and after the time Raffa has had , the side should be seen to be evolving as a unit with a positive identity and promising players on the bench. Not worldbeaters, but on the road to becoming a TEAM.

All teams miss goal scoring chances. All teams have injuries. These are the poor excuses given by every manager of badly run sides, but the most obvious defect in the Benitez camp right now was highlighted by Chelsea's two recent visits to the city and the attitudes of their opponents to Chelsea pressure. This collective Everton team spirit comes from the top.

So maybe I am wrong. Maybe Raffa is a tactical genius having a bad run? Maybe Kewell is the answer? Maybe all he says is correct? Maybe Chelsea really are scared of us? It's a great pity that a growing number of sides like Fulham aren't

LC