[BaggieSteve]

I know we’ve been split over the Bilic v Allardyce issue and I appreciate the arguments over the squad Allardyce inherited but I think that boat has sailed now and we have to judge him without comparison with Bilic. He’s now been in charge for ten league games which a decent number of games in which to make an impact. My own view is that he has had an impact but it’s entirely negative. I cannot see any pattern to our play beyond defend and try not to concede. There is precious little focus on ball retention and creativity. Years ago Allardyce was incredibly innovative in his use of technology, training techniques etc but that was years ago. His approach now is so out of date, it’s painful.
I didn’t see the game v Sheffield United so will take Slick’s word that Pereira’s contribution was underwhelming but we desperately need to win games; we are unlikely to battle to a hard fought 1-0, with a goal on the break, as we have the worst defence in the league. So we need to play on the front foot with some ambition and creativity- for me, Pereira is the only player we have even close to being able to provide that. So, if Pereira doesn’t bust a guy in defending, I will give him a pass on that because none of the other gut-busters are capable of creating much. That’s what depressed me about Allardyce’s tactics today in leaving him out. He’s the only player, with the exception of Johnstone, who is close to PL class so you just don’t leave him out.
I agree with Slick that I thought we worked hard today...but we are long past hard work being our salvation. If hard work is the answer, bring back Pulis