Garden Gate For Sale

[El Gordo]

Fair enough Nigel. You're the man on the frozen terrace with the cup of lukewarm Bovril and the tear-stained cheeks, and you, supposedly, are the one they should be listening to.

I can see your point. It hasn't been as bad a start as some seem to think but there is a feeling that they need the proverbial rocket up the Khyber, and Pearce may manage that. The trouble is that heart-on-sleeve players don't always cut the mustard as managers.

But anyway, whether or not Dowie ends up at Upton Park, he is definitely one of that new breed of British coaches like Mickey Adams, Pardew, Curbishley, David Moyes et al, who have a great eye for a player, and have learnt how to do miraculous things with a sow's ear. While I wouldn't wish Dowie's face on anyone, I have seen the face of English football circa 2008, and it looks strangely similar.

Good luck with whoever you end up with.