The Tanner Report

Although I expected us to lose at Hull, I did not think it would be a 6-0 thrashing. To put this in perspective, Crystal Palace went up to the team that has the best home record in Europe (Manchester City) and kept the score down to 1-0. Our goal difference is -22, which could prove crucial.

Coach Rene Moulenstteen apologised to the fans. Apologies are a contemporary form of achieving closure. At Crystal Clear Windows we do not just issue a apology, but assure our clients we have investigated the complaint with a view to it not recurring. If anyone believes we will stop conceding goals, when we have shipped 30 since Moulensteen came to the club, they are sadly misconceived.

For some reason Scott Parker, our best player at Norwich, was not in the squad. This meant that our fragile back four was badly protected. Ruiz, as ever, could not turn skill into product. With Berbatov, Parker end hopefully Reither to return, there will be more capability but until Brede Hangeland is over his injury – and that is at least a month – I have little confidence that the flow of goals conceded can be stemmed.

Worryingly, there is a tenacity about Crystal Palace and Sunderland and we may have to hope that Cardiff, West Ham and Norwich continue in poor form. It’s a sad reflection that we must look to others. The January window will soon be upon us. Who will want to sign for a relegated side and, if they do, will they encumber the club with high wages? Will Alan Curbishley and Rene Moulensteen act in concert in acquisitions?

I am consoling myself  that local derbies at  Leyton Orient and Brentford, and a trip to Brighton unless they get promoted, will be enjoyable.