Time to take stock...

Defeats to Manchester United, Liverpool and Chelsea have taken a bit of the gloss off Roeder's revival and left the lads without a pot to chase.

This shouldn't be blown out of context though, Yes we've had three defeats and some shocking play at times but this hasn't shown us anything we didn't know already. The team has fallen behind the top four. We need to accept it and move on.

So how do we assess the team? Looking at the first eleven there are a number of positives.

• In Shay Given we have a truly World Class keeper and Steve Harper would be No1 at most clubs.
• Steven Taylor and Peter Ramage are two young defenders that already look comfortable in the premiership and have a real chance of becoming very big players for the club.
• Scott Parker and Kieron Dyer are both special players that if fit should be with the England Squad.
• Emre seems to be adapting to the pace of the premiership well.
• Charlie N'zogbia is proving to be a very good talent, in a couple of seasons he will hopefully produce consistently
• Michael Owen is one of the most dangerous strikers in the premiership, a player who almost guarantees goals.
• Steven Carr and Nobby Solano are two experienced premiership players that can be relied upon

Despite this we look very light upfront, especially with Al due to swap his boots and armband for slippers and a cardigan. Our defensive frailties still exist, though GR has made a huge difference in this department, with a leader desperately needed.

So we have a good crop of players to build on but as we have seen this season it is no longer good enough to have a good first eleven. You need a strong, well balanced first twentytwo.

The eight games that are left may not offer any possibilities in terms of silverware but any new manager will be casting his eye over the players in the next couple of months and some have a lot of work to put in if they are to show they deserve the right to wear the stripes next season.