Even if we went up this season, half of our squad are capable of playing at a higher level at the very least...
I have enough faith in Cortese that he would make sure we were ready if we looked like we were going to go up, I'm sure the 5 year plan includes the possibility of it being completed in less than 5 years
NorthernIrishSaint I've got to take issue with you criticising this post. As far as I'm concerned the writer puts up a reasonable article to set up a discussion. Instead of having a go at the original poster why not put your point across as to why you disagree? This is not a personal dig at you because you are not alone. Earlier today Leon86 posted an article about his concerns for Rickie Lambert and he was generally slagged off for it. That post actually raised some interesting veiws from people who had a genuine opinion on what RL brings to the team. If people aren't allowed to post different ideas without getting ridiculed, then this site will dry up pretty quick. All in my opinion of course.
With you there. If there is any Club Chairman who is capable of doing the right thing, it's Cortese. I bet he has a plan for it, just in case.
If you read back through the thread you'll see that I specify very clearly why I disagree with what he said, I also expressed confusion as to what point exactly was being made.
Should A Team Strive For Season On Season Promotions..? Ok in answer to your question, yes they should. Otherwise there is no point in fielding a team. Letissier86 made a good point on the financial implications also.
I agree, if the opportunity is there, take it, but we mustn't assume that a good start will end in a good finish, the other teams didn't know what we were going to be like, they will be doing their homework on how to stop us, NA & NC will have to be on their toes to ring the changes because if we get stereotyped, we will soon be picked off. It is going to be very interesting up to Christmas, might be worth chewing over it then, the picture will be clearer.
Think you have to go for every win (obviously) and see where that gets you. If it gets you promoted you deal with that delightful problem and all the lovely dosh involved. After all, you could consolidate this season, but then have a worse season next time. When you're on a roll you have to go for it (not that you really have a choice), because that could be your one chance. Can't comment on the sides promoted last season to Prem, but we are building a team here. The correct amount of money will be provided if we achieve our goal.
I think we should stop striving for promotion after we get into the premier league. We'd need to strive for relegation in order to achieve another promotion and I'm not sure it's the best strategy.
I said at the start of the season sayingto mates that I wanted 2 years in the Championship to consolidate and build a team that is more than ready for the premiership. Half of the battle is getting a team together that believes in itself. We have that mentality at the moment and I think that is part of being prepared for the prem is about (fans and playing staff). We have the infrastructure in place and we will have the players by the end of next summer whether we are preparing for EPL or Championship. The finances in place mean as long as a player wants to play for us, the asking price isn't stupid and is good enough we can get them. Which to be fair to Norwich, QPR and Swansea. They don't have that luxury. Bring on the rest of this season! (And Lambert scoring Tuesday).
But it's not very good for the club's stability, the player's confidence, or the lifespan of the manager's job. Better to be ready and stay in the Premiership. Then you can build a successful team from there.
Having started this thread and had time to think about it, I reckon Saints are one of the few clubs who could have successive promotions and carry it off properly and sustain it. When I posed the question it was about clubs generally, not just Saints. As you say, Saint_ Lambden, by December we'll have a better idea. If for example, Saints are in the top two, or in one of the play off places I suspect Cortese will do some figure juggling, ask Adkins what resources he needs to do the job earlier than expected, and then set about making it feasible and sustainable. I can't see Brighton managing the same. And Peterborough..? Forget it..!
I was joking, because no one wants that. However, it is true that with careful management and not throwing money at the Prem a single season could solve a clubs financial problems. These parachute payments have grown ridiculous.
Ah, I did wonder whether it was slightly tongue-in-cheek, considering your other thoughtful posts. I suppose if you're, for example our last opponents Barnsley, or a similar club, then a quick return trip to the Premiership might be worthwhile.
Of course we go for promotion. IMO we havde a better side than when we finished in the playoffs under Burley so no reason to think we will finish outside the top six. Everything I have seen so far this season makes me think we will be challenging hard for the top two. We can beat anyone in this league.
I think people are being a bit too harsh here. I to have been wondering what the aim is this season. I think a season of consolidation is the main priority much like it was in our first season in League 1. Obviously if we have a good chance of promotion then it would be nonsense not to go for it - just like Norwich last season. However, if we were to go up this season, I have no doubt that Cortese would do all he can to ensure we had the money for the required signings. However if you're new to the Premiership then it is very difficult to sign players that can compete well enough. If your a Stoke or a Sunderland, you're lucky but many other teams have tried and failed; Derby, Burnley, Hull, Blackpool to name but a few. Money hasn't been the issue, it's whether you can attract good enough players.
