The manager keeps repeating it. Some on here reckon we have the players to do it, or should be doing much better, etc.
So, let's look realistically at the players we have - who would and who wouldn't likely get into a top 6 side.
Top 6
Bowen
Growsicki
Stewart (Maybe. As good as he's been for us, I'd guess fans of genuine top 6 clubs would likely argue they have better)
Toral (who? maybe ... and IF he could stay fit)
Not Top 6
Long
Lichaj
Burke (potential)
DeWijs (potential)
Taf
Elder (or Fleming or Kingsley)
Honeyman
Batty (definite potential to be)
Irvine
Lopes
Eaves
Magennis
McCann and Byrne
Don't know
Balogh
So basically we have 2, maybe 3 players (forgetting Toral as he can't stay fit), who are genuinely top 6 quality.
OK, then there's some who would say, rightly, it's not about having the best 11 (or more) players in the division, but more about the sum of the parts, the balance, the ability of the manager to get more than the sum of the parts out of them - well that certainly isn't us with our squad and manager. And then we have the off field distractions & 2/3rds empty stadium factors.
I understand a manager wanting to talk positive, and fans being optimistic, but there should be a grasp of reality. Adkins sensibly managed it.
Let's get real. We are a MILLION miles away. Mid-table would be quite an achievement.
So, let's look realistically at the players we have - who would and who wouldn't likely get into a top 6 side.
Top 6
Bowen
Growsicki
Stewart (Maybe. As good as he's been for us, I'd guess fans of genuine top 6 clubs would likely argue they have better)
Toral (who? maybe ... and IF he could stay fit)
Not Top 6
Long
Lichaj
Burke (potential)
DeWijs (potential)
Taf
Elder (or Fleming or Kingsley)
Honeyman
Batty (definite potential to be)
Irvine
Lopes
Eaves
Magennis
McCann and Byrne
Don't know
Balogh
So basically we have 2, maybe 3 players (forgetting Toral as he can't stay fit), who are genuinely top 6 quality.
OK, then there's some who would say, rightly, it's not about having the best 11 (or more) players in the division, but more about the sum of the parts, the balance, the ability of the manager to get more than the sum of the parts out of them - well that certainly isn't us with our squad and manager. And then we have the off field distractions & 2/3rds empty stadium factors.
I understand a manager wanting to talk positive, and fans being optimistic, but there should be a grasp of reality. Adkins sensibly managed it.
Let's get real. We are a MILLION miles away. Mid-table would be quite an achievement.