Thats what it is that's why... at this point we call all pull out reasons to believe whatever we want to believe . It would appear my opinion isn't fashionable that's all.
I don't think it's unfashionable. To be fair I've said from before the season started that finishing top 4 again would be even harder this season. No reason not to believe we can do it, but equally we did overachieve last season. There are probably about 10 teams who genuinely have a chance for finishing in some form of European places this season, depending on who gets their act together. It's going to be tough. But I won't see it as a failure if we don't make Europe again. I'm just enjoying the uplift and the continual progress. Another 2 or 3 transfer windows and we hopefully won't be relying on the likes of Murphy & Lascelles to cover key injuries, or see the likes of Ritchie & Dummett on the bench. Qualifying for Europe again would be absolutely amazing. But to me it would be a bonus, not an expectation. The times when we are regular contenders for Europe are not too far off, just a little bit of patience required by some.
In other words, fans have 'hope'. Alien concept for Newcastle supporters, but you might as well roll with it.
Here's my take on it - unless you build for years, with a wildly successful commercial model and more than a sprinkling of cheating, I mean, creative accounting, you will be forever in the chasing pack. We are currently doing the years of building around a wildly successful commercial model with some creative accounting, so in 2-3 years time we'll be very, very strong. This season, many have Arsenal second favourites for the second season in a row. Before this, they finished 8th, 8th and 4th. Tottenham have no Europe this year, so have a reasonable chance of breaking in - but won't be playing PSG at home. Likewise Chelsea, who spent £500m in about 3 weeks but won't be facing AC Milan at the San Siro. So is THIS season harder to break into top 4? Yep, it is. But our time is right now, and then will come again. Finishing 8th hasn't harmed Chelsea's chances of bringing in some talent, Maddison went to a club not even in Europe, Diaby and Szobozslai chose the Europa League. We may well finish 8th, but the ambition and hope will remain and our day will inevitably come. I don't think it's unrealistic to, at this stage, hope for a title challenge let alone top 4. City have already lost two, just one more than us. Sure, there's shoulda/woulda/coulda, but we genuinely should be on 18 points with Willock, Joelinton, Botman, Barnes, Gordon, Wilson and Bruno struggling for fitness.
I don't use hope or faith when making assessments. It's inevitable that Newcastle will challenge for top 4 regularly, but this season I'm not seeing them as 4th best. There seems to be a huge disconnect on here in which when people suggest something they don't like the sound of they imply the person saying it is unhappy. More accurately it's a reaction from something they themselves read and are not happy about. I'm happy with top 10 and hopefully try and win a cup.... champions league is a treat and it'll happen again. Its no big deal to me.
See I think along the same lines but slightly differently. I’ve seen people on here do nothing but slag off burn, Longstaff, miggy, and Howe. I’ve seen people slag off recruitment and ask why we haven’t signed worldies. Speaking as if they are an authority on recruitment. the ones slagging off Howe as if they’re tactical geniuses because he doesn’t use their proffered tactic or formation. basically some sounding like self entitled plastic Man Utd fans and it makes my blood boil at times. to get to a final destination quicker I’d easier if everybody enjoys the journey rather than asking if “we’re nearly there yet”
I just don't understand the rush. It's like I'm being forced into not enjoying the journey and to act like as you say we're already there. Nobody can say anything measured because people want to get carried away and it annoys them.... I know that so if I'm challenged I will continue. Arguments are good.
I have to also add that following Newcastle becoming owned by the richest owners in the galaxy I was uneasy with the short period of unity within the fanbase, but over time the opportunities are revealing themselves for a **** like me.
