Thank you for the kind words, I do try and find the middle ground. Like most things there are issues on both sides amd I feel at times the ultra positive shout the loudest so it sniffles debate. Although I'm sure that applies to both sides of the fence
I’m obviously more worried than most about relegation but I’d like to think I’ve expressed this in a measured way, even trying to present the maths (and getting them wrong ). I haven’t resorted to hysterics. Or exaggeration. I hope.
, We've missed out on promotion two seasons running, lost Ross Stewart, tried three times to replace him and failed, had our best players injured, didn't persuade Man Utd to let Amad return, sacked a popular manager, lost at home to Newcastle, just had six defeats in a row, etc etc etc ... ... I've no idea where these ultra-positive posters are tbh, I've not seen any.
I think there's fault on both sides. It gets boring when it just becomes a slanging match. It's much more interesting when people discuss things and are allowed to get what are often interesting and informative points across.
I fully agree, as I said I find It's easier to bite your tongue- is that possible when typing on a message board?
Theres a lot to be said for words on a screen being taken out of context and lost in translation. I remind the people that work for me constantly that a conversation is far more important than an email. Right that's way off topic, no we won't get relegated, yes we need to pick up some points, yes I'd be happy with a draw Saturday
That's very true. Mind you, most of the time I'd rather receive an email than a Teams call. Totally with you on the last paragraph.
Putting the hindsight glasses on, the last few windows have all focused on getting young players in with potential. This was pretty much all self financing allowed. This season has basically been blown trying to get games into them all; Jobe, Ekwah, Ba etc. Also Mowbray not happy and long term option so we bit the bullet and inadvertently shot ourselves in the head. That was a totally avoidable **** show for which Speakman deserves the crap that’s come his way. But, with a couple of big sales in summer and commercial deals up for renewal I’m hoping there is a next stage where finances can now bring in the experience we are crying out for. The kids are more battle hardened and will improve a level. I’m really hoping that this summer is transformative and longer term plans start to pay off. We’re extremely unlikely to be relegated, I just don’t see this season as a complete waste. I just see it as a holding point as last season results were maybe one step ahead of the financial plan and we’ve been unable to push on like everyone would have liked.
Agree with much of this. It's my belief that our current run of poor form can be attributed to injuries and suspension to key players,but,mostly, to the head coach upheaval. I can easily see how our young squad can be receiving mixed messages over the last 3 months or so. It's noticeable that those who are critical of the lack of experience in the squad weren't as vocal 12 months ago,when these young players were ripping apart many experienced defences in this division,and exciting us all with their play. Given recent form,we should see this season as an interim backward step in our progress towards the top level. Of course,it would be preferable if we had a settled,experienced team,into which we would be able to feed two or three young players a year. But,we don't have that,rather the reverse. We have a young,vibrant and talented group,into which we have to try to feed a bit of savvy. That,and the correct head coach appointment,will see us step up next season,I'm sure.
Although I think it highly unlikely we will be drawn into a relegation battle...complacency will certainly be our undoing if upcoming games against an improving (yes I know they got beat on Saturday) QPR and then Cardiff away goes against us. In most divisions every year one team goes on a run to get into the play-offs or descends into a battle to stay up. Although I don't think it will happen to us....never say never until the points are in the bag
Our remaining fixtures; QPR (H) - Tough game against a team scrapping for points, made a drastic improvement under Cifuentes. Cardiff (A) - Tough game against a team which have a realistic shot at the playoffs, won 4 on the spin. Blackburn (H) - Team scrapping for points with the most prolific player in the league. Bristol City (H) - Mid table clash. Leeds (A) - Hard game, promotion chasing side. West Brom (A) - Hard game, promotion chasing side. Millwall (H) - Drastic improvement under Harris, always a hard game. Watford (A) - Mid table clash. Sheffield Wednesday (H) - Made a drastic improvement under Röhl, they may need points to survive. I don't think we'll be close to going down but I do understand being fearful of it. Hard to see where the next win comes from.
I don't think complacency will be a factor...our dressing room is going to be filled with fearful urgency,which may,in itself,be unhelpful!
It’s a **** show, but we aren’t under threat of going down. We need to be thinking about next season. Speakman will say we have ‘a succession plan’ but the managerial messes have shown we do not. I will not credit him for Mowbray as that stunk of panic and desperation but fortunately went well. Safe 2 say we will lose 2 of Jack, big Dan and Neil. Daft as it sounds, Clarke is easiest to replace as finding wingers nowadays isn’t difficult. Either Dan is a hell of a job to replace. The second half of this season has made us far less appealing, actually last summer or even December we could have attracted ‘best outside PL’ level players but we shanked that. Rigg needs to play. Seelt needs to play. Mundle needs to play. Hemir needs to play. These are ones that are showing signs of being good enough. There are poor enough sides below us to keep us ok this year, it’s a staggering turnaround that this thread exists but it’s absolutely valid to ask the question isn’t it? We want to compete? Well either Speakman needs changed, or he needs backed with the cash for 3 players of experience and stature. This is Premier League 2 in all but name and the 3 that come down as always will be streets ahead. it’s time to show we are serious, both with the managerial appointment and the player recruitment. The academy and the development of youth is wonderful, credit galore in the bank for that. The be all and end all is the first team though. If Speakman is big enough and bold enough to see this, to take it to KLD and to flip it in its head, then he isn’t the right man. We have got a lot of talent to work with, let’s stop handicapping them with rigid planning. If we get it wrong in summer this conversation could be very real next year.
