Yeah Johnny, and we must remember we are Leeds not Blackpool, we are every team's Cup Final whereas Blackpool weren't even noticed. Our players have to learn that they have to play to their best standard for 95 minutes EVERY match because we are a big scalp outside the Prem. At least we now have a manager who understands this. As you say, anything can happen and all Leeds can do is go and win each game, draws are no good now. Three wins on the spin will be interesting, and if that takes us to within a point of the playoffs then the players have a genuine target to aim at. It's much harder when you win and remain five points adrift.
We haven't managed three wins on the trot all season. Since late January we keep fooling ourselves myself included that IF we win the next 2 or 3 games it will all look much better. With all the teams above us playing each other the weekend just gone a win against West Ham was a must. Looking at the table and assuming Hull or Boro get at least a point out of their extra game we must target Blackpool, their next three are Leicester, Reading and Southampton and we still have to play them again. Anything is possible (I keep having to tell myself that).. I felt very down about the West Ham late goal, more than any other against us this season, I guess that is what 'getting your hopes' up does to you.
Ristac, I am looking forward to every game with excitement, regardless of whether we are likely to get into playoffs or not, but to think we can do it is just setting us up for failure.
Since NW's arrival I have had that buzz of excitement return, yes I still hold a glimmer of a hope that we can get promoted. More realistically I am looking at his arrival as an extended pre-season, his chance to sort out who he wants and what positions he feels the players are best suited. IF IF IF Bates backs him ready for the start of the next campaign my expectations would shoot through the roof. If NW can get the team performing like they are at present just imagine what he may achieve with a little backing.
I think he may be the answer too, despite my prior dislike for him, just as I felt that Bates might be the answer in 2005. I hope I (and all Leeds fans) do better this time. If Bates had any smarts, he would approve a reasonable investment in the playing staff and re-evaluate his salary cap strategy and parameters. Hoping for a more dignified persona, especially towards fans, would be pushing my luck so I won't go that far.
As a person I wasn't keen on Warnock as a manager I can't fault him, maybe it is his way of diverting the attention away from the team and he would prefer opposition support to focus the hate towards himself? Likewise with Bates, I can't stand him, for all I care he can think all Leeds fans are the scum of the earth as long as he invests our money back into the team and not his own pockets. I don't believe it is personal with him, I truly think he would be like it with any team which he was owner of.
