Firstly, I'd like to state that I'm loving the progress the club is making and can't wait for the new season to start like perhaps no other season before. That said, the thought occurred to me earlier that we might hit a brick wall or, worse still, face internal conflict on a level never experienced by us before. We're being linked very strongly with some great players but there is a question in my mind about how we sell our ambition. Players like Park will have been lured by the promise of first team football. No problem so far because he's a fantastic player. What happens if/when our 2-3 other marquee signings arrive? They'll expect first team football too. Will we end up with frustrated players sat on the bench who will ultimately want to leave because their chances are limited and promises have been broken. We'll also face the prospect of players being reluctant to sign because the competition for places is too high. We need to be wary of internal conflict and the possibility of good players wanting out. Ultimately, the solution is success and continued progress (to maintaining the appeal of playing for the Rs) but this in itself is a new kind of pressure and something we're unused to. Sparky will have some experience of handling egos and the old cliche of "it's a good headache to have" but I can see it as a realistic problem nonetheless. Hopefully it's just my paranoia and inability to accept that it is all good.
Don't worry, it is just your paranoia and inability to accept that it is all good. Enjoy the ride man, you could be Lootown fan
No its not paranoia, its a justifiable concern. Nevertheless, its simply a by-product of success. Big egos on big money are hard to manage but its part of Mark Hughes' job to do so. Certain hurdles have to be overcome if you want to become a successful football Club. You've rightly highlighted one of them Matt. Another might be having too many games in too short a space of time and having your squad stretched to compete in a number of different competitions. Still another might be sadness at moving away from your old Stadium. But these wee things are the price you have to pay. Its just part and parcel of moving up a few steps on the ladder. Its either that or stay in mediocrity or sh*t. I know where I'd rather be.
Are you suggesting that we might have cup runs? Even with a fanciful speculation of Europe that would only be 4 cup matches per year.
With the squad we're assembling now, there's no reason why we can't have a go in the two domestic Cups this season. And in time, European football is not out of the question. Stoke were only up three or four years when they got it. Brum had it last year too. Its all to play for Matty lad.
I must admit your thoughts have crossed my mind and one thing I worry about is the expectation of all involved and how to maintain a balanaced level of acievement.
Best thing to take care of that Flanners is for us, the fans, to keep our feet firmly planted on the ground and not get carried away. If the supporters can be realistic in their expectations, it will help the squad no end.
I must admit that I wasn't at all concerned about the point you've raised in your OP Matt but now that you've highlighted it and I've had a moment or two to reflect on it...... I'm absolutely terrified that that's exactly what will happen!! Thanks a lot Matt!!.....
Yes, I'm worried about this to the same extent that I'm worried about having more money than I can spend and having a boundless attraction to gorgeous members of the opposite sex, I.e. they are not problems I am currently encountering or which would overly trouble me should they arise. If only.
How about just understanding its a squad game now and each position needs cover ... Why? Injuries Suspensions Internationals Lose of form And healthy competition for places based on current form is a standard riser The focus is on the club getting better results than last season and ensuring stability targets are met Feel any better now? Modem footballer understand. This it's their job I said earlier in the day we only focus on the 90 minutes Think outside the box the club has to be coveted at all times in order to achieve the goals set . Red cards cost us so dearly last year We were 5 games off finishing above Liverpool ... It's easy to see where we dropped the points... We had no depth or the cover was not consistent enough ... 10 men for how many games?
No point in worrying about things that might happen. It's wasted energy. When we have a thought it can create a feeling of one of two things... Happiness or sadness. If it's happiness, then smile and embrace it. If it's sadness, smile and dismiss it. Last season we had too many people on here worrying ( Days, weeks, months? ) about relegation. It didn't happen. All that time used up being sad and worrying when it didn't even happen. Time that you could of used feeling happy instead.
