As for the Wigan Game, I would rather we go for the victory against Villa and actually try and win something. If Hughton won us a cup I'd quite happily forgive a relegation.
League Cup doesn't even mean anything nowadays, Championship teams get in the final. No one gives a **** about it Survival will be massive for us financial wise, and will be key to getting us established in this division.
Hand on heart, I'd rather actually win something. Trophies go in the record books, money doesn't. We get relegated we'll come back again at some point, you win a cup it's there forever. I'll reiterate what I've said before, people are becoming more interested in winning prize money than the prize itself. If were not here to win something then why bother at all.
Rather see us competing at the highest level myself for years to come. This is probably the best chance we have of becoming established until the gap between Premier League and Championship grows even more.
As much as I agree with the comments about us going on and winning a tropy, I'd choose PL survival first and foremost. Ideally, I'd like both - but don't feel that our squad is good enough for that. Also like to see some of our 'fringe' players start against Villa next week and see what they can do.
We will never be a fully established team, we can't afford to be, if we stay in the Premiership for 10 years I'd bet my house we will be in debt on a massive scale. The Premiership is great, but trophies are so rare to come by.
What about west brom, they're in what their fourth season after a bit of yo yoing I don't think they are in debt It's possible carrabuh Wigan and fulham are not good examples due to benefactors
It's difficult to know the effect of FFP though. It may stop us getting too heavily into debt and not allow our peers to spend more heavily- financially we will be on a par with everyone other than the top six or seven. If our stadium gets expanded soon, that will help finances. I'm confident it can be done. FFP will keep the big clubs big, though. No longer possible to do a Chelsea
I think we need to ring the changes personally, and perhaps even on Saturday before the Cup match. I might get shot down for saying this, but I thought we looked desperately tired in the second half of the Sunderland match and we were a bit lucky not to get beaten. Our new style of play with all the chasing down is very effective, but it can be exhausting. We don't want a Martin O'Neill-style collapse in March because we've played the same eleven most of the way through the season and they have nothing left in the tank.
You won't be shot down by me... I think youve got a point. With Tettey and Johnson covering more miles than any other players in the prem, I think they, and Snodgrass (who must be knackered from the step up) must be in desperate need f a rest. I do think we need them against Swansea, apart from Snodgrass. Hopefully six days is enough. Also, I'd like us to maintain momentum- playing a weakened team who get thrashed may do far more harm than the good done by resting the others
Exactly, money to put into this new youth system. McNally has always said about us becoming self-sufficient and it can only happen when we are in the Prem, if we invest good money into the youth system that'll definitely help out.
You're right - it's a very hard call when and how radically to do it. If it aint broke, don't fix it. But, on the other hand, stay one step ahead of the game and make the changes before things get tired/stale. Makes me glad I'm not the manager.
Completely agree, think we need to use all our squad, otherwise it's pretty wasted. Preferably before the christmas games, that's when it really hits the squad, We need as many fresh players as possible. Hench why I think taking Butterfield back is a good idea.
+ Canary Rob + Vietnam's original point. Very good point re players looking tired on Sun and I would like to see either a couple of changes for the game against Swansea, or subs made around the hour mark , so they can have an impact, not with 15 mins or less to play.
Two thoughts. One it would be great to win a trophy. As an old stager I was at the Milk Cup Final. Not sure if I enjoyed the final or beating the binners in the semi more. Even though we got relegated we came back up and then embarked in one of the berst periods of top flight football in our history. Secondly there is no way PL will put out a full strength Villa team based on where they are at the moment. even if CH gives fringe players a run out they will be better than Villa's second string.
...but that is presuming that the wear and tear is not sufficient to cause it to break very soon. they have just played three games in a week, and are now facing three games in a week again, followed by the christmas and new year fixtures.
I have to admit I dont see the big fuss about Butterfield.... not over Howson anyway. 3rd choice in the attacking midfield ranks for me. I would happily be proved wrong if he gets his chance in the Villa game though.
I also feel that the PL comes first. Even if City beat Villa, they almost certainly will have to beat two top teams to lift the cup. A team with 10 changes won against Spurs and they can do the same against Villa. PL points now will be crucial in taking pressure off the club in the second half of the season.
