Wasn't a dig at you at all mate, definitely didn't intend to make it sound like that. Apologies. As I mentioned in another post of mine in this thread the first team plus 4/5 of the rest look good - but the others are all youngsters which imo means it wont be a deep enough squad. Youngsters to compliment the squad yes, but we need more than 15/16 first team 'regulars' if you know what I mean.
Spot on mate, exactly my sentiments. 15/16 players in a squad in the NPC isnt enough. 22 at the minimum plus youngsters imo.
How many players does anyone think we have that aren't good enough for the Championship? I'm sorry, I know they haven't consistently clicked and have done incredibly poor things at times but we have players that can beat Chelsea, draw against Citeh and play Spurs off the park in some of the best football I've seen from players in hoops. A bit of momentum (ie a proper pre-season that has a pinnacle at the first game) and we should be tearing that division a new one. Anyone that we don't shift will benefit the team and those that we keep are more than enough. Sorry if anyone thinks I'm getting my OTT optimism in early but I genuinely believe it.
I can see your view, and it makes sense. But whats to stop the players continuing the individual mistakes (which has been letting us down all season). Just because its a lower division doesnt mean the players will automatically do well. Look at Blackburn and Wolves. Ok they have had managerial troubles, but also Bolton - its only in recent weeks that they have started to do well. If the current lot stay, and continue to play whats going to suddenly make them care and put all they have for the shirt?
I know what you're saying Judo and given what's gone on this year, I can't blame you or anyone else. I suppose I'm just reversing the comments such as "he wouldn't be able to get away with that in the Prem" or "he won't get that much time on the ball in the Prem" that we had when we went up - it has to work both ways. I think getting whoever is left to enjoy their football is the key. Love of the club and badge follow naturally from that. They're all good players, they just haven't all played consistently well (and especially at the same time).
Cant argue with that at all! Get a good start and things may work out well - I guess that contributed to the bad season we have had - a poor start.
Following on from that, I ythink a lot on here are going down the road of " oh we did it 2 years ago so it will be easy to do it next year"! No!, as someone posted elsewhere, (matt i think?!) We had an exceptional set of circumstances with our manager, Tarbs on fire, players like Derry & Kenny and a true belief within the squad and supporters. I think its highly unlikely that we will get the same set of circumstances to all present themselves atthe same time again. Throw in a bit of complacency (because we did it before) and a few mercineries that really dont want to play in the NPC 7 I dont quite see how that makes it an easy league for us? In HR we have a good enough manager IMO but not sure of his knowledge of lower league players. Just have to trust him on that. Building the team around Adel is just going to put us back in this position in a couple of years. Im not critciising him but pointing out that strategy didnt work for us last time we got promoted. now, you gan blame Tango & Cash or who-ever you like, but the players didnt respond and make to many mistakes. That is not the managers fault, nor T&C, nor Beard or Hughes or who-ever, that lies firmly on the players shoulders. I know MH takes the blame for tactics etc but a player giving the bal away is firmly down to himself! No matter who it may be. Everyone knew pre season we needed a striker & a CB and I think if we'd made Dawson an offer he couldnt turn down, we may well not be where we are right now ( just my opinion) Anyway, i think being a realist ALA judo rather than predicting winning the league (like many thought we should have made Europe this year) is probably the best route to go down. A bit of humilty after we embarrased ourselves in the prem & we may get some sort of respect from others. Certain teams are going to se us as thier "cup final" & it will not all be plain sailing. One things for sure...the summer transfer merry-go-round will be very intresting!!
