This time last year, after our so-called establishment as a Premier league club, I think we all had so much positivity about the season to come. We all, I think, expected good things with a top 10 finish. We got that finish - just - but it was what we expected. This close season tho, I dont think I'm the only one who feels the magic carpet is in danger of stalling. It is going to be so so hard to move onto the next level, which I suppose is 8th upwards? A good cup run thrown in? Early days in the close season I know; and some on here will call me a doom and gloom merchant, but what would be a good season for us this time? Progress to me would have to be what I have already written. Top 8 and a good cup run. To get there means stopping the talent leaving and probably a minimum of 5 quality signings. What will be progress for you lot? What do we need to achieve what you want? x
The problem with a cup run is, it doesnt bring in a lot of cash unless you win it or every round is on the TV. From the FA website http://www.thefa.com/TheFACup/FACompetitions/TheFACup/FACupPages/FACupPrizeFund20082009 so as you can see especially with each league placing being worth only 100,000 less than the final runners up gets, is it worth it (yes we think it is obviously, but do the clubs especially those fighting for 6th to relegation.)
Not bothered about the money, its the prestige. Would love to go to Wembley again. Who wouldn't? An easier way into Europe than finishin 6th, or playing Catts and hoping for the fair play league slot. A semi at wembley would give me a semi, no problemo. x
Basically sod the clubs money, if it's only a small amount. How about some pride and passion in the city. Play for the fans, give THEM something to shout about. If the club won't take the cups seriously, i'm gutted, we're not gonna win the league. Lets try and win something, that'll fill the stadium...
I agree ^^ but just look at last year, injury hit season imagine if we got a good cup run as well, it may have even been worse and god forbid we may have got relegated (with the extra 5-6 games in a cup run). What would Brum want now, CC cup and 2 million in their pocket and the prestige or PL football next season, probably no contest really). There would be nothing better than going to wembly in a cup semi or final, it would be great, and i believe the club thinks that as well, but when you see the prize money, is it any wonder the FA Cup has gone downhill these past few years, Europe (and CL i mean) or the PL is where its at, even the UEFA Cup is going the way of the FA Cup i feel. (even though I would love to be in that as well).
Brum will be gutted but I dont think you can blame the cup thing on their relegation - do you really? Plus, yep its an absolute bitch they are in a lower league next season, but the parachute payment and the UEFA money will help. Anyway. I dont wanna do a Brum. I wanna do a Stoke. x
Sorry mate but the last thing that should be on our minds going into a season is injuries. Being at Wembley in 73 was undoubtedly the highlight of my admittedly mediocre life.
I was at the Milk Cup in 1985 and FA Cup in 1992. I preferred the spanking by Liverpool to the friendly canaries in the sun, that one was almost surreal. We came out thinking was that a Wembley Cup final? - FA Cup all the way for me, the other one's a real willy limpdick route to Yewrope.
MackemsRule, it wasn't just the goin to Wembley. Us of a certain age remember EVERY shop window bedecked in red and white. We were all smiling cos we were on the telly all the time from the 6th round! We need that surge, that edginess that arrogance that comes with success. Hawayawayaway!!!!!!!!!!!!! x
Took the kids as givvens mate. Up to 30 my life revolved around, work SAFC, and beer. SAFC was still my top priority. When I married at 30 the only difference was I stopped the away games. (She was 19 and didn't trust me to be away. )
BROUGHT A TEAR TO MY EYE AND made me stick my chest out, and be proud to be a makem, its like land of hope and glory when you've had a skinful, rousing stuff Camo would give you some rep but I'm getting a all used up message from an earlier thread you reminded us to vote on with rep.