From where we are now, 17th would be really disappointing. If we had a B'muff level of injuries or they get offers they cannot refuse for Ig then it could happen but I prefer not to think like that. Also, we have 5-6 decent players who haven't featured at all hardly, but will be expected to make a contribution at some point. I think the club is 'catching the wave' as it were, and although it probably won't hold, we could be 6th by Monday if Palarse/WHU/Everton/Liddypool all fail to win and we do win at Slumberland.vand we'll probably add a couple in January which will gove other teams a different problem to solve. After watching just 1 game, the first, at goodison, it was quite clear that we are going to be midtable easily, unless we have really bad luck with injuries. I think 6th is probably dreamland -but that's why I'm dreaming of it!
The Everton game was really a mindset changer wasn't it... we were STRONG and almost beat them. So aspirations are raised. In July i would have jumped at 17th... but we are clearly currently better than that... however I stand by visiting this again after the New Year..... and that run of top teams..
Before the season started I was saying 14th or above, wish I'd put a bet on it! Would I take 17th now? I believe we will finish higher so no ta
Interesting to see people's split opinions on this one - thought that may happen . Maybe it says something about whether you're a pessimist/optimist or a gambler/non-gambler!
my figures could be way off but if top 4 was worth 200+ mill 5th or 6th " 100 mill 10th " 90 mill 17 th " 80 mill 18th or less " 20 mill taking 17th is a good bet ?
Well yes - because I do not only count the millions. Football is about aspiring to win. The question is would I take 17th place now. The answer is no because I want to compete with the best and do as well as possible. I believe we can get or near mid table so why would I settle for less. A gamble - yes. One worth taking? Now - yes. If we lose the next three games - I am not sure, I might chicken out
In the good old day most fans said it was unfair that just because Man U had a large fan base they could afford to buy the best players . With the big TV deals EPL clubs can out bid most other clubs home or away .The game now is all about money, We could get into Europe , but more like 10th to 14th . Im very happy that our owners will not risk our club like leeds/ qpr/bolton . they will try and keep building bit by bit
This is the camp I am in - I'd take 17th place until I know we're mathematically safe. Even last season I raised a glass once we had the required points to avoid relegation! It shows how far we have come that this discussion is even taking place though
Not seen you around much lately Dan - you been busy? Like you I love to reach the safety threshold. HOwever I just know at the moment that if someone looked into a crystal ball and told me we finished 17th I would be really disappointed - in fact anything below 14th would be a bit of a disappointment at the moment. As you say - it shows how far we have come and I suppose perhaps my expectations aregetting a bit too high - but it is the clubs fault not mine - they are just too good
When the Pozzos first took over they stated promotion in 3 years. We very nearly (and should) went up in the first year. Now survival in the Prem was the target (internally they may have raised it) but if we have a good Christmas we will all be talking about a miracle high finish! It is possible to overachieve this year just as we did in 2012. I know that is unlikely and come January we will be looking at consolidating mid-table; either way 17th is looking a long way off.
Now I definitely would not take 17th. A point every 2 games takes us to 36 which is almost safety. We will do better than that.
We now play two teams on similar points to us and a relegation candidate. We can't afford to ease up on the intensity.
If we come out allright from the next four games, we´ll be rocking. I´m after 12 points minimum. OK maybe 6!
