I've said this before on another thread, but I think its worth repeating
Many of us spend an enormous proportion of our time and money following our team, both at home and away. We also invest - rightly or wrongly - a lot of emotion in the club (who's weekend has never been spoiled or lifted by a particular result on Saturday?)
I fully appreciate that ultimately all those who are employees of the club are ultimately there because, very largely, of one element - they are being paid to be there. They may only be there because the club pays them more than they can earn elsewhere. Of course a few maybe there because they love the club, though I suspect that certainly amongst the playing staff they are in the minority
However, what I, other supporters and the club (as the employer) should expect is that the employees should be doing their best for the club during there time there
We have certainly seen plenty of evidence of this over my time as a supporter, even at times when the results haven't been great
However, at present there seems to be an affliction of lethargy affecting many of the players and performances. I can't explain it and I don't know the internal machinations at the club (some on here seem convinced they do). But the club needs to get it sorted before the malaise really starts seriously draining supporter attendance (I commented above at my surprise at our following at Bolton yesterday; our away followings frequently put clubs like Fulham and Charlton to shame) both home and away
It has already drained much of the passion amongst supporters at games home and away. The atmosphere at Bolton was very flat - the weather didn't help, but ultimately it was the woeful, passionless performance on the pitch that was the root cause
So, what am I trying to say? That ultimately I want players who demonstrably care about what they do. I'm even willing to accept results that may not be as good so long as I see that commitment and passion on the pitch
Oddly, and this may not please everyone on here, one of the few bright spots yesterday was a series of big challenges leading to Henry's yellow card and handbags shoving match with a Bolton player.
Moan over - I'll see everyone at HQ on Saturday!