I think...just think we may have just begun to sow the seeds ala Bournemouth, Swansea,lesta...there will be plenty more lows but for the first time in a couple of seasons there seems real reason to be optimistic!
Think JFH may have found his preferred line up.....3 well taken goals, 2 clean sheets on the trot, get a result at Preston and we can then look forward to a reasonable end of season run......
Although I missed yesterday's game - from what I saw at the Derby fixture midweek - it looks as if we're playing more as a team. Bodes well - especially if we seek to add players over the coming 5 months. Be great to feel as if we have the core of a team rather than bring in a mass of new players and seek to gel them as the core - as we've done in previous seasons.
Slowly, Slowly, Catchy Monkey. Gradually developing the squad into a cohesive unit with the addition of a player here and there over time is the correct way to move forward. We have to be patient with Jfh, Les and the players and hopefully we will move steadily in the right direction. Hoping for a total squad overhaul with loads of incoming players, expecting instant success and promotion.....and heckling players and management any time we don't procure all 3 points in a match is the wrong, and let's be blunt after the past few seasons and mistakes, stupid way to go. Keep it up lads!
Interesting interview with JFH. The desire for a strong finish to the season shows he knows that it is what we need to attract good players in the close season. If players feel we are going to challenge and be progressive it will help to sway players decisions. With nine players ending contracts, some of whom will re-sign, there will be positions we need to fill and we need to be able to attract them. Feels like players are getting into their right positions at last, feeling comfortable and showing some team spirit. We must identIfy those gaps that pull players away from their best positions (like Perch being moved across to cover). Some key areas to consider... a new Clint Hill (the boy Aden Flint at Bristol looks very good, but seems PL already looking at him); a new right back; an Ale back-up (will be tough to find, but needed this year in my opinion); others will need to be direct replacements if they leave. Yet another interesting Summer ahead and a big test for JFH if he is to get the team he wants. An upside is Sir Les will have to listen to him, as JFH was his man, so he needs to let him have final say on players.
The info I could find: Angella (loan); Hill; Traore; Konchesky (loan); Henry; Diakite; Faurlin; Gobern; Hoilett; Youngsters: Kpekawa; Pino;
Personally I would buy Angella, offer a coaching role to Clint....and offer new contracts to Henry,Cole, Faulin and Junior. Would expect first three to accept, but Junior to take money and go to somewhere...lower Prem, Turkey or China
It would be fantastic if he stays. Prove he's not a mercenary (how much do you really need?!) and help attract good players over the summer.
We need players who want to play for us...offer him a new reduced contract with goals,promotion bonus added.if he don't signit look for alternatives now!
If he doesn't sign, we could do no worse that giving this fellow a call: Rajiv van le Parra He looked fantastic when Wolves visited; albeit he was on the right attacking veteran Paul Konchesky.
Phew. We do NOT need anyone with a dodgy attitude. I would also steer away from anyone much over 30 unless they were in the same mould as Clint or Ryan Nelsen (ie true, hard-working professionals).