1. The win at Reading was terrific, but City’s subsequent failure to beat Leeds seems emblematic of our season as a whole: we showed flashes of excellence and superiority, but then lost our way when a lasting statement about that superiority was required. That’s why ‘the best squad in the division’ is fourth, ten points off the automatic promotion pace. 2. Thankfully, the Football League’s format will give us another chance to turn underachievement into success. Even though failing to exact revenge on Leeds for the Elland Road defeat was a disappointment, the wider form context of two wins and two draws means we have a good platform to enter the play-offs in buoyant mood. 3: Ah yes, the play-offs. With us unable now to catch any of the top three, we can now think actively about the mini-campaign that could yet salvage what has been a season of dislike, mistrust and standoffishness. The question to ask is: who do we want? Or, more pertinently, is it possible to avoid Derby? 4: Let’s face it, the only way we’re going to get Sheffield Wednesday, who although not assured of a play-off place are looking increasingly likely to secure one, would be for them to overhaul Derby and finish fifth (or us and Derby, and finish fourth). By this weekend, that could be impossible anyway. So unless we sink to sixth with three heavy defeats and get the odd one out of the three-strong 87-club (out of interest, two of the three scribes here think that’ll be Middlesbrough, with the other going for Brighton), it’s apparent that we’re going to play Derby twice more – and this is the only team to do the double over us this season. Still, prior to the final in 2008 we’d dropped points in both our ‘regulation’ games against Bristol City, so… 5. There were some positive displays from key individuals on Saturday. Chuba Akpom played with a dynamism and willingness that hasn’t been seen since late summer, and Tom Huddlestone is in a good run of form, playing crisp and effective football. That may be to get him a deal elsewhere, but it suits City’s purposes just fine. 6. Steve Bruce repeatedly lecturing supporters on what they should say at games is rather irritating. He is extremely well paid to manage City, a job he has until recently done very well. In return, he should leave the supporting to us, and not EVER imply that beseeching the club to see sense somehow constitutes a lack of support for the team. It may be difficult to speak out against his bosses – fine, we get that. That’s no excuse for transferring his frustration onto those who are being priced out of watching their local team next season. 7. As it happens, he could have little complaint about the crowd on Saturday. Though anger bubbles under the surface of a fanbase treated with utter contempt by the club’s hierarchy, the toxic atmosphere of recent games was absent and any ire was aimed at Leeds and their fans (well, aside from a half time announcement about the Membership Scheme that was roundly booed). 8. Outside the ground was a different matter, some fans of a certain vintage were burning their membership packs in West Park, and all week long we’ve seen photos on social media of defaced reply envelope. ‘Earn your stripes’ becoming ‘Another tripe idea’ was our favourite. 9. As we despair at the bovine intransigence of the club, we applaud the Hull City Supporters Trust. Their press release on Thursday was a terrific piece of work and their spokespeople have been eloquent and informed when commenting in the media. The contrast with those at Hull City AFC could not be more stark. 10. Sometimes a picture says more than many words, so… please log in to view this image http://www.ambernectar.org/blog/2016/04/things-we-think-we-think-225/
That poor old fella (10). I was talking to an elderly couple the other week and they told me they've not been back since the Allams sacked Barmby, these owners are a disgrace
I'd be really interested to know who is committed to not buying a pass / joining the membership scheme next year. As ever on this board and in the stands, there's a lot of hot air from people "appalled" by our owners actions but then when push comes to shove they still line his pockets.
I for one will be relinquishing 3 season passes and NOT joining the membership scheme. I will still follow City but buy tickets an an ad hoc basis, primarily I suspect seeing more away then home games in the process.
I didn't buy my pair of passes this season and I won't be having any next season either, I'm surprised at how little I miss home fixtures tbh.
Point 6 - SB is getting his excuses in early. When we fail to go up and he leaves at the end of the season he'll point the finger of blame at the toxic relationship between owners and fans and that he and the players were stuck in the middle and it had a negative affect on performances. He is right though.
That photo wasn't me but could easily have been. I said my goodbyes to the people around me on Saturday. I am not renewing.
I categorically will not be renewing. I still intend to go to home games. However I resent the significant increase in my pass cost (E5) and having to pay monthly. If I could pay a one off annual fee I would potentially have moved.
