When the last ball was kicked last season I was glad it was all over, it had seemed that we were staring relegation in the face but somehow we managed to dig out the results necessary culminating with a terrific win at The Etihad. "Phew !" I said to myself, "I'm glad that's all over". The close season was eventful with the stand out acquisition being a certain Ricky van Wolfswinkel, things were looking up perhaps we were going to emulate the side of the 70's who established themselves as a top flight side with only three seasons outside of the top division in twenty years ? I must admit, having seen RvW perform for Sporting and having seen many Youtube videos of him I thought we had stolen a march on other EPL clubs and had found ourselves a real gem, Oh dear how wrong I was ! Thing is I was never THAT confident, many on here were clamoring for the new season to begin myself, I was just proud to wear my Premier League replica shirt on my summer hols while viewing the coming season with more than a little trepidation. Unfortunately my fears for the new campaign were correct, a dreadful season ensued with the manager being sacked far too late to avoid the drop. The difference this year is that I can't wait for next season to begin, perhaps I'm disillusioned but the Premier League is the only place to be and I genuinely believe my club should ply it's trade at the top table, my generation knew nothing else. We must appoint a permanent manager sooner rather than later, time is of the essence there's only three months' until the 2014-15 season kicks off and we need to hit the ground running. It won't be easy but I'm confident of at least a top six finish if not better, providing the right managerial appointment is made. I'm sorry to say but 'our Neeyul' IMO would not be the right choice but if the board decides they want to go with him then we'll just have to 'suck it and see'. OTBC .. CTI ... I?WT
KIO - Wise words and I'm looking forward to being able to compete with the other teams in the league and not wondering how many Suarez et al will score against us. I'm not taking anything for granted, but would at least expect us to be in the top 10 in a year's time. Can't wait for 9th Aug unless Sky decide or first game is worthy of being televised and it's moved to Fri 8th.
It's the excitement of having something to gun for other than surviving. Out realistic best target the past 3 seasons has been mid-table. I want my team to play in the top league and you can imagine the opportunities for exiles like me to watch the team play now becomes a bit more limited but there's no denying we've got a more interesting target to hit next season.
I'm not so certain of doing well next season. Still remember the 'On loan to the Endsleigh' in 1995 and being one of the favourites in 2005. I think our squad won't be as strong as last season. In 1995 and 2005 we retained some quality but didn't deliver. The Championship is always difficult to get out of, even getting into the top six.
I'm not suggesting we will bounce straight back, I'm simply saying the target is a more exciting one. Whilst survival is the target in the PL, it's promotion we're after next season. I just think it's unhealthy long term for an elite sports team to not be aiming to win.
Top post fella As disappointed/gutted/****ed off as I am about the impending relegation, I have to say I'm really, really looking forward to what the summer and next season will bring. Can't bloody wait actually! This is all part if being a fan of a club of our size and stature, ups and downs, good times and bad and whatever happens its never the end of the world and is just a game of football at the end of the day. Nobody dies, win or lose we all go to work on Monday (well, apart from the lucky old buggers who have already retired) and get on with our lives - though obviously life is that little bit better when your team is winning a few games, which next year we almost certainly will. My missus put it in perspective when she asked why I was so bothered, she reckons it's been boring to watch in the premiership and was much more exciting during the championship years. Ok, she only started becoming a fan as we were on our way down under the Rodent, and I have warned her it won't always be like the two promotion seasons that we both loved so much, but she does certainly have a point.
The last thing we need chippy is to be underwhelmed with the appointment. We need someone who is not only going to inspire the players with his ideas, but the fans too. Unless Neeyul is given the boards backing or Malky is given the job next week, I reckon we will see a left field appointment by DM in the near future
Actually the last thing we need is people moaning, groaning and getting on the back of the new manager from the start, like they did with he previous one. I don't see why Malky is a convenient option personally, but whoever it is that gets the job I just pray he isn't treated the same way as Hootun was
