An eight point improvement on a season where we were in the relegation zone at the end of the Autumn? I am more inclined to compare with our form under McCarthy, which I believe is not as favourable as last season.
I use whole completed seasons in my reviews I think it's only fair rather than cherry picking .......over a longer period you get a clearer picture, if you take it from when MM took over I think the results are skewed by the new manager blip.
Its not really cherry picking though. We're comparing Mick McCarthys team of 12/13 to the team of 13/14, not to Paul Jewells Team. Because that new manager "bounce/blip" included some very heavy defeats, and in that period (November - May) we've still recorded 3 less points. I'm not trying to argue this season hasnt been an improvement. Just questioning direct improvement under Mick. I do agree though, its neither here nor there, we look a much more attractive prospect now for new signings than a year ago.
Both promotion and relegation are effectively decided by goal difference,what I can't see with Mick's style of play, is how we are going to drastically improve on our +6 from this season?
I am well pleased with finishing 9th on 68 points and if someone had offered me that at the start of the season I would have taken it! Our best finish in 5 or 6 years with an average group of players is not to be sniffed at! The foundations are in place and with some further astute signings in the Summer using the Cressy transfer money I really think next season will see us in the playoffs! Much to be positive about!
Give Loach another contract, keep Cresswell, sign a right back, sign Williams, sign Assombalonga, play Marriott off the bench. Job done.
