Things are now into the end of season mode with all of us trying to see the season out but running out of things to talk about, so how about the future. I think we can all agree that MON has raised our hopes and expectations. We also hope that Short backs MON in the summer transfer window but my question is,"What is our true expectation"? Newcastle's rise to the top 6 along with our run under MON with the same players he inherited may have left us with false expectations, unrealistic expectations. Before anyone says they don't care about what Newcastle do, I don't believe you, we may not care, or pretend we don't, when they do well but we will all be on gloating when we beat them, but back to my point. What if Short goes the sensible way and he and MON make only the basic buys needed. What if we end mid table, no setting the world alight but no relegation threat, will that be OK next season? Or do we expect and indeed demand more, good owner, top manager so do we demand a top effort for top players to go for a top 8, top 6 finish. Now lets try and say what we think rather than what we think we should say.
Comfortable Top 10 finish, with a good cup run, and beating the teams in the lower half of the table for me next year. I hope we can make some good signings, particularly in the striker department and keep ahold of Sess. Not a complete team overhaul like past seasons, but good quality buys. And 6 points of those who shall not be named. As the years go on, then a top 6 finish with Europe.
if we end up mid table after what i and many thousands of other safc fans have been through in the last 35 yrs then yes i'd be happy, if we have a good cup run that would be a bonus, if we beat the mags in any 1 of the 2 games it would be the highlight of the season
Tough one - as a Sunderland fan, tend to be fairly pessimistic while secretly hoping to be proved wrong. But MON has raised expectations and given indications that he could deliver on them, but as per comments above I would expect it to be staggered rather than a full blown attack on next season. So, with a chance to bring some new blood to the club and a full season at the helm, I would expect an improvement on this year but probably only by a couple of places and another decent cup run - hopefully going all the way this time would be the icing on the cake. As for our neighbours, as always I'll remain completely indifferent to what they're doing
I think MoN will buy sensibly, having watched the Champions League semis all talk of Marquee signings should be banned as the four teams were full of such players and very few delivered, I know we are a long way off attracting players who will only sign for Champions league teams but those type of players are not always the way forward as Newcastle have proved this season. I can see MoN getting players in who can do a bit but will also gell together as a team and fight for the shirt. I would be happy with steady progress without getting the club out of its depth financially and regular top team finished and no relegation worries is OK by me, but we cant allow our season to tail off with 6 or so games to go like this season, and Im sure once MoN has his own squad he wont allow that to happen.
Its gong to an interesting summer to say the least. Sigings may depend upon who, if anyone leaves. i.e. Sess, Gardner, Gordon and then any squad players surplus to requirements. I think that recently it shows that we do not have a big enough squad with quality needed to do any better than say 8th for example. This season has shown once again how difficult (impossible) reaching the top 4 is and even the top 6/7 for a Europa spot. Newcastle having their best season in years (I cant imagine them doing this well again) and they may not finish even in the top 5. (not taking anything away from them). Our expections should remain as what others have said above. For me finishing mid table means plenty of wins and is a pretty good season. A good cup run and beating the mags would be satisfactory!
We need to kick on next season while the middle part of the league is not so strong. If we don't, we must accept we will never be anything but an also ran. With the right gaffer, facilities and a great base, now is the time Ellis.
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I think that a top 8 finish should be the aim but feel that we must keep Sess if that is going to be achieved;whether or not Bendy stays we need to get a couple of goal scoring strikers in.If we get Gordon and McCartney off the books that will reduce the wage bill and cover the wages of new strikers. My only other real concern is LB but I'm sure MON will sort it and then top 8 becomes a realistic aim.
Rather than put a league finish on the table, here is what I would like. An entertaining team. At times this season we have played some great stuff and this is the best season I can remember for goal of the season. Sess' can be one of our best entertainers ever. So next season I'd like to see more pace. Through balls, defence splitting passes. Sexy dribbling (ooh err) heart, passion! Not much to ask. I would like to see MON backed to the hilt. It's the first time SAFC have ever appointed a manager I've wanted and I want him to be given a great chance at winning something. I honestly believe we could be on the cusp of something here and I'd hate to think we compromise and miss the chance. I believe O'Neill can take us top six. However, there is a whole pre season to go, top targets to be chased. Who knows if we'll get them. Anything can happen next year. So I'll be trying to switch off and enjoy the euros, take the kids away but I know I'll be checking every outlet available for news! Arrrggghhh
This thread takes me back to the SNQ comment of the '5 year plan' what we read into that is anyone's guess, getting rid of the yo-yo effect? Guaranteed prem football? Europe in the fifth year, who knows? Some may suggest that the mag's are lucky to be where they are, but I have to say that they have bought well and with Europe beckoning next year, can only improve their squad no end. Pardew as stated that it's a season earlier than expected, but will grasp the opportunity now whilst it's there. I'm sure MON as the same expectation's, but the buying policy of british player's as far as MON is concerned may hinder our prospects! To me I can only think we are in a better position with MON in charge than Bruce.....but don't let this kick start another anti Bruce campaign. To end, every season in the prem brings different expectations to every team involved. Regular top 6 fighting it out amongst themselves. Three promoted teams going all out to stay up. The rest pretty much hoping to finish as high as possible. Let's hope that we start off the next one much better than we did this season, any chance we could possibly get Everton first game of the season they normally do have a slow start to a season in general and we then perhaps lay the hoodoo to rest once and for all.
Man Utd, City, Arsenal, Chelsea are set up as clubs that will for the foreseable future occupy the top 4 or 6 places. It is good to see Spurs and the Mags knocking on the door of Europe, Spurs becoming more consistent (interesting to see how they perform without Redknapp, assuming he gets the job). Can the mags repeat this level of performance? it will be tough if in Europa with their small squad. Liverpool are structured to succeed but not performing, but will always be thereabouts. Everton looking better than they have for a while and players under contract will see them close next year ..... that makes 8 teams ........ The least I expect and would wish for is that we are CLEARLY number 9 with a comfortable gap to the rest of the mid-tablers!!! I am sure we would be delighted with anything better than this next season. Playing at that level, pinching points from those above and not dropping silly points against the strugglers would be very satisfying. I am confident that MON will buy the sort of players that will be appropriate to achieving this in the next season and hopefully better beyond.
Wages.......... I visualise that a lot will depend on where we end up in the league this season. I think the prize money is about £1m per place. We could end up say 8th or 14th, a difference of £6m ...... that would pay the wages for a couple of strikers!
I wouldn't be so sure the mags will go on from strength to strength. Look at Stoke this year? Have they moved forward or did it hinder them?
