Linkety Link! At least we're not "doomed" and the most likely candidates for a repeat of Derby's dismal Season like back in 2008. "Steve Bruce is great at getting the best out of players and situations that others might give up on. When he took charge of Hull last season there were no expectations of promotion but he got his team enjoying their work and dragged that extra ounce of ability out of his players. Steve can generate a fantastic team spirit in the dressing room and get it rock solid and he was just unfortunate that his chairman at Sunderland - yours truly - gave up on him so early into his tenure. But I met him recently and I am absolutely delighted that he has bounced back and is a Premier League manager again; he will really enjoy himself this year - though playing Chelsea live on Sky on the opening weekend will be tough for him. Steve can generate a fantastic team spirit in the dressing room and get it rock solid. Steve will, no doubt, play down the challenge and try to get Hull playing as tension-free as possible and he does have previous against Chelsea from his Sunderland days, don't forget. In what I would consider my best day in my six-and-a-half-years as Sunderland chairman, Steve led a side that demolished a top-of-the-table Chelsea 3-0 at Stamford Bridge. But the odds will be stacked against him doing the same this time around."
I think a few of us lot were expecting a promotion chase so I'd disagree with him there but I remember the bookies has us at 25/1 for promotion so maybe we were being overly optimistic.
A promotion chase is different from automatic promotion, quite a few fans expected us to challenge for the play offs. I certainly didn't expect automatic promotion.
Just going from what Niall said that there were no expectations for promotion in general, which I would say is the underestimating us once again. With the Chelsea game, anything would be good even if we score that will be a boost to the scorers confidence. Not expecting points though. We might just surprise them though be because they will be expecting a dominant win.
Thats what I mean, there were no expectations outside of the club. Many "experts" didn't expect us to do anything, same with Palace.
Coming out and admitting what your preferences are is the hardest part Stan, now you've made that first step we'll all be behind you... obviously not in front of you, that wouldn't be prudent..
remind me, who you are playing in your chumpionship's first game?? I bet NP wont be able to pit his wits against anyone like 'The Special One'.
Obviously not. When has an opening day result ever really mattered? But then again, Swansea had a better squad. (Apart from the striker, he was obviously ****).
Can always rely on you to stir the hornets nest (not a Watford reference there by the way). Look what you've done now!
