At the start of the season I was reasonably confident of the lads having a good season,and I still am.When the fixtures were announced I thought we had a hard start and so it's proving. Looking at the opposition, I thought we would probably lose at Liverpool (apart from a point last season I think the last time we got anything there was when Phillips played for us) Chelsea was another game I thought we would probably lose (the last time we beat them at home was again I believe when Phillips played for us) From the other two games Nucarsel and Swansea I thought we could have 4 points (the derby result hard to predict,Swansea newly promoted and up for it) so realistically I think we are 2 points short of what our total could be,not good but it could be worse. The next 3 games,Stoke,Norwich and Wba are games where we should be able to get a few points on the board (none of these teams will be a pushover though) These 3 games I believe will decide how our season goes and if Bruce keeps his job or not.Reading the statements from some of the players this week they are pretty confident of changing things round so at the moment I am hoping things are about to change for the better. The clamour from everyone for Bruce to be sacked is getting louder and he's not making things easy for himself (Brighton selection and result) but reading the statements that are coming from the SOL,that he will be given the money generated by Gyans departure to recruit another striker in January,it looks like he's going to be here for a while yet.So let's try and support him (however much you want him in or out) Just my view lads,which I think is a realistic one so far of the season. Enjoy the game this afternoon...I intend to! ...win,draw (and god forbid,lose)
A realistic target for me, was to finish mid-table, still think that's where we will be... If there's any Statto's out there, When was the last time we failed to win in the first 4 games... What was the outcome of that season? Ithink i know the answer, but need it double checked, as it wasn't good.
Makes today even more vital... But just read Bill's thread on stats against Stoke, so all is not lost..
Last time I think was after the 15 point relegation with Quinny in charge then we beat West Brom at the sol with Roy Keane sitting in the stands we then went on to win the league on the last day away to Luton (5-0, great goal from Murphy and thank you very much for Carlos Edwards. As for premier league I'm sure it was the season before this, the dreaded 15 point season, a winless run under MM ended at the Riverside Stadium with goals by Tommy Miller and a free kick by Julio Arca we wore the black away Lonsdale strip I believe.
Very little when you think Westwood Larsson and Vaughan came on a free we had 5 loanees last season and money from bent and henderson. Then again you got money for carroll and its rolling around on a table in a casino (red or black anyone)
Season is 38 games long not 4!! Although for most of your lot it's only 2 matches long and they're both against us!!
