Can certainly appreciate why results come first, particularly in terms of bragging rights. But in terms of enjoyment it's always performance. But, you can play an unattractive style in an entertaining way. My two favourite periods of being an active supporter have been pre-playoff MM and Magilton, two managers with two different approaches. Results evidently help but I am of the belief that good performances are entertaining and lead to good results; bad performances are not entertaining regardless of end result. In a lot of ways I would prefer to stay in the championship indefinitely, trying and failing to reach PL, than consistently battle against relegation in the premier league with no ambition or direction. The trouble is we've seemingly settled for no ambition a league too low.
Good debate and one I'm not sure I can really make any sort of valuable input given my job is working with elite athletes, who are clearly judged on their outcomes/results. That said, the focus is on putting in the 'performances' to win medals as we focus on a 'process driven approach' Process and Performance > Result. or to put it another way, "take care of the processes and the medals come to you" But the reality is, if you don't hit your targets you're off the programme and you're funding is cut, so the result matters. That said, football is very difference to the area I work in, but one parallel across all sport is that you will always remember a win over a good performance, that is just the state of the human psyche. So I suppose the question I ask myself is what makes me happier, and for longer?.. A win (by any means) Or, a fantastic performance (regardless of result) It clearly isn't Black & white, but I think I would always value/remember a win far more favorably than anything else, I just wish it would be coupled with an entertainment filled 90 minutes
Thanks for that Scowey you've worded my thoughts in the best possible way - amen. Lets hope we can win / maybe play how did at Preston first half for longer tonight.
My last thoughts on the subject for a little while anyway are to remember the the constraints in place at our Club, be realistic about our chances considering the opposition, and to remember that not every win is promotion form but neither is every defeat the end of the world, ( although it feels like it sometimes ) .