To be honest, I don't really care. Obviously I'd rather we did well, but I'm far more concerned with securing the clubs future with the increased revenue and we really need to improve our academy/training facilities. With regard to the team, I think it's better than the team we went up with last time(assuming we get a decent defensive midfielder) and I think we've done very good business this summer, I also think we'll see two or three more come in before the window closes. I'm really looking forward to this season, I'm just a little pissed off that I let the missus book this years holiday and I'm missing the opener(though as it's televised, I'll get to watch it poolside, so it's not too much of a hardship). I get the impression you have some major reservations about how next season is likely to play out?
My view on both our teams: An old cliche "the championship will be even togher this year" - but I think it is. Don't think any of the teams coming down will go into freefall like Wolves and Blackburn did - suicidal ownership and mis-management. The 'usual suspects' are all stronger - Leeds, Forest, us too potentially, depending on how some of the younger players will have matured. Bolton have been quietly building for a promotion campaign and were the form team towards the end of last season. Last season's 'surprise packages' watford and Brighton could well be in the mix again (like it or not, Watford will be packed with quality and under Zola's management). Wouldn't be surprised to see Charlton up amongst the front runners, they got better and better and Blackburn have the players to compete with anybody. So it's gonna be bloody tough to secure a top two berth. Our manager is under incredible pressure IMHO and if that starts to affect the players then I think he is a dead man walking. A good start is crucial - perhaps more so for Nigel Pearson than for the club this season. On yours - I think you have a very solid (if not perhaps spectacular) man at the helm and he will get the best out of a squad, which, as you say (and I would agree) looks better than the one that you went up with under Phil Brown - but I still think it's going to be a very tough ask to survive next season. I think Palace will be cast adrift at the bottom. The problem for you guys is that two clubs that I felt would struggle, Norwich and Sunderland have gone nuts in terms of signings - both in terms of numbers and also the amounts they are paying - Cardiff about to clinch their second £8 million plus deal - Stephen Caulker. Southampton also appear to have built on an already pretty good squad - Wanyama looks a quality purchase. On the plus side I can see Stoke struggling without Pulis (and under Hughes) but I think you are going to need a surprise candidate in the mix for you to aim at - Fulham or West Brom perhaps? - what about Newcastle if they start off badly and natives start a witch hunt for Ashley and Kinnear? Pehaps Sunderland's 'whole new team' won't gel (but they have beaten Spurs in pre-season - I would like you to survive - so I'm predicting Palace bottom, Stoke next and hope that one of the other mentioned will fill the third spot rather than Hull City - but i think you have a real dogfight on your hands to avoid it.
