It was another interesting thing Mowbray said tonight seemingly trying to downplay expectations. He pointed out that if we’d lost our final two games of last season we’d have finished 12th, but we didn’t so we finished 6th.
It’s easy to forget how tight things were and whilst we all want progression I am nervous that people might end up overreacting to how much of a disaster it is if we find ourselves around 8th place for example. I know some people will hate this but I genuinely think a top 8 finish will represent a good season. And I just hope we make it into the playoffs. Will be tight all the way.
Said this to my Dad on the way to the Mallorca game. I'd be happy with top 10 this year.
Before the start of last season, in my head I would have been happy with the following...
Championship year one - survive
Championship year two - top 10
Championship year three - playoffs/promotion
Championship year four - promotion
We exceeded everyones expectations massively last year, but if we look at the bigger picture, a top 10 finish this year wouldn't be a failure. Obviously the goal is always to win every game, and win the league, why else compete, but if that doesn't happen, as long as we're competetive over the full season, and improve upon last season (not necessarily the position - as Mowbray put it, we could have finished 12th easily), then I'll be pleased.
I'm still just happy to be out of League ****ing One, and don't mind if we have to spend a few years at this level building a league winning squad without breaking the bank or the wage structure. I trust Speakman/KLD to build us that squad.
The future is incredibly bright.