04 May 2024 17:10:03
Being optimistic is one thing, and yes, we still have a chance of gaining promotion however, a dose of harsh reality is needed;
Firstly, our good form of a couple of months ago has totally deserted us. Can't see us winning at Wembley playing the way we are.
And secondly, if we were to go up, could this squad survive? How much strengthening would we have to do, and could we afford it?
Heart wants us to gain promotion (heart wants us to win every game:) but head says we would be better off staying where we are for another season - I know that will cost financially and that several players will go but I would ask everyone to consider (again) where we were 12 months ago. at least this time our owners aren't going anywhere and we have a manager in place. In other words, we can make plans and implement them very shortly rather than waiting until mid-August before anything happens.
It may end up being a bitter pill to swallow but it might be worth it in the long run!
04 May 2024 17:18:34
Fair post Cleggy.
04 May 2024 17:29:57
Deluded if you think staying in the Championship another season is helpful.
04 May 2024 17:44:54
Good post Cleggy, and definitely not deluded!
04 May 2024 17:47:29
it's the old question Cleggy. Would you rather miss promotion, stay in the champs and watch a winning team most weeks, battling for promotion OR go up and watch a losing team going nowhere except down?
In essence a yoyo team at best.
04 May 2024 17:51:03
Personally I would not mind missing out (I would be ecstatic to go up) and now that DF has had chance to evaluate the team, buy well with a longterm view of going up and staying up. This time buying wisely and not being sidetracked with all the s**t going on last summer.
04 May 2024 18:03:23
I feel more deflated today, compared to last seasons relegation.
From the high of beating Leicester and the stadium rocking, to the lows of Sunderland through to today and a very toxic, nervy atmosphere
We're the team everyone wants to beat, well its time the players dig deep and find their form, we have 3 cup finals to win.
04 May 2024 18:56:20
Fair post Leodis…I’m not fussed either way to be honest. On balance, I prefer winning (more) games more than watching us struggle. We’re struggling now and it’s sad to see. To be honest, I’m looking forward to the playoffs because, regardless, they are a spectacle to be part of, rather than in any expectation of success.
It would be nice to win at Wembley I suppose.
I’m satisfied with the season; by and large it has been enjoyable v what the last two have been like.
What I don’t like, is the impending “reset and start again” that will follow if we don’t make it.
04 May 2024 19:27:13
It’s strange emotions for me. Like last season’s relegation, today there was no real expectation of a positive outcome, since on both occasions it had largely been settled in the penultimate game. I was more disappointed in the game and result, rather than what it meant. The crowd never really got going…nor did the team.
I was far more devastated with Bielsa’s first season failure.
04 May 2024 18:11:32
Staying down means the following losses:
1. No EPL revenue. Huge.
2. Brakes on stadium ?️ expansion. Huge. New SCC rules makes stadium ?️ expansion critical for improvement. Meanwhile player valuations increase along with construction ? costs.
3. Loss of better players such as Summerville, Gnonto and Rutter.
4. Above personnel loss means a 70 g/ a season void needs filling. Challenging to say the least.
5. Younger assets (Gray the even younger) more vulnerable to being pinched.
Yep, it's another worldbeater.
04 May 2024 22:40:26
6.Leeds can go up Georgey but not with some of these overrated pretenders.
05 May 2024 00:34:25
You right Baz but there's something rotten in the club again. The lack of desire and quality on show upsetting.
05 May 2024 02:00:18
Indeed George. something definitely rotten with 4 or 5 certain players .2nd season running too.
05 May 2024 09:42:50
I agree George. Nailed that list there, fella.