| I know I'm in a minority..... 10:54 - Oct 4 with 8199 views | blueysbackside |
....but the season for me started when Morsy and Celina were fit - and Cook was able to field what is arguably his strongest XI. What took place last season and early this season is an irrelevance to me - and I've posted before the reasons why. What he needs now is until Xmas to get this lot into a well-oiled winning machine. If we're still where we are now, I'll admit defeat. Until, then, however, he's still the man for me. |  | | |  |
| I know I'm in a minority..... on 16:18 - Oct 4 with 707 views | Herbivore |
| I know I'm in a minority..... on 16:10 - Oct 4 by Darth_Koont |
General question.
As the thread has descended into assertions that it was all about promotion this season, I can’t remember exactly who but didn’t someone high up in the organisation say that it wasn’t sh/t or bust this season? And despite the goal of promotion they were prepared for another season in League One if that happened?
Also: if the overall goal is getting and staying in the Premier League then there’s realistically a 4-5 year window for that. Is there a difference between fluking our way up but then struggling in the Championship and going up as one of the automatics next year and able to hit the ground running? In reality, there isn’t a big difference.
I think the key for the short-term and long-term goals is to see a team consistently getting stronger and pushing higher so that it’s well-positioned to get to the Prem and possibly stay there. Clearly that improvement has definitely flickered but not been convincing enough yet but if they see that under Cook (and sooner rather than later obviously) then they’ll stick with him. |
Going up this season shouldn't require a fluke, ffs. |  |
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| I know I'm in a minority..... on 16:19 - Oct 4 with 704 views | blueysbackside |
| I know I'm in a minority..... on 16:10 - Oct 4 by Darth_Koont |
General question.
As the thread has descended into assertions that it was all about promotion this season, I can’t remember exactly who but didn’t someone high up in the organisation say that it wasn’t sh/t or bust this season? And despite the goal of promotion they were prepared for another season in League One if that happened?
Also: if the overall goal is getting and staying in the Premier League then there’s realistically a 4-5 year window for that. Is there a difference between fluking our way up but then struggling in the Championship and going up as one of the automatics next year and able to hit the ground running? In reality, there isn’t a big difference.
I think the key for the short-term and long-term goals is to see a team consistently getting stronger and pushing higher so that it’s well-positioned to get to the Prem and possibly stay there. Clearly that improvement has definitely flickered but not been convincing enough yet but if they see that under Cook (and sooner rather than later obviously) then they’ll stick with him. |
Very good post. But you shouldn’t be talking such sense in here. I think we can all agree that if Cook can string a few results together he is here for the season. He hasn’t had the dreaded vote of confidence yet. I’ve been searching to see who said what at the start of the season but I can’t find any such quotes saying promotion and nothing else. It appears - particularly in this thread - that there is a HUGE amount of pressure on Cook (or whoever) to get us up. After 10 games. I’d say the owners - and some fans - must be naive to think that if you throw a load of money at the club then we MUST be promoted. | | | |
| I know I'm in a minority..... on 16:20 - Oct 4 with 704 views | textbackup |
| I know I'm in a minority..... on 16:10 - Oct 4 by Darth_Koont |
General question.
As the thread has descended into assertions that it was all about promotion this season, I can’t remember exactly who but didn’t someone high up in the organisation say that it wasn’t sh/t or bust this season? And despite the goal of promotion they were prepared for another season in League One if that happened?
Also: if the overall goal is getting and staying in the Premier League then there’s realistically a 4-5 year window for that. Is there a difference between fluking our way up but then struggling in the Championship and going up as one of the automatics next year and able to hit the ground running? In reality, there isn’t a big difference.
I think the key for the short-term and long-term goals is to see a team consistently getting stronger and pushing higher so that it’s well-positioned to get to the Prem and possibly stay there. Clearly that improvement has definitely flickered but not been convincing enough yet but if they see that under Cook (and sooner rather than later obviously) then they’ll stick with him. |
Half of the dim wits on here don’t even sing at a football match, or encourage the team, but they think they’d be better at putting a squad, back room staff, team unit together.
Everyone’s frustrated at where we are, but honestly seeing herbivores 650 messages a day putting everyone and anyone down that doesn’t agree with him is tiresome. |  |
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| I know I'm in a minority..... on 16:29 - Oct 4 with 669 views | blueysbackside |
| I know I'm in a minority..... on 16:20 - Oct 4 by textbackup |
Half of the dim wits on here don’t even sing at a football match, or encourage the team, but they think they’d be better at putting a squad, back room staff, team unit together.
Everyone’s frustrated at where we are, but honestly seeing herbivores 650 messages a day putting everyone and anyone down that doesn’t agree with him is tiresome. |
I quite enjoy H’s mallet-style wit. Is H male or female? | | | |
| I know I'm in a minority..... on 16:35 - Oct 4 with 658 views | PhilTWTD |
| I know I'm in a minority..... on 16:10 - Oct 4 by Darth_Koont |
General question.
As the thread has descended into assertions that it was all about promotion this season, I can’t remember exactly who but didn’t someone high up in the organisation say that it wasn’t sh/t or bust this season? And despite the goal of promotion they were prepared for another season in League One if that happened?
Also: if the overall goal is getting and staying in the Premier League then there’s realistically a 4-5 year window for that. Is there a difference between fluking our way up but then struggling in the Championship and going up as one of the automatics next year and able to hit the ground running? In reality, there isn’t a big difference.
I think the key for the short-term and long-term goals is to see a team consistently getting stronger and pushing higher so that it’s well-positioned to get to the Prem and possibly stay there. Clearly that improvement has definitely flickered but not been convincing enough yet but if they see that under Cook (and sooner rather than later obviously) then they’ll stick with him. |
Not getting promoted this season will be a big disappointment and a signficant failure given the resources and level of recruitment. The target has always been the top two this season. |  | | |
| I know I'm in a minority..... on 16:35 - Oct 4 with 651 views | jayessess |
| I know I'm in a minority..... on 16:10 - Oct 4 by Darth_Koont |
General question.
As the thread has descended into assertions that it was all about promotion this season, I can’t remember exactly who but didn’t someone high up in the organisation say that it wasn’t sh/t or bust this season? And despite the goal of promotion they were prepared for another season in League One if that happened?
Also: if the overall goal is getting and staying in the Premier League then there’s realistically a 4-5 year window for that. Is there a difference between fluking our way up but then struggling in the Championship and going up as one of the automatics next year and able to hit the ground running? In reality, there isn’t a big difference.
I think the key for the short-term and long-term goals is to see a team consistently getting stronger and pushing higher so that it’s well-positioned to get to the Prem and possibly stay there. Clearly that improvement has definitely flickered but not been convincing enough yet but if they see that under Cook (and sooner rather than later obviously) then they’ll stick with him. |
Yes, at least one of the owners, potentially more than one, did talk in those terms. But, again, isn't that just what any responsible sports club owner would say? Sport is full of intangible things and there's no guarantee that you'll achieve what you set out to. It's important to have a contingency plan for when things go wrong. It would be irresponsible for anyone owning the club not to make arrangements for the worst case scenario.
It doesn't tell you anything at all about their expectations or the demands they'll make of staff. |  |
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| I know I'm in a minority..... on 16:36 - Oct 4 with 646 views | blueysbackside |
| I know I'm in a minority..... on 16:35 - Oct 4 by PhilTWTD |
Not getting promoted this season will be a big disappointment and a signficant failure given the resources and level of recruitment. The target has always been the top two this season. |
Phil….just for interest, have you got any direct quotes from the owners saying this? | | | |
| I know I'm in a minority..... on 16:37 - Oct 4 with 642 views | Herbivore |
| I know I'm in a minority..... on 16:20 - Oct 4 by textbackup |
Half of the dim wits on here don’t even sing at a football match, or encourage the team, but they think they’d be better at putting a squad, back room staff, team unit together.
Everyone’s frustrated at where we are, but honestly seeing herbivores 650 messages a day putting everyone and anyone down that doesn’t agree with him is tiresome. |
What are you getting Cooky for Christmas, texters? | |
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| I know I'm in a minority..... on 16:38 - Oct 4 with 636 views | RadioOrwell |
Xmas is too late.
That is giving him way too long. |  | | |
| I know I'm in a minority..... on 16:42 - Oct 4 with 631 views | PhilTWTD |
| I know I'm in a minority..... on 16:36 - Oct 4 by blueysbackside |
Phil….just for interest, have you got any direct quotes from the owners saying this? |
I'm sure they've been careful enough not to put things in quite such stark terms but this isn't a slow-build project, it's a throw-loads-of-money-at-it-and-get-promoted-as-quickly-as-possible project, hence the summer squad revolution. Getting out of League One is only step one, of course, the Championship to Premier League push ought to be the harder ask of the two. | | | |
| I know I'm in a minority..... on 16:45 - Oct 4 with 626 views | RadioOrwell |
| I know I'm in a minority..... on 16:35 - Oct 4 by PhilTWTD |
Not getting promoted this season will be a big disappointment and a signficant failure given the resources and level of recruitment. The target has always been the top two this season. |
Good grief. If this was all to 'prepare' for promotion next season then we are truly tin pot. | | | |
| I know I'm in a minority..... on 16:46 - Oct 4 with 616 views | RadioOrwell |
| I know I'm in a minority..... on 13:57 - Oct 4 by blueysbackside |
Since you ask, Bonne and Coulson. Barry will be back at Villa v soon. |
None of them will be with us next season in Div 3. | | | |
| I know I'm in a minority..... on 16:47 - Oct 4 with 617 views | PhilTWTD |
| I know I'm in a minority..... on 16:45 - Oct 4 by RadioOrwell |
Good grief. If this was all to 'prepare' for promotion next season then we are truly tin pot. |
Indeed, if we don't go up there'll be a not dissimilar summer next year in terms of player turnaround. Actually I think the same would be the case if we do go up. | | | |
| I know I'm in a minority..... on 16:48 - Oct 4 with 605 views | jayessess |
| I know I'm in a minority..... on 16:47 - Oct 4 by PhilTWTD |
Indeed, if we don't go up there'll be a not dissimilar summer next year in terms of player turnaround. Actually I think the same would be the case if we do go up. |
Pretty tricky to achieve given the long contracts handed out, I would've thought. | |
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| I know I'm in a minority..... on 16:49 - Oct 4 with 599 views | peterleeblue |
| I know I'm in a minority..... on 16:06 - Oct 4 by Garv |
More than 10 games. |
Its not really about Cook though is it.
Its the ease with which we accept these excuses at this level of Football.
League 1 is the humiliating Graveyard for clubs with decent sized fanbases. |  | | |
| I know I'm in a minority..... on 16:58 - Oct 4 with 584 views | Mullet |
Genuinely baffled anyone thinks like this at all. I can't tell if it's some sort of coping mechanism or just not paying attention.
Anything but top 2 is a failure. We didn't spend all this money and overhaul the squad to this extent to be where we are. The owners aren't here to keep us afloat they want Prem football as soon as they can. |  |
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| I know I'm in a minority..... on 16:58 - Oct 4 with 571 views | RadioOrwell |
| I know I'm in a minority..... on 16:49 - Oct 4 by peterleeblue |
Its not really about Cook though is it.
Its the ease with which we accept these excuses at this level of Football.
League 1 is the humiliating Graveyard for clubs with decent sized fanbases. |
Yes it is and to think folks on this thread want evidence that the owners want to get out of this graveyard this season.
These guys are not drunks on a gambling app.
They are pro's handling billions. | | | |
| I know I'm in a minority..... on 17:06 - Oct 4 with 546 views | textbackup |
| I know I'm in a minority..... on 16:37 - Oct 4 by Herbivore |
What are you getting Cooky for Christmas, texters? |
Nothing mate.
As I’ve said, I’m as gutted as anyone else, can I change that? Nope.
Am I enjoying taking a more laid back approach and just supporting without spending every waking second angry at results and putting others down for not agreeing with me, absolutely | |
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| I know I'm in a minority..... on 17:36 - Oct 4 with 501 views | Darth_Koont |
| I know I'm in a minority..... on 16:35 - Oct 4 by PhilTWTD |
Not getting promoted this season will be a big disappointment and a signficant failure given the resources and level of recruitment. The target has always been the top two this season. |
Of course, it’ll be a disappointment. But was it that or nothing?
And there’s the bigger goal of the Prem where the bigger cost and pressure will be getting mired in the Championship looking to start from scratch.
Obviously if Cook doesn’t deliver a better and upwardly mobile team he’ll be gone anyway. But I imagine if he does but still falls short after a poor start then he’d be given the chance next season. I think that upward direction and incremental improvement is the real goal upon which everything else is based. |  |
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| I know I'm in a minority..... on 18:06 - Oct 4 with 469 views | PhilTWTD |
| I know I'm in a minority..... on 16:48 - Oct 4 by jayessess |
Pretty tricky to achieve given the long contracts handed out, I would've thought. |
Indeed, that may be an issue. Certainly if we go up I'm sure there'll be plenty of players they'll need to offload that would have a couple of years left on deals.
Perhaps 'not dissimilar' was overstating it as this summer was exceptional, but I'd expect plenty of changes again
This post has been edited by an administrator | | | |
| I know I'm in a minority..... on 18:10 - Oct 4 with 459 views | PhilTWTD |
| I know I'm in a minority..... on 17:36 - Oct 4 by Darth_Koont |
Of course, it’ll be a disappointment. But was it that or nothing?
And there’s the bigger goal of the Prem where the bigger cost and pressure will be getting mired in the Championship looking to start from scratch.
Obviously if Cook doesn’t deliver a better and upwardly mobile team he’ll be gone anyway. But I imagine if he does but still falls short after a poor start then he’d be given the chance next season. I think that upward direction and incremental improvement is the real goal upon which everything else is based. |
Impossible to say what the mood might be at the time, we could be on a long winning run at the end of the season but just miss out, but I think if we miss out on promotion we'd have another manager at the start of next season, probably sooner than that. | | | |
| I know I'm in a minority..... on 18:22 - Oct 4 with 426 views | Darth_Koont |
| I know I'm in a minority..... on 18:10 - Oct 4 by PhilTWTD |
Impossible to say what the mood might be at the time, we could be on a long winning run at the end of the season but just miss out, but I think if we miss out on promotion we'd have another manager at the start of next season, probably sooner than that. |
Yeah, maybe.
I just think there are degrees. If we were the best team in the league for the second half of the season, charged into the playoffs and into the final but then we’re cruelly beaten, would we sack Cook? I can’t see it myself, nor why we would justify it.
I think a failure to improve/build the team will be the key criteria, which of course could mean a change much earlier rather than waiting for the end of the season and confirmation we’ve missed our league target. | |
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| I know I'm in a minority..... on 18:22 - Oct 4 with 425 views | BlueBadger |
| I know I'm in a minority..... on 16:06 - Oct 4 by Garv |
More than 10 games. |
He's had more than ten games already though... |  |
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| I know I'm in a minority..... on 18:25 - Oct 4 with 423 views | HighgateBlue |
I wish you were allowed to compile the league table according to your rules. Maybe if we get relegated enough times we'll eventually be in a league run by you, but at present the season starts towards the beginning of August. |  | | |
| I know I'm in a minority..... on 18:26 - Oct 4 with 418 views | HighgateBlue |
| I know I'm in a minority..... on 12:24 - Oct 4 by NthQldITFC |
Definitely with you on last season - totally and utterly irrelevant. Day 0 for the Cook regime was the start of this season for me, with the caveat that the unknowns involved in integrating a new squad should allow an extra month or two of leeway. So I am still totally supportive, but starting to get a little worried.
I'll keep my 'little worried' under my hat for now (unless I am broadcasting it on a forum!), because we need to give support and understanding to the new regime whilst we can, after only six months or so in the job, with an extraordinary turnover of players and a difficult underlying situation. Equally they need to understand our collective angst given the years of failure here, and the embedded negativity and almost expectation of failure and feelings of being cursed that we seem to have.
So a little more tolerance both ways for me, but the clock is certainly ticking, and Father Christmas really does need to bring us a top half and pushing position. |
If Cook had got promoted last season you would have rightly praised him. Why on earth does it somehow not count that he was even more awful than Lambert last season, and worse again this season? | | | |
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