| I can understand why people are nervous 23:41 - Aug 11 with 6874 views | Guthrum |
After all, we are constantly told that the step up the the Prem "is enormous", "huge". Massive hype. Best league in the world, etc., etc.
But we've just watched the team as it is currently constituted beat Europa League qualifying teams, which finished 7th in the Bundesliga, 5th in Ligue 1. Two clean sheets. Opposition similar to a lot of what we'll be facing over the coming months. We beat Wolves last season, Southampton twice, teams we'll face during this campaign.
And we haven't even finished building the squad. Almost certainly there will be more players to come before the end of the month. We have a gifted, Prem experienced manager in Kieran McKenna, with a top-notch backroom staff and excellent facilities behind him.
Yes, it will be a stiff test. There will be heavy defeats along the way. But I fail to see how the evidence justifies such deep gloom - terror, even - among the fanbase. We have the momentum, spirit and squad to give it a good go. Which I'm sure is McKenna's aim.
We are in the Prem on merit. We are not interlopers under false pretences. We are no more underdogs than the teams which only just avoided relegation last season, the two who came up with us. Indeed, we lack some of their off-field issues.
Be encouraged, we have a fighting chance! |  |
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| I can understand why people are nervous on 11:00 - Aug 12 with 1184 views | iamatractorboy |
| I can understand why people are nervous on 07:58 - Aug 12 by TractorWood |
I'm really looking forward to it. Can't wait.
If I'm being honest though, I think they'll be some cricket scores if we try to play expansively with a high line.
Hopefully McKenna can work his magic for another year. All to play for. |
I'm hoping that 4 0 at Leeds turns out to be a blessing in disguise. We played far too openly that day (plus we were pretty rubbish at executing the tactic), and Leeds ripped us a new one. I am sure McKenna will have learned a lot from that (I think the 2 Leicester games showed that somewhat). Counterattack has got to be one of our main weapons because we are not going to see a lot of the ball this season. |  | | |
| I can understand why people are nervous on 11:02 - Aug 12 with 1172 views | Vic |
| I can understand why people are nervous on 07:54 - Aug 12 by Steve_M |
I think most of us will enjoy it but it's disappointing that we are at least three key players short (CM, LAM, CF) of where we want to be so close to the start of the season. It's not setting ourselves up for the best possible go at this season.
Optimism tempered by a degree of concern really. |
I hear you, but I don't think the two (effectively three) games before the close of window will define the season. I'm confident that MA and his team are doing all they possibly can to give KM the players he wants/needs before the window closes. If they succeed we'll be in a decent place with an top manager.
If we the first three games the biggest damage could be to our confidence which has been sky high for a couple of seasons. It will be a big test and will show the character of the players and quality of the management team if we struggle big time whilst we've got an understrength squad. But as supporters all we can do is get behind them and give them every encouragement. If they start to sense apprehension 9or worse) from the stands it will not help.
COYB |  |
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| I can understand why people are nervous on 11:03 - Aug 12 with 1161 views | Ryorry |
| I can understand why people are nervous on 11:00 - Aug 12 by iamatractorboy |
I'm hoping that 4 0 at Leeds turns out to be a blessing in disguise. We played far too openly that day (plus we were pretty rubbish at executing the tactic), and Leeds ripped us a new one. I am sure McKenna will have learned a lot from that (I think the 2 Leicester games showed that somewhat). Counterattack has got to be one of our main weapons because we are not going to see a lot of the ball this season. |
I did also wonder if the teams we beat abroad in the friendlies this preseason are a true reflection of the type of opposition we’ll be playing in the Prem. |  |
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| That’s some “spin” there Guthers…! on 11:08 - Aug 12 with 1139 views | Guthrum |
| That’s some “spin” there Guthers…! on 10:49 - Aug 12 by portmanking |
Where is the proof that he "isn't rubbish" above League 1 or even bottom 6 Championship?
Just playing devil's advocate, like. |
There's very little, as he hasn't played much above that level. But he did ok in a short cameo on Saturday, only denied by the post. | |
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| That’s some “spin” there Guthers…! on 11:15 - Aug 12 with 1089 views | Bluedandy |
| That’s some “spin” there Guthers…! on 10:22 - Aug 12 by Bloots |
….you could quite equally say that he has only ever scored for us in one match at a level above the third tier!
I’ve got nothing against Freddie, but to try and make out it’s not a negative that he’s our second choice CF as we head into the PL is stretching things a bit! |
He scored against Wolves last season and Freddie could spring a surprise/shock in the Premier League but take your point too.
Currently our bench is weaker in an attacking sense going into the Liverpool game, essentially because of injuries, than it was at the end of last season.
On the flipside our previously porous defence appears stronger if preseason is any guide and certain players like Harness and Taylor look sharp and capable of stepping up.
It's clearly incredibly hard getting deals done for players within a certain budget who you are confident can actually make a difference at this level.
We should applaud/salute/marvel at the club's achievements since the takeover but can still be justifiably anxious about the lack of incoming players in recent weeks.
The success of our transfer dealings won't be fully judged until the window closes but more players are unquestionably required.
They could well prove the difference between Town spending much of the next ten years in the Premier League or the Championship. | | | |
| That’s some “spin” there Guthers…! on 11:16 - Aug 12 with 1080 views | J2BLUE |
| That’s some “spin” there Guthers…! on 10:22 - Aug 12 by Bloots |
….you could quite equally say that he has only ever scored for us in one match at a level above the third tier!
I’ve got nothing against Freddie, but to try and make out it’s not a negative that he’s our second choice CF as we head into the PL is stretching things a bit! |
Why are you putting him above Al-Hamadi? |  |
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| That’s some “spin” there Guthers…! on 11:18 - Aug 12 with 1066 views | Nthsuffolkblue |
| That’s some “spin” there Guthers…! on 11:15 - Aug 12 by Bluedandy |
He scored against Wolves last season and Freddie could spring a surprise/shock in the Premier League but take your point too.
Currently our bench is weaker in an attacking sense going into the Liverpool game, essentially because of injuries, than it was at the end of last season.
On the flipside our previously porous defence appears stronger if preseason is any guide and certain players like Harness and Taylor look sharp and capable of stepping up.
It's clearly incredibly hard getting deals done for players within a certain budget who you are confident can actually make a difference at this level.
We should applaud/salute/marvel at the club's achievements since the takeover but can still be justifiably anxious about the lack of incoming players in recent weeks.
The success of our transfer dealings won't be fully judged until the window closes but more players are unquestionably required.
They could well prove the difference between Town spending much of the next ten years in the Premier League or the Championship. |
I do not accept your last line. I am confident that the club is run well enough that we will stay up this season but, even if we were relegated, we would stand a very good chance of getting promoted again. When we stayed down before we were beginning a slow decline financially that led to us gradually being run as a League 1 club.
In fact, the not throwing money at the likes of Sammie Szmodics and a Greek striker none of us had heard of before this summer, is good evidence that we are being run with a long term view. |  |
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| That’s some “spin” there Guthers…! on 11:22 - Aug 12 with 1054 views | portmanking |
| That’s some “spin” there Guthers…! on 11:16 - Aug 12 by J2BLUE |
Why are you putting him above Al-Hamadi? |
Because Al-Hamadi has only been training for one week and was blowing out of his backside after 10 mins against Nice. | | | |
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| Because AAH has.... on 11:25 - Aug 12 with 1038 views | Bloots |
| That’s some “spin” there Guthers…! on 11:16 - Aug 12 by J2BLUE |
Why are you putting him above Al-Hamadi? |
....just come back from an operation and Freddie has had far more time in pre season than him.
KM said it wasn't ideal that AAH played at the weekend, so he obviously doesn't really want to play him.
Anyway, even if AAH is our second choice it isn't great.
Lets face it, he would be loaned out if Hirst was fit and if we'd had a better transfer window so far. Freddie would have been sold.
This isn't a witchhunt by the way, more just being a bit realistic about where we are, going into the match on Saturday.
Anyone putting a positive spin on CF options of an unproven Delap, a league one level Ladapo and AAH is being overly positive at best and utterly delusional at worst.
I'm sure (hopefully) things will look better in a couple of weeks, but this is where we are right now.
(and please don't reply with "these two weeks won't define our season!) |  |
| "He's been a really positive influence on my life, I think he's a great man" - TWTD User (May 2025) |
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| Because AAH has.... on 11:31 - Aug 12 with 1028 views | J2BLUE |
| Because AAH has.... on 11:25 - Aug 12 by Bloots |
....just come back from an operation and Freddie has had far more time in pre season than him.
KM said it wasn't ideal that AAH played at the weekend, so he obviously doesn't really want to play him.
Anyway, even if AAH is our second choice it isn't great.
Lets face it, he would be loaned out if Hirst was fit and if we'd had a better transfer window so far. Freddie would have been sold.
This isn't a witchhunt by the way, more just being a bit realistic about where we are, going into the match on Saturday.
Anyone putting a positive spin on CF options of an unproven Delap, a league one level Ladapo and AAH is being overly positive at best and utterly delusional at worst.
I'm sure (hopefully) things will look better in a couple of weeks, but this is where we are right now.
(and please don't reply with "these two weeks won't define our season!) |
I agree it's not ideal. We still have a few days. Getting a striker over the line would be good. CM as well.
I really don't think Ladapo plays. We will see. | |
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| I can understand why people are nervous on 11:32 - Aug 12 with 1021 views | Guthrum |
| I can understand why people are nervous on 07:58 - Aug 12 by TractorWood |
I'm really looking forward to it. Can't wait.
If I'm being honest though, I think they'll be some cricket scores if we try to play expansively with a high line.
Hopefully McKenna can work his magic for another year. All to play for. |
I can't wait, was the same last season. Until we started playing games, it was impossible to tell how we would perform in the higher division.
Lots of people, fans and commentators, didn't think we were ready and, despite a decent preseason, there was no real way to tell until we had actual League results on the board. When it turned out we were better than ok.
Similarly now. Until we've matched ourselves against a few Prem outfits in anger (not just Lpl and ManC), it's very hard to judge exactly where we are. I'm very much looking forward to having that clearer picture. | |
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| That’s some “spin” there Guthers…! on 11:45 - Aug 12 with 984 views | Bluedandy |
| That’s some “spin” there Guthers…! on 11:18 - Aug 12 by Nthsuffolkblue |
I do not accept your last line. I am confident that the club is run well enough that we will stay up this season but, even if we were relegated, we would stand a very good chance of getting promoted again. When we stayed down before we were beginning a slow decline financially that led to us gradually being run as a League 1 club.
In fact, the not throwing money at the likes of Sammie Szmodics and a Greek striker none of us had heard of before this summer, is good evidence that we are being run with a long term view. |
The club is well run whether we are relegated or not, but further signings made before the deadline will most likely ensure our top flight visit is less fleeting than last time.
Recruitment to date has been impeccable, but money will need to be thrown at some people whether you've heard of them or not.
Not that we should worry about that, most of us had never heard of KM before his appointment. | | | |
| I can understand why people are nervous on 11:52 - Aug 12 with 966 views | itfcsuth |
As I posted yesterday, I have unwavering excitement for the season to begin, and the journey of the season ahead.
Of course the jump from Championship to PL is big, it has been for years, it's a big increase in pace of play and technical ability.
That does not take away from the fact, regardless of what happens, I believe we will give an incredible account of ourselves, this group, the culture, the mentality of it is something that you rarely see it football anymore, and is far more valuable than any player on the market.
We're going to suffer at times, we are going to have lows, but we are going to have highs, some memorable days and I think we may just shock a few teams along the way this year.
We're on an incredible journey as a club, we shouldn't forget how far we have come, and enjoy and cherish every moment of being in the Premier League. |  | | |
| I can understand why people are nervous on 12:09 - Aug 12 with 928 views | wischip |
Having looked at a few season previews it looks like quite a lot of experts are predicting we will finish in the bottom 3. Sounds just like 20 years ago all over again. Hopefully this means we will be underestimated for a while and get some points on the board early on before we get noticed. Even if we're 2-3 players short, we're organised, follow a system, the majority of the team have played together for 1-2 seasons already, don't need more gelling time. I'm about 20% nervous but 80% excited at the prospect of us proving them wrong. |  | | |
| I can understand why people are nervous on 12:22 - Aug 12 with 905 views | ibbleobble |
| I can understand why people are nervous on 11:03 - Aug 12 by Ryorry |
I did also wonder if the teams we beat abroad in the friendlies this preseason are a true reflection of the type of opposition we’ll be playing in the Prem. |
Champions League opposition!? | | | |
| I can understand why people are nervous on 12:24 - Aug 12 with 902 views | ibbleobble |
| I can understand why people are nervous on 07:54 - Aug 12 by Steve_M |
I think most of us will enjoy it but it's disappointing that we are at least three key players short (CM, LAM, CF) of where we want to be so close to the start of the season. It's not setting ourselves up for the best possible go at this season.
Optimism tempered by a degree of concern really. |
Three “key players” is a misnomer. The prices are a reflection of the market we’re playing in, not a sign they’re guaranteed starters and key. | | | |
| I can understand why people are nervous on 12:30 - Aug 12 with 877 views | Vic |
| I can understand why people are nervous on 09:18 - Aug 12 by portmanking |
Nail on't head. It's not that some fans aren't looking forward to the season, it's more a case of knowing we're undercooked and not going into game week 1 champing at the bit with 22 players fit, firing and knowing the system inside out.
We're all going to cherish the PL experience. But those on this thread in particular who think it'll be "comfortable" could be in for a rude awakening unless 5-6 more additions come through the door. |
I don't think anyone is questions the need for some additions - it's more the level of alarm that some are expressing that we haven't got them in before the game on Saturday that I push back on.
Sure that would have been ideal, but as long as we get them by 11:00pm, 30th Aug I think we'll be OK. And there's little point in any of us going on and on about players we haven;t signed because one thing we can be sure about is that the club will be doing all they can to have got signings done before now if they could. To suggest otherwise is disingenuous to them. | |
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| Because AAH has.... on 12:31 - Aug 12 with 875 views | SmithersJones |
| Because AAH has.... on 11:31 - Aug 12 by J2BLUE |
I agree it's not ideal. We still have a few days. Getting a striker over the line would be good. CM as well.
I really don't think Ladapo plays. We will see. |
I wouldn’t be surprised if Ladapo is on the bench ahead of AAH. Not because he’s a better player but (as well as having just come back from injury) AAH is more likely to leave on loan whereas Freddie is more likely to go on a perm. If AAH plays then we only get one shot at finding the right loan for him. If he goes to, say, Oxford but doesn’t end up playing much we’d want the option of finding him a better loan in January. | | | |
| I can understand why people are nervous on 12:34 - Aug 12 with 867 views | Ryorry |
| I can understand why people are nervous on 12:22 - Aug 12 by ibbleobble |
Champions League opposition!? |
... that didn't qualify through the EPL, yes. [Post edited 12 Aug 2024 12:40]
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| I can understand why people are nervous on 12:39 - Aug 12 with 838 views | ibbleobble |
| I can understand why people are nervous on 12:34 - Aug 12 by Ryorry |
... that didn't qualify through the EPL, yes. [Post edited 12 Aug 2024 12:40]
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If Europa League opposition from 2 of Europe’s premier leagues and Champions League opposition isn’t a good enough test then what is? An all PL pre-season? Kind of nonsense really.
What else can we pick holes in before Saturday? Hope we’ve filled the open vacancy to operate one of the turnstiles otherwise we’ll never beat Liverpool and will definitely get relegated. | | | |
| I can understand why people are nervous on 12:42 - Aug 12 with 834 views | Ryorry |
| I can understand why people are nervous on 12:39 - Aug 12 by ibbleobble |
If Europa League opposition from 2 of Europe’s premier leagues and Champions League opposition isn’t a good enough test then what is? An all PL pre-season? Kind of nonsense really.
What else can we pick holes in before Saturday? Hope we’ve filled the open vacancy to operate one of the turnstiles otherwise we’ll never beat Liverpool and will definitely get relegated. |
Yeah, that's obviously what I said - not.
I didn't say they weren't good tests, I said the results may not be a reflection of what we'll meet in the prem, with the implication that we shouldn't be over-confident as a result. That's it & nothing else.Your sarcasm is uncalled for. [Post edited 12 Aug 2024 12:45]
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| Because AAH has.... on 12:49 - Aug 12 with 802 views | Ryorry |
| Because AAH has.... on 11:31 - Aug 12 by J2BLUE |
I agree it's not ideal. We still have a few days. Getting a striker over the line would be good. CM as well.
I really don't think Ladapo plays. We will see. |
We've shown before that we can score from throughout the team, so I'm more concerned with getting a CM in. | |
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| I can understand why people are nervous on 13:43 - Aug 12 with 734 views | Stu_Magoo |
I often find myself agreeing with your level-headed view on things and today is no different. |  |
| THIS IS DEMOC-RRRRRRR-ACY MANIFEST! |
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| I can understand why people are nervous on 14:10 - Aug 12 with 705 views | ElephantintheRoom |
Do you believe any of that?
It’s no big deal being in the Prem - just about every team in the Championship has been there and destroyed their finances, if not the club…. A route that Town have trodden themselves last time they were there.
Last two visits lasted three years and two years = and contained some of the most painful viewing most of us can remember…albeit with some memorable highlights thrown in. The big difference then was Town had a functioning youth set uo - which is no longer the case. Zone year sojourn looks very much on the cards - despite FFP assistance
Town look very much like this season’s Burnley to me….. overhyped manager with one very good season in the championship in which he was outsmarted by most of the top 6…. Most would say it doesn’t look overly hopeful and if matches against Liverpool and oil State Sportswashing Project FC finish with a minus 9 goal difference that’ll take some clawing back. | |
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| I can understand why people are nervous on 14:15 - Aug 12 with 689 views | ibbleobble |
| I can understand why people are nervous on 12:42 - Aug 12 by Ryorry |
Yeah, that's obviously what I said - not.
I didn't say they weren't good tests, I said the results may not be a reflection of what we'll meet in the prem, with the implication that we shouldn't be over-confident as a result. That's it & nothing else.Your sarcasm is uncalled for. [Post edited 12 Aug 2024 12:45]
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In that case I will understand your point even less. The general mood on here has been anything less than over confident and we can all agree it’s not KMs MO either. | | | |
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