| Minimum expectations for next year…. 06:35 - May 20 with 9339 views | itfcjoe |
….for me - the only way promotion isn’t an acceptable outcome is a 90 point season where you lose in the playoffs.
Similar to what Leeds did last year, and what Sheff U may still do this season.
‘Top 6’ isn’t ambitious enough as a target - we’ve got to be there or thereabouts for automatic promotion.
Does that sound too harsh? I’m sure that’s what the club expectations will be - and betting markets will reflect that |  |
| |  |
| Minimum expectations for next year…. on 09:55 - May 20 with 1301 views | Jrm_72 |
| Minimum expectations for next year…. on 08:55 - May 20 by Reuser_is_God |
No, that’s absolutely what the expectation should be.
How we deal with that is going to be another matter though, it’s going to be so different to 2023/24.
The more I’ve thought about it over the past few weeks since relegation the more I’ve realised just how special last season was. It will never be beaten. |
Your point about 23/24 is so true. I remember distinctly thinking first home game 'I can't believe we are beating Stoke, pretty comfortably too'.
Expectations will be very different this time around, which may make it a lot less fun if we have a stuttery start. |  | | |
| Minimum expectations for next year…. on 09:56 - May 20 with 1293 views | MattinLondon |
| Minimum expectations for next year…. on 09:42 - May 20 by textbackup |
What?!
If we don’t get promoted, we’ve not progressed |
Exactly. And promotion must surly be the aim otherwise we might as well let Evans be in charge again and get the band together again. Mick banging on about how much a slog the Championship is with Terry Connor as his ever faithful assistant. |  | | |
| Minimum expectations for next year…. on 09:58 - May 20 with 1283 views | DanTheMan |
Seems right to me. |  |
| |
| Squad quality, manager stability, some early momentum… then top 4 on 10:08 - May 20 with 1269 views | unstableblue |
The Leicester result has knocked the stuffing out of me. The player’s and manager wanted the win. We had enough chances and possession for the win, but a lack of confidence to put the ball in the net, slow attacks via individuals, and defensive mistakes - traits of the season.
I don’t buy the season is over and Sunday didn’t matter. The niggling doubts in the fan base will remain through the summer. An unlikely West Ham win - the hammers are rubbish but our confidence shot - would give the fans and squad a valuable boost.
As for minimum expectations next season - top 4 for me. Luton give us something to reflect on. They were the best of the relegated 3, but messed up recruitment and crucially let early poor results cement the low confidence of the premier league relegation.
We’ve got to start strong. Come out of the gates.
We’ve also got to get recruitment and squad balance spot on. I think we’ll have a larger exodus this summer than expected - Axel, Burgess, Delap, Luongo, try and offload H Clarke, Ali, Muric - although I am now thinking Hutchinson may stay given recent performances. That release clause may well get called though, he’s rated in footballing circles. OShea will also be hard to keep hold of. He has excellent stats this season.
We may need 8 to 10, fitness of returning Ogbene and Burns will be a factor. And critically what role for the Lg 1 stalwarts like Morsy and Chaplin. Hell, will even Broadhead be given a new contract.
So a lot of flux. Hopefully McKenna doesn’t get that big offer - doubt he would given this season - as his stability will be key.
Leicester and Saints had poor seasons when they can down, but their squads remained miles ahead of the pack. And that saw them through. We can hopefully invest in some real quality that sets us apart.
The good news is Leicester may get points deduction and are a mess. Saints still without a manager. Then behind Sheff U or Sunderland there’s a drop off. Brum will invest but can’t see them making that big a step - although we did, with US money.
Recruit well, keep manager stability, start strongly then top 4 should be guaranteed and hopefully top 2. |  |
| |
| Minimum expectations for next year…. on 10:12 - May 20 with 1252 views | textbackup |
Also, and sorry for banging on! But I don’t even think it’s about where we finish on the last day of the season.
It’ll be so important to be top 6 from the off (and all season) IMO.
If we sit 10/12th at Xmas we are than banking on a massive run of results. |  |
| |
| Minimum expectations for next year…. on 10:18 - May 20 with 1229 views | Pinewoodblue |
To answer Joe’s question, as written.
Mid tsble Premier League by Christmas. Subject to gaining promotion next season. |  |
| |
| Minimum expectations for next year…. on 10:19 - May 20 with 1225 views | MattinLondon |
| Minimum expectations for next year…. on 10:12 - May 20 by textbackup |
Also, and sorry for banging on! But I don’t even think it’s about where we finish on the last day of the season.
It’ll be so important to be top 6 from the off (and all season) IMO.
If we sit 10/12th at Xmas we are than banking on a massive run of results. |
If by Xmas we are 10th and six points off the playoffs then I doubt KM will be in post come the New Year. He has rightly banked a lot of goodwill and that has seen him through this season without notable criticism.
But that goodwill will run out at the end of this season and for the first time in his managerial career he will be under real pressure. | | | |
| Minimum expectations for next year…. on 10:22 - May 20 with 1207 views | Pinewoodblue |
| Minimum expectations for next year…. on 10:19 - May 20 by MattinLondon |
If by Xmas we are 10th and six points off the playoffs then I doubt KM will be in post come the New Year. He has rightly banked a lot of goodwill and that has seen him through this season without notable criticism.
But that goodwill will run out at the end of this season and for the first time in his managerial career he will be under real pressure. |
I’m sure he constantly puts himself under pressure. | |
| |
Login to get fewer ads
| Minimum expectations for next year…. on 10:24 - May 20 with 1208 views | SomethingBlue |
Has to be promotion, fine if that's via the play-offs ultimately but we need to get there. Otherwise we risk seeing the gradual whittling down of expectations and likely achievement that we saw before, albeit the club is in much more competent hands. We can't squander this opportunity.
The difficulty is that we have a lot of squad building to do and let's hope we can get a lot of it over the line before pre-season begins – plenty of deals being done around the league already, which is interesting, so hopefully we've a couple waiting to come in. | |
| |
| Minimum expectations for next year…. on 10:26 - May 20 with 1202 views | PrideOfTheEast |
Agree and the target will surely be top 2. Ashton had suggested top 6 or close to it was the target when we went up last time, and we’re a significantly better side now. Getting momentum early will be key I think. | | | |
| Minimum expectations for next year…. on 10:31 - May 20 with 1184 views | nodge_blue |
The clubs stated ambitions and expenditure must set that as our target.
Im a bit worried that a lack of momentum and lack of winning could drag into the new season. Especially against teams that may be seeing us as the big boys and putting in the extra effort.
We need to look really carefully at our recruitment. That whole back of an envelope thing of what type of player we wanted smacked a bit of amateurism. We really need to start properly scouting the european market as well.
Next season will be tougher than we think. [Post edited 20 May 10:34]
|  |
| |
| Minimum expectations for next year…. on 10:36 - May 20 with 1166 views | MattinLondon |
| Minimum expectations for next year…. on 10:22 - May 20 by Pinewoodblue |
I’m sure he constantly puts himself under pressure. |
Self-imposed pressure is totally different to external pressure as you’re not in control of it as much. | | | |
| Minimum expectations for next year…. on 10:47 - May 20 with 1141 views | BseaBlue |
| Minimum expectations for next year…. on 09:42 - May 20 by textbackup |
What?!
If we don’t get promoted, we’ve not progressed |
I'd imagine there will be some pretty hefty consequences if not. I believe people have said that the first season of being relegated will not affect us financially, but the second season would require selling a lot of the players to balance the books.
If we want to start bridging the gap between the two divisions, it is imperative we get promoted next season.
If we finish 6th, someway off of the top two but stumble to promotion, that would be seriously debatable about whether that is acceptable for us. |  | | |
| Minimum expectations for next year…. on 10:51 - May 20 with 1134 views | SomethingBlue |
| Minimum expectations for next year…. on 10:47 - May 20 by BseaBlue |
I'd imagine there will be some pretty hefty consequences if not. I believe people have said that the first season of being relegated will not affect us financially, but the second season would require selling a lot of the players to balance the books.
If we want to start bridging the gap between the two divisions, it is imperative we get promoted next season.
If we finish 6th, someway off of the top two but stumble to promotion, that would be seriously debatable about whether that is acceptable for us. |
Honestly getting back up in any shape or form is fine. If that means finishing sixth then I'll take it, as long as we do it. We're there to be shot at next season and we know what that means in the Champ – even in a best case scenario there will be some unpleasant surprises along the way. | |
| |
| Minimum expectations for next year…. on 11:03 - May 20 with 1104 views | ketton_itfc |
I’m more reserved on it and less confident than I was after promotion to Champ. KMc has to form a new squad and deal with more expectation. In L1 we saw it wasn’t easy being a big gun and it won’t be different in Champ although the quality in the Champ compared to EPL looks night and day. As long as we get that spine sorted in summer we’ll be ok but if we don’t replace Delap then I think it could be a rocky few months. |  | | |
| Minimum expectations for next year…. on 11:08 - May 20 with 1076 views | BseaBlue |
| Minimum expectations for next year…. on 10:51 - May 20 by SomethingBlue |
Honestly getting back up in any shape or form is fine. If that means finishing sixth then I'll take it, as long as we do it. We're there to be shot at next season and we know what that means in the Champ – even in a best case scenario there will be some unpleasant surprises along the way. |
Oh yeah absolutely. I just think that if Sheffield United go up, it must be a pretty unique situation whereby you will literally have only three teams with parachute payments next season!
That must give us a huge advantage and one we haven't had the luxury of previously. Anything less than the top three won't be great but promotion via the play off final will soothe it! | | | |
| Minimum expectations for next year…. on 11:19 - May 20 with 1051 views | ArnieM |
Wr e spentbabdolute £m's on these young players and none of them knows how to play , interact as a " team". Yet McKenna had persisted with them. Yes, we've had injuries but when these injured senior players have returned hes kept them stuck on the bench. Absolutely pointless when the likes of Ckarke, Enciso, Philogene can't pass piss, or retain the ball, let one make a pass to another forward.
Thus season was always going to be a " massive step up", and full on "learning curve ", but I've seen little learning from our manager as hes owrsidted with the same formation, same players, and making countless changes every bloody game. This equals zero continuity and team cohesion.
Anyone thinking this is suddenly going to improve next season might be in for a shock, because I doubt McKenna will change his ways. I'd be pleasantly surprised and spirits lifted if he did. |  |
| |
| Minimum expectations for next year…. on 11:21 - May 20 with 1048 views | Vic |
If we're good enough we'll go up!
And we should be good enough - the squad now (even if we lose a few) is stronger than a year ago and the manager is more experienced.
If we make a bad start and it looks like we may battle for even a P/O place I've no doubt that KM will been shown the door. There will be no room for sentiment.
For me the minimum is a very strong season, in the P/O's after the first month or so and pushing hard for the auto's. So basically the minimum is that we will be next seasons Sheff Utd. |  |
| |
| Minimum expectations for next year…. on 11:42 - May 20 with 1010 views | tractorboy1978 |
| Minimum expectations for next year…. on 10:51 - May 20 by SomethingBlue |
Honestly getting back up in any shape or form is fine. If that means finishing sixth then I'll take it, as long as we do it. We're there to be shot at next season and we know what that means in the Champ – even in a best case scenario there will be some unpleasant surprises along the way. |
It's very hard not to see us being in the top 4 at a minimum. Realistically, us, Leicester and Southampton are going to have considerably better squads than the rest of the division. And if McKenna stays, we have the best manager in the division too. The worry for me is the situation Joe points out whereby we get 90+ points and end up outside the top 2. If Sheff Utd go up it is very hard to see any other team than the three relegated (maybe Birmingham aside momentum and summer business permitting) being able to hit 90 points. | | | |
| Minimum expectations for next year…. on 12:08 - May 20 with 962 views | Funge |
Top 2, absolutely, no questions asked.
We have such a huge, huge advantage over the rest of the Champ - Saints are an absolute rabble, Leicester not much better, and, if we assume that Sheff Utd go up, the remainder of the Champ consist of a (very well organised) Sunderland, who will probably lose Chris Rigg and Wilson Isidor this summer, a punchy Coventry under Lampard (who has form for falling away), who will likely lose Sheaf and Rudoni - and not a lot more - everything from 8th downwards in that league is average, bordering on drek.
Brum will be our biggest threat, I think - well funded, full of momentum, and St Andrews is a full-on sh1thole to visit.
Difficult to take Wrexham seriously with Phil Parkinson in charge, but they do have a few quid....
Us, Brum and perhaps Leicester chasing the 2 automatic spots is my prediction. |  | | |
| Minimum expectations for next year…. on 12:15 - May 20 with 930 views | TRUE_BLUE123 |
| Minimum expectations for next year…. on 11:19 - May 20 by ArnieM |
Wr e spentbabdolute £m's on these young players and none of them knows how to play , interact as a " team". Yet McKenna had persisted with them. Yes, we've had injuries but when these injured senior players have returned hes kept them stuck on the bench. Absolutely pointless when the likes of Ckarke, Enciso, Philogene can't pass piss, or retain the ball, let one make a pass to another forward.
Thus season was always going to be a " massive step up", and full on "learning curve ", but I've seen little learning from our manager as hes owrsidted with the same formation, same players, and making countless changes every bloody game. This equals zero continuity and team cohesion.
Anyone thinking this is suddenly going to improve next season might be in for a shock, because I doubt McKenna will change his ways. I'd be pleasantly surprised and spirits lifted if he did. |
He has persisted with the same players, same formations and makes countless changes every game. Which means we don't have cohesion.....
Make it make sense |  |
| |
| Minimum expectations for next year…. on 12:15 - May 20 with 931 views | jayessess |
"Par" for me is almost always finishing roughly in line with our budget and that's Top 3, might even be top two if the authorities put the hammer down on Leicester. |  |
| |
| Minimum expectations for next year…. on 12:20 - May 20 with 915 views | jasondozzell |
I expect us to be top 6.
I hope we'll get automatic promotion but don't expect it.
I want to see the club continue to improve and grow again and more of the good attacking football that KM has instilled in us. |  | | |
| Minimum expectations for next year…. on 12:20 - May 20 with 913 views | textbackup |
| Minimum expectations for next year…. on 12:08 - May 20 by Funge |
Top 2, absolutely, no questions asked.
We have such a huge, huge advantage over the rest of the Champ - Saints are an absolute rabble, Leicester not much better, and, if we assume that Sheff Utd go up, the remainder of the Champ consist of a (very well organised) Sunderland, who will probably lose Chris Rigg and Wilson Isidor this summer, a punchy Coventry under Lampard (who has form for falling away), who will likely lose Sheaf and Rudoni - and not a lot more - everything from 8th downwards in that league is average, bordering on drek.
Brum will be our biggest threat, I think - well funded, full of momentum, and St Andrews is a full-on sh1thole to visit.
Difficult to take Wrexham seriously with Phil Parkinson in charge, but they do have a few quid....
Us, Brum and perhaps Leicester chasing the 2 automatic spots is my prediction. |
‘Saints are an absolute rabble, Leicester not much better’
You do know we’ve not beaten these teams this season, don’t you? | |
| |
| Minimum expectations for next year…. on 12:21 - May 20 with 914 views | SomethingBlue |
| Minimum expectations for next year…. on 12:08 - May 20 by Funge |
Top 2, absolutely, no questions asked.
We have such a huge, huge advantage over the rest of the Champ - Saints are an absolute rabble, Leicester not much better, and, if we assume that Sheff Utd go up, the remainder of the Champ consist of a (very well organised) Sunderland, who will probably lose Chris Rigg and Wilson Isidor this summer, a punchy Coventry under Lampard (who has form for falling away), who will likely lose Sheaf and Rudoni - and not a lot more - everything from 8th downwards in that league is average, bordering on drek.
Brum will be our biggest threat, I think - well funded, full of momentum, and St Andrews is a full-on sh1thole to visit.
Difficult to take Wrexham seriously with Phil Parkinson in charge, but they do have a few quid....
Us, Brum and perhaps Leicester chasing the 2 automatic spots is my prediction. |
At least one of Saints and Leicester will sort themselves out and come on very strong – may look all over the show now but realistically for clubs of their size it only takes a series of smart pre-season decisions and the picture changes dramatically. | |
| |
| |
By continuing to use the site, you agree to our use of cookies and to abide by our Terms and Conditions.
