I know that I might kop a lot of stick for this given that it will run against the grain of popular thought...but what the hay,
'We shouldn't expect too much', 'we should be patient', 'its all about rebuilding', are all phrases that we have heard used in reference to our dear club. For the most part I argee with them, but I feel that we are in danger if we let such sentiments turn into a complacent attitude.
Whilst the standard of football has improved (something that really can't be argued with), the poor results continue to flood in. With a budget that is roughly 5th/6th best in the league, any achievement below top 8 all season is simply unacceptable. Yes performances have improved, but with parachute payments running out this will not be sustainable in the long term future. We are going to have to make further cuts in the summer, and as we have already seen following the sale of David Connolly, our best players will be snapped up.
Sunderland understood the importance of pushing for promotion in the final year of their parachute money, as did West Ham, and this season Wolves. Yes there were transition periods for each of these teams when they fell from the premier league, but they quickly shifted focus and emphasis on gaining promotion before the parachute money was dissapated.
On the other hand, sadly all I can say about us is that we are going backwards. 5th/6th best budget demands a better league position. If we don't aim for it whilst we actually have the finances we are fools!!!! It really is that simple.
Now to the crux of the matter...I believe that we have players of sufficient quality to be pushing the top six! However this has not happened, and I can't help but question why. The only conclusion I can come to is that tactically something is not working.
I'm not a boo boy, and I'm not calling for the managers head, but I do believe in two principles. Firstly, where praise is due it should be given, but equally where criticism is appropriate it should not be avoided.
Far too many games have gone by where we have complained, or rather commented that we have created a large amount of chances. I have lost count of the number of times I have heard people comment that we could have won 5 or 6 nil! This is not a problem...the problem is that we never score any of these chances! This trend has gone on for a long time, and little has be done to address it. Equally, whilst there have been some nice passing manouvers there has been no finished product. I am questioning the managers tactics and build up in this respect. I also can't understand why we persist with floaty corners that drift directly to the goalkeeper. We don't seem to make the most of set piece opportunities, whilst in contrast our opposition must be rubbing their hands with glee when they get a sniff of any kind of set piece against us.
Last year our defence was comparable to that of the champions, this year it is more leaky then an old watering can.
Going forward, and defending we are poor. Something has to be done to address it, nothing as of yet has.
You can say that I am panicking and 'not giving time' if you want, but I assure you that I am not panicking, and I am willing to give all the time in the world. However!!! There are problems, and the manager has done nothing yet to convince me that he is trying to remedy them. My belief is actually a little shaken!!!