Am I the only one that’s worried that we may have created a double-edged sword for ourselves? I have been looking at interviews, comments and general outpourings over the last week or so, and one theme consistently being expressed is the imperative that we must be promoted. On the one hand, I fully understand it, what with the new squad, positivity, honouring the fans, reflecting on the club’s standing in football and so on. But, on the other hand, are we putting too much pressure on ourselves, and will a few setbacks lead to a negative spiral? If we get into a run of bad results and form, will the players, manager and fans be able to hold their nerve, and work their way out of it?<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" />
There have been one or two things that have impressed; for example, Michael Morrison – having only just arrived – recognises that opponents will up their game at the Valley (because we’re a big club!) and that has to be overcome, and that there are quite a few “grim up north” games where we need to be competitive. In addition, looking at Powell’s interview after the Welling game, the result, clean sheet, the worry about Welling hitting the crossbar indicate to me that he is focused on the football. He also added that there has to be competition for places, yet we need to create a decent squad.
As most of the players are of a similar age, I wonder if it’s a ridiculous notion that someone along the lines of Christian Dailly (er, Gary Doherty?) is needed to be a conduit and a wise old head who can help steer the team through any bad times. Matt Taylor (as my son points out) is a more mature player, and may fulfil that role, and dare I say as a university graduate he may have the intelligence to understand the nature of leadership/captaincy.
For me, our first target should be to get to 54 points as soon as possible. The earliest we can possibly achieve this, if we win every game, is the 19th November vs Brentford. Writing today, that seems ages in the future. We all know realistically, it’s more likely to be (providing we’re really successful) the mid-January games against the Sheffield clubs that we can say we have avoided relegation. If we are in that position then, it is only then we should start to talk about promotion.
Let’s not put pressure on ourselves early, but achieve safety first.
PS Why do 99% of answers in football interviews start with the words “Yeah, no”?
Comments
If injuries and suspensions bite we could get found out.
Personally would like to see another two strikers in, one on loan. Another centre back, a right back and maybe an out and out left winger.
Would like the right back to be a perm signing if Francis goes and also one more striker on a perm deal. Suspect we will have money in the budget to bring loans in if the injuries become a real issue.
Nope. With the level of investment and the 'status' of a club like ours there has to be pressure to get promoted.
Pressure to perform and achieve results exists in every walk of life. Without pressure it is more likely that one will not achieve.
Powell was not given sufficient pressure last season with the 'promotion will be a bonus' statement. He responded with a long losing run.
Don't be worried be excited. My Colchester mate said we were going down, I said we are going up!! How much should I bet him on who finishes higher us or them???
I guess this all boils down to one thing - what is Chris Powell's objective from the board this season? Is it promotion within 1 or 2 seasons? In addition to that what is the fans expectations - are they the same as the board?
Say for example the team gels and looks good but we narrowly avoid the playoffs. Fans may not be happy (as the general feel from this board is playoffs minimum) with that yet the board will see that CP has 1 more season. But, if the fans are that negative does that mean the board give in and bring in someone else as the negativity is holding back the progress (a la Parky)?
Don't focus on the negative let's all be positive and get behind the team.
I agree that it's a marathon and not a sprint, so if we start badly, it doesn't mean that we cannot turn it round and finish strongly. That all depends on whether the players we have are good enough, the tactics are right, and Powell has the skill to turn it aroud if things get sticky and instill a winning mentality. If we go into each match expecting and demanding a win, we will be better placed than if we simply aim for the playoffs.
I think the fans should expect automatic promotion... that's the aim , as we haven't replaced the team for the sake of it
No point in setting high expectations if you're not giving the tools to work with. That's where Powell was last year. This year is different, Powell's been backed and he has to deliver.
I think the calibre of the players coming in has made even the most cynical of us sit up and take note. There or thereabouts this year, but if not I think we'll walk it next.
Instead of worrying about what might happen how about getting excited about the good things that could and probebly will happen.
Don't focus on the negative let's all be positive and get behind the team.
Agree
Forget it, we are in a very competitive arena. I believe that the players have been chosen not just for their football skills, but also for their character. We are looking for winners, and the truth is that we are determined to win this League. If we suffer setbacks, our spirit will take us through. We need to make it clear by the way we play that we intend to triumph, let our competitors do the worrying. If finally we have not achieved all our aims, we will at least have entertained, and left supporters pleased to have watched a team who wore the shirt with pride.
This time it won't be the 5,000 riding into The Valley of death, just the competition. COYR.
very good :-)
I'm with Seth.
Probably something to do with being an old git (me not Seth unless the cap fits!) and having seen it all before.
I am an old time git Len. First game 1963. I am not overly worried so much as setting the targets in the right order of priority. That is 50 or so points by the end of January, and then we will have earned the right to talk of top six and stuff. I am also worried by the reaction to the troughs given the present expectations, and the similar ages of most of the players.
I hope Chris is master and commander enough to sail us through the stormy waters.