"If people want to expect, its up to them... It will be them that end up disappointed if things don't work out".. Top man, feet on the ground and a bit of humility..
The fans expectations can be as high or as low as they like. As long as the lads have their feet on the floor through both good and bad form, we'll be at the right end of the table.
The players character this last year has in my opinion been a major factor in our success. They as a team and as individuals look fully focussed, committed, know their roles, play for each other and give 100%. And that's not just the 11 players who start it's the entire first team squad whether they are on the pitch or not. We will come up against stronger and better teams as the season progresses but this team look confident and never look like they I'll be beaten.
Very apt. Let's see how long the goodwill and hero worship last in some quarters should we lose a couple on the spin. Some were even asking if Hecky had been 'found out' last year after we drew a couple. Fickle much ?
Most of us will still support him regardless of what we do but some as always will jump on the opportunity to stick the knife in
It's a work in progress, but there'll be the 'I knew we'd struggle' or ' I knew we didn't have enough quality' genius types poised should things take a downward turn.
I'll lay my cards on the line now. I think we will start to struggle in around November when we start picking up injuries in key areas. Our lack of cover in certain positions will cost us. Hecky has done well but I think I don't think he's really been challenged tactically too much yet. A lot of that is actually to his credit though as hes found (with the rest of the recruitment people) very good replacements in key areas. In previous seasons we've had key players out and the manager has been unable to come up with a plan b, flitcroft springs to mind. 3-5-2 worked very well for him but when we had to change that he lost it big time. Hecky hasn't really had to change it from 4-4-2 yet so I'm not really sure how he will handle it if he does, the rare times he has changed the formation significantly we have been largely awful. But the fact that he hasn't changed it much is a praise for him because hes not folded like flitcroft did, he's had the confidence in his squad players to come in in the same positions. In summary. Hecky hasn't proven himself as the perfect manager yet lime some think he has but he's done everything he's needed to up to now exceptionally well. Signings have been good, conviction and determination to stick with OUR plan has been good. We may find later down the line that he has no plan b when he really needs to change it but it would be incredible harsh to criticise him for that now. Let's just enjoy what we've got and give the praise that he and the team deserve. You cant criticise somebody for what may happen in the future can you. Edit: when I say we may struggle in November(ish) I mean temporarily not for the rest of the season
We've played established Championship sides, with more experienced (at a higher level) managers, and for the most part have come out pretty well. We'll be undone (to whatever extent) by the sheer financial power of other sides in this division - we have grown and improved the squad since August, but it is a long 46 game season. I'll take mid table now quite happily - that said - long may us continue to confound the odds.
Anywhere from 21st to 1st would suit me to the ground, personally think we'll finish about 15th but hey ho you never know what will happen
