...of the season. I have to admit that when I looked at the fixtures at the start of the season (as you do) I looked to see what our last game was. At the time I would have certainly taken being in the top 3 at that point and just needing, say, a point at Bradford. And here we are going there not just promoted but as Champions. I have to admit that I wasn't convinced that PdC was the right choice when he was appointed, I thought we'd get all the wrong sort of media attention. After 5 games I was even more convinced. Oh ye of little faith!
I'm so glad I was wrong. Yes, he's fallible (as everyone is), volatile and sometimes plain bonkers but I love his total commitment to the club, genuine rapport with the fans and above all his willingness to admit to his mistakes and try to learn from them. We're lucky to have him. I have faith in his ability to prepare for next season and I'm sure he'll do a good clear out job with our large squad. We need to enjoy this while it lasts. If I've learned anything in supporting STFC over almost 50 years it's that nothing lasts forever and you need to make the most of the highs.
As to how we'll do next season I think we'll be a force and make a mark. Whether that will mean a top 6 finish is another matter. If we can hang on to our best players and make a few astute signings then we may be in with a chance.
Thoughts?
So, final game
posted on 3/5/12
Agree with all of the above. A few faces will have to go, and a few will come in without doubt. I would love to see Bostock on a season long loan, and add to that McEverley and Holmes.
I think Rooney will benefit from the Paolo pre season with out doubt. I think Esajas, Gabilondo, Lanzano, Phil Smith, Kerrouche, Magera, Cibocchi, Risser will all go and add possibly Cox (hardly figured since signing), Kennedy finding it hard to get a place, and that leaves Bodin who has a contract but cannot get a team place.
Murray will hopefully return to Ipswich.
De Vita may also get to stay another season, but I can't seeing him going any further and the same for Joe Devera, who has come good in these last 8/10 weeks but struggled before. maybe now he has trained and got to where he needs to be.
We still need two front men as it is unfair to expect Benson, at his age, to go the whole season, with all that pressure and expectancy
posted on 4/5/12
I wonder how to rate this as excellent for Don, when S'Fan has made an equally good post. I agree with all of it!
Risking boring you, I have made the same views before.
Anyway, the start of this season was chaotic. Imagine how far ahead we would be if we had started settled. This year we are up, don't have the play offs to delay things. But, don't delay. Sort out who is staying & who is leaving before they go on their hols. Managers are paid to do that. Coaches only do what they can with what is provided.
If we have to lose some of our better players, either by their own wish or a tempting financial deal, then better we know about it now before playing a load of pre-season stuff with the wrong players.
3 points in August are just as valuable as 3 points in May.
posted on 4/5/12
Nice that we're all singing from the same hymn sheet...with probably going on for 150 years of combined support we must have some idea what we're talking about!
posted on 5/5/12
Don, My claim to fame is, my old chap took me along to watch The Town in 1958, and I've been hooked ever since. My old adage that I have watched and supported this lot through thick and thin, most of it.......thin, still holds good, even today. We have some good times until this man moves on, but I think this time in Wray we have a far better chairman than for many a long year, and he is as enthusiastic about football as I was after that first game. In him I find a refreshing change, a real person, not just a name on notepaper, and he sees the same game as we do, and forever may that continue.
!50 years between us, probably, the oldepharts club it is then.
posted on 7/5/12
My first game was in 1958 too, a 0-0 draw against Crystal Palace! I was 9. Didn't become a regular until 1963 though.
Totally agree about Jeremy Wray, the perfect complement to PdC. We're very lucky to have him. I have total confidence in them both when it comes to taking us forward.