I would have thought the Labour party were too right wing for you, Foxello...


Fair play to you though, and I agree with much of this. I think one big factor to add (which you've touched upon but isn't perhaps mentioned as much as it should be generally) is that we've had a big players step up in each section of the pitch.

Schmeichel's form has improved significantly since early season, perhaps the threat of Schwarzer taking his place has energised him. Huth has come in and been a class act who's steadied the defence, to the point where we've just achieved something like 5 clean sheets in the last 6. Vardy as you say has really put in a shift over the last month and has terrorised defences perhaps feeling a bit tired in the final quarter of the season, and Cambiasso has just taken the whole team by the scruff of the neck and exuded dominance and positivity. He simply would not give up and has pulled several players on the journey with him.

Other players have found form too, for instance Morgan picking up performances and King forming a very attractive partnership with Cambiasso, but I think the fight was led by these 4 players stepping up and taking responsibility in their section of the pitch.

Thanks for the contribution Foxello. It’s a shame that you don’t post more often as, despite our previous run-ins, I think you bring a new dimension to the debate.

I agree with much of what you’ve said here. It’s amazing how the spine of the team: Schmeichel, Huth, Cambiasso, Vardy improved us in the latter part of the season and gave us the platform for our more creative players and wing backs to shine. For me the biggest difference (of many) was Huth. We were only losing games very narrowly - often to the odd silly goal conceded from a defensive error. Many of us could not understand why Morgan was continually being selected but, played with Huth, his form has been a complete revelation. This defensive rigidity gave us a platform to build and I hope that Huth (or other alternative CB targets) are top of NP’s recruitment list in the summer.

In terms of NP you are only too aware that we have been at opposite ends of his approval rating. It seems, however, that you have warmed to him a little now. You might be surprised that over the season my rating of him has, on balance, cooled. I still think that he is now, unequivocally, the best manager we’ve had since O’Neill, but I have a few question marks about his tactical nous (before and during a game) and his reliance on pace and endeavour over quality. How far he can take us remains to be seen but, for now, I’m extremely happy that he remains our manager and that we decided to stick when so many would have decided to twist.

I too share many of your views about the manager. I don't really like his sometimes abrupt persona but undoubtedly some of this was down to the intense pressure of the job. So I apologise for writing him and the team off far too quickly.

I do think he faces a massive second season and may lose some key players. Cambiasso and Huth are must signings and with all the speculation around De Gea, I wouldn't be at all surprised if Utd come sniffing 'round for Kasper, and that is an offer he couldn't refuse.

But Pearson has really pulled this one out of the fire and may one day be described in the same terms as Pullis - get Pearson and you won't go down- which makes him an extremely valuable commodity.

Good luck for next season all concerned and I for one misjudged you.

PS - but the election went the right way!

Foxy i won't mention the war.
Good post and manfully coming on here.
I also think how can you dump the manger after that.
As for the key players and formation yes i agree but i feel that every player who has been asked to step up in the run in has done there bit without shirking and those players who could not get into the squad where there supporting from the sidelines

Great article Foxello & commiserations on the GE result.
The only blue team I support plays at the King Power stadium and thank God we have the "Great Escape" to help us over the disappointment of 7th May.

I was critical of NP before the turnaround and had hoped he would either leave or be sacked so I must apologise for doubting him and the players - I'm glad he and they have (not for the first time) proved me wrong and I add my congratulations to all concerned.

What would really cap off the season in style for me would be for "Birch" to do his run at the QPR game either dressed as an ostrich or, better still, in a "Bernie Clifton" ostrich rider outfit!

Politics over Football ?.

Can only join with those applauding the players - astonishing spirit of never say die. Pearson must of course take a good deal of credit for that, no question.
But I really cannot agree that he has "proven himself to be a capable manager at this level".

Lest we forget, the stats - even after a freakish last dash - are Won 10 , Drew 8, Lost 19. We are very very lucky still to be in this league. Sentiment makes him impregnable, for now. But we must expect much better next season.

It's all about learning Malling and he's learnt how to be a manager in this league. It's like studying to become a surgeon (not me) it takes time to get there but once they've successfully performed their first procedures, they become surgeons and its the same for Pearson and the playere. After a difficult maiden season, they've eventually all proven they're good enough.

I do hope you are right Arro, I honestly do. And I do think NP deserves the chance to show that you are. If the wheels are coming off again by Xmas, the owners will however need to some very serious thinking.