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Great pre-season in my view that very clearly sets out our stall on how the club should now be perceived.
The footballing world has gone even more money crazy and we simply can't compete with a lot of the bigger clubs at this level let alone be competitive in the Premiership. Longer term a new ground could be a catalyst to better things. Brighton an example of that after almost going out of the league. For now though we need to play within very limited means.
By the time the season has started we will have signed circa 15 players and spent virtually nothing on transfer fees. They have been signed to play a particular style of football, good mix of ages and psychologically most have come here with strong motivation. Loan players obvious examples. Massive years for particularly the younger three. Get it right and possibly gets them nearer first team at their parent clubs or in shop window for lower Premiership sides. get it wrong and potentially a real blow they would have to work hard to recover from. The other permanent signings too will want to make their mark and we are even beating off opposition from other Championship sides.
We have some old heads as well and of course already know Cameron and Rangel. They could be invaluable both on the pitch and alongside our younger players.
Wasn't so long ago we were probably viewed as a car crash joke of a club. With the work behind the scenes and new ethos that seems to have changed. We have been very clear in our message about looking to bring our own players through and also in developing loan players who come here. Man City and Spurs have trusted us with two talented youngsters and Chelsea seemingly also willing, albeit that loan fell through in the end. Smith and Amos genuine prospects too as opposed to poor quality loans you just know will not do anything much. As I say players are choosing us over other comparable clubs as well. That hasn't happened much in a long time.
I'm not expecting us to do anything amazing this year. It's just nice we seem to be credible. It's been a long wait.
Shame people saw fit last week to jump on Uncle. Yes things didn't go well but he mainly just followed the advice of, on the face of it, very well respected footballing people and was left with an enormous mess and hundreds of millions out of pocket. He is as entitled as anyone to feel positive about things.
The footballing world has gone even more money crazy and we simply can't compete with a lot of the bigger clubs at this level let alone be competitive in the Premiership. Longer term a new ground could be a catalyst to better things. Brighton an example of that after almost going out of the league. For now though we need to play within very limited means.
By the time the season has started we will have signed circa 15 players and spent virtually nothing on transfer fees. They have been signed to play a particular style of football, good mix of ages and psychologically most have come here with strong motivation. Loan players obvious examples. Massive years for particularly the younger three. Get it right and possibly gets them nearer first team at their parent clubs or in shop window for lower Premiership sides. get it wrong and potentially a real blow they would have to work hard to recover from. The other permanent signings too will want to make their mark and we are even beating off opposition from other Championship sides.
We have some old heads as well and of course already know Cameron and Rangel. They could be invaluable both on the pitch and alongside our younger players.
Wasn't so long ago we were probably viewed as a car crash joke of a club. With the work behind the scenes and new ethos that seems to have changed. We have been very clear in our message about looking to bring our own players through and also in developing loan players who come here. Man City and Spurs have trusted us with two talented youngsters and Chelsea seemingly also willing, albeit that loan fell through in the end. Smith and Amos genuine prospects too as opposed to poor quality loans you just know will not do anything much. As I say players are choosing us over other comparable clubs as well. That hasn't happened much in a long time.
I'm not expecting us to do anything amazing this year. It's just nice we seem to be credible. It's been a long wait.
Shame people saw fit last week to jump on Uncle. Yes things didn't go well but he mainly just followed the advice of, on the face of it, very well respected footballing people and was left with an enormous mess and hundreds of millions out of pocket. He is as entitled as anyone to feel positive about things.
Great post sir.
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