I agree with all the positive comment. Most of us are aware of which opponents are coming up next, so it’s only natural that fans want to look forward, especially with a big break coming up.
I don’t really have much interest in the World Cup, and this year has created such a farce with matches being played in UK winter, undermining the Championship season for so many club supporters.
There are two things that give me hope for automatic promotion this season.
1. The squad strength in depth.
We are well in the top group with nearly half the games played. Our injury list is nothing short of ridiculous, but the squad system and up to 5 substitutions available has seen off most pretenders. We are where we are on merit. Few teams can match us in terms of putting out an attacking side with so many first team, first choices out with injury.
2. The team spirit is probably the best I have ever known. Even the humble JLT gets big cheers from his team mates, purely based on his bounce back attitude in the Burnley game. They all love playing the game and their togetherness is apparent on and off the pitch.
You can probably add the supporters to that list too. We stuffed the division form team last time out, and that will always produce knee jerk opinions from fans. It’s the same when we lose, or play badly.
Still close to a full house at the lane, even after the recent blip in form.
Other teams with lesser squads and weaker team spirit, especially in adversity, will have tired players from fixture overload. Some opponents might try to buy success in the JTW? Even expensive, quality players take time to settle and fit in. Because we are relatively poor, it’s not likely to be a problem for us.
We are hitting a good spell at the right time. I trust PH to reintegrate players coming back from injury, and to rest those who need it when they can, using squad depth to do that. Look at the positive benefits of getting JLT and Osborn back, the consider the impact of Berge, Bogle and Lowe returning. It’s got everything necessary to allow supporters to look forward with a smile and a positive opinion.
Second half of the season, more of the same but better.
