Aren't football Fans a very reactionary breed?

[SouthEssexBlade]

Didn't know where to put this, so I have stuck it here. Webmaster General will move it if he deems it an infringement, or it messes up the new decor!

The change in atmosphere and attitude on here since the announcement of the Cotterill signing, got me thinking. What makes the supporters such a reactionary and volatile bunch, in terms of mood and outlook regarding their club?

I recognise that there has been a mad scramble for Cotterill to be signed, and the announcement that the deal was dead (though it was never said by Blackwell), to be quickly followed by the positive news may account for alot of it, but for me the demand to sign him was over-the-top, given his standing and real contribution, but more surprising was the response to him possibly not signing. A squad that ended last season with promotion winning form has, I believe, been improved with the signings over the summer (allbeit in a low key and subtle way), yet the possibility of one signing not happening (which throws up another question about believing what we read in the media) suddenly gave the impression that we were doomed to a season of failure. Personally, I thought we looked more than good enough for a play-off spot without Cotterill and I have no doubt that other options in this department were being looked at.

I don't recall the same level of extreme reaction to non-signings or signings in my younger days. The only thing that came close was a loan player, Dean Glover being awesome at centre-half and the fans wanted him signed, but the club just couldn't afford him, end of. Maybe it is the massive increase in the availability of news (actually 90% is gossip, and possibily the inability to distinguish plays a part); possibly the instant, must have it now society that we now have fuels it. Whatever, the whole episode makes for a fascinating insight.

Cotterill might not be the wizard of expectations, others may come in and perform better. He may just be the best winger we've had since Woody (in which case we really do have a bargain). I hope it's the latter, but what I really want is for a succesfull season and I'm not really bothered who causes it to happen.

Win, lose or draw enjoy it fellow Blades! I've a feeling it might be one hell of a journey this season

 

[Foxy]

i've moved this into General Blades Chat, with a redirection from where you put it, purely because it involves a couple of blades related examples and I think its a post that would be deemed worthy of nominations!

 

[Sensiblade]

There was a bit of a reaction to not signing Cahill but it was nothing like when Cotterill might not have been signing.

Very reactionary, yes.
Surprising, no.

People always belive what the papers say even if two are saying the opposite at the same time (That may seem impossible, but it isn't from my experience).

I tend to try and only believe what is announced properly but sometimes get swept up in nonsense stories, but I think we are all guilty of that at some point.

 

[shorehamview]

It's a good post and SEB makes some excellent points.

Plenty of doom and gloom because we hadn't signed one player, then we we do sign him it generates more fuss than a visit from the Pope. Surely people can't have pinned all or hopes on one player? I suppose if we don't get automatic promotion then the same people clamouring for him to sign will be screaming for his head.
We might just have a new scapegoat.

 

[rachyblade]

I always find that the players people moan about us signing come up with the goods. For example look at Shipperly, I remeber Wolves fans takin the piss cos we signed him but by the end of the season they were wishing they had him. And then on the otherside there was Sharp, everyone was excited about getting him back, but he hasnt exactly done much (however I believe he will come good this season).

I think in this league you have to sign players who can do the job to get you out of the league, they may be rubbish in the Premiership but there is no point looking forward that far until you are actually out of the Championship.

 

[jodman]

I just think that the majority of people recognise that:

A) We lacked pace in the midfield and Cotterill is very pacey
B) We had no natural wingers fit and or available to start the season.
C) Cotterill was arguably the most creative outlet last season
D) The guy wanted to play for us

For the reasons above, i was desperate that we signed him and i am absolutely made up that he has done so.

The icing on the cake for me would be if we signed Martin as well; i'm more then happy with the squad as it is but a natural left winger would give us unbeleivable balance and i reckon Hendo and Beattie would get a bag full each.

We would of course have to trim the squad of a few middies if that does happen.

 

[Come from away]

If we are trimming 'middies' does the fact that Hendrie and Montgomery are playing in the reserves tonight suggest that they might be the first two to go?????

 

[jodman]

If we are trimming 'middies' does the fact that Hendrie and Montgomery are playing in the reserves tonight suggest that they might be the first two to go?????

Prolly has more to do with getting them fit for the season; i just cannot see Blackie allowing Monty to leave and i doubt there are many clubs willing to take on Hendries wages.