Media interviews in football are mostly a waste of time, much like political interviews. Media training has taught most people to avoid answering questions and dropping themselves in the proverbial. Never tell the truth, heaven forbid. I don't blame Clough for covering himself in the case of failure, no doubt he will have been talking to the board about a long term rebuild ever since they first approached him, he'd be daft not to buy himself time. Any short term success is then an absolute bonus down to him of course.
The real issue here is whether Clough BELIEVES we can win promotion this time. Also do the players BELIEVE?
My guess is that Clough and his players don't have a clue whether we are good enough to win the play-offs, they hope we are but I doubt whether there is any real confidence after a poor season which has affected everybody's confidence - fans, players, management and Board alike. Nobody has a clue how United will play tonight and the surprise will be if we play well and score more than the odd goal.
Looking at the other three clubs involved I reckon each has an equal chance, so it is a lottery.
We all have our own views about the progress made in the rebuild. Now is not the time for an appraisal or inquest if you like. I don't think for one minute that Clough really BELIEVES we haven't failed badly if we don't get promotion this season.