We are in for a difficult season

[TimofeeVee]

Correction....we're in for a difficult season, unless we're not!
I personally think it will be difficult, but, I've watched football long enough to know the unexpected can happen!!!.....teams like Leicester, catch a wave and go for it, despite it being "impossible"....

I choose to enjoy it, whatever happens

 

[Kev Gee]

Yes what were we thinking getting promotion?
I mean there's no way that we will be able to be competitive against the footballing bohemoths of Brighton, Bournmouth and Watford.

May as well give up before a ball is even kicked.

Win our home games and we have an opportunity to have a decent season.

We have a good squad of players and a manager who knows a thing or two about winning football matches.

Let's sit back and enjoy the ride!!

 

[Bladeulike]

This is something myself and a very small minority have been saying, if not whispering, on here since we got promoted. This post is in no-way related to today's result, although hopefully that will provide a reality check. We haven't really had any proper tests for pre-season which has been disappointing. Bournemouth have played WBA, Brentford Lazio and Lyon. We lost to Burton and Stade de Reims, and beat non-league Chesterfield and Northampton. Hardly inspiring!

It's easy to be positive. I could post 'I'm so excited we're really going to surprise people this year UTB!' and get 100+ likes and we all feel good about ourselves but it doesn't reflect the truth, of where I see it, where we are at. This does not mean that or others are in any way less supportive of the team cheering them on. I also don't want to be a downer or that terrible word 'slasher', but it seems like anyone who is skeptical is labelled one so so be it.

Those who will 'play the poster not the post' will remember my overreaction to the Villa result. I was wrong then and was delighted to be and I hope I'll be wrong again. We have come so very far so why not further? Well as I see it what Wilder has done is taken a paddle boat across the Atlantic ocean and has paid for an engine and is intent on taking it to the moon. Honestly if we stay up it will have to go down as one of football's greatest achievements.

This is not a dig or criticism of anyone and I wouldn't have managed things any differently (apart from not signing Mousett the Bournemouth reject and arranging better pre-season fixtures). The club strategy makes perfect sense, they are smart buys if we go down genius buys if we they are good enough to help us stay up.

If we do struggle badly all I hope is that we stick with Wilder no matter what. Certain players will not make the leap up. Others won't settle in as we'd like. This is a tough league, just ask yourself how many of our players would get into any other PL squads let alone first team? Football isn't won on paper, as demonstrated by our promotion. But there is a limit and I really fear this will be a bridge too far and many will be disappointed. Do we really expect Lundstram to be the midfield answer in the PL?!

So just a note to say, I recommend we expect the worse and hope for the best and not overreact to bad results (I know I'm hypocritical) and manage our expectations. I remember when we got thrashed by Middlesborough last year. Fortunately Wilder saw that Evans wasn't working and got rid and then brought Norwood in, this year we don't have that luxury with the window closing much earlier.

We should all be excited for next season but I just felt this needed saying to 'counter-balance' what's being said. Now of course...

UTB

This is a classic ‘I told you so’ post. All bases covered in the event of success, failure and all points in between. I’m assuming you have already pre-written your next post that starts ‘I said before the season started we would struggle but you wouldn’t listen....’ in readiness for our first patch of poor form. A rather bemusing range of metaphors and analogies unfortunately don’t help to rescue the post from taking a long time time to say bugger all. Once I had sorted out the engines, paddle boats, lunar spheres and bridges I eventually came to the conclusion that I really didn’t need any of your ‘counter-balance’ after all. Stating the bleeding obvious more like.

 

[CarlMcBlade]

I must admit my levels of confidence have become a little out of hand and quite irrational at times. With all the pundits and media predicting ultimate doom for us, I’ve become very defensive about my team and have adopted a “Chrissie will show em” stance, not for once thinking the pundits maybe right. But this defeat in France has given me a reality check and now I’m going into the Bournemouth game with more realistic expectations.

 

[originaltrueblade]

This is something myself and a very small minority have been saying, if not whispering, on here since we got promoted. This post is in no-way related to today's result, although hopefully that will provide a reality check. We haven't really had any proper tests for pre-season which has been disappointing. Bournemouth have played WBA, Brentford Lazio and Lyon. We lost to Burton and Stade de Reims, and beat non-league Chesterfield and Northampton. Hardly inspiring!

It's easy to be positive. I could post 'I'm so excited we're really going to surprise people this year UTB!' and get 100+ likes and we all feel good about ourselves but it doesn't reflect the truth, of where I see it, where we are at. This does not mean that or others are in any way less supportive of the team cheering them on. I also don't want to be a downer or that terrible word 'slasher', but it seems like anyone who is skeptical is labelled one so so be it.

Those who will 'play the poster not the post' will remember my overreaction to the Villa result. I was wrong then and was delighted to be and I hope I'll be wrong again. We have come so very far so why not further? Well as I see it what Wilder has done is taken a paddle boat across the Atlantic ocean and has paid for an engine and is intent on taking it to the moon. Honestly if we stay up it will have to go down as one of football's greatest achievements.

This is not a dig or criticism of anyone and I wouldn't have managed things any differently (apart from not signing Mousett the Bournemouth reject and arranging better pre-season fixtures). The club strategy makes perfect sense, they are smart buys if we go down genius buys if we they are good enough to help us stay up.

If we do struggle badly all I hope is that we stick with Wilder no matter what. Certain players will not make the leap up. Others won't settle in as we'd like. This is a tough league, just ask yourself how many of our players would get into any other PL squads let alone first team? Football isn't won on paper, as demonstrated by our promotion. But there is a limit and I really fear this will be a bridge too far and many will be disappointed. Do we really expect Lundstram to be the midfield answer in the PL?!

So just a note to say, I recommend we expect the worse and hope for the best and not overreact to bad results (I know I'm hypocritical) and manage our expectations. I remember when we got thrashed by Middlesborough last year. Fortunately Wilder saw that Evans wasn't working and got rid and then brought Norwood in, this year we don't have that luxury with the window closing much earlier.

We should all be excited for next season but I just felt this needed saying to 'counter-balance' what's being said. Now of course...

UTB

Project fear

 

[bypassblade]

Okay perhaps we won't beat L'pool, Citeh and such but there are teams that we can and will beat, sorry I think Bournemouth could be one of them. Pre season is just about meeting new faces getting fit and working tactics, Liverpool won 1 pre season game do you think Klopp is panicking NO. Okay they are different to us but they are human, so are we and we've moved more than 1 mountain in last 3 years under CWAK.

 

[Kenilworth]

Here’s what the pundits think

 

[wavy-blade]

I have always said it doesn't matter what league you're in , if your club is winning its great, when we were in the 4 the division it was a fantastic season . Now we are on the premier we are some what the small fish and it will be difficult, we are going to see the team lose more than in the past . Brighton only won 9 last season and stopped up
So realistically that the number of matches we might see the team win with any hope of staying up is 9 , so 9 wins is a massive difference to what we have been used to

 

[Sean Thornton]

Project fear

Project Fear 2

 

[Sean Thornton]

£20m all that will be spent.
Business will not be done before transfer window shuts.
£45m now, “peanuts”
Wilder could be out by Christmas because some fans are critical of one players pre season selection.


Now the Sorcerers Apprentice and his OP.

Why did we bother celebrating promotion?

 

[Yoonited]

We lost in a pre season friendly a week before the prem starts
Our players are focused on next week.
Subcontiousally not getting injured kicks in.
We played a team that beat PSG a few months ago
A team that's reached 2 European cup finals while trying out different systems of play. The result was of zero consequence.

We go to Bournemouth with a better squad than I can remember .fit younger and full of belief.

Losing today has no bearing on our future
It counts for nought

Nice to see the megs are out of their shell ready to feast on any slight doubt that may arise. Thought some had disappeared for good.
So good to have their opinions which they hold back in the mix. Would be overly positive without them.

I salute them with their rallying call let's blame Lundstram

I wonder if the pukka pies corner has enough seats to cater for the negative fans.They could all sit and slash their wrists together and leave those of us who take a positive and philosophical view to enjoy the action unfold before our optimistic eyes

 

[Yellarbellyblade]

We all know it’s going to be tough surely? We’re going to lose lots of games some heavily no doubt. The one thing we need to do though is stay behind the team and manager. How many thought we’d be here after that last game of the Adkins era? If we go down, and it could easily happen let’s not be under any illusions, then we go again and come back stronger again. Evolution is the key

 

[boss hog]

I'm just going to back the team from start to finish, wilder deserves that at the very least.
If we stay up fantastic that'll be as good an achievement as any promotion.
I'm going to enjoy the better standard of football and when we're getting mullered by some top 6 billion pound squad I'll just think back to the days before wilder and thank my lucky stars.
If we can't enjoy this season then there's summat wrong.
Worst case scenario is the championship.
Happy days.

 

[super_pig]

i was a bit worried seeing yesterdays result but after seeing the goals, the level of the team we played and the line up , i’m not arsed.. neither is chris by the looks of it

 

[Bennyand the Blades]

Hold on a minute, didn't we start last night with a line up we would have thought a bit weak in places even in the Championship, and go one up, against a top Euro side? ok they came back , over ran us and scored 3 so we brought on the big guns and not only stopped the rot, we started holding our own out there.
These games are there for a purpose, to give the manager an idea of what he has, and how best to use it, They do say you can learn more from a defeat than a win and Mr Wilder is just the man to do that .

 

[Woodwardfan]

We all know it’s going to be tough surely? We’re going to lose lots of games some heavily no doubt. The one thing we need to do though is stay behind the team and manager. How many thought we’d be here after that last game of the Adkins era? If we go down, and it could easily happen let’s not be under any illusions, then we go again and come back stronger again. Evolution is the key

Xactly. That's what the o.p. said.

 

[Yellarbellyblade]

Xactly. That's what the o.p. said.

Was more aimed at others Woody

 

[Dkc]

 

[Woodwardfan]

Was more aimed at others Woody

Fair enough but this thread is a classic case of playing anything but the post by certain types on here. The context of FM's o.p. has been ignored by quite a few.

 

[Yellarbellyblade]

Fair enough but this thread is a classic case of playing anything but the post by certain types on here. The context of FM's o.p. has been ignored by quite a few.

Things do tend to go off in strange directions at times on here. People also read what they want to or deliberately play devils advocate to generate debate etc. As you say the original points often then get lost as people fall out for no really good reason. I for one intend to enjoy the ride and what will be will be

 

[Woodwardfan]

Things do tend to go off in strange directions at times on here. People also read what they want to or deliberately play devils advocate to generate debate etc. As you say the original points often then get lost as people fall out for no really good reason. I for one intend to enjoy the ride and what will be will be

Yep and it can be a great ride; it's just the little band of kindred spirits that make the waters choppy at times - if you're not careful.

 

[bypassblade]

All I'm reading is doom and gloom looks like the Samaritans will be recruiting at this rate, don't worry Blades & Bladesses we've are sailing the good ship CWAK yes it will get choppy but end of day I think we'll come out of it still a PL club YFUMS.

 

[DronnieBlade]

I’ve slept on it and changed my mind.

We’re doomed.

DOOMED I tell thee .

UTB

 

[Kozzy_is_my_Dad]

I'm going to stick my neck on the line here, FMBlade1 comes in for unnecessary flack at times.

 

[Jonboy60]

Unfortunately this flack is necessary kozzy.

 

[FMBlade1]

Unfortunately this flack is necessary kozzy.

I can take the flak but I'm not sure what it achieves?

For those who say I've got records in 'overreacting' there are only two occasions I can recall. Feel free to view my profile to find others. You'll find plenty of examples of me being overtly positive about SUFC such as this one: https://www.s24su.com/forum/index.php?threads/one-of-my-proudest-moments-as-a-blade.63487/

1. The Villa game
2. The day after we lost to Millwall in league one

That's two occasions in three years.

Even then I didn't say anything outrageous, and I wasn't alone with the views I shared.

I recall this forum going into a proper meltdown after the most recent Millwall game and indeed the August Middlesborough game last year and I kept my counsel then when plenty of others didn't.

I've been consistent in being fearful for this season, and again I'm not alone. Yet this is characterized as not being a proper supporter I'm a slasher etc. everyone should have a read of this https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reductio_ad_absurdum and not fall into the trap

Fair play for those who have engaged constructively. It's a fair point that I appear to be stating the obvious and 'hedging bets' (and I'll admit I put £30 against us going up just before the Ipswich game) although as some have recognised its just a countering the prevailing view and adjusting expectations for THIS season.

 

[nicksufc]

"We are in for a difficult season" states FMBlade.......thanks for the groundbreaking insight once again. I somehow think it's more than a tiny minority who think this season could be a little trickier than the last one.

And the idea that you're campaigning for everyone not to get carried away after a poor result is actually beyond hypocritical. Particularly given this post arrived after we had just lost a fucking pre-season friendly.

 

[Martino]

Not worried about yesterdays result. Better to lose that than lose at Bournemouth. If we had have won SDR then the expectation would be higher for next week.
Best way to enjoy this season is not to read everything on social media, especially if we lose. It will just do your head in. If we have a bad run just remember how you felt a few years ago. Better to be beaten by Man City than Fleetwood.

 

[FMBlade1]

"We are in for a difficult season" states FMBlade.......thanks for the groundbreaking insight once again. I somehow think it's more than a tiny minority who think this season could be a little trickier than the last one.

It's funny, one the one hand people are saying the OP is 'unnecessarily negative and untrue' on the other hand people are saying I'm 'stating the obvious'!

I just think there is a bit of hyperbole going on with the optimism of our new signings and where we are for this season. It seems fair play on here to say/predict their success but woe betide anyone who suggests otherwise, lest they be called a Wendyite and not a proper supporter of the team.

Also as another poster said, we are all pissed off with the lack of respect pundits give us, myself included. But that doesn't necessarily mean they are wrong in predicting we are in for a rough season.

The intention with the OP is not to bang on doom and gloom, its about balancing and adjusting expectations which is something myself and a small minority think is necessary.

 

[nicksufc]

It's funny, one the one hand people are saying the OP is 'unnecessarily negative and untrue' on the other hand people are saying I'm 'stating the obvious'!

I just think there is a bit of hyperbole going on with the optimism of our new signings and where we are for this season. It seems fair play on here to say/predict their success but woe betide anyone who suggests otherwise, lest they be called a Wendyite and not a proper supporter of the team.

Also as another poster said, we are all pissed off with the lack of respect pundits give us, myself included. But that doesn't necessarily mean they are wrong in predicting we are in for a rough season.

It will obviously be a difficult season and we will be towards the bottom of the league for most of it.

But there is absolutely nothing wrong with people on here getting excited by an excellent transfer window. You seem to have an issue with people being excited.