Feeling more upbeat this morning

First things first, this isn't a 'I'm actually glad we are relegated' post, what has happened is still the very worst case scenario. Regardless, I don't think anyone would deny that fundamentally, the squad wasn't ready for the premiership. Many more would argue we should never have been promoted in the first place. They are probably right.

The squad will probably be very different come the starting next season, and not nessecerily better either. The team may not get immediate success and may need significant time to truly gel and start delivering results. But that's okay, as in the championship the spotlight is well and truly off. How many of you have heard about Resings struggles in the championship? How about QPR, who many reckoned would walk the league by a landslide? In contrast, how many have heard about Manchester Unites failures? About Southamptons impressive playstyle? Hell, we know more about La Liga and Ligue 1 teams than we know about the championship without personal study.

It was a brilliant experience seeing the team we've supported for so long take on the best in the world, but it was also draining. Every single bad result is glorified in the media, with a heavy loss being talked about for weeks and weeks. You lose 4-0 in the championship and everyone sleeps soundly in their beds the night after (except Cardiff fans).

The spotlight is well and truly off in the championship, and it would be nice to once more be able to just enjoy seeing what the team is able to do instead of having it stuck in the back of your head that a failure will haunt us for weeks.

I agree, particularly with the fact that it's been draining. I've come home from some matches feeling shattered after 90 minutes of attrition and the enjoyable afternoon's football I had last week reminded me of what it should be like.
Bring on the Championship, preferably in blue shirts.

Another positive for me is that, if there is going to be a re-building of the squad, then at least we know which players can or cannot cut it in the PL and we should be better prepared next time around.

Do you think Tan will give Ole the time you suggest he'll need?

I think Tan will set a target of winning the Championship, and if we're not top at Christmas, Ole will be gone.

Also, playing in blue will only happen at away games. At home, we play in red. I don't think Tan could be any clearer on the subject.

I'm sure you're right about the red. It's not something that ever particularly bothered me but as the season has gone on and the bad feeling has built up I've felt the change back to blue would pour oil on so many troubled waters.
Unfortunately, Vinnie is too stubborn to see sense and do it.

I think it was just nice to have a break for the Championship. Was getting a bit repetitive playing pretty much the same sides every season, and missing out at the last step time after time.

SteWells wrote:Do you think Tan will give Ole the time you suggest he'll need?

I think Tan will set a target of winning the Championship, and if we're not top at Christmas, Ole will be gone.

Also, playing in blue will only happen at away games. At home, we play in red. I don't think Tan could be any clearer on the subject.

I was careful not to mention Ole as I'm not sure he will last this season, let alone next. I hope he stays as he deserves a proper chance at redemption, laying down the foundations of a squad that will see the Premiership again soon. But I worry me and Tan differ there - I personally would be satisfied with good football and a challenge for the playoffs successful or otherwise. I think you are right that Tan would want us to be immediate champions, if he hasn't already made his mind up.

One thing I'll definitely be glad to get away from is Premiership refereeing. I've just watched a stonewall penalty claim byNorwich ignored as have many similar incidents we have been involved in.
They're a bunch of incompetents who often seem afraid of making game changing decisions - particularly if they're against the 'bigger' clubs.