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Post by Deleted on Dec 22, 2013 22:27:23 GMT
Nobody would deny that at this point we've done very well to get to where we are and it's a massive relief to have all of those points on the board as a platform for the rest of the season. If Mark Hughes' teams really do get better in the second half of the season then we're in for a happy few months. However, we must not forget to learn from the past here. Warning: The remainder of this post contains references to last season, but not really in comparison with this season.Last season, we were 8th at Christmas (or was it New Year?) off the back off an unbeaten run. Despite the stats looking fairly positive, with our excellent defensive record and 11 months unbeaten at home in the league, there were plenty of concerns about the place. We weren't setting the world alight and there were obvious flaws to be addressed that we could all see. Without going into the details of what went on behind the scenes last January, it was important to invest to capitalise on our good start and we failed to do that. We all know what followed. We cannot afford to make the same mistakes this season. Our strong position at this stage of the season cannot mask the fact that we are still lacking in key areas and need investment to ensure our safety. Good post. Those who fail to learn from history are destined to repeat its mistakes. But do we still need a left back? Isn't that what we failed to do before - are you saying we need to correct the same mistakes? Or are there different mistakes, or should we just not make any mistakes at all? |
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Post by Deleted on Dec 22, 2013 22:35:28 GMT
A key issue from before is that we've never wanted to address the issues that we've had, simply wanted to make the better parts stronger. When that doesn't happen, we can't rely upon anything else to support us. We're having spells at the moment of not being able to score but keeping it tight; being able to score but then leaking goals and we need to find that balance. Its encouraging to see us wanting to mix things up and change our game plan if it isn't working. Now we've got to have a strong January from Coates more than anybody else. Biggest problem in games so far is that link between midfield and Crouch. Against Man Utd Ireland was sloppy and got lost. In other games, he (and others) have been bang on it. We also need Crouchy to make sure he's always putting pressure on the last man. It's frustrating to see our wide players get the ball time and time again but to not see beanpole screaming for a ball to be played in to him. So, plenty of things for us to keep improving but definitely slow but steady signs of the new approach taking shape. Merry Christmas to all Stokies even the resident Hughes Detesting Fucktards (HDF)  |
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Post by hotterpotter on Dec 23, 2013 9:40:27 GMT
To me, this season feels like our first season in the Prem back in 2008/9. Most people, Stokies included, seeing relegation as pretty probable, then the realisation just before Christmas-time that we just might make it (are you watching, Paddy Power), but knowing there's a long way to go.
No doubt we're in for a rough ride but there's certainly reason to be optimistic. I'd rather be where we are than where Sunderland/Palace/Fulham are that's for sure!
We can only hope for a final 11 games to match those of 2008/9 (W-L-W-W-D-W-L-L-W-W-L).
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Post by vahl on Dec 23, 2013 10:02:40 GMT
To me, this season feels like our first season in the Prem back in 2008/9. Most people, Stokies included, seeing relegation as pretty probable, but then the realisation just before Christmas-time that we just might make it at (are you watching, Paddy Power), but knowing there's a long way to go. No doubt we're in for a rough ride but there's certainly reason to be optimistic. I'd rather be where we are than where Sunderland/Palace/Fulham are that's for sure! We can only hope for a final 11 games to match those of 2008/9 (W-L-W-W-D-W-L-L-W-W-L). Nice comparison to our first season, as I also feel we have had a little bit of that siege mentality going on. Mostly self-inflicted but, sometimes you can achieve the best football & results when you feel like your back's against the wall. Also, despite the abuse some players get (from me as much as anybody) I am also grateful that the squad our new manager inherited has stepped up to the mark and really tried to buy into the new system etc. We are heading in the right direction. |
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Post by metalhead on Dec 23, 2013 10:02:49 GMT
Hold fire pugs If Swansea equalise we back down to 11th which really is not good enough ( smiley ) 3:12  |
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Post by stokiejoe on Dec 23, 2013 10:39:22 GMT
Good post. Those who fail to learn from history are destined to repeat its mistakes. But do we still need a left back? Isn't that what we failed to do before - are you saying we need to correct the same mistakes? Or are there different mistakes, or should we just not make any mistakes at all? Correct the same mistake of failing to invest in the players we need. |
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Post by u2oxeterstokie on Dec 23, 2013 11:25:21 GMT
Can we hold on and at last finish the season as top Midlands club?
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