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An easy, glib answer is all competitions. But seriously, that isn't realistic this season. I loved seeing our youngsters on Thursday but now I've had time to calm down, it's time to think rationally. Once the preliminaries are out of the way, the EL is going to provide stiffer competition. Remember how Allardyce got slated when we went out of the Cup against Forest for fielding a team youngsters? Well that is going to be necessary this season again. I'm sure the fans will be more sympathetic to Slav, but, which competition do we field the youngsters in? The League Cup will come along, which is arguably out easiest route to silverware. For me, I love the F A Cup more than anything. However, we absolutely have to maintain Premier League status this season and getting off to a good start in the Premier League is critical. Come August and September, the matches begin to come think and fast. Our squad size isn't much bigger than last season. Hopefully Slav mixes it around in the EL and the LC, keeping our best team available for PL games and FA Cup games. But that's just my opinion. I have to say, it's great to have to worry about such things!
The Premier League will
The Premier League will always be the main priority, but trying to do well in every competition is important, if only because winning is a good habit to get into. Slav will have some tough calls to make, but it sounds like Julian is gonna make all the players work work work... so hopefully we will be fitter than ever before, and there won't be too much of this "poor darlings they shouldn't have to play twice a week" nonsense! Professional footballers SHOULD be able to play 3 hours a week, let's just hope we don't get as many injuries last last year.
Good post Bully!
I think the expectation level has gone up a notch or two,obviously prem is main priority,but i expect us(with at least a couple of additions soon) to finish top 8.No pressure then slav!!A good cup run in any of the other cup competitions will be nice...im optimistic for the last season at the temple of dreams...COYI
I agree Bully,
But, there will be some tough calls to make. I was critical of Sam for playing Carroll too much and then as I feared, he got injured. There will be more of those dilemmas than last season.
I don't get the accolades for
I don't get the accolades for Julian Dicks as a coach let alone as a fitness expert, let's be honest he hasn't been involved in a Premier league set up since he finished playing and he was renowned as one of the worst trainers whilst at the club. I think it's fantastic that he's got a role at the club but motivation isn't a major part of playing against Premiership opposition, what else is he going to offer as a coach, I think we need to add much better coaches than just Julian Dicks, hopefully the back room staff will grow before the season starts
Agree Dave
Think we could have got someone better than Dicks, loved him as a player but not sure what he brings as a coach.
I'm not sure either Dave,
I'm not sure either Dave, Premiership quality players need top coaches, football has changed a huge amount since the days of Dicks kicking every opponent he could get near, I think it's a poor appointment if I'm honest
Champions League, next season
Champions League, next season when we qualify....................who are those men in white coats standing in the driveway.
take it as it comes , the P L
take it as it comes , the P L must be a priority though , i think we could be playing our hardest fixture on the very first day , bring it on i say ,if we put up a good show over there it will set a benchmark for the season ahead
It might be good timing.
When better to play Arsenal away, than their first game, just after we've had our most thorough pre-season ever?!
PL and Europa for me. We
PL and Europa for me. We should be capable of doing well in these two competitions this year. Injuries could play a big part,but if the lads stay fit the sky is the limit.
Obviously a healthy finish in
Obviously a healthy finish in the prem first and foremost,Some nice attacking football and hope we go far in all the cup competitions good for morale, but I'd be more than happy to win the Football League Cup,never won it so why not,injuries are our own worst enemy though, fingers crossed we have a bit of luck in that department COYI
We should be aiming to win
We should be aiming to win everything but can only do that if we have a squad with depth in all positions. Bilic isn't afraid to play some youngsters and looks as if we are adding some useful additions to the squad. Yes I know PL survival is a must but we must not forsake other completions. Winning is a nice habit and we should go into all games trying to win. The future looks bright. Let's go for it!!