Historically, we have never had infrastructure like now, never been in a position of what should be a very competitive club at this level with out the noose of debt around us. Or should we not aspire to being one of the top clubs in the UK, and just accept our place as an also ran?
Not sure that it is so hard to tell. The squad is actually a decent mix of young and full internationals, age and youth, goalscorers and defenders. The fans, myself included, would like/expect a Ulloa type up front to make the system work and Sami may well feel the same, but who would know? Personally I'm in the 'motivational skills' box. If I didn't have a season ticket, it wouldn't be Sami motivating me to go and watch. His words in the media don't engage me or make me want to go and watch the team. His messages to me as a fan go in one ear and out the other. His style and body language at pitchside aren't enthusiastic and don't suggest any threat to a player who fails to perform. Jones can jump up and down all he likes, but the players know he ain't the boss. Hyppia standing up occasionally and chewing his nails won't put the fear of God in to anyone. And I know some don't share the view, but in some form or another, there is a PR role in being a manager. Sami chooses not to fulfil the part of the role that includes involving himself with the fans on matchday. I'm only talking about a little 'we're in this together, get behind the team' clap to the fans before the game starts or 'thanks for coming' clap at the end. But he has chosen not to do so and if he can't/won't motivate me, how can he motivate the players? I see no sign of it on matchdays. So my conclusion is that it is the manager not the squad.
