Realistic Expectations

[PeterWithe]

I’m thinking 6/7 th from bottom, I can’t see where the goals are coming from to push above that.

My fear is that it might not be good enough for the new owners whom might be tempted to make an unwise managerial change

I think Dean is the man for the long term but we might need to hold our nerve in the short

[KRS]

I don’t think you need to fear PW. From the outside looking in, it appears that they are all on the same page and openly playing the long game, and don’t expect an instant success in terms of trophies or breaking into the top 10. It has already been stated that we are a year ahead of the plan having got promoted last season, so I really don’t think any of us need to be worrying about their intent or inclinations at this stage.

[hilts_coolerking]

I don't think it's irrelevant, I just think signing, for example, one of the Huddersfield players with 60-70 appearances in the premier league to their name, would probably have been a poor decision. I'm intrigued as to who you think we could have got who was the right age, quality and price, with premier league experience, that we missed out on. I can think of a few players that some wanted who are towards the end of their careers and there's a few questionable free transfers around but I honestly can't think of anyone I'd have really wanted that went elsewhere and would've been a realistic option.

I haven't watched any PL football for three years so I can't name specific players I'm afraid but I was really talking about policy: did we want to sign experienced PL players but couldn't find or afford them, or did we say experience isn't important, or at least not as important as other factors (age, potential, value for money, resale value)?  Looking at our signings you'd have to say it was the latter, a policy decision.  I'm not saying they're not PL class, they'll struggle to adapt, they can't do it on a wet Wednesday night in Burnley, or any of those things, just that it's impossible to say at this stage because many of them have no experience of it.  Some of them - including Dean - are on a steep learning curve and I think it's unreasonable to expect them to brush past some clubs that have been in the PL all the time we've been away, or longer.  They'll be learning on the job without that 60-70 PL games experience to draw on.  Patience is the key this season.

[Clark W Griswold]

12th.

Above Southampton, Crystal Palace, Burnley, Bournemouth, Newcastle, Norwich, Brighton and Sheff Utd.

[BoVillan esq]

So long as we stay up, if we can do that we can feel this has been a successful season.

[Sexual Ealing]

I don't think it's irrelevant, I just think signing, for example, one of the Huddersfield players with 60-70 appearances in the premier league to their name, would probably have been a poor decision. I'm intrigued as to who you think we could have got who was the right age, quality and price, with premier league experience, that we missed out on. I can think of a few players that some wanted who are towards the end of their careers and there's a few questionable free transfers around but I honestly can't think of anyone I'd have really wanted that went elsewhere and would've been a realistic option.

I haven't watched any PL football for three years so I can't name specific players I'm afraid but I was really talking about policy: did we want to sign experienced PL players but couldn't find or afford them, or did we say experience isn't important, or at least not as important as other factors (age, potential, value for money, resale value)?  Looking at our signings you'd have to say it was the latter, a policy decision.  I'm not saying they're not PL class, they'll struggle to adapt, they can't do it on a wet Wednesday night in Burnley, or any of those things, just that it's impossible to say at this stage because many of them have no experience of it.  Some of them - including Dean - are on a steep learning curve and I think it's unreasonable to expect them to brush past some clubs that have been in the PL all the time we've been away, or longer.  They'll be learning on the job without that 60-70 PL games experience to draw on.  Patience is the key this season.

I get what you're saying, and it makes sense, but I cant help but feel that the fact that it's new to them is an advantage. They haven't learned how to be cannon fodder.

[KRS]

“Experienced” managers and players generally have an additional cost attached and it doesn’t necessarily make you a better manager or player. There are countless managers and players that are signed each season without Premier League experience, and go on to being some of the best in the league. In whatever walk of life or job, having the ability, quality, talent and work ethic are more than equal to experience. May be experience isn’t irrelevant but it’s certainly not a requirement to be successful in this league.

[hilts_coolerking]

“Experienced” managers and players generally have an additional cost attached and it doesn’t necessarily make you a better manager or player. There are countless managers and players that are signed each season without Premier League experience, and go on to being some of the best in the league. In whatever walk of life or job, having the ability, quality, talent and work ethic are more than equal to experience. May be experience isn’t irrelevant but it’s certainly not a requirement to be successful in this league.

You've never been to a job interview or filled out an application form where there isn't a whacking great section about previous experience?

[not3bad]

12th.

Above Southampton, Crystal Palace, Burnley, Bournemouth, Newcastle, Norwich, Brighton and Sheff Utd.

I have heard predictions saying Bournemouth might be dark horses this season.

[KRS]

“Experienced” managers and players generally have an additional cost attached and it doesn’t necessarily make you a better manager or player. There are countless managers and players that are signed each season without Premier League experience, and go on to being some of the best in the league. In whatever walk of life or job, having the ability, quality, talent and work ethic are more than equal to experience. May be experience isn’t irrelevant but it’s certainly not a requirement to be successful in this league.

You've never been to a job interview or filled out an application form where there isn't a whacking great section about previous experience?

Of course I have. Have you never been successful in an interview where you don’t have direct relevant experience but given the position based on your skillset, ability and talent...and then proved to be one of the best appointments the interviewer has ever made?

[hilts_coolerking]

Of course I have. Have you never been successful in an interview where you don’t have direct relevant experience but given the position based on your skillset, ability and talent...and then proved to be one of the best appointments the interviewer has ever made?

Very unlikely.  I interview well but I'm really slovenly in practice.

[KRS]

Fair enough...I’m excellent at interviews (I actually really enjoy them!), and always work hard and adapt well to a new role. I think it’s best we agree to disagree on this one hilts! 😊👍

[hilts_coolerking]

Fair enough...I’m excellent at interviews and really enjoy them! I think it’s best we agree to disagree on this one hilts! 😊👍

No worries.

[Pat McMahon]

I reckon that we will do well to keep clear of the relegation zone. Some of the team mentioned above have actually been decent last year, eg Watford and Southampton, who improved massively under the new manager. Even teams like these have a few years head start on us.

Goals are my main concern. I always think the key issue for teams who struggle is getting enough goals to turn draws into wins.

I trust Dean Smith and the board though. Obviously a number of new signings need to bed in to English football, which can be quite a challenge given the speed of the game, but I am sure they fit into the overall plan.

[Bad English]

They're all going to have to adapt to the metamorphosis of Aston Villa. So FTF!