Here in the States, Boxing Day isn’t a holiday. For most of us December 26th is the day we all go back to the grind unless you’re a student, teacher, or lucky enough to get the day off. The way the holidays fell this year, today felt like a second Monday for those of us who had to work. As drab as the day has felt, I’m eternally thankful that I was saved from watching the “football” today.
I was able to check the score once around the 70th minute. It was only a mild surprise when I saw we actually lost. In reading match reports and social media chatter none of the reactions surprised me in the least. The manager said the team “lacked creativity” which has more or less been the case for 2-3 months. Club Ambassador Ian Taylor essentially said the team isn’t good enough – it is hard to argue otherwise.
With half a season to evaluate the team, the conclusion that we simply aren’t good enough is inescapable. Just because the club survived last season by doing next to nothing in January and waiting for the players on hand to play better, it doesn’t mean we should count on them to pull that trick again. The fact that we haven’t been strongly linked with anybody, and that the manager hasn’t talked even casually about strengthening in January makes me afraid that help may not be coming.
The heat is starting to intensify on the manager and back-room staff. After the board stood by them last year, I fully expect them to this year. While I’ve taken issue with a move here or there, I’ve supported the manager for the most part and his project here.
However, with the scene set as it is, my support is starting to waver for the manager and the board given both the results and performances seem to have declined. If we do indeed spend very little like last year, I will really lose confidence in the board in particular. If the manager is backed, and he can fill our obvious needs with a signing or two, then it’s on him as to how he should be treated at the end of the season..
Our revival last season was by in large due to the attacking three of Christian Benteke, Gabby Agbonlahor, and Andi Weimann. This season, it is no different because our hopes lie in those three figuring out their form issues and being totally fit. Until they manage that, I can every much expect we will be seeing more of the same, something I sincerely hope I’m proven wrong on.
At the start of this campaign, my hope was for a season of consolidation and progression, but my optimism has eroded at a similar rate as the performances on the pitch – for the sake of the club, I sincerely hope we are going to get some support on January. If not, we must acknowledge the fact that the second half of the season may well make for pretty grim reading.
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