Goodbye Optimism, Hello Realism (with Poll)

PlatinumChaosX · Nov 30, 2020

I’ve been overly optimistic in recent years with our club, it’s because of successes we have seen. But personally I’ve been built as a City fan watching success from my first season watching the club, it kept me going, even during our decline after relegation from the Premier League.

My first season as a City fan, I was 8 years old, it was the day after my 8th birthday, 1998, against Swindon Town, we won 3-0. That season saw us finish 2nd in Division One and saw us get promoted to the Premier League.

I didn’t go to every game but the ones I went to that season I never saw us lose. I grew up in Stockport but my Dad was from Bradford, my first away day saw us beating Stockport County 2-1.

Then our Premier League days came, not perfect obviously, but we got a taste of Europe in the Intertoto Cup.

Then started our decade of decline, I remained optimistic and happy overall, worked at Stockport County as a turnstile operator for a while and would go into the away end with my staff pass to join my fellow City fans whenever City was in town.

Then Parky came along and our fortunes were on the rise again, my optimism only grew, maybe to unrealistic heights.

I’m 30 years old, I haven’t seen City as long as some in this forum and I dare say they’re the ones who have been telling me for years to ‘get real’ and stop being so optimistic.

Alas we come to the point where I can no longer remain optimistic. A reason for mentioning Stockport County is because they were in our position a number of years ago, turmoil behind the scenes, staff like myself losing their jobs and then came many years of National League North football.

We are heading the same way as Stockport County; if we were playing against National League opposition this season we would lose more than we would win or draw.

It’s taken a long time but my optimism has reached its end, it won’t take one cheap victory against Southend anymore to bring it back either. It’ll take long term consolidation and serious progression in the table.

Ever since the club was sold a catalog of errors have seen our climb back up the football pyramid be undone very quickly, such is the way of football, it’s very easy to free fall but hard as nail to climb back up once you’ve gone into a free fall, again just look at clubs like Stockport County, they’re doing well at the moment but it’s taken years and they’re still not back in the football league.

So there it goes, my optimism has left the building.

I don’t doubt there remains some optimists out there but I can’t count myself in the ranks of the optimist anymore.

But I thought I would have a wee fun poll to see who is still optimistic and who isn’t.

Are you still optimistic ?

Bigrod · Nov 30, 2020

PlatinumChaosX said: ↑

I’ve been overly optimistic in recent years with our club, it’s because of successes we have seen. But personally I’ve been built as a City fan watching success from my first season watching the club, it kept me going, even during our decline after relegation from the Premier League.

My first season as a City fan, I was 8 years old, it was the day after my 8th birthday, 1998, against Swindon Town, we won 3-0. That season saw us finish 2nd in Division One and saw us get promoted to the Premier League.

I didn’t go to every game but the ones I went to that season I never saw us lose. I grew up in Stockport but my Dad was from Bradford, my first away day saw us beating Stockport County 2-1.

Then our Premier League days came, not perfect obviously, but we got a taste of Europe in the Intertoto Cup.

Then started our decade of decline, I remained optimistic and happy overall, worked at Stockport County as a turnstile operator for a while and would go into the away end with my staff pass to join my fellow City fans whenever City was in town.

Then Parky came along and our fortunes were on the rise again, my optimism only grew, maybe to unrealistic heights.

I’m 30 years old, I haven’t seen City as long as some in this forum and I dare say they’re the ones who have been telling me for years to ‘get real’ and stop being so optimistic.

Alas we come to the point where I can no longer remain optimistic. A reason for mentioning Stockport County is because they were in our position a number of years ago, turmoil behind the scenes, staff like myself losing their jobs and then came many years of National League North football.

We are heading the same way as Stockport County; if we were playing against National League opposition this season we would lose more than we would win or draw.

It’s taken a long time but my optimism has reached its end, it won’t take one cheap victory against Southend anymore to bring it back either. It’ll take long term consolidation and serious progression in the table.

Ever since the club was sold a catalog of errors have seen our climb back up the football pyramid be undone very quickly, such is the way of football, it’s very easy to free fall but hard as nail to climb back up once you’ve gone into a free fall, again just look at clubs like Stockport County, they’re doing well at the moment but it’s taken years and they’re still not back in the football league.

So there it goes, my optimism has left the building.

I don’t doubt there remains some optimists out there but I can’t count myself in the ranks of the optimist anymore.

But I thought I would have a wee fun poll to see who is still optimistic and who isn’t.

Are you still optimistic ?
Click to expand...

Nice summary. My kids are like you, City supporters that have never lived in Bradford, as I went off to Uni and settled away from Bradford.

Quite frankly I was pessimistic for this season, given the disjointed squad and what I (rightly) perceived as an attack that would struggle to score.

I thought we would be in the upper half of the table, probably missing out on the Play Offs. However the current situation is ‘nightmare on VP Street’!

I hope we can do enough to remain about where we are now and avoid a full relegation dog fight. The trouble is I struggle to see how we can get out of this ever deepening hole.

bantam65 · Nov 30, 2020

Have you finally stopped smoking "suspect substances"?
Welcome to our world mate ....

Dennis · Nov 30, 2020

PlatinumChaosX said: ↑

I’ve been overly optimistic in recent years with our club, it’s because of successes we have seen. But personally I’ve been built as a City fan watching success from my first season watching the club, it kept me going, even during our decline after relegation from the Premier League.

My first season as a City fan, I was 8 years old, it was the day after my 8th birthday, 1998, against Swindon Town, we won 3-0. That season saw us finish 2nd in Division One and saw us get promoted to the Premier League.

I didn’t go to every game but the ones I went to that season I never saw us lose. I grew up in Stockport but my Dad was from Bradford, my first away day saw us beating Stockport County 2-1.

Then our Premier League days came, not perfect obviously, but we got a taste of Europe in the Intertoto Cup.

Then started our decade of decline, I remained optimistic and happy overall, worked at Stockport County as a turnstile operator for a while and would go into the away end with my staff pass to join my fellow City fans whenever City was in town.

Then Parky came along and our fortunes were on the rise again, my optimism only grew, maybe to unrealistic heights.

I’m 30 years old, I haven’t seen City as long as some in this forum and I dare say they’re the ones who have been telling me for years to ‘get real’ and stop being so optimistic.

Alas we come to the point where I can no longer remain optimistic. A reason for mentioning Stockport County is because they were in our position a number of years ago, turmoil behind the scenes, staff like myself losing their jobs and then came many years of National League North football.

We are heading the same way as Stockport County; if we were playing against National League opposition this season we would lose more than we would win or draw.

It’s taken a long time but my optimism has reached its end, it won’t take one cheap victory against Southend anymore to bring it back either. It’ll take long term consolidation and serious progression in the table.

Ever since the club was sold a catalog of errors have seen our climb back up the football pyramid be undone very quickly, such is the way of football, it’s very easy to free fall but hard as nail to climb back up once you’ve gone into a free fall, again just look at clubs like Stockport County, they’re doing well at the moment but it’s taken years and they’re still not back in the football league.

So there it goes, my optimism has left the building.

I don’t doubt there remains some optimists out there but I can’t count myself in the ranks of the optimist anymore.

But I thought I would have a wee fun poll to see who is still optimistic and who isn’t.

Are you still optimistic ?
Click to expand...

Now you're worrying many posters on here! However difficult times have been at VP, you could always be relied upon to share your optimism with the rest of us. In our darkest times, your optimism was like a beacon. And now even you have lost it. This is truly bad news!

JonButterfield · Nov 30, 2020

I started watching in Division Two so not long before you, going sparingly while Lennie Lawrence was in charge, then we signed up as season ticket holders after beating Notts County at Wembley.

We've seen the big peak, the crushing low, a revitalisation, and then an utter collapse under the Germans.

It's hard to imagine us getting relegated, but I never saw us finishing bottom of League One either. It's a real possibility with only Southend performing worse than us. If we can't beat anyone but three or four dreadful bottom dwellers, we simply won't get enough points on the board. And so far, the best side we beat was Stevenage and midtable sides have routinely thrashed us.

Optimism?

None.

bantamdave41 · Nov 30, 2020

PlatinumChaosX said: ↑

I’ve been overly optimistic in recent years with our club, it’s because of successes we have seen. But personally I’ve been built as a City fan watching success from my first season watching the club, it kept me going, even during our decline after relegation from the Premier League.

My first season as a City fan, I was 8 years old, it was the day after my 8th birthday, 1998, against Swindon Town, we won 3-0. That season saw us finish 2nd in Division One and saw us get promoted to the Premier League.

I didn’t go to every game but the ones I went to that season I never saw us lose. I grew up in Stockport but my Dad was from Bradford, my first away day saw us beating Stockport County 2-1.

Then our Premier League days came, not perfect obviously, but we got a taste of Europe in the Intertoto Cup.

Then started our decade of decline, I remained optimistic and happy overall, worked at Stockport County as a turnstile operator for a while and would go into the away end with my staff pass to join my fellow City fans whenever City was in town.

Then Parky came along and our fortunes were on the rise again, my optimism only grew, maybe to unrealistic heights.

I’m 30 years old, I haven’t seen City as long as some in this forum and I dare say they’re the ones who have been telling me for years to ‘get real’ and stop being so optimistic.

Alas we come to the point where I can no longer remain optimistic. A reason for mentioning Stockport County is because they were in our position a number of years ago, turmoil behind the scenes, staff like myself losing their jobs and then came many years of National League North football.

We are heading the same way as Stockport County; if we were playing against National League opposition this season we would lose more than we would win or draw.

It’s taken a long time but my optimism has reached its end, it won’t take one cheap victory against Southend anymore to bring it back either. It’ll take long term consolidation and serious progression in the table.

Ever since the club was sold a catalog of errors have seen our climb back up the football pyramid be undone very quickly, such is the way of football, it’s very easy to free fall but hard as nail to climb back up once you’ve gone into a free fall, again just look at clubs like Stockport County, they’re doing well at the moment but it’s taken years and they’re still not back in the football league.

So there it goes, my optimism has left the building.

I don’t doubt there remains some optimists out there but I can’t count myself in the ranks of the optimist anymore.

But I thought I would have a wee fun poll to see who is still optimistic and who isn’t.

Are you still optimistic ?
Click to expand...

Young man. Retain your positivity in as many aspects of your life as you can, it's a good trait.

Kevin bloody Francis. Oh I rue for a striker like him at VP now...

Optimistic, yes we'll survive this season. But to arrest this decline, is not going to be an easy challenge. For all the rhetoric from the club, I have waning faith in the decision makers. Until Rupp goes.....

Rupp out.

XCIV_Bantam · Nov 30, 2020

PlatinumChaosX said: ↑

I’ve been overly optimistic in recent years with our club, it’s because of successes we have seen. But personally I’ve been built as a City fan watching success from my first season watching the club, it kept me going, even during our decline after relegation from the Premier League.

My first season as a City fan, I was 8 years old, it was the day after my 8th birthday, 1998, against Swindon Town, we won 3-0. That season saw us finish 2nd in Division One and saw us get promoted to the Premier League.

I didn’t go to every game but the ones I went to that season I never saw us lose. I grew up in Stockport but my Dad was from Bradford, my first away day saw us beating Stockport County 2-1.

Then our Premier League days came, not perfect obviously, but we got a taste of Europe in the Intertoto Cup.

Then started our decade of decline, I remained optimistic and happy overall, worked at Stockport County as a turnstile operator for a while and would go into the away end with my staff pass to join my fellow City fans whenever City was in town.

Then Parky came along and our fortunes were on the rise again, my optimism only grew, maybe to unrealistic heights.

I’m 30 years old, I haven’t seen City as long as some in this forum and I dare say they’re the ones who have been telling me for years to ‘get real’ and stop being so optimistic.

Alas we come to the point where I can no longer remain optimistic. A reason for mentioning Stockport County is because they were in our position a number of years ago, turmoil behind the scenes, staff like myself losing their jobs and then came many years of National League North football.

We are heading the same way as Stockport County; if we were playing against National League opposition this season we would lose more than we would win or draw.

It’s taken a long time but my optimism has reached its end, it won’t take one cheap victory against Southend anymore to bring it back either. It’ll take long term consolidation and serious progression in the table.

Ever since the club was sold a catalog of errors have seen our climb back up the football pyramid be undone very quickly, such is the way of football, it’s very easy to free fall but hard as nail to climb back up once you’ve gone into a free fall, again just look at clubs like Stockport County, they’re doing well at the moment but it’s taken years and they’re still not back in the football league.

So there it goes, my optimism has left the building.

I don’t doubt there remains some optimists out there but I can’t count myself in the ranks of the optimist anymore.

But I thought I would have a wee fun poll to see who is still optimistic and who isn’t.

Are you still optimistic ?
Click to expand...

I am still optimistic myself, I just think its an outlook. I am not a person who really sits there and mopes about little I can change. Maybe its out of spite, stubbornness or stupidity, but I will be very shocked if we went into the NL. Regardless I'd support the club through thick or thin call me a happy clapper I really don't care. There have been mistakes both by Stuart and by the club but I have been crying out for stability and it looks like I am finally getting my wish. I am writing off this season but am hopeful for next season!

EDIT: I will say that this year has been HARD for everyone. whether it is a global pandemic or racial tensions resurging, it has been very hard for everyone. Hopefully this forum and to an extent the world simmers down once this all blows over too. Then hopefully the optimism comes back!

Ulysses S Grant · Nov 30, 2020

Sod the strikers, every successful season had great centre back combos - 82 (McFarland, Jackson & Cooke), 85 (Jackson & Evans), 88 (Sinnott, Evans & Oliver), 1996 (Mitchell, Mohan & Youds), 1999 (Moore, Westwood & Dreyer), 2013 (McArdle, Oliver & Davies).

Build from the back and the rest falls in. Instead we have a set of wet lettuces who couldn't tackle a big mac even if they were straight out of a week in Ethiopia.

What strikes me most about our games so far is just what McArdle did v Exeter to get his head on every ball that went into the box, whilst AOC, POC & BRE just watch them fly over. These three should be red arrows pilots, because they all just love a good fly over.

city exile · Nov 30, 2020

I find it odd that "Happy Clapper" has become a term of ridicule or abuse. My wife has a sign in the kitchen that says "Think Happy" and she is just about the most cheerful person that I know. It's the opposite type of insult that would worry me. Mr Negative Moaner or Unhappy Chappy might send me off to the psychiatrist!

Bigrod · Nov 30, 2020

Ulysses S Grant said: ↑

Sod the strikers, every successful season had great centre back combos - 82 (McFarland, Jackson & Cooke), 85 (Jackson & Evans), 88 (Sinnott, Evans & Oliver), 1996 (Mitchell, Mohan & Youds), 1999 (Moore, Westwood & Dreyer), 2013 (McArdle, Oliver & Davies).

Build from the back and the rest falls in. Instead we have a set of wet lettuces who couldn't tackle a big mac even if they were straight out of a week in Ethiopia.

What strikes me most about our games so far is just what McArdle did v Exeter to get his head on every ball that went into the box, whilst AOC, POC & BRE just watch them fly over. These three should be red arrows pilots, because they all just love a good fly over.
Click to expand...

By heckers like, your back with a super sonic bang JJ!

Old city man · Nov 30, 2020

If you can't find some optomism,
what is there?

Bigrod · Nov 30, 2020

Old city man said: ↑

If you can't find some optomism,
what is there?
Click to expand...

Perhaps realism?

Old city man · Nov 30, 2020

Bigrod said: ↑

Perhaps realism?
Click to expand...

Ok,but I equate optimism with hope.

PlatinumChaosX · Nov 30, 2020

Dennis said: ↑

Now you're worrying many posters on here! However difficult times have been at VP, you could always be relied upon to share your optimism with the rest of us. In our darkest times, your optimism was like a beacon. And now even you have lost it. This is truly bad news!
Click to expand...

I know, I am very sorry, I really hope my positive optimistic outlook returns soon.

Biker · Nov 30, 2020

Fairly optimistic we won’t go down. What a pathetic aim for the season.

Long term I’m not optimistic I think the club are in deep trouble and can see us going bust, which might trigger a sale if it’s imminent, we’re crying out for a charismatic figurehead at the club to take us on another journey.

The reset button needs pressing.

Craven Cottager · Nov 30, 2020

PlatinumChaosX said: ↑

I know, I am very sorry, I really hope my positive optimistic outlook returns soon.
Click to expand...

Depends what you put in your letter to Santa this year.

bailiff bridge bantam · Nov 30, 2020

Old city man said: ↑

Ok,but I equate optimism with hope.
Click to expand...

I equate hope with Akpan and we don’t want to go back there.

PlatinumChaosX · Nov 30, 2020

Craven Cottager said: ↑

Depends what you put in your letter to Santa this year.
Click to expand...

Didn’t you hear? North Pole just been put into lockdown, no Father Christmas this year.

Craven Cottager · Nov 30, 2020

PlatinumChaosX said: ↑

Didn’t you hear? North Pole just been put into lockdown, no Father Christmas this year.
Click to expand...

And Chris Rea has sold his car.

Ulysses S Grant · Nov 30, 2020

On that basis, Lonely This Christmas clearly wasn't written about Covid.

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Goodbye Optimism, Hello Realism (with Poll)

Do you remain optimistic ?

NOPE

Yes!!

I have never been Optimistic.

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