Mediocrity

whatever happens from now on it’s can only get better ........... we have a manager who knows what he’s doing ......... the majority of this lot who have been poor all season will be replaced by better players ( you seriously think Hughes will settle for the last two sham transfer windows ????) ............. the season ticket sales will hold up going into next season ......... a lot more positives than negatives going forward

 

do the pay offs come from the playing budget?

 

Next season is shit or bust for Rupp and Sparks, this season was but the pulled a rabbit out of the hat by getting Sparky of that doesn’t work then even the most positive fan must wonder where we go from here. Hopefully it all works out. I don’t believe in Rupp or Sparks, but I’m happy to but my faith in someone with the pedigree of Sparky and we’ve already seen some improvement on the pitch since he came in. Now he needs backing with off and on field resources, it’s an interesting and exciting summer ahead imo but it going belly up doesn’t bare thinking about.

 

We've known for some time this squad is nowhere near good enough to challenge for automatic promotion which is where we have to be heading next season. Hughes hopefully the one to deliver some home truths to the ownership and CEO about how poor our recruitment has been for the last few years.

 

Absolutely RT. We have known , collectively, that the squad needs a complete and utter overhaul.
Even a lot of those under contract need to go…..

 

This is the rather damning indictment of the current regime unfortunately.

2017/18 a lot on here knew the squad wasn't good enough for promotion, some even feared a relegation battle, and thus we ended up going down without a fight. Since then numerous squads have been put together that the general consensus of this board felt was nowhere near the required quality to get out of this league and they have been proven right.

Despite all the bullshit and bluster from the club saying otherwise, it's the fans that have been proven correct time and again.

The lack of football knowledge within in the club, is the one major issue that needs addressing before this club will go anywhere

 

I agree. However, by some miracle a fairy godmother retrieved Mark Hughes genuine interest from the junk mail and decided to give us a break. My warning goes direct to Rupp, this is your chance to shine. This manager you have appointed knows exactly what is needed please do not penny punch anymore. You have to invest to makes sure you get your money back. If MH shouts jump, you say how high, it is as simple as that.
We have spent 3 years in this lowly division trying to do it on the cheap, but as you have seen it can’t be done unless you believe Lady Luck is going to put in an appearance again? Not only does the squad need a complete overall the back room staff including the medical staff need an upgrade. We have a poor fitness and injury history. We can’t have 1/2 the squad being treated at anyone time.

Now is the time trust the management team you have appointed this is it. I don’t know whether we will make this in one leap but we have to see improvement as even at this level several teams can out compete us which is ridiculous for the amount of fans who come through the door. It’s time…….

 

We could end up around 18th, the same position we firstly finished under Parky. That would not be to the detriment of Hughes but needs to be highlighted that this is under the tenure of Rupp and Sparks. I've invested good money and valuable time to watch this shitshow of a season, a couple of decent performances from Hughes doesn't detract from how badly this club has been run.
Let's see if Hughes does get backed next season.

 

They stay on weekly/monthly pay until they get another job which means we shouldn’t be paying DA anymore (unless morcambe are paying him less) there can also be clauses related to time and success in terms of % paid out.
The reality is that I doubt Hughes and hodges will be cheap, we’ve still Trueman and money to find for a recruitment head. The squad cost will drop in the summer though, Evans as a stand out on likely big money. The reality is the budget needs a boost and to spent effectively-which is where we really suffered or if we get it right (Doyle and Vaughan) we balls up the man management

 

Well whatever happens this summer is gonna be an interest one..... hopefully 4 out of the 5 from FGR,Swindon, Bristol R ,Exeter and Newport go up .......... hopefully Stevenage go would rather Oldham stay up ..........big chance of 2 northern clubs coming up out of the conference .......big chance of at least 3northern clubs coming down ............ so at least next season it’s could be more more northern based another bonus going forward

 

some folk are still convinced that a take over is on the cards in the summer

 

Jamie Raynor made me laugh post match yesterday when he said the current squad is definitely top 7 material.

From someone who has watched all our games, that is a baffling assessment of our squad.

 

All I’m saying is that it makes the season a bit more bearable for the folk who travel all around the country to see us ............ I mean would you rather have a backing of 500 or a few thousand ???? That also helps the side in the long run doesn’t it ?????

 

if Hughes had been in from the season opener then I bet we would have been in the mix so it’s not really far from the truth is it????

 

Curious as to how you're defining a Hughes fail?

 

I think Mark will have learnt more yesterday about League 2 and what he has at his disposal than the previous matches.
What we have, and what most realistic fans already knew, is a squad that is probably mid table at best and one which Adams was taking towards the bottom third. Hughes has rebuilt some morale, a unity between the team and fans, and a more pleasing playing style. But I think we all understand there is a limit to what he can achieve with the this bunch of players. And whilst MH has started to repair the mood, he must now realise what the fans have had to put up with and we now really need to see his harder edge starting to kick in because we still need substantial change if we are to achieve the only acceptable goal next season - promotion.
Mark has been very positive in his comments about the players (he had to be after the damage Adams did) but we now need to start seeing the realism. I think he will be backed and I am still excited and hopeful about the squad that will start next season.

One other thing, the supporters have taken a bit of stick for their negative attitude but under deluded Derek in my eyes it was mainly justifiable. Since Hughes came in we have lost all 3 home matches but on the whole the stadium has applauded the players off at the end. It shows how low we were sinking under DA but also that the vast majority just want something to get behind.
The preparation for next season must begin now - there is a fresh unity between club, management, players and fans which must not be wasted. Because despite MH's promising start and great media presence, what we have is not good enough to achieve our goals - everyone has been aware of this and I am convinced Hughes and Hodges will now be much clearer on the position.
The honeymoon period is over but we need to maintain the feelgood factor and 22/23 could be a great season