Haven't posted lately been so busy, but what a fantastic, surreal end to not just the season, but 16 years.
Congratulations to the players, all the players, the 23s as well who are always supporting the first team players in not just getting the job done but getting it done after the heartbreak of last season, the times when there must have been some nerves this season and of course through the strange last few months.
Best team in the division and thoroughly deserved.
Congratulations also to Bielsa and his coaching team, who have transformed the players, culture and integrity of the club. I have huge respect for them all staying on through these times and the sheer professionalism that they have brought to every aspect of their work.
Congratulations to all the back room team that keep everything prepared, the players fit, the equipment ready, making everything as stress free as possible.
And congratulations to all the staff at the club, some of whom must have been through horrendous times, and most of whom I would imagine are fans of the club.
And then the management, in the form of Orta and AR.
Just because Orta sings Leeds songs, shouldn't mask the fact that he has a questionable record in the transfer market, that has cost us a lot of players and wasted time.
However, he has been part of the team that have pieced this together and this is an achievement to get us promoted with this bunch of players, he must take some credit for this, but I really would like to see him step up to the plate with calibre of signings moving forwards.
And AR. I worry that he's sometimes really out of touch with fans re kits, badges and some pricing, BUT and it's a massive BUT, his gamble to go all out on Bielsa has proven to have been correct. It could well have gone horribly wrong, but it did not, it succeeded and not only did he get us up, he got us up relatively quickly, playing some wonderful wonderful football and really made us the talk of the town.
He's not perfect, but then no one is, but right now he has to be judged as a success and as with everything in life has to reset and go again!
I believe that Bielsa could get us top half with this squad, such is the amazing job that he has done with player development. I believe if we invest in players properly we can make top 6.
Well done all
posted on 13/8/20
Was a great achievement and really happy to be back but I still have this underlying feeling of being cheated of what should have been better memories than those we managed to get. I just hope my crowdie enjoyed it!
posted on 14/8/20
Jonty - superb article, agree with most but, "out of touch with the fans", disagree strongly, the badge never happened, I'd argue its because he's in touch with the fans he tried and pulled it. Kits - the blue kit is pointless, but other kits have been amazing sellers... don't think he's out of touch at all, if anything, too in touch
great to see you are back - could do with your thoughts on how coaching is going, Rugby league more or less there now, no contact allowed until the end of August, but can do many other things.. I'd imagine Tennis is easier to social distance?
posted on 14/8/20
Honestly.
When we were prompted it was like a massive weight had been lifted off my entire body, I was actually giddy with happiness.
Then we won the championship and I was kind of like, oh well that's nice too.
Promotion was the biggest and best thing to happen to the club in 16 long years, the championship was a nice bonus but it didn't mean as much to me.
Maybe it should have done, I don't know...
posted on 14/8/20
comment by Jonty (U4614)
posted 11 hours, 28 minutes ago
comment by Penshawdave (U1894)
posted 34 minutes ago
Hi Jonty. Good to hear your usual, to the point, summary of our current position.
As you know I used to say "I live in hope" Well in my 80's now and have waited long enough to now say.... At last ! Now to look forward for some success again in the top flight. We are on our way. A certain signature on a dotted line will set the ball rolling.
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You were telling us you were in your 80s 10 years ago......
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Cheeky ! You know what they say about old wine. Its true.
posted on 14/8/20
Hi Jonty, hope you can make it to the forum more often this coming season.
It's going to be a rollercoaster in the Prem - we'll most likely have to get used to not getting as many good results as we've been used to.
I worry that our fan-base might get on the players' backs when we get beaten. We as a collective need to measure our criticisms based on the new pond and the bigger fish we're swimming with.
Realism won't stop me putting a bet on a top 6 finish this coming season though!
posted on 14/8/20
I just hope the board don't expect Bielsa to get more than possible out of certain players, in lieu of spending money on quality. The premier league is different gravy. 3 players on a different level to what we have is needed IMO.
Milner
Callum Wilson
& a top quality centre back, as we don't have Ben White next season.
posted on 14/8/20
We should also be offering Ryan Fraser a deal too
posted on 15/8/20
You point out correctly about Victor Orta.
During Middlesbrough’s first season back in the Premier League his recruitment was poot and they came straight back down.
Hopefully, he will have learned from that experience.
posted on 15/8/20
comment by Estamos Going Up For Real (U21471)
posted 10 hours, 1 minute ago
You point out correctly about Victor Orta.
During Middlesbrough’s first season back in the Premier League his recruitment was poot and they came straight back down.
Hopefully, he will have learned from that experience.
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Different management set-up, Estamos, I think Victor is pretty well integrated into the management team, and he did bring in Bielsa. We doon't know how much control Bielsa has in the recruitment process, but I would guess nothing happens without his say so. I would still swap him for the lad at Brentford in the blink of an eye.
posted on 15/8/20
You're 1 month late ...!