Expectations

[W12hoops]

Just after the relegation Tony fernandes spoke and said that a another re-build was imminent, and the non-passionate players were leaving the club as soon as possible. He also said that the club needed a couple of seasons to re-build in the second tier to be ready for promotion again. Fernandes has, in my opinion done fantastic, in getting the likes of Bosingwa, Cisse, Samba off our books.
I can't say what our summer-signings have indicated so far really, not exactly signings for the long-term(Dunne, Henry), a promotion at the first time of asking? With the same philosophy Warnock used in 10/11? Hard-working, passionate players who we are going to get rid of when promoted, make another revolution and commit the exact same mistakes again?
Harry has stated on a number of occasions that he wants to achieve promotion this season, if he will be able to keep the likes of Remy, Faurlin and get Granero and M'bia performing this seems like a highly possible outcome.

Question is; is Harry and Fernandes on the same page? Hopefully. Are we as supporters on the same page regarding the expectations for this season? I for one would be happy with a solid top 10 finnish and follow the blueprint of Fernandes.

[D3nisBail3ySliP]

Good post.

Fernandes just giving wriggle room. Fernandes, just like us wants a good season & promotion straight away. Not so sure this will happen tho!

[Bluehoop]

Nothing wrong with ambition - if HR wants to get straight back I'll have an eye on the table. But your are right about the job done and work in progress at cutting out the deadwood. All those journos and saddos from Clubs like Sunland, Nowtcastle, Foolem, (list ad infinitum) that laughed and said we would be doing a Pompey have gone very quiet. Because whether we go back up, consolidate or even hit the basement, we are not imploding into financial meltdown becuase lessons are being learnt at our Club. Not only that but, wow, some other Clubs have me scratching my head at how they helped us out by taking some of the dross off our hands

[gator]

I'm still very concerned with our striker situation assuming that Remy is on his way, otherwise the squad looks solid all over! Whether Harry is able to get these guys playing to potential remains to be seen though, if he does and strikers are sorted I think we should be able to mount a push for promotion! Conversely, if we can't score and the fans lose patience quickly this could all go very wrong!

[andythefish]

There's still a month of the window left, also we can loan players from the prem as soon as they've decided their 25's. I'll be worried if Harry hasn't sorted it out by then!

[CroydonCaptainJack]

Good OP that. I think it will all depend on how we start. I know everyone can beat everyone in this division and that clubs like Palace and Reading have been promoted from being virtually bottom of the league but I really think we need to get a few wins in our first 4 games. If not the press will have a field day and this will in turn cause further pressure and become self-fufilling.

[stanistheman]

I'm still very concerned with our striker situation assuming that Remy is on his way, otherwise the squad looks solid all over! Whether Harry is able to get these guys playing to potential remains to be seen though, if he does and strikers are sorted I think we should be able to mount a push for promotion! Conversely, if we can't score and the fans lose patience quickly this could all go very wrong!

I agree the strikers are a major concern, but how exactly does the squad look solid all over?

Excluding untried youngsters
GK Green Murphy (Cesar unlikely to stay)
CBs - Dunne, Onuoha, Hill, Ferdinand. two past their best and two inconsistent defenders.
FBs - Simpson, Young, Yun,Traore

Midfield however, on paper looks good and one or two of them can possibly provide defensive cover if needed (Mbia if he stays can play RB or CB).

[gator]

I agree the strikers are a major concern, but how exactly does the squad look solid all over?

Excluding untried youngsters
GK Green Murphy (Cesar unlikely to stay)
CBs - Dunne, Onuoha, Hill, Ferdinand. two past their best and two inconsistent defenders.
FBs - Simpson, Young, Yun,Traore

Midfield however, on paper looks good and one or two of them can possibly provide defensive cover if needed (Mbia if he stays can play RB or CB).

I think the trio of Onuoha, Hill and Dunne should be able to provide good CB play at this level, as you say M'Bia can be thrown into the mix of players competing for the 2 starting spots if necessary! I'm not convinced Ferdinand is good enough but who knows, maybe he will surprise us and be better this season, doubtful to me though! I like the options at FB as well, just me being a glass half full guy today which is rare!