Welcome to my Blog page - Geoff Stevenson
AFTER THE LORD MAYOR'S SHOW (AGAIN)!!
Kevin Keegan, during his spell at City, said " We want to try and get rid of the 'typical City' tag that has long been associated with the club". History of course shows us that this didn't happen during his managership. Sadly, the tag is sti
ll very much in evidence given the recent results and performances following our great win at OT.
ll very much in evidence given the recent results and performances following our great win at OT. How can we go to United, play out of our skins then play two home games on the bounce and produce two such poor performances and be a little fortunate to even pick a point up against Wigan? No matter how satisfying it is to get a win at OT at the end of the day it's the same three points you'd get if you won at Wigan, Derby or dare I say it Reading! Don't despair Blues. This is the roller coaster world of OUR CITY!!
The loss to Everton and two dropped points to Wigan, is not the end of the world, but it has realistically eliminated any chance of a Champions League top four qualifying place, and has maybe even threatened UEFA cup qualification. (Though heaven forbid, there is always the Inter-toto cup!) The disappointment we feel right now is a reflection of how far we have come on after last seasons stop-start spluttering campaign. Yes the new manager has spent millions and in doing so has raised the bar and our expectations. But lets take a step back and look at the wider picture! Last year we were on the road to nowhere. In decline, with no hope and a far from bright future. Out went Pearce. In came Frank and Sven and the revolution started. OK, we've hit a few bumps along the way. Injuries to key players like Johnson, Bojinov and Richards haven't helped. Too many players- including the likes of Petrov, Elano, Ireland - have not maintained their early season form. As a consequence we have fallen short on too many occasions. The policy of playing the lone striker - especially - at home is a little baffling, but Sven believes that suits the style and tactics he employs best. If our lack of creating chances continues and goals 'drought' continues then it will be interesting to see if the boss man adopts a new approach. Any fan will tell you that if you play the lone striker, the supply from midfield has to be as accurate as an Exocet! The remainder of the season is a test of character for everyone.
In the first couple of months of the campaign we were winning games without playing too well. One goal often proved sufficient but as the seasons progressed we've been caught out. Conceding silly goals and failing to create and or take chances has seen a dip in form and league position. If we fail in our attempt to qualify for Europe, then so be it. But hasn't it been better, much better this season?
But hey ho, it's not all doom and gloom. I'd swap this season for the dozens of under performing ones from years past. Patience is a virtue and City fans have that in abundance. So let's not become despondent. But let's not assume we should automatically be doing this or finishing in this or that position. We are Mancunians not Geordies!! This club is moving forward and though it might not always go at the pace we would wish it to, we are making progress. I would like to think that whatever negatives come out of this season we will have learnt from them. If we do, and we can eliminate them from our play next term, then let that be a springboard for a more sustained and professional push next season. If City can achieve a winning mentality and a bounce back ability factor then the world could be our oyster in the not too distant future. Everton, Portsmouth and Villa can be our inspiration. If we had a piece of the characteristics that each of those clubs have shown then watch out Premier League!!
Until that day arrives, I remain hopeful and as pessimistic as any Blue can be!
Geoff Stevenson
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