Written by Mitchell Bray
If ever we get through this season in one piece then I’m sure there will be a huge, collective, sigh of relief. The manager, players and supporters have been through the mixer, none of which is the fault of the players or Monk, as they have amassed fifty-three points, in real terms. We need a few more, then maybe everyone at the club can have a restful summer, released from the black clouds that hung over us thanks to the FFP worries.
The Leeds victory was grafted by the players and once again epitomises exactly what this club is about. The five losses, when not playing badly, were hard to swallow but the Leeds win changed everything.
This was much more than the vital three points. It reassured doubters, including myself, that we hadn’t imploded. For the last three seasons our club has been knocked badly by poor management both off and on the pitch and punishments that could only have happened to us in recent times. Garry Monk is class and we know it and long may he reign.
The trouble is, why should he stay if better jobs come along? Only he knows what path he wants to take. Many supporters I speak to respond angrily wanting to know, ‘Why should he leave’ or, ‘He must be happy here’. Well, those comments might be spot, we have our own opinions here I’m sure.
In my view we are hanging in there and I sincerely hope our hierarchy has planned a future with real opportunity for him and the coaching staff. This summer should see a totally new attitude from the owners with a genuine connection with the supporters. Yes, they can reduce prices for various games and offer local communities a few freebies which is welcome, but the bigger picture is to really connect with the paying customers. Above all, we need this club to be loved by whoever owns us not just rely on its supporters for devotion.
In our game against Sheffield United, the same support will be there, the same joys or heartbreak will be there and the next game will follow the same thread. Against Bolton, with Caddis, against Bristol City with Adams and last season against Fulham there is something very deep-lying within this club to fight adversity and this season will probably top the lot with the points loss. Just hope our hierarchy understand it, know it, and certainly build upon it with controlled spending through the astute manager we now have.