During pre-season, expectations can get the better of logical thinking. In previous years, I’ve been one of the first to call for calm on the expectations of Blues fans.
But not this year.
Feel free to call me naive if you disagree with what I’m about to say.
The aim for Blues next season has to be a place in the play-offs. Anything less cannot be deemed a success. You may laugh at me but Harry Redknapp has been singing from the same hymn sheet.
I’m fully aware that Blues narrowly avoided relegation last season. But it was a season of two contrasting halves.
Blues were three points off third when Gary Rowett was sacked and replaced by Gianfranco Zola. What happened from there on was a freak run of form overseen by a seemingly clueless manager that put Blues in grave danger.
Let’s pretend Zola was never part of the equation last season – Blues probably end up somewhere between 5th and 10th. Yes, the squad showed their limitations but for half a season, they were competing at the business end of the Championship.
Zola is no longer here, Redknapp is. His experience coupled with an improved squad means a play-off place isn’t out of the realms of possibility.
I’m not suggesting Blues are a shoo-in for a place in the end of season lottery, but that surely has to be the ambition. If it isn’t, we may as well pack up and go home now.
Reading and Huddersfield were tipped for a relegation scrap last year…
When May comes around, you’d be entitled to be a tad disappointed should Blues sit below sixth. I will be.
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