You can`t manufacture confidence, but you can create the conditions for it to take root. Garry Monk`s positivity since taking over the club has been noticeable.
The first signs were there when we began the first match with a 4-4-2 formation, and it has certainly come across in his Tweets to supporters on Twitter as well. It is very easy to be downhearted when you are struggling for goals and points at the wrong end of the table. It`s very hard to be upbeat and optimistic, and by being so positive in his outlook, both on and off the field, the new manager is changing the narrative.
23,000 people turned up for the game against Hull at the weekend. That was 4,500 more than the last home game against Middlesbrough. Keep Right On was song boisterously before kick off, and there was just a sense that the atmosphere has shifted somewhat compared to recent home games.
Starting with Jutkiewicz and Che up top together was also a reminder of last year`s great escape, and the pair seemed to be in their element. Positive tactics combined with a good atmosphere to lay the foundations for a very good performance. The three goal margin was not flattering and in truth things could have been wrapped up by half time.
The brace from Jota is kind of the epitome of that shift in attitude at the club. A player who struggled for form and goals under two previous managers has suddenly found himself again, no doubt heavily inspired by the new man in the dugout.
There is still a lot of work to do, but the signs are very promising. Level on points with Barnsley going into the international break, with the gaffer having the time on the training pitch to make further improvements, gives me great hope that we can stay up. How confident are you that we`ll stay up? Let me know in the poll.
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