Aspirations and expectations

[The Birdman]

At the start of the season I just hoped we would be challenging come March time, that for me is progress. **** the cups, Rafa has proven we can get to finals and win those so it was a sustained league challenge I was after.
Rafa has proved he can deliver a title challenge, he should get the contract he wants as Fergie will be off within 2 years, Scolari (sp) won't be Chelsea manager in 2 years so perversly we may have the most managerial stability in a couple of years.
That has been with Torres missing for the most part and Gerrard for some, would Man U be anywhere near the top without Ronaldo and Rooney??, Chelsea without Drogba and Lampard, I would say not.
Isn't there some stat about finishing 2nd the year before winning the Premiership?? as in no-one has finished 4th then won it the following year.
If we even get close this year then we'll win it within the next couple, the players finally believe, Rafa hasn't rotated key players every week, Gerrard has come out publically saying how strong the squad is. Win at OT, win at home to Chelsea and we will win the league.

[Exiled_red]

I think Man City's billions may be a blessing in disguise. Rafa can go about his transfer dealings as usual, but ManU & Chelsea's spending policy will be directly affected i.e. Robhinio

Hopefully that will be the case, but what happens with Man City could have a significant effect on us, especially if they are a challenge to the current "big four" At the moment I'm not sure how likely that is to happen in the next 18 months. Alot will depend on who they buy in the summer and if players will be willing to play for the wages they offer rather than play in the champions league

[kev776]

Hopefully that will be the case, but what happens with Man City could have a significant effect on us, especially if they are a challenge to the current "big four" At the moment I'm not sure how likely that is to happen in the next 18 months. Alot will depend on who they buy in the summer and if players will be willing to play for the wages they offer rather than play in the champions league

With the right wage incentive, most players would miss out on Champions league football if they knew it was highly likely they would qualify in the very near future

[Woobus]

With the right wage incentive, most players would miss out on Champions league football if they knew it was highly likely they would qualify in the very near future

Really depends on the wages, Bridge is meant to be on 100k a week. Dont think they will get any world class players unless they are really unhappy at their club and want away.
They wont make the Champs League this year so not really expecting any really big names in January.

[Exiled_red]

With the right wage incentive, most players would miss out on Champions league football if they knew it was highly likely they would qualify in the very near future

I can see that, but if you are a top player at a top club in Europe (Madrid, Barca, AC Milan) and you were to see how City are doing at the moment, even if they improve and finish in a respectable position in the table come May how big would that insentive have to be?

Also City need to completely overhaul their squad to do that it may not be that straight forward. Chelsea struggled to attract the "biggest players" they were after even though they had already qualified for the Champions league and were prepared to pay big wages, so I don't think it's *that* straight forward.

[memzey]

I've got a feeling this Man City experiment is going to be a monumental flop. They'll never win the league and wouldn't be surprised if their new owners get fed up and and pack it in after a few years of trying.

[Crazy-Horse]

Hopefully that will be the case, but what happens with Man City could have a significant effect on us, especially if they are a challenge to the current "big four" At the moment I'm not sure how likely that is to happen in the next 18 months. Alot will depend on who they buy in the summer and if players will be willing to play for the wages they offer rather than play in the champions league

They could get away with this if they get relegated

"Damn, when my agent said they are in the Championship, I thought he meant the one that Heineken sponsor, not the Coco Cola version."


Besides, I can remember when Manchester City were last going to knock Liverpool off their top spot place, with real big signings. Malcolm Allison was wearing his sheepskin in 1979-80.....