This season in summary

[The Guvnor]

So disappointing we are rooted at the bottom, mostly down to schoolboy defensive errors.

How the hell do Burnley have more points than us?

Incredible performance against Man Utd

Team spirit is evident

Esteban Cambiasso may just help us survive

[shade]

The season, in summary for me, is thus:

1. There was a sizeable under-estimation of the demands of the Premier League. Even the 'lesser' sides are well versed in grinding out results. West Brom, at home, being a good example. This was apparent both in terms of Nigel Pearson, I think, and certainly some of our fans. I do think Nigel tried to sign better, but couldn't for numerous reasons.

2. Injuries etc are part of a squad. They happen. In spite of this, Pearson has never seemed to know his best formation and team.

3. Some of our players have done better, recently, than most of thought they would. Schlupp and Mahrez seem to be growing into the Premiership. Others have been the opposite. Most notably, IMO, Jamie Vardy, who has simply missed just too many good chances at this level.

4. Some of Pearson's off-field behaviour has, been indicative of our on-field form. Spats with fans and bizarre pulling back of opposing players shirts do not usually happen if the team is successful. The two aren't mutually exclusive.

5. The squad has retained its spirit. We look as up for the fight now as we did at the start. Pearson should be commended for that.

6. Pearson has developed an almost God-like status amongst some of our fans. They will defend him to the hilt. Even against people like Gary Lineker, who, in my eyes, has City pretty much in his blood.

7. The Thais have been a very patient group. At a time where other clubs have bitten the bullet and sought replacements, our owners have not. Whether this proves to be misguided loyalty, or not, remains to be seen.

8. Our FA cup run has been good and enjoyable. I really hope it continues. Getting to Wembley would be a major boost for this club.

9. Kramaric looks like a good young player. It is to be hoped we stay up, and that he stays with us. He looks a player who really knows where the goal is.

To summarise, we've had a lot of 'well what did you expect?' Or 'it's going to take time to adapt to the Premiership' etc.

Well I expected more than we've had so far, and if that goes for us, it must go for Burnley too and QPR too. Like it or not, we finished well above Burnley last season, they have spent a lot less than us, yet currently sit above us and QPR outside of the drop-zone. I expected for this to not be the case.

4. Jose mourinho, rafael Benitez, alex Ferguson, arsene wenger, the list is long of top managers falling out with press, other managers and players.

[chicagofox]

This seasoning summary:

Poor management. Poor performances. Deluded fans (for the most part).

[MooseBreath]

1) Pearson's maverick team selections and formations earlier in the season, particularly the infamous diamond, cost us numerous points and destroyed the players' confidence in themselves if not in the manager.

2) that lack of confidence has been enough to cause the mistakes and missed chances that have seen us entering a flat spin and heading out to sea.

3) the owners have to the surprise of many, refused to issue a mayday or eject the management team, fearful perhaps of any nasty bumps and not confident that it will prevent the spin

4) Off the pitch Pearson's ego has flirted with writing cheques his body can't cash. Others have said they like him but that he's 'dangerous'.

5) Pearson has been incredibly divisive among the fans, some wanting to take him to bed, others happy to lose him forever.

5) we now need to repair our catapults so we can get flying again, the concern is that it might take a metaphorical ten minutes to do so while this thing will be over in two minutes.

[mugshot]

If your team is "playing well" and has won 4 league games all season, i think that says it all.

 

The players give everything theyve got, the manager gives everything hes got. People will differ on their opinions but theyve done their best.

 

Weve been the worst team in the league this season, and anyone who says we havent been is only doing it through blue specs.

 

We havent been brilliant granted, but the funny thing is I think on performances we havent been the worst....I would say that is Villa, Villa have been saved by points gained early on. We started the season bright and from the end of September until the New Year looked terrible, we have however picked up since 1st Jan and started to show that promise again in a number of matches.

 

On performances I would say we are the third worst after Villa and Hull...but points don't make it look that way.