For the last couple of years our club has been tossed and turned, on and off the field. With changing owners, court cases and a flirting dabble with superstar players (cue Tevez and Javier Mascherano). These players only prepared to play for our beloved claret and blue for a big price and to place themselves in the shop window! Then along came a bank collapse cutting our throats from ear to ear; Eggy’s dreams and ours up in smoke.
Since then we’ve coped with an expensive compensation package whereby we have had to make payment to Sheffield United for the privilege of the Argentineans’ services due to some very sloppy administration. Next came the Avram Grant era which killed off the good work little Zola had instilled and ending in relegation.
So what’s changed since then? In my opinion, there have been three key components:
1.New owners with business acumen and a genuine passion for our club,
2.A manager who has brought us stability, and
3.A captain and leader, who really commands the respect from the players and the majority of fans alike.
What a turnaround this club has had since relegation; a blessing in disguise I think. In truth, relegation has probably done us a favour. It has to be said that a real feel good factor has returned to the club and the claret and blue army are much more contented at this time around.
With thoughts turning to a possible new home at the Olympic Stadium and whisperings of likely investment as a result of it, I hope if this became reality that we’d stick with Sam, and not get too carried away by appointing some Name or the next Mourinho in his place. Or, at least without first giving him the chance to see how far he can take us.
Whatever the outcome if we end up staying at the Boleyn I’d still be happy because of the history the place carries and the past greats that have graced our hallowed turf.
Having committed players who wear the badge with pride, and the days of silly dreams and silly wages paid to players who were over the hill over, the future is bright and our dreams won’t fade and die!