Sam Vokes

[houseboy]

A major disappointment, and the first time a team would have done it since the PL began. There was a stat after the Stoke game i think, which said 80% chance of a top 7 finish based on previous seasons, and no team had ever failed to finish top half with the same points tally which we had, in any premier league season gone by.

Absolutely and we can still finish comfortably top half but we do need to start scoring more goals and I don't think we are going to score enough with the current crop of strikers (Wood notwithstanding). Our defence has been found out (for want of a better term) to a degree and we are starting to concede a few more, not in a disastrous way but enough to not be able to rely on the old 'nicking a goal' mantra that has served us well up to now.
All in all the season has and will be a success but success changes with expectations and I think our expectations have gone up slightly. Either way we will still definitely be playing PL football next season and we can now consider ourselves a PL side good and proper I think, so any gripes are a little subjective I suppose.

[houseboy]

it really wouldn't be.

finishing higher than last year would still make a successful season.

anyway, fear not, we'll finish top 10, no worries.

You are right QB, any improvement on the previous season by any club is a success in a sense. That's why Coleman at Stanley is a legend there, he once went over 12 years with improvement season on season. My only point is that it would be a disappointment from where we were. Expectations grew, whether justified or not, and so if we did finish below half way that would be a disappointment. In the overall scheme of things however we should show significant improvement on last season and that is good.
Incidentally I'm picturing possible scenarios, I do still think top half is definitely on.

[Mala591]

In summary:

This seasons successful 4-4-1-1 lineup favours Barnes or Wood's style of play - agreed

If we go back to 4-4-2 he will get more starts and should sharpen up - agreed

He must improve his speed and mobility to compete in a top 10 PL team - agreed ( this might involve losing some muscle mass and becoming more wiry )

He should show more 'controlled' aggression in his all round play - agreed

Costa (ex Chelsea) isn't particularly fast but he is aggressive and has excellent movement and positioning sense. IMHO Sam should study his technique and aim to move his game in that direction (with SD's agreement of course).

[Diesel]

It's has to be done.

Bump.

Simply, bloody brilliant today.

[cricketfieldclarets]

His stats are phenomenal. Has to start next game.