As I search for photos of smiles to put on the ‘When You’re Smiling’ thread, it brought to light, just how wonderful this season has been. We’ve said a few times this season, ‘We’ll likely play even better one day and someone will spoil the party’…today was that day…we shouldn’t let it overshadow what has been a remarkable campaign.

It’s one defeat…just one…three for the season…we might have three in seven days next season. We have become so accustomed to winning that today has truly shocked us…I’d argue it was the first shock of the season (Watford was early, away from home against a fellow relegated Premier League side) and Sheff Utd was always going to be a huge top of the table test against one of the most physical sides in the division). Today, against QPR, we could have had five or six first half goals…easily…it just didn’t happen.

Let’s park it, move on and remember that this is a special process we’re witnessing. I don’t blame the manager for rotation; I don’t blame the players for perhaps taking their foot off the gas after winning promotion with so many games to spare: it has been a truly unique season with a truly unique set of circumstances. I believe that VK will be learning so much about his squad still and this will only stand us in good stead as we move back into the top flight.

Enjoy your evening.

We’re still top of the league; we’re still a premier league side in waiting and we will become the league’s champion side soon.

UTC

Well said. Totally agree, jdrobbo.
UTC

First season at the Turf for my 9 year old Daughter. This was the first time she’s seen us lose. That in itself is a remarkable thing.
I treat today as a teachable moment for her. We discussed how it felt and she said that she felt sad but that it wasn’t as bad as she though it would have felt.
I’m taking her to the pub next door on Tuesday to watch the Bastards’ game. She’ll see us win a championship there.

Lord Beamish wrote: ↑

Sat Apr 22, 2023 11:07 pm

First season at the Turf for my 9 year old Daughter. This was the first time she’s seen us lose. That in itself is a remarkable thing.
I treat today as a teachable moment for her. We discussed how it felt and she said that she felt sad but that it wasn’t as bad as she though it would have felt.
I’m taking her to the pub next door on Tuesday to watch the Bastards’ game. She’ll see us win a championship there.

…a future wyclaret!

It was the only time this season I have walked off at FT with that losing feeling......it seemed to feel like that after every home game once over ! UTC.

Without knowing the pain of losing the joy of winning would not exist. This was the first home loss of the season and we were clearly the better team but it was just one of those games where the ball wouldn’t go in the net. QPR fought and frustrated and pounced on counter attacking opportunities. Logic says we have nothing to feel disheartened about but we do, because they spoilt the party. Football is life.

I had the most bizarre feelings, part of me was saying thank goodness we don't enter the Prem thinking we will always win at home, SD would have loved us to play like Quarter Pound of Rubbish and in that situation 3 points was all that mattered. Yet I really wanted us to win the League yesterday. The disappointment of a loss was not at past levels on leaving the turf last season. I did keep smiling and thought when VK speaks to AP and says sign Tella whatever cost , yesterday perhaps helps that conversations. UTC

It happens even to the very best. This is not the sort of challenge we will be facing next year!

Absolutely!