Expectations
Pressure's on
By cardiffsteve
August 16 2013
Last season was a strange one. After all the off field shennanigans of the previous year, expectations on the field were spectacularly low.All of us knew there was next to zero chance of silverware and that it'd have to be a season of rebuilding. We might not necessarily have expected to only win 3 home league games all season but nevermind.
I'd say last season was a “free season” for the coaches. Whatever happened, they'd get a pass. Thats quite a luxury for a coach. The circumstances were difficult, but most coaches don't get such a luxury.
Recruitment's for this season's been minimal, but on the other hand they've had an entire season in which to bring younger players through – and there've been some good ones found as a result.
So, for me, expectations for this season:
We have to win more home games than we lose (Can't believe I just typed that, but I think it'd probably be a good start, no?).
We need to win at least 3 matches in Europe. Topping the group is probably beyond us but a runner up spot and maybe an Amlin Cup run could be doable.
Win more than 2 Welsh derby matches. Beat someone who isn't NGD for once.
And, the absolute, no arguments, no excuses minimum standard:
Don't finish as bottom Welsh side and fail to qualify for Europe.
And, if we dont improve its likely that this will prove a struggle.
Last seasons gone now and we can't afford to be patient. We have to improve. If there are no signs of improvement early season, I expect the pressure to pile on Phil Davies and co very quickly.
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Recruitment has with two exceptionds been virtually non existant We need cover at 10 a creative center and a ball carrying no 8 plus a TH Prop. Expectations have been raised thart a few new players were on thiee way but nothing has materialised. I fear we will struggle again thiscseason and may well be the bottom welsh side as the Dragons have recruited wisely.
What I think I find most annoying is that every time I lower my expectations they still manage to get one step lower.
Seriously, the lower we accept the easier is to under hit. "Aim for the stars and you might hit the moon" was the motto we used to hear. We don't even aim for the chimney pots.