Impatience is the right of every fan but any good business man will tell you it needs time. Leeds Utd has had some bad times in the last few decades. Rad has only been here less than 1 short season.
I'm more of a realist these days than an optimist I guess and the aim I'm sure will have been top 6. The way we set off I thought it was in the bag. But, we are up against so many "big clubs" who have splashed the cash and would anyone really want our squad to get promoted this season? I don't. This squad of players, quickly assembled and then blighted with injuries and red cards could not realistically mount a serious challenge for the top 6.
Saiz getting a 6 match ban was a turning point and his return at the moment feels like we are watching a fish out of water. TC got fired and we now have Hecky. I have confidence in that decision. When the OP is spelt out like it is then Orta too needs more time and given the short period he and the club had before the season started, perhaps they have not done too badly. We have a platform for next season, one that can be built on with young players that should get better. Yes, some others will need to go and we certainly have to get the GK position covered with a quality replacement. Another few quality signings on top will be the catalyst for a promotion push. We are lucky in that the size and name of the club enables us to attract players that the likes of smaller clubs with no name or history will ever be able to attract. We have a fan base that is already the envy of the Championship. We have ER back. Rad and Orta surely deserve more time.
When things rushed or when there is a load of chopping and changing it rarely bodes well for getting a good end result.
New boys on the block have made good and not so good decisions but for me, it's a case of keeping the current upstairs status quo and letting them carry out a 5 year plan. Yes, I was hoping for the Play Offs like others but I would be very concerned if we went up in a fluky sort of way to the Premiership this season. The squad has underperformed for a variety of reasons but it's no where near capable of holding its own in the Prem.
So I prefer to take a longer term view and hope that Orta will make amends for some of those player choices. He and others will not have to scramble to get a squad or manager together this time around. He has a decent nucleus and a close season to strengthen. Top this up with final additions next January and we may hopefully find a squad fit for purpose and one that doesn't simply get promoted and relegated. Carry on strengthening the youth system as that is by far and away the best route for a sustainable future in the Premiership.
I am looking forward already to next season, renewed me and my wide's season ticket last week. Love going to matches and love the atmosphere our fans generate. We will be rewarded. OK not this season and maybe not next but within just a few more years, I truly believe we will be in the Premiership.
Let the people in charge do what they can do, to the best of their ability and give them enough time to do it. As fans, we should carry on doing what we have always done and stay behind the team. The good days for me are nearly here.
MOT