As regards the new season, as I posted in the predictions thread on 30/07:Originally Posted by rich munn
When last season ended I was reasonably confident that City would have a good campaign this time around provided the right kind of reinforcements were brought in, as League One is definitely a fair bit weaker than the Championship. I didn't think we needed anything particularly spectacular in terms of new signings, but it was blatantly obvious we need a lot more steel in the side and some genuine on-field leaders throughout the team.
As it stands, we have the same players who were relegated with a whimper last season, and we've lost Goutas, O'Dowda and Rinomhota. None of those players were great by Championship standards, but they would undoubtedly have been useful in League One. If they'd been replaced adequately then no worries, but they haven't been replaced at all.
I'm genuinely amazed the club hasn't signed anyone yet. On the whole, this lot lacked backbone and leadership throughout last season. League One is a considerable drop in standard, no doubt about that, but has the current squad got the necessary qualities to battle their way to promotion? I'd say that's extremely doubtful.
As regards Saturday's performance, as I posted yesterday in the Man of the Match thread:
There were some very encouraging performances and it was an enjoyable game to watch, but I have a feeling that Peterborough at home was an ideal fixture for a young and somewhat experimental City side to begin with and there will be much stiffer tests to come.
I would add the following to those observations:
There are undoubtedly some very promising young players with a good deal of natural ability in the squad now, but if the club doesn't bring in any experienced, battle-hardened on-field and dressing room leaders, I fear the season could be a wasted opportunity to bounce straight back to the Championship.
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