by lythamblue » Wed Apr 07, 2010 3:30 pm
We must ensure that we do not seek to immediately compare ourselves to the ones we are trying to emulate, but keep comparing ourselves to how WE were and seeking continous improvement in every department. That way, we will catch up steadily and be where we want to be before you know it.
As we know, the next level is Top 4 and then we have an opportunity to make some important and massive strides forwards, some of which will work ...... and some of which won't ..... and we will still have to be patient.
Even with a top 4 slot, we will still be light years away from competing with the like of Barca, Real Madrid, and even Manyoo .... on and definately off the pitch. Competing for League Titles and Champs League must become an accepted norm each and every year, almost to the point that we take it for granted.
Off course our fan base will grow, and we should welcome it. However we will all still recognise the 'hardcore originals' the moment we come across them and you will come to accept the new comers for what they are.
Our owners and their current situation is perfect for the Club and it actually does us no harm whatsoever, being what we are to them, which is basically an extension to the Abu Dhabi Tourist Board. It's a perfect trade off, they get OUR Club and we get the success we have always craved. Remember, they want great PR and that will only come if they build and maintain a successful club with a great environment ....... but most of all, an all conquering team on the pitch!! They will also make some mistakes on the way and we have to allow them the time to evaluate them and put them right.
The biggest threat we have ..... is ourselves. Those that think every time we go through a bad patch on the pitch, it will all change with yet another new manager etc are kidding themselves and if those lines of thought are conveyed to the Owners, we will be constantly going from one problem to another and be an even bigger laughing stock.
In any case, on the pitch we have probably gone as far as we can now without breaking into the 'elite'. Top 4 will allow us the opportunity to develop at a much faster pace ...... whenever we achieve it., although I do agree that we may never have a better opportunity than we have now.
Relax ... It's only a message board in hyperspace!!