The changes and the appointment of a new manager are key to where we may be at the end of next season. Already the way forward is being decided before a new manager has been appointed. The awarding of an extended contract to Benteke worries me for the reasons that the new manager may have a different playing style that goes more down the middle rather that rely on the old fashioned type striker that Benteke is and who is probably not suited for the modern games due to his lack of pace and anticipation. The wholesale changes being forced upon us mean that at best we must be considered as the 4th team coming up from the championship and thereby we will be at serious risk of relegation. There clearly is not going to be much cash around to splash on new proven PL players and with the Americans making no secret of the fact they want out it not looking very attractive prospect for any future manager let alone one who has a proven track record.

I have been making this point for some time both inside and outside of HOL and suffice to say it was not met with universal approval with some referring to me as an ancient Elijah of doom,a glumbucket and a gargantuan doom-monger.!

Edited by Willo (05 Jun 2021 12.04pm)

Now now Willo, were those actual words used?

I can't make a choice as to whether to be positive or otherwise about the season. Too many uncertainties and moving parts for now.

Watching the documentary has reminded me that my expectations are actually pretty static from one year to the next:

Don't spend what we can't afford, or at least afford to borrow. Making sure we always have a club to support is more important than reaching 'the next level', as much as I'd like to.

Be pragmatic. Nobody likes a month of nil nil draws but a month of 4-3 defeats would be worse. Our length of stay in the top flight is irrelevant to the style of football we 'should' be playing if we've got the 15th best budget all that time, so don't be pressured to play in a way that's unrealistic. Box clever.

Make what we've got go as far as it can. We've tried matching the big boys wages to get 'next level' players, and they just aren't worth the money. Big contracts are OK if they are a reward for what players achieve for us, but otherwise don't waste the money. The wage structure should reflect a clear meritocracy, not a random hotch potch of market forces.

When recruiting, get the best fit for us rather than the best available player. A Palace player should be a hungry player first and foremost, and I'd far rather see a humble player strain and sweat to achieve 6/10 ratings than see a former champions league player delivering the same performance level for three times the wage.

Keep the club in the ownership of people who care about it. If the Americans sell their shares then OK, but I wouldn't want Parish to sell his controlling interest to Qatar oil sheiks or shady far Eastern investment vehicles, no matter what money they might have. Man City are no different to PSG who are no different to Chelsea as far as I'm concerned. I love that Palace are a different entity to that.

I'm hoping for the best but prepared for the worst.

If we go down, so be it. It'll be a chance to regroup and, hopefully, return to the Prem leaner, meaner and stronger.

Also, if we do get relegated we'll then, again hopefully, have the excitement of actually winning something... promotion!

If I'm honest, I'm finding life in the Prem boring. We just tread water in mid table mediocrity, and, the 2016 FA Cup Final and beating the riff-raff from the South coast with a last minute winner after getting well and truly battered apart, not really achieving anything.

I'm hoping for the best but prepared for the worst.

If we go down, so be it. It'll be a chance to regroup and, hopefully, return to the Prem leaner, meaner and stronger.

Also, if we do get relegated we'll then, again hopefully, have the excitement of actually winning something... promotion!

If I'm honest, I'm finding life in the Prem boring. We just tread water in mid table mediocrity, and, the 2016 FA Cup Final and beating the riff-raff from the South coast with a last minute winner after getting well and truly battered apart, not really achieving anything.

My recollection is that comments were aimed my way which left me in NO doubt that I was viewed as a prophet of woe and certainly not a lighthouse of joy.

I honestly passionately dislike this mindset.

How about this summer we pretend we are relegated. Balance the books like we were, released, buy, sell players like we were.

Then plan to win the 'championship', without breaking the bank and look at the 3 promoted clubs as the mini league... finish above them - after all they are championship teams..with a few additions..

With a stroke of luck, you don'r even realize the difference and each yeah improve on there squad, realistically.. at worse you get relegated.

Then, next season, if relegated you have a ready made strong champ team with an extra year of prem money.. you just add and improve on that you have.

I'm hoping for the best but prepared for the worst.

If we go down, so be it. It'll be a chance to regroup and, hopefully, return to the Prem leaner, meaner and stronger.

Also, if we do get relegated we'll then, again hopefully, have the excitement of actually winning something... promotion!

If I'm honest, I'm finding life in the Prem boring. We just tread water in mid table mediocrity, and, the 2016 FA Cup Final and beating the riff-raff from the South coast with a last minute winner after getting well and truly battered apart, not really achieving anything.