Like a jigsaw everything this season just seemed to fall into place perfectly. After losing out on the league title by a single point the previous season, this year the determination of the squad to clinch that first title for themselves and Neil Lennon was there for all to see. Records broken, a decent run in europe and of course the complete implosion that unfolded across the city, for me this was perhaps my favourite season in the nearly 3 decades I've followed the Hoops.
The introduction of Wanyama and the return to form of Beram Kayal in the midfield was a massive step on the road to recovery, particularly in the 2-1 win against Motherwell at Fir Park. Where as usual Mccall's team proceeded to kick us of the park, a fighting spirit which incredibly disappears when thaey play teams from Govan funny that isn't it. In fact from that win up to The win against Rangers at Parkhead, for me that run won the league for us. After that win in December Rangers never looked like getting back into the race, even if they will have you believe it was the 10 point deduction that killed their season. We all know different dont we. A 17 game winning run and 25 game unbeaten run and we still get the ' Tainted Title' pish thrown at us.
There were many players who had good seasons, Hooper, Kayal, Samaras, Rogne, Wanyama, Matthews, Forster, Forrest and Brown. All of these players had great spells during the year ocassionally form, injuries and suspensions would curtail part of their season. But as we all know 2 players consistently payed well throughout the campaign and set the benchmark for the rest of the SPL. Charlie Mulgrew and Joe Ledley were star performers this year, both were a goal threat from multiple positions, both contributed with many assissts and when played in defence both were solid and dependable. For me Joe Ledley just shaded it for my Player of the Year, I like the no fuss style of play he adopts. Gets on with the job at hand tidily whether he's in the middle, out wide or at Left back.
As for Neil Lennon, he has shown that he's progressing well for a young manager, unlike a nera 50 year old "Rookie" manager who I will not name even though he likes naming people himself. Neil Lennon has bought well again with some exceptions ,Kelvin Wilson lets be honest the guys not up to snuff. Bangura and Brozek have been, pardon the pun, hit and miss. Overall the signings of Matthews and Wanyama have far outweighed the other signings.
Hail Hail.
The opening months of the season were largely forgettable, players struggling for form, Izzy's injury in the second game at Pittodrie. The disasterous first Rangers game was particularly disheartening and the usual clamour for complete change top to bottom at the club. Thankfully cooler heads prevailed because for me our season really began away to Rennes in the Europa League, where we claimed a well earned draw. The general consensus seems to be that Half time at Rugby Park was the turnaround in the season, but i believe it was Joe Ledley's equaliser in France that showed me this team was up for the challenge.
The introduction of Wanyama and the return to form of Beram Kayal in the midfield was a massive step on the road to recovery, particularly in the 2-1 win against Motherwell at Fir Park. Where as usual Mccall's team proceeded to kick us of the park, a fighting spirit which incredibly disappears when thaey play teams from Govan funny that isn't it. In fact from that win up to The win against Rangers at Parkhead, for me that run won the league for us. After that win in December Rangers never looked like getting back into the race, even if they will have you believe it was the 10 point deduction that killed their season. We all know different dont we. A 17 game winning run and 25 game unbeaten run and we still get the ' Tainted Title' pish thrown at us.There were many players who had good seasons, Hooper, Kayal, Samaras, Rogne, Wanyama, Matthews, Forster, Forrest and Brown. All of these players had great spells during the year ocassionally form, injuries and suspensions would curtail part of their season. But as we all know 2 players consistently payed well throughout the campaign and set the benchmark for the rest of the SPL. Charlie Mulgrew and Joe Ledley were star performers this year, both were a goal threat from multiple positions, both contributed with many assissts and when played in defence both were solid and dependable. For me Joe Ledley just shaded it for my Player of the Year, I like the no fuss style of play he adopts. Gets on with the job at hand tidily whether he's in the middle, out wide or at Left back.
Three disappointing results near the end of the season did little to dampen my sense that this was a good season. The league cup final, Cup semi-final and the Rangers game at Ibrox are games where it just wasn't happening on the day. The most important thing for me is throughout the season after taking the knocks the team have come back stronger.
Here's looking forward to next year no matter who we are playing.
Hail Hail.
No comments:
Post a Comment