Accountability
So when things arent going well, the same thing can be true. It's why Knighthead and Wagner need to take a large proportion of the blame here. From the poor decision making in 2023 leading to a totally unnecessary and embarrasing relegation to this contstant sense that one particular style of play is required to be successful.
I personally think they need to start readdressing a few of these things if they genuinely want to push on and compete at the highest level.
* Change in Recruitment Philosophy - I see this new LB is going to be 29 in early 2026. So thats potentially £2M on a player we will never see a potential sell on profit for in the future. Same with Roberts. I know he's neat and tidy but at his age now, this is it, this what your going to get, he isnt going to get any better. Outside of Stansfield, I cant think of another player we've signed under the age of 21 and given them a good opportunity to thrive and develop.
I think we need to start looking at how other clubs operate, and start to bring in more younger players with a bit more of an upside, players that we can develop and grow over time is required. A bit more of a mix anyway as we have gone so far down the route of 'plug in and play' and 'tried and tested' and that doesnt seem to be working.
* Playing Style - As much as I prefer a passing based game, when you havent got the players (through poor recruitment) in certain areas you have to adjust - It's also where the head coach needs to take some accountability as he has shown he can set up a team at home to compete and win, but is seemingly unable to make those changes and tweaks required for matches away from home. With that said, the ownership appointed him in the first place and the ownership have talked about the philosophy themselves so it's on them tbh.
The playing style and transfer business bleed together. Signing players like Willumson and Ducksch are not conducive to building a modern, progressive, front foot attacking football team, yet they were signed, and play most weeks (when fit) and we have a player the recruitment team clearly wanted, who played most weeks in the Portuguese top flight, yet although making the bench, never steps on the pitch.
It's piss poor all round, and they ALL need to take accountability.
I dont know what happens from here. We will probably show guts and determination at home and eeek out some wins here and there. The Southampton match showed that, but away from home is a disgrace. It's up to the people in charge to sort it out.