Hammond eyes another promotion (From The Argus)

I know early talk of promotion is VEY premature - so I won't even go there, but perhaps it's worth thinking of how well Hammond's former team did last season and where they're up to so far. There is no point in rushing promotion only to struggle and possibly loose a great manager only to come straight back down again. Patience - and three points against Millwall! This Aussie based supporter has been a fan for fifty years but this is my first post - so be kind!

Totally agree Ozzie, but I just wondered if a club is good for the Championship but not quite good enough to stay in the Premiership will they not make a fortune with the Parachute Payments if they continue a promotion/relegation trend?
Over a period they could significantly invest in better players until they become a safe Premiership club.

A bit like West Brom you mean? A yo-yo club for several seasons and have no cemented their place in the Premier League.
No club is ever ready for the step up but it doesn't mean we shouldn't grab it with both hands.

Getting a bit fed up of the Hammond PR stories, it seems most of us don't care about past run in's now he is playing for us, so let the stubborn ones like me come round in our own time or try to ignore him and stop the Hammond PR bull. I am sure everyone else is as fed up of me moaning about him as I am of being reminded that he plays for us now.

OzzieGull wrote:
I know early talk of promotion is VEY premature - so I won't even go there, but perhaps it's worth thinking of how well Hammond's former team did last season and where they're up to so far. There is no point in rushing promotion only to struggle and possibly loose a great manager only to come straight back down again. Patience - and three points against Millwall! This Aussie based supporter has been a fan for fifty years but this is my first post - so be kind!

Hi Oz, isn't there an Albion Supporters Club down your neck of the woods - I'm sure I saw something about it once..! I tend to agree about promotion talk being premature but it is quite frightening to see what the bookies think of our chances. Odds on a Top 6 finish have come crashing down and 5/2 is now a good price... If we get a result today it will probably shorten again especially after Boro's win at Blackburn last night.

I think Deano has a very valid point about the strength of the Championship this season. No doubt the winter with its heavy, saturated pitches will sort the men from the boys. Hopefully the more physical midfield we now have will put us amongst the men and not the boys. Fingers crossed.

Baldseagull wrote:
Getting a bit fed up of the Hammond PR stories, it seems most of us don't care about past run in's now he is playing for us, so let the stubborn ones like me come round in our own time or try to ignore him and stop the Hammond PR bull. I am sure everyone else is as fed up of me moaning about him as I am of being reminded that he plays for us now.

C'mon Baldie, I know there has been a proliferation of Deano stories of late but you have to put things in perspective. In order to have stories and opinions from the players themselves you have to find those who can actually speak English... and that rules out quite a lot (possibly including some of our homegrown lads...!!!). Tongue in cheek before you all jump on your high horses...

There will be growing pressure on the team after every win, the longer the run gets the greater the pressure.Then the expectation of the fans for the team to stay in the top six. Then the final pressure.

I think and hope that the squad and club are better prepared this year than last. Hammond is a great asset and will help in the dressing room just as he will on the pitch. , ..

Jonathan Mouette wrote:

Baldseagull wrote:
Getting a bit fed up of the Hammond PR stories, it seems most of us don't care about past run in's now he is playing for us, so let the stubborn ones like me come round in our own time or try to ignore him and stop the Hammond PR bull. I am sure everyone else is as fed up of me moaning about him as I am of being reminded that he plays for us now.

C'mon Baldie, I know there has been a proliferation of Deano stories of late but you have to put things in perspective. In order to have stories and opinions from the players themselves you have to find those who can actually speak English... and that rules out quite a lot (possibly including some of our homegrown lads...!!!). Tongue in cheek before you all jump on your high horses...

I might be wrong but Dean Hammond has proved Himself as a leader and has as He says Himself grown up and has a Family.Gordon Greer is a Great Captain but seems to shun the off field side of things and Deano is prepared to step in and do the interviews.I am sure Gus would put a stop to it if He thought it was wrong.

OzzieGull wrote:
I know early talk of promotion is VEY premature - so I won't even go there, but perhaps it's worth thinking of how well Hammond's former team did last season and where they're up to so far. There is no point in rushing promotion only to struggle and possibly loose a great manager only to come straight back down again. Patience - and three points against Millwall! This Aussie based supporter has been a fan for fifty years but this is my first post - so be kind!

I was there from 74-95 so missed the so called Glory Years. I live in France now so can occassionally get to games but listen to the games live on the Seagulls site for about £4 a month which is brilliant value, don't know if you are a member but it's great listening to the 2 Johnnies and Warren.I went to my first match when the likes of Wally Gould and Brian Powney were playing,but without a doubt these are the most exciting times to be a supporter.

Baldseagull wrote:
Getting a bit fed up of the Hammond PR stories, it seems most of us don't care about past run in's now he is playing for us, so let the stubborn ones like me come round in our own time or try to ignore him and stop the Hammond PR bull. I am sure everyone else is as fed up of me moaning about him as I am of being reminded that he plays for us now.

I was as angry as you over the DH signing,i wanted him to apologise and make full and unconditional ammends,so that we could move on,i think hes made an effort and its time to be the bigger man and walk away.The one thing i never doubted was his ability,and he is showing that now.At the time you and i both had our say,but after you have said your bit ,that should be enough,and that is why i will be giving my full support to Deano and the entire squad.Onwards and Upwards.COYS

You can line up to take shots at what I am about to suggest, because even I can see that it is a tad crazy.

Gus is looking for a target man, well how about Robbie Kean on a close MLS season loan. He has had a really good season with Galaxy and is as sharp as ever.

Donovan has proven it can work with Everton, Beckham nearly went to Spurs last season, some insurance issue stopped that.

The MLS season end late October, he could be with us for about three months or so.

A short term deal I know, but he would get us through a tough part of the year.

rolivan wrote:

OzzieGull wrote:
I know early talk of promotion is VEY premature - so I won't even go there, but perhaps it's worth thinking of how well Hammond's former team did last season and where they're up to so far. There is no point in rushing promotion only to struggle and possibly loose a great manager only to come straight back down again. Patience - and three points against Millwall! This Aussie based supporter has been a fan for fifty years but this is my first post - so be kind!

I was there from 74-95 so missed the so called Glory Years. I live in France now so can occassionally get to games but listen to the games live on the Seagulls site for about £4 a month which is brilliant value, don't know if you are a member but it's great listening to the 2 Johnnies and Warren.I went to my first match when the likes of Wally Gould and Brian Powney were playing,but without a doubt these are the most exciting times to be a supporter.

Thanks Rolivan - I do subscribe to Seagulls Player and kick-off is usually midnightmy time - but this seson very worthwhile doing so !

Baldseagull wrote:
Getting a bit fed up of the Hammond PR stories, it seems most of us don't care about past run in's now he is playing for us, so let the stubborn ones like me come round in our own time or try to ignore him and stop the Hammond PR bull. I am sure everyone else is as fed up of me moaning about him as I am of being reminded that he plays for us now.

Um, just an idea, but don't read them? I'm happy to get behind any player that lines up for the Albion, regardless of what they've said or done years ago...

Sounds like you haven't just got a chip on your shoulder, more like a big bag of King Edwards.