Harry and our 'Title challenge'
Much will inevitably be made of Harry’s remarks that have found themselves all over the back pages today, as some of what he said was undoubtedly very ambitious. However, rival fans storing this in their little memory banks for future reference will do well to consider a few things, not least the fact that as usual, several papers (predominantly the tabloids) have been creative to say the least with regards to what quotes they have chosen to publish surrounding all of this.
Firstly, as a manager who has taken his side to their first ever Premier League top four finish, what sort of message would it send out to the fans and players alike if he concedes that a repeat performance is the best we can possibly hope for, before the season has even begun? You need ambition in a side, and that of course includes the manager. The squad we had last season was strong, giving us a number of options in almost all positions, and hopefully after the transfer window is shut, will be even stronger this season.
Anyone who disagrees with Harry will be challenged to a dance-off. And on this evidence, you will lose.
Secondly, looking around at the other teams at this stage, Harry is right to feel that there is no reason why we can’t be in amongst the best sides this season. Admittedly, Spurs winning the league itself is probably unlikely, but when Harry says “if you don't aim for things, you have no chance”, he is spot on.
So, those of you ridiculing Harry’s ambition will do well to remember that there is a gulf of difference between what you aim for, and what you actually expect of yourself. I personally would be delighted with another top four finish and us actually making it through our Champions League qualifier and then giving a good account of ourselves once we are there. I don’t doubt that Harry would agree with me either. But that doesn’t mean he is wrong for aiming higher.
Submitted by James McManus
22/7/2010
