Chris71 wrote:
This just isn't something that is new, its been happening for years even prior to the Cup wins as the teams we had in 2016/2017 were the major factor in those wins due to the leadership within the playing squad as opposed to the coaching team, all the cup wins did was paper over the cracks.
The club have created a total disconnect with its fan base I honestly do not see the club coming back from this for a long long time unless some major changes take place within the club from top to bottom.
As time passes by and when I look back to 2016/17, particularly the cup wins, the more I am of the opinion that the real architect of the Wembley triumphs (and our generally high standard of play at that time) was Gareth Ellis. His mere presence and stature on the field took an, admittedly good side, up to a different level, a level where we looked like winners and not merely wanna-be's.
Quite obviously we have no-one of that stature right now, but I remember the difference between our performance level from when Ellis was on the field and when he wasn't. It is a very rare commodity in team sports today where one man can galvanise those around him to raise their game an extra ten percent.
The lack of a Gareth Ellis, however, still doesn't excuse all of the shortcomings surrounding the club that we are witnessing today.