[Albion] Have you ENJOYED this season?

[Weststander]

Had some cracking days out, but ruined by the football sometimes, but of course I’ve enjoyed it, it’s another season watching this rollercoaster of a club.

Is that primarily from the time spent with mates? Your posts for days after the countless non-wins are understandably scathing of FH and his tactics.

 

[NorthstandRacoon]

Have gone for Meh.
Mainly because over the full season so far there’s a been reasonable distribution of a) great b) average/meh and c) absolutely diabolical (with Brentford sitting comfortably in the ‘c’ category).

I’ve really not enjoyed the home games this year overall TBH. Maybe 4 or 5 max (the wins of course). Feel like I am going through habit really rather than excitement. The atmosphere has deteriorated a lot this year IMHO. Probably not helped by the fact there is zero emotional bond or connection between Fab and the fans. I missed both Chelsea whilst away so that might be a factor. (I won’t cloud this thread Q with how I stand on the Fab in/out issue).

The football has been very frustrating at times of course, but I am more bothered by this kind of new apathy from our supporters. I’m surrounded by people who seem to be more interested in their half time burger and pint and pissing off in the 83rd minute. Feels like the Amex this year is 50% who give a shit and 50% who treat as a nice day out and something to do, or somewhere to whinge.

I don’t particularly understand or like our loan business this year, am baffled and quite concerned by much of our recent recruitment and the whole customer, corporate thing seems to have gone up a notch this year.

The away days however have been largely magnificent. A completely different crowd and 100% better vibe and atmosphere. Amazed by our sell outs week in week out. Everton away was superb (first and last Goodison visit) - the best Albion sing-song of the season for me.
First trip to Toon away was sensational. One of the best aways me and my crew have ever done.. absolutely loved everything about it. Even enjoyed Chelsea away, a mesmerisingly fast and wild game of football. Norwich away also was a highlight. Nice to go east, cracking pre match beers and a heartwarming Shane Duffy love-in.

Even Brentford was a great day until 5 minutes into the game. The Steam Packet is probably the nicest pre match pub I’ve visited all season. Quaffing London Pride in the sun by the river with a great friend with the waft of smashed burgers from the pub BBQ. Seeing TB in the crowd being egged on for a chant. There’s always joy and top memories from any away day. I’d buy an ‘away season ticket only’ if it was available in a heart beat.

Most of all I am really appreciative that I share all this madness with my lad and my best mates. I love that my son still wants to come with me home and away (paying for 90% probably helps and these are special memories that I cherish to be honest. Much more important than all the football hysteria.

I am content with mid table and a cup Q’final. But I really want the season to end. It’s been emotionally draining and feels so very long this year. Bring on the summer and a radio blackout of all things Albion (which of course will be impossible).

Excellent post. Spot on.

 

[AK74]

As I’ve grown older, my need for the Albion to contribute to life’s happiness has diminished. Results and performances aren’t completely irrelevant, but my mood isn’t adversely affected for more than a few minutes after a defeat, draw (when victory looked likely) or an insipid display. I know others are far more passionate about the club’s trials and tribulations, and I respect those who care more deeply than myself.

This season has been underwhelming, but I will keep coming back for more until I’m no longer able to attend home games.

 

[jackalbion]

Is that primarily from the time spent with mates? Your posts for days after the countless non-wins are understandably scathing of FH and his tactics.

Yes definitely, I think a lot of the football leaves a lot to be desired, but for me it isn't always about the football. Basically I agree with pretty much everything @Doug-ees-evil said.

 

[chaileyjem]

If we had beaten Palace twice then I'd have said yes, but suffering the first double against them for 80 odd years has tipped me into the meh camp. It just feels like the players or perhaps more the manager didn't understand how important those games are, and that is quite annoying.

It hurt a lot to lose to Palace twice - it really did . A better season all round when we beat them. Let’s trust they lose their next two !

but I don’t understand the idea that if only the players “cared” more or “understood the rivalry” say - we’d win more matches. Surely they can care a lot, and want to do it for the fans cos of Zaha or cos of 1977 (perhaps cos they’ve watched a film or something) - bu STILL lose. Or perhaps not be that fussed and STILL win. (Cos it’s other things that matter far more like tactics, the opponents, line up ).

 

[Southern Scouse]

No from me, I did not feel as connected as I usually do so far this season, and I have not found us as watchable as previous seasons.
I don’t put that all on the manager, some continuity would help. Looking forward to next season.

 

[Bozza]

Not massively, as it stands, but thinking back over my Albion-watching "career", there aren't too many seasons which I'd identify as being memorably enjoyable as complete bodies of work. It's more often about individual games.

This season is likely to be filed with around 40 or so others as not being particularly memorable.

I loved last season because of the European adventures.

I loved the season before because it was peak De Zerbi - daring, exhilarating football that took the club to its best-ever finish.

I have a real fondness for 2015/16, a season that ultimately ended in failure. There were so many highlights, and we had arguably the best-ever Amex atmosphere for the Sheffield Wednesday play-off home leg. The club's highlight reel, to "Ashes" by Embrace, was spectacular.

In another thread @ROSM spoke about football being an entertainment business, which it is of course.

However, I suggest supporters generally enjoy life when their side is winning. I've heard Burnley fans on the radio talking about how they've "bored their way to promotion" this season. I bet they've (nearly) all enjoyed this season despite the pragmatic football on display.

We also see "football-playing" sides get promoted. They have a plan, they have structure and they have an identity. Then they hit the Premier League, get stuffed repeatedly, and suddenly that attractive football isn't quite so enjoyable any more. See Burnley under Kompany, and Southampton under Martin this season.

 

[atomised]

Went for yes. Ive enjoyed every season I've attended. Even the Hereford season. Sometimes I walk away fed up with it but that feeling doesn't last. An improvement. In consistency will come with a settled defence.

 

[herecomesaregular]

Call me mad but I've enjoyed every season, from the first in 1987 onwards.

 

[Happy Exile]

I went for 'meh' because for the last few seasons I think I mostly remember little moments of euphoria and joy and happy atmospheres on the concourse at the Amex or on the coach back from games or whatever. This season the overriding memories are Chelsea away, Leicester away, Wolves at home, Forest away, Leicester at home, Everton at home, Palace away...the highlights seem fewer and the lows seem particularly low. I've also found myself next to more aggressively coked up psychos at away games picking fights with other Albion fans which might be due to the results but that has made a bad experience even worse a couple of times, Chelsea and Leicester being particularly bad for that. And even worse of course, I've had to stand next to a vlogger at a game too. Enjoyed it? I'm glad to have the opportunity to go and would hate not to, but enjoying it feels a stretch.

 

[RandyWanger]

M'eh. It feels like on many occasions we're so close to something, but keep falling short.

 

[Hotchilidog]

I voted "Meh" Not the best season, not the worst season. Some very good moments and some colossal disappointments...In other words a fairly regulation football season (albeit it one that still see us in the top half of the premier league at time of writing).

Most disappointing aspect of the season the flakiness of some elements of our support. There is nothing wrong with coming out of some games frustrated and disappointed but the hyperbolic overreaction to the team and manager this year has disappointed me. We were spoilt in the first half of last season and the level of expectation in my mind is unrealistic.

We are now in a position where European football is a reasonable aspiration, I just do not think we are entitled to it.

6.5-7/10 for me this season. There have been some cracking games but always terrific company both home and away.

Also this season is not flipping over yet, whilst I appreciate mojos are low now (mine is), the games are still meaningful and we should still be backing the team. Potter's return, the opportunity to beat the Saudis for a third time and pricking the champions bubble should all be prospects to saviour in our final three home games. With a sunny afternoon at Spurs to finish the season off at a side who have had a real stinker, could be fun.

 

[Chicken Run]

We are now in a position where European football is a reasonable aspiration, I just do not think we are entitled to it.

And let’s be realistic, if we lose some big names this summer do we really want ThursdaySunday with the squad that’s left plus i’m sure a few average signings?

 

[Falmer Flutter ©]

It's just been so up and down that it just gets tiring, but I've been doing this long enough to know that it's just part of the life of a fan. By the end of the season I'll have only missed three games in the league, annoyingly all wins (Man United at home, Bournemouth and Newcastle away).

Highlights have been, as always, the aways with my son and my mates just for the general laughs. Away performance highlights include Everton for the optimism, Man United for three in a row there, and first half at Liverpool for the best 45 minutes of the season. Home highlights include Spurs and Man City.

Lowlight for the season was Leicester away. Don't think I've come away from a game so angry. Forest and Palace not even close. Also the home atmosphere in general has been the worst in the Amex era.

Five games still to play, amazingly Europe still on the table. Just one little win could get us going again...

 

[worthingseagull]

voted m'eh but really I mean - absolutely loved it for part of the season and currently disliking it a lot

so an average of m'eh

 

[DanRedman]

No. Because we've been SO close to a very memorable season, but ruined it for ourselves with some absolute shit performances and piss poor management.

Absolutely agree with this! It's the hope that kills you.
My attention turned to the National League South and my local Non-League team a few weeks ago

 

[Hotchilidog]

And let’s be realistic, if we lose some big names this summer do we really want ThursdaySunday with the squad that’s left plus i’m sure a few average signings?

Very good question. Whilst I would still like us to qualify for the Conference League, it wouldn't be the end of the world if we missed out. A big summer for the recruitment team in prospect.

 

[boik]

It's a meh from me. Some good bits and some terrible bits. Overall though, it's exactly what I expected at the start of the season. A new manager and lots of new to the P/L players was bound to lead to inconsistencies. Optimistic about next season though.

 

[Chicken Run]

Absolutely agree with this! It's the hope that kills you.
My attention turned to the National League South and my local Non-League team a few weeks ago

Your brother plays to a good standard right?

 

[Not Andy Naylor]

We can still finish in the top half of the top flight for only the third time in our history, and eighth - which would be our second-highest finish ever - is not impossible, however unlikely. So I have to feel positively about this season.

Mind you, I still look forward to every single Albion match I go to, even after 55 years of watching them. The West Ham game clashes with Mrs Not Andy Naylor's birthday, the daughter-in-law has arranged a big whole-day do and it's been made very clear to me that I have to be there and not at the Amex. It will be the most miserable few hours of my year so far, without doubt.