Ahead of the game against Leicester this weekend, I had the opportunity to ask a few questions to one of the editors on Vital Leicester.
Here are the responses:
What were your hopes, fears and expectations for the season?
With all the hype about a promotion push this season it was pretty much the hope and expectation of everyone – especially as clearly now that’s all the owners are focusing on – that we would go up reasonably comfortably.
Automatic promotion was obviously the ultimate aim, but via the play offs would’ve certainly sufficed.
Fears would be obviously that things wouldn’t click or go to plan, and in some ways that has come true with our lack of consistency under Sven, but we’re still in a reasonable position so there’s plenty to be hopeful for.
What do you feel about Nigel Pearson returning as boss of Leicester?
They always say you shouldn’t go back, but at least so far Pearson has proved that wrong.
We know him well obviously, he’s a winner, he gets the club and the fans and hoepfully he’ll prove to be the right man (again) and a masterstroke from the owners.
I’d say everybody was happy with the appointment, no real complaints about the choice that I’ve come across.
What did you feel about Sven and what he did during his year in charge?
I actually liked Sven and was surprised and a little disappointed that he was encouraged to the door so quickly. With the number of players we brought in it was always going to take a while for the team to gel properly and the signs were there – we were improving game by game short of a few hiccups which you always get.
I’d have liked him to have been given longer really.
Leicester have signed a number of quality players and big names who must demand a big salary. Are you worried that you are paying above the odds for players which could cause a risk to your team if you don`t achieve promotion within a couple of years?
It’s always a risk, especially when you bring in players for such a clear stated promotion campaign that things could go wrong if it’s not achieved, but with the players we have brought in for the most part are resellable so we haven’t the risk over wage inflated ‘elders’ being a financial drain if we don’t make the Premiership within 24 months.
Paying above the odds is always a risk and it could be easily argued we have done just that with the fees paid, but the club have talked often about not over stretching and have said we’ve pulled out of deals when club’s clearly were taking the mickey a little, so hopefully it’s not something that will bite us either in the future.
You were in the hunt to sign Craig Mackail-Smith during the summer, but Sven didn`t want to break off his holiday to meet him and discuss things. Do you feel he would`ve made a good signing for you and fitted into your style of play?
I think he’d have certainly given us something different in attack that could’ve only been beneficial. I think his style would’ve made us more dynamic in attack as opposed to what you could say is a more traditional forward line with the likes of Beckford and Nugent.
He could’ve been a good foil for either of them but sadly it wasn’t to be.
Where do you think Leicester and Posh will finish this season?
For us I’m still hoping for a play off position, I think we might be a touch too late now for an automatic spot – but there are games left and we are within touching distance of that if we can put a really good run together and others wobble a bit – but for now I’d be happy with a play off place.
Given your current position I’d imagine you’d be happy with a mid-table finish – I wouldn’t be surprised to see you in around 12th come the end.
What are your impressions on Posh this season?
Short of seeing highlights I haven’t seen much of you really, but looking at your results so far this season you seem to be really inconsistent. One win, backed up by a loss. Not what I imagine you expected after the Ipswich game which does stand out.
Which player should Posh be wary of going into this game?
I think King or Wellens for me based on what I’d call current form; King especially. He`s always an outlet and draws attention away from those further forward.
Which Posh player do you believe will be a threat to Leicester?
Not seen enough of you really to be able to answer this confidently sadly. So instead I’ll just hope nobody surprises us!
What is your prediction for the match?
I’m expecting it to be tough, but I think we’ll take it 3-2.
Many thanks to Vital Leicester for answering the questions.
I`m looking forward to the match and hopefully a return to winning ways for Posh.
UP THE POSH
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