Pompey 'hopes' and/or 'expectations' now?

I think that it goes without saying that our overall hopes and expectations for Pompey are for he club to have a stability to build upon to lay foundations for a long-term future - stability, for this future, is all that all of us want.

Although the thoughts I am talking about here are footballing 'hopes' or 'expectations' for this season.

As we head towards the Christmas period, which takes us roughly to the midway point as far as fixtures go of the season you get a 'rough' idea of where you are and what 'could' lay ahead. That said I still think that the standings at the Easter stage of the season make it 'clearer' as to what clubs can expect.

I do not think that I have made any secret of my desire NOT to go back to the 'promised land' of the premier league just yet, although 'if' that should come along of course the financial riches on offer should, in theory, help to sooth our problems and get us onto an even playing field sooner.

So, thee are some 'potential' benefits to a return to the top flight...

Another thing that I have not hidden are my thoughts that survival in the nopower championship is a must, that first and foremost MUST be the main objective, and has been mine from the day we got relegated last season.

In this league nothing can, or should, be taken for granted. Things are far too open for the assumption that we will be safe this season to be made, even if it 'seems' like we will.

As much as getting promoted is by far NOT my priority how could we not want to 'go all the way' should we manage to get in the top 6 and secure a play-off spot eh!

The drawback, should we not manage to achieve promotion - as I 'think' will be the case - will of course be the fact that some of the better players will 'probably' move on, which would be a shame as we seem to have a good squad, on the whole, together here that want to be here.

Having said that, should we lose players - and realistically come the end of the season come what may some will have to go - all being well we can continues to find, use and attract players that will want to be here, and are happy to be here without going overboard and risking this stability. This, in many ways, makes me think of the youth set-up again and just why I think it is so important that we keep making the kids feel wanted, as we may well become very, very reliant on them as part of our future.

Anything is possible, and finishing anywhere from 3rd-24th is on. Even though 21st would do me in all honest, perhaps a more 'realistic expectation' of what the club would want would be somewhat higher.

A place in the top 10 would represent a good season but top 6 is also, and maybe 'should be' or at least 'is', the real aim?

PLAY UP POMPEY!

Click here to make your prediction: Norwich v Pompey.