The bolded is tough. A title challenge is the next natural step if Ole is really bringing us back but I still think it is a big ask as I expect renewed Chelsea and Scouse challenges while City have it in them to get stronger still. I don't know by what yardstick I'll be measuring Ole next year as I could honestly see us eight or nine points off the top having had a strong league season.
The rest I agree with wholeheartedly, and I'll happily join the Telegraph (bleurgh) to offer Ole an apology.
You're right - expecting a title challenge is probably too soon, but we've established that we are a top 4 team in the country, the next step is to close the gap & separate us from the rest.
What I would want is for us to go further in Europe - QF's is attainable, and reach a domestic cup final, while finishing top 3.
I think we're about 4/5 players (first XI & squad) from really going toe to toe with City & the best in Europe, that's still about 2 years away.
Can i ask what has made you change your mind? Is it results? performances? seeing the harmony in the team? Or a combination?
Mainly performances - one of my biggest criticisms was that particularly early on the season we looked clueless in attack, and toothless in defence. We were scoring and winning, but by the end of the match I would feel relief, that we managed to get through it, rather than elation for example.
The biggest difference now is that I no longer feel worried that we're going to lose a match, nor do I feel like we won't create chances even if we go a goal down - I haven't felt that way since SAF.