We have reached that point of the year when the mood of a fanbase is no longer dictated by results on the field but developments off it.
Top of the feelgood charts as we head into the summer are obviously Villa. This transfer window, at least in the early part, is unlikely to be straightforward yet any worries supporters might have about profit and sustainability rules can instantly be eased by two words: Champions League.
For Albion, there are also reasons to be cheerful. Granted, Carlos Corberan was unable to work the same magic he had for the previous nine months in the play-offs. But the Baggies still ended the season with you convinced they had the right man in the dugout and – just maybe – the right people in the boardroom after Shilen Patel’s much-needed takeover.
The new ownership may provide some comfort to even Blues fans. For a team of their caliber, participating in League One is a disgrace, and Tom Wagner’s Knighthead Group is primarily to blame for this after Wayne Rooney’s unfortunate appointment. However, you still have the feeling that St. Andrew’s long-term prospects, even with Trillion Trophy Asia’s turbulent reign ending 18 months ago, are better.
This leads us to Wolves, where the mood has become much chillier following the announcement yesterday of hefty increases in season ticket prices. The news came, of course, after a season that went better than many had anticipated following Julen Lopetegui’s departure a few days before the season started, despite the fact that Wolves finished in 14th place (or 15th, if you include Everton’s docked points back in) and were once again near the bottom of the Premier League’s midtable.
But from what you saw, it appears like Gary O’Neil is a competent coach who can assemble a team and make the most of the players at his disposal. More memorable experiences than the campaign’s final place could have contributed to its overall positive feeling.
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