Chris Griffin provides his thoughts today on last season, as a Foxile he provided reports on both home and away games.
At the start of the season, what would you have regarded as a successful return to the Premiership? Around mid-table. The way the team dominated the Championship did not suggest a side destined for a relegation battle. Hmm – got that one wrong.
Were your expectations raised following the 5 – 3 victory over Man Utd ? No. Thrilled with the dramatic win and loved the three nutmegs showboating – but by then doubts about the defence – and indeed the defending over the whole pitch – were emerging. Despite getting nine points we had just one clean sheet in the opening seven games (at Stoke and that was lucky given the possession Stoke had first half) Also possession stats were poor.
With Villa at home being the only victory in the first 3 months of 2015, did you think we would stay in the division going into April? Not really. Could not beat teams at home we should have beaten: Palace, Stoke, Hull. Yet we went to Everton and played well enough to merit a win. The only glimmer of hope was that the run in was not the worst and the relegation rivals had tough fixtures.
What do you feel were the main reasons we went on such a long run without a win? We were not premier streetwise; lacked premier experience. We did not adapt to the greater physicality and athleticism that we faced. WBA at home summed it up. Even pre Pulis they came with a clear game plan, applied it aggressively and with discipline and nicked all three points with admittedly a fluke goal. We looked boys in comparison.
By contrast, the end of season run was an incredible set of results, what do you feel were the main reasons for the sudden success? Huth brought leadership, organisation, stability and premier league know how. Albrighton also had premier league know how and was at long last selected. Five across the middle strengthened midfield and gave support to Esteban, gave us more possession and allowed Schlupp to get forward more frequently.
We moved the ball forward more quickly which given the pace of Vardy was essential. And Ulloa had a really good finish to the season. Should also give a mention to Ulloa’s excellent aerial defensive work at corners and free kicks. And finally and critically the team’s mental attitude changed to one of let’s go for it.
Was there any point during the season where you felt a change of manager would have been the best way forwards? No. The selections sometimes confused (WBA at home with no wide player a case in point) but Pearson has a good management and recruitment team (Steve Walsh is a real asset. We are building a team of players who show character.) The other factor was that the players were clearly playing for Pearson. They could be criticised for errors, poor marking, lack of composure – but in terms of energy and commitment they were giving it plenty – and clearly playing for the manager.
What was your personal highlight of the season? Pure sentiment: the supporters’ emotional acclaim for Cambiasso’s goal in the home match v QPR. Not a key goal in the big scheme of things – but received with rapture all round,
Esteban Cambiasso won all the official player of the season awards, would he have been your choice and who else impressed you this season? It has been a privilege to watch Cambiasso. From his rigorous first half warm up at Stoke when he came on at half time and turned the game he has become a legend. And from what we hear he takes this consummate professionalism into work every day: inspiring.
Otherwise it does not seem right to mention others. There is such strong cohesion and teamwork in the squad. All played a part – even the bit part subs.
A number of experienced heads were added to last season’s squad, which of this seasons signings did you think made the most significant impact? Cambiasso, Huth and Albrighton.
A number of players made significant strides forwards with their career, which player do you think made the most progress last season and why? Schlupp – though please, Jeffery, a little more composure at times would be good.
Were there any players that failed to live up to your expectations? Danny Drinkwater was easily the best player in the Championship the previous year, but it did not seem to work for him this season. Hopefully he will come back with his confidence in his considerable ability restored.
What changes to the squad do you think are necessary to improve on this year’s Premiership Campaign? Christian Fuchs is a good start to bolster the left side of defence. Possibly another central defender to play along side Huth (assuming he stays of course.) A strong midfielder to play alongside Esteban…and if he leaves then two strong midfielders. As well as Ulloa did at the end of the season is he the 20 goal a season striker we need? Overspent yet?
If you could advise Nigel Pearson on new signings, who would your suggestions be for additions to the squad? Maybe Austin. And Stoke’s Nzonzi, though doubt Hughes would let him go.
What do you feel is most significant element of our game we will need to improve next season? More clean sheets. The more clean sheets we have the more points we get. (Doh!) 10 clean sheets gave us 24 points. That is a great return. Let’s increase that next season.
The King Power stadium, which has always compared unfavourably to Filbert Street for atmosphere suddenly came to life this season, with a number of visiting sets of supporters stating our ground had the most noise in the division, what do you think were the reasons for this? I am old school so it is through gritted teeth I give a nod in the direction of those clappers – but more importantly the players gave us something to get excited about. It was great to walk down to the ground for games against good outfits like Swansea and Southampton feeling confident of a win. Welcome back Fortress Filbo.
Any other observation you would like to make On a personal note pleased that Ian is dedicating this selection of report writers’ comments to the memory of Mike King. My seat is behind Mike’s and we became good friends since first meeting at the new ground in 2002. A fanatical fox…Mike really was one of the good guys.
The views expressed in this report are the opinions of the Trust member nominated to file the report only and do not represent the views of the Foxes Trust organisation
The Trust dedicates this series of end of season reviews to one of our match reporting team who has contributed since we first launched them. Mike King sadly passed away a couple of days before the final day of the season.