The F Word.

[mateinone]

Thinking of finals doesn't hurt any of the supporters, but should not be on the mind of the players. That would be the club thinking in the opposite direction to what Bolts appears to be teaching them.

It is obvious with this group, and he reiterates it after win or loss, he doesn't want them to read too much into their wins and he doesn't want them to read too much into their losses. Following this mantra, whether we make finals or not has no real saying on whether we are having a successful year. What matters is continuing to play football in the manner than ensures that when it all starts clicking, when the team plays like this every week and our list is where we need it, then we will be playing regular finals football. In other words the players should not even be aiming at all for the finals, if it comes as a by product, that is fine, if it doesn't... that is fine. I a, fairly sure Bolton would prefer we finish the last round missing finals, but never leave any game where our commitment to pressure football is questioned, than getting to the finals, but playing a couple of games where we are considered soft.

I think the season gets harder not easier as well, maintaining the message, maintaining the rage, not becoming stale after we do take some hard losses, ensuring that every week, every day, the same message goes through all and never falters, that is a bigger challenge than playing football in September.

I don't care if we make finals, I really don't at all. If I was betting on us, I would say it is probably the odds should be as much as 2/5 against us making the finals, but we are a chance.