Ahead of Saturday's trip to Hull City , LFW spoke to Tigers fan John Gibson to gauge the mood in the home team's camp.
Such optimism before the start of the season — Europe , big signings — has given way to a season of struggle. Why?
JG: I think given the size of the club us fans have always thought we could perform higher than we were. Given the amount of injuries we have had this season being knocked out of Europe was a bit of a blessing however disappointing it seemed at the time as it was nice doing the trips away. It would have been interesting to see how different things might of been with a full strength team throughout. It's also unfortunate that we haven't got a chance to see what Robert Snodgrass can do, so we're wishing him a healthy recovery for next season.
Has Steve Bruce maintained the support of the crowd? Any alternatives being mentioned? What has he got wrong this season?
JG: I don't recall many people shouting for Bruce to be sacked. You get the odd frustrated fan but other than that there has always been full backing. I think his honesty has been key to him keeping the fans onside. Tony Pulis was mentioned as a potential better option at one point I recall.
Injuries have played a big part — they have really interfered with his starting 11. That said I think he may be a little guilty of choosing the wrong team sometimes. Some of our stars from last season under-performing has been an issue too and I think that's why, in January, Bruce sought to bring in more competition for places. It has been nice to see some of those players getting dropped recently. Tom Huddlestone and Curtis Davies haven't been at their best and we've made some bad goalkeeping errors.
Given that Assem Allam’s combativeness last season was set against good results and a cup run, has he attracted more criticism now the results have dried up?
JG: The Allams are treating us like a toy from my point of view. They are more bothered about making money than the best interests of the club and fans. But football is a business, we just have to perform on the pitch and show the things in the background are not effecting it. On the other hand, they still lay out the money and we wouldn't be where we are now without their intervention when all looked doomed and we were crippled by debt. I'm on the fence with this one a bit.
Do you think you’ll stay up?
JG: Yes, but there are some big games coming up which we need to win and we haven't done that enough so far. The arrival of Mike Phelan as assistant manager has given us a boost judging by our performance at Man City and last week against Aston Villa.
Who have been the stand out players?
JG: Alex Bruce has been the big surprise with some excellent performances. I think I speak for most when I say I hope Mo Diame is fit again soon.
Where is the team weak? Who’s been playing poorly?
JG: On paper we are strong in all areas, we just need consistency and a good run with no injuries. I think most have had their bad days at some point this season so it would be hard to single out one. If I had to though then Huddlestone has let us down a bit with some lazy games.
Short medium and long term aims for the club?
JG: Short term has to be stay up. Long term the same. Or world domination of course.
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