I think one of the reasons it all feels a bit flat and people are beginning to have a "take it or leave" it attitude is a combination of the fact that,

1) Blind optimism aside, achieving even a measly 8th position was realistically beyond us some time ago.

and

2) Due to franchising we have been denied the opportunity to panic and peruse the idea of relegation and staring at the trap door to the Championship and all that would entail.

For me a real damn good fight against relegation is just what the doctor ordered. Unfortuanately we have the "Tamiflu" equivalent of a franchise to protect us.

Now, back to my Gin & Tonic.

So much that a highly popular fanzine was set up criticising the board, and was subsequently banned from sale within the ground.

Funnily enough, you must be the only person I have heard suggest that.

Your post suggests you are indeed a fool - if you are being serious. You really think the club should/could/would actually come out and say, to you/usLook, we can't afford to sack Mack and get in a coach with the necessary skills so give the poor guy a bit more of a break" - even if that was what privately they thought?

You genuinely propose that this is a possible scenario that could ever happen?

I think you are missing the general points being made by the rational posters who are, and will remain, supporters.
There has been a lack of quality coaching in tactics and team preparation in their unified approach to each match. This is evident to those of us who have watched the Bulls, and the game, for a long time.
To suggest other is naive and disengenuous.
I disavow myself from personal critisms of individual players except where they apply to those that fail to try their hardest in every game.
Some current players this season are not of the ability that we are used to in past seasons but have worked to their best available. Some players that do have ability have not been d to show it.
As fans we expect the club to sign/promote players of some quality that will pull on the Bulls shirt and bust a gut to wear it with pride
Is this unreasonable?
As fans we would expect the players to be coached to the highest level of motivation,SL tactics, game plans and adhere to them.
Is this unreasonable?

Hear hear Bobsmyuncle - you've hit the nail firmly on the head