Aspinwall it is.

Quote: Lang Park "The biggest problem we have had at the club still remains.

Forget about the rights and wrongs of various signings, the big issue as I see it is the communication from the club and the management of expectations.

The statements of strategic intent that AP made when he took over about repositioning the club as a genuine contender and investing in top quality talent were designed to lift the club and its supporters, and set out a grand vision for the future.

As we all know, we were all genuinely enthused and looked forward to the delivery of signings and success as set out in his statements.

The problem is however that the signings that have been made do not live up to what was promised, and so we all feel cheated. Just like when you buy a branded peice of clothing or consumer goods you expect a certain level of performance that you associate with the brand, and if it doesn't live up to the brands promise then you feel robbed, and lose trust in that particular brand.

This is where I have always disagreed with the opinion that Rule was such a great marketer. He built a brand that didn't deliver on what it promised, and for that he lost a great deal of respect and trust from the fans.

AP should have come out and set out his vision for the future, but at the same time outlined a timetable and explained that consolidation was necessary and getting to the top 4, then top 2 would take time, and require a rebuilding process.

If he'd done this there wouldn't be half the negativity on here that there is today.

The risk is that he's raised expectations too far too soon, and his honeymoon period could be over before the seasons even started.'"

I think anyone with any common sense and knowledge of the game knew that it would take time. You can't just go cancelling contracts left right and centre and make other clubs part with their best players cos we want them to. While Pearson didn't put a timescale on making the club a top 2 team he also didn't say it would be next season. I'd be interested to know who you think we should have signed and who we should have got rid of and by what means. The only 2 questionable signings are both on 12 month contracts,i think some people need a reality check.