There is one area on which I have a degree of sympathy for Hughton. Only one, though

As I mentioned earlier, I think he's scared - and the players are scared in consequence. But here's the thing: it's bloody, bloody hard managing at this level of football, with a lowish budget. Ruthless world, in which your decisions and approach have to be 100% spot on.

Yet in our lives, how many of us can say in all seriousness that we don't get scared? That we seize every opportunity which comes our way? Fear is the biggest obstacle to success in anyone's life - yet fear is completely human.

So we try chatting up the stunning bird we've had our eye on - but bottle it. We know we need to confront a colleague at work or a friend about their behaviour - but don't have the heart to be as honest as is necessary. And deep down, many of us probably know we have to make changes in our own lives - but change is scary, so we stick with the tried and trusted instead.

We all do it - and if any of us were that successful, we probably wouldn't spend so much time on an internet messageboard in the first place. And heck; the reason I became a Norwich City fan in the first place, way back in 1989, was BECAUSE we were 'nice' - or at least, way less ruthless than any other leading club at that time.

I'm not excusing any of Hughton's decisions: this is professional sport, which demands ruthlessness and a very positive attitude at all times. But it's difficult; genuinely, it is, which is why so few people are that successful, in football or any other walk of life.

Posted By: thebigfeller, May 4, 20:41:38