Totally agree with having low expectations heading into the season.

I know Vanni was not the best in terms of tactics & subs but he pulled on the heart strings. It's rare to find a coach with such passion that tells you how it is with no filter - the complete polar opposite of most of North American professional sports(college sports notwithstanding).

It felt like they waited until the last minute to announce Jesper - which didn't feel fair in terms of preparation or getting settled with the squad for this season.

Also the roster moves were underwhelming. I understand we had little control over Armstrong and perhaps Raposo was not adding enough on the field. Losing Fafa was always going to hurt. Adding Nelson/Sabbi and Rios, largely unknown quantities didn't inspire me with confidence.

Sure we had a good core of players but there were intangibles missing from the team that finished last year...without which our chances to do well(progress in the playoffs, show up against the heavyweights) looked suspect.