I wonder how many of the players brought in last season were sold on the promise of promotion to the championship at the 1st attempt.
All the BS from AP last season saying it would be better to miss out on promotion to build a winning mentality this year in L1 was rubbish. IMHO Missing out on promotion last year has had an impact on the players. Just look at last years key players Fonte, Lambert, Puncheon a shadow of their former selves. Fitness might play a part but if their hearts aren't in it then NA has a hell of a job getting them motivated again, and the longer our poor form continues and the less likely promotion seems the harder that will get.