There's a simple point here: experience of winning a league is different to having done well in cups or abroad. It gives players an understanding of the daily grind, the nervous weeks at the end of a campaign and the fine margins that decide a title race. If none of our current squad have been over the line before, that's worth talking about.
Why proven winners matter
To be fair, it's not just about a winner's medal on a mantelpiece. Players who have been there and done it bring a mentality. They know how to handle pressure, how to keep focus in tight runs of fixtures, and how to little things right day-in, day-out so form doesn't dip at the worst time. You can coach technique, but the steadying influence in the dressing room? That's usually learned the hard way.
Tavernier's influence isn't accidental
Tavernier brings experience. You can see why younger lads and new signings would look to him. The original post points out he scored more goals than any other full-back in the history of the game — that's their claim and it underlines why he's respected. Beyond numbers, reputation and the praise he gets from team-mates and staff matter. A player who commands respect helps set standards in training, on the pitch and in how the squad deals with setbacks.
What we should be looking for
We don't need a dressing room full of ex-champions, but a handful of players who've been in title races would be useful. Mentors, hard workers, those who lead by example — that's the target. Bringing in experienced pros alongside hungry youngsters keeps a balance. The supporters asking for proven winners after promotion weren't being daft; they wanted leaders who knew how to close out a season. It's a reasonable ask, and one the board and management should keep in mind when building the squad.
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