Love a good myth busting. And if preseason is indeed as indispensable to player integration as often touted, then clubs won't make the mistake of signing a player mid season and besides such signings should have been notorious for its failure rate compared to summer signings.
I guess the most important reason you mentioned why everyone sleepwalks along with the preseason myth is the channelling of hope, the chance to weave a narrative both a priori and a posteriori. It offers a convenient excuse when reality dashes hope and people in the direct line of fire are looking for something to grasp.
Love a good myth busting. And if preseason is indeed as indispensable to player integration as often touted, then clubs won't make the mistake of signing a player mid season and besides such signings should have been notorious for its failure rate compared to summer signings.
I guess the most important reason you mentioned why everyone sleepwalks along with the preseason myth is the channelling of hope, the chance to weave a narrative both a priori and a posteriori. It offers a convenient excuse when reality dashes hope and people in the direct line of fire are looking for something to grasp.
Good piece!