A little Synopsis of how fan bases react to the possibility of a downturn

Declines in football are a lot like economic declines. By the time everyone recognizes it, it's too late.

Step 1) Seeds of decline are sown. Very few obvious outward signs, but some errors or simply negative factor have occurred that will eventually show symptoms. A few people may see them, but very few. And, for the most part, they are made fun of by those who think they're crazy.(at this point, they might be crazy)

Step 2) First real signs that the seeds have taken root. Still, most people perceive the slight decline as a mere blip. They expect full recovery and relatively quick.(recovery isn't out of the question)

Step 3) Signs are no longer really deniable but there will be a few hold outs who swear that things are going to turn around and demand that no policies be significantly changed. "It's just a cycle and no individuals or policies are to blame".(only fools still deny the problem)

Step 4) Any moron knows the bottom has fallen out. Everyone in step three disappears. Pretty soon, everyone you meet claims to have fallen into Step 1.(not even possible to deny the problem)

Now that I think of it, this is sort of common in all things. IE, try to find someone now who admits to having liked Vanilla Ice. Dude sold millions of albums to apparently, no one.