' Harder' is too simpler a word. When you are emotionally involved with anything or anyone it is always hard, that is the price you pay for that attachment, that love. If they suffer you suffer. When we were fighting relegation or vying for promotion it was hard, well more stress, especially as we never seemed to do it the easy way. But it was also exciting.
I remember for me the worst period was when we had sort of established ourselves in the premier league. The gap between ourselves and the top four was huge and seemed insurmountable due to the self perpetuating riches they gained from the champions league. At that time I just felt empty, devoid of hope. That was hard. I carried on going out of loyalty but I knew any decent player we developed would leave and that I would probably never see my club win another trophy again in my lifetime. That was bloody hard and wasn't exciting.
Sure the stress levels are high now but we play some fantastic football, watch world class players every week and are competing for trophies. It is a pleasant exciting hard, if that makes sense?