2024/25 League Two Promotion Thread

[loz]

Hmm, I think that’s a little unjust though. You could argue our last three 1-0 wins were a bit grind-like, but we’re only 7 goals behind free scoring Notts - and ironically, we’ve scored more than Vale, albeit they’ve played a game less.

For me, the question whether we’re good enough for autos doesn’t come down to blowing teams away, it comes down to how solid we can be between now and May. 6 clean sheets from our last 7 games shows we’ve perhaps found a way of playing which is just as good as scoring 2-3 per game.

Admittedly, we have such a tough April. Auto’s will be gained/lost here - for a number of teams.

16 games left. If someone could offer us a dozen of those as 1-0 wins, I don't think I'd be the only one to snap their hands off.

 

[valefan16]

He can't be classing his own side as up there then, as we've scored more and conceded less than them so must have had more comfortable games than them at various stages.

For much of the season we have been anything but glamourous, DM as you know is a fairly Southgate type manager despite the talent and we've had many a glorious 1-0 grind... up until January when we've gone 2 up front and are a bit more glam, especially with the Swiss Harland with his slick stylish appearance pinging them in.

I wouldn't take what my fellow valiant said as that much of a negative either, play to your strengths and be efficient is a good promotion attribute.

 

[GTFCfish]

Hmm, I think that’s a little unjust though. You could argue our last three 1-0 wins were a bit grind-like, but we’re only 7 goals behind free scoring Notts - and ironically, we’ve scored more than Vale, albeit they’ve played a game less.

For me, the question whether we’re good enough for autos doesn’t come down to blowing teams away, it comes down to how solid we can be between now and May. 6 clean sheets from our last 7 games shows we’ve perhaps found a way of playing which is just as good as scoring 2-3 per game.

Admittedly, we have such a tough April. Auto’s will be gained/lost here - for a number of teams.

Absolutely, it doesn't matter how you get the points as long as you get them, that's just my take on what I thought he meant that's all.
I'd happily take 1-0 wins all season if it got us promoted.

 

[leedsvaliant]

I think he just means by how you play, grinding out 1-0 wins as opposed to blowing teams away.
That’s what I took it to mean anyway.

This. Thanks.

 

[leedsvaliant]

Yeah, we've certainly not been glamorous. Not very high scoring and a lot of attritional games. We've started to create a bit more with 2 up front, but Moore's default is safety first.

It's not a criticism of Bradford. I just think they have a functional rather than spectacular side. It's shown by teams like MK Dons that trying to play like Man City doesn't really work at this level. Functional wins you tight games and I think it's what Bradford need after a number of very poor years.

 

[Mighty_Bantam]

Yeah, we've certainly not been glamorous. Not very high scoring and a lot of attritional games. We've started to create a bit more with 2 up front, but Moore's default is safety first.

It's not a criticism of Bradford. I just think they have a functional rather than spectacular side. It's shown by teams like MK Dons that trying to play like Man City doesn't really work at this level. Functional wins you tight games and I think it's what Bradford need after a number of very poor years.

If it gets us out of the league I'd take another 12 1-0 wins with all goals being own goals.

Third of the season left and all that counts is getting up. Don't care for style, aesthetic, beauty at this point. Address that once you're at a higher level.

Just get out of this toilet division.

 

[The_Viking_Magpie]

Yeah, we've certainly not been glamorous. Not very high scoring and a lot of attritional games. We've started to create a bit more with 2 up front, but Moore's default is safety first.

It's not a criticism of Bradford. I just think they have a functional rather than spectacular side. It's shown by teams like MK Dons that trying to play like Man City doesn't really work at this level. Functional wins you tight games and I think it's what Bradford need after a number of very poor years.

Attriotnal games and low scoring tight victories is all well and good. You still only get 3 points whatever the score or entertainment level after all.

But in that scenario you are only a small swing from it being attriotnal low scoring tight defeats and then the attendances drop..... fast.

 

[leedsvaliant]

Attriotnal games and low scoring tight victories is all well and good. You still only get 3 points whatever the score or entertainment level after all.

But in that scenario you are only a small swing from it being attriotnal low scoring tight defeats and then the attendances drop..... fast.

I agree and we have been in games this season where we've fallen just the wrong side of marginal games. However, for this league it's more about getting out of it. You don't get any points for style. So, keeping it tight and winning by the odd goal every week is a sound way to go, particularly if you've had a few poor seasons trying other ways. Then, once you move up the leagues, you review your style and perhaps make it more aesthetically pleasing.

The last 2 times we got promoted from this division, we didn't play fancy, we just ground out results.

 

[valefan16]

I agree and we have been in games this season where we've fallen just the wrong side of marginal games. However, for this league it's more about getting out of it. You don't get any points for style. So, keeping it tight and winning by the odd goal every week is a sound way to go, particularly if you've had a few poor seasons trying other ways. Then, once you move up the leagues, you review your style and perhaps make it more aesthetically pleasing.

The last 2 times we got promoted from this division, we didn't play fancy, we just ground out results.

Last time to a degree but that 12/13 side scored the most goals in Englands top few divisions! Won 7-1 v promotion rivals Burton and 6-2 v Rotherham, 5-2 away at Fleetwood, 4-0 v Rovers and Argyle 4-1 Wycombe and a few 3-0’s!

Scored 14 goals in 3 games at one point

 

[leedsvaliant]

Last time to a degree but that 12/13 side scored the most goals in Englands top few divisions! Won 7-1 v promotion rivals Burton and 6-2 v Rotherham, 5-2 away at Fleetwood, 4-0 v Rovers and Argyle 4-1 Wycombe and a few 3-0’s!

Scored 14 goals in 3 games at one point

I did consider that but we didn't play in a fancy way. We played simple by getting it out to the wings and aiming for Pope in the middle. No frills.

 

[Coalite]

There’s been little involvement in this thread from us, let the Vale, Chesterfield and Notts fans do all the talking.

 

[GTFCfish]

I know we're probably the rank outsiders for a play off spot but after the last 20 years of dog mess it's just great to even be getting mentioned in here as having a sniff.

 

[The_Viking_Magpie]

I agree and we have been in games this season where we've fallen just the wrong side of marginal games. However, for this league it's more about getting out of it. You don't get any points for style. So, keeping it tight and winning by the odd goal every week is a sound way to go, particularly if you've had a few poor seasons trying other ways. Then, once you move up the leagues, you review your style and perhaps make it more aesthetically pleasing.

The last 2 times we got promoted from this division, we didn't play fancy, we just ground out results.

Totally agree we are attempting the recognised more difficult route out of league 2 without possession and passing approach.

But is it easy to change playing styles in a higher more competitive league? There are definitely some merits sticking to a style of play in the fourth tier that will be more suited long term to higher divisions.