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.

 

[leedsvaliant]

This is going to go right down to the last game isn't it? Top 6 is extremely tight, with perhaps a slight gap opening up outside of that. There will likely be one team that comes flying in at the end. I think there'll be up to 6 teams vying for 3 auto places right up to the end. Still 16 games to go though, so lots if twists and turns. Feels like our 3 points tonight were vital to keep us in the pack and we've now got a kinder run of games.

 

[gary]

This is going to go right down to the last game isn't it? Top 6 is extremely tight, with perhaps a slight gap opening up outside of that. There will likely be one team that comes flying in at the end. I think there'll be up to 6 teams vying for 3 auto places right up to the end. Still 16 games to go though, so lots if twists and turns. Feels like our 3 points tonight were vital to keep us in the pack and we've now got a kinder run of games.

This is going to go right down to the last game isn't it? Top 6 is extremely tight, with perhaps a slight gap opening up outside of that. There will likely be one team that comes flying in at the end. I think there'll be up to 6 teams vying for 3 auto places right up to the end. Still 16 games to go though, so lots if twists and turns. Feels like our 3 points tonight were vital to keep us in the pack and we've now got a kinder run of games.

Wimbledon's last home game is against you ! I hope there's not too much riding on that game. In all likelihood there probably will be !!!!

 

[leedsvaliant]

Wimbledon's last home game is against you ! I hope there's not too much riding on that game. In all likelihood there probably will be !!!!

That's bound to be a decisive game isn't it? I'm going to have to drink Earlsfield dry before the game to settle the nerves!

 

[Limerick Mariner]

Are you ready financially to go up ? We've spent at least 1.5 million just to survive. Division three is getting harder and more expensive by the season.

Simple answer - no. Nowhere near. Previous owner Fenty left Blundell Park as an albatross around the current owners neck. Capacity is too small, and repairs / refurbs have already soaked up all of our FA Cup QF run windfall and more to costs to come - the pitch is in a right state, more roof repairs to do. We've had new investment of £1.5 million this season but most of that will be swallowed by the close season stadium and pitch costs.

 

[gary]

That's bound to be a decisive game isn't it? I'm going to have to drink Earlsfield dry before the game to settle the nerves!

Yeah i might join you !!!!

 

[Meadow]

That's bound to be a decisive game isn't it? I'm going to have to drink Earlsfield dry before the game to settle the nerves!

Plenty of decent pubs in the area. The Leather Bottle is the best by far with an amazing garden and so much history. My local before property prices drove me out to neighbouring Merton but it may be home supporters only. It's pricy though.

 

[leedsvaliant]

Plenty of decent pubs in the area. The Leather Bottle is the best by far with an amazing garden and so much history. My local before property prices drove me out to neighbouring Merton but it may be home supporters only. It's pricy though.

Yep, I've been there a few times. My best mate lives in Earlsfield, so I know the area quite well.

 

[mozzavale]

By the time we play Tranmere on 1st March, we'll have 2 games in hand on most teams around us, one game on the rest. Just how the rearranged games have fallen. Salford next week feels really important so we don't have a mountain to climb and under a bit more pressure.

 

[leedsvaliant]

By the time we play Tranmere on 1st March, we'll have 2 games in hand on most teams around us, one game on the rest. Just how the rearranged games have fallen. Salford next week feels really important so we don't have a mountain to climb and under a bit more pressure.

Yeah, it feels a bit silly that we've arranged 8 games in March. As with Notts on Thursday, it feels like we have to keep winning to stay in touch. As always, I'd much rather have points on the board than games in hand. If we can get past Tranmere and be virtually level with 3rd, we've got a really friendly run of games. Feels like Bradford have had a kind run of fixtures, so hopefully we can emulate their recent return.

 

[FiRTHYY]

I can’t stress how important the next 4-6 week are, before we head into a ridiculously tough looking April.

22/02 - MK Dons (h) - WIN
25/02 - Bromley (a) - LOSS
01/03 - Salford (a) - DRAW
04/03 - Cheltenham (h) - WIN
08/03 - Gills (a) - LOSS
15/03 - Tranmere (h) - WIN
22/03 - Colchester (h) - WIN
29/03 - Accrington (a) - WIN

Fancy us against anyone at home.

In April we’ve got Vale, Crewe, Swindon, Notts County, Chesterfield and Doncaster - with only the Crewe and Notts games being at home. Very tough!

 

[Grimsby Road]

Simple answer - no. Nowhere near. Previous owner Fenty left Blundell Park as an albatross around the current owners neck. Capacity is too small, and repairs / refurbs have already soaked up all of our FA Cup QF run windfall and more to costs to come - the pitch is in a right state, more roof repairs to do. We've had new investment of £1.5 million this season but most of that will be swallowed by the close season stadium and pitch costs.

I love BP and all the more nostalgic old school grounds but the sad truth is we will never be able to make any upwards progress above league 2 or at a push arse end league 1 and struggling unless we get into a new ground ; there must be a plan to move still behind the scenes surely ?

I know the owners say it's not a priority but you just have to look at Donny and although that's maybe a touch too big it offers good facilities and a larger away capacity which if we got up a league the touch over 1k would not be enough for 2/3 of games and we would miss out on serious income . I sort of hope we get up just so they have to admit it's not viable and realise we need to look at somewhere else .

 

[The_Viking_Magpie]

I love BP and all the more nostalgic old school grounds but the sad truth is we will never be able to make any upwards progress above league 2 or at a push arse end league 1 and struggling unless we get into a new ground ; there must be a plan to move still behind the scenes surely ?

I know the owners say it's not a priority but you just have to look at Donny and although that's maybe a touch too big it offers good facilities and a larger away capacity which if we got up a league the touch over 1k would not be enough for 2/3 of games and we would miss out on serious income . I sort of hope we get up just so they have to admit it's not viable and realise we need to look at somewhere else .

What an excellent post and my thoughts exactly. I love old grounds for the character, the nostalgia, the memories and the uniqueness...... but only as a visitor.

Until Grimsby get a new stadium they are basically treading water. The cost to just keep patching it , keeping health and safety happy without any significant betterment will be depressing.

On a non-financial level the experience to a tough sell especially for youngster and new fans who understandably expect and want better. It will forever hamper home attendances at BP until a new stadium is found.

Doncaster have the capacity about right. Gives them the potential to operate in the Championship which let's be honest is now the ultimate aim for clubs at this level.

Big seat allocation is important, as is non football revenue generating facilities. This external / corporate revenue is only become more important and a big gap between the haves and have nots will only get bigger as time moves on. You can't over stress the importance

Ultimately it's all about the long term view and keeping potential of growth alive. Sadly for Town fans that looks a long way away as they battle restricted views and high asbestos levels.

Its a interesting point by Grimsby Road about getting up and the owners seeing all that wasted income as the ground is full and they could have sold thousands for the game.

 

[Bianconeri 1862]

What an excellent post and my thoughts exactly. I love old grounds for the character, the nostalgia, the memories and the uniqueness...... but only as a visitor.

Until Grimsby get a new stadium they are basically treading water. The cost to just keep patching it , keeping health and safety happy without any significant betterment will be depressing.

On a non-financial level the experience to a tough sell especially for youngster and new fans who understandably expect and want better. It will forever hamper home attendances at BP until a new stadium is found.

Doncaster have the capacity about right. Gives them the potential to operate in the Championship which let's be honest is now the ultimate aim for clubs at this level.

Big seat allocation is important, as is non football revenue generating facilities. This external / corporate revenue is only become more important and a big gap between the haves and have nots will only get bigger as time moves on. You can't over stress the importance

Ultimately it's all about the long term view and keeping potential of growth alive. Sadly for Town fans that looks a long way away as they battle restricted views and high asbestos levels.

Its a interesting point by Grimsby Road about getting up and the owners seeing all that wasted income as the ground is full and they could have sold thousands for the game.

Good post, donnys ground is fantastic though I love ours, modern ground in traditional location.

 

[Cloudy]

What an excellent post and my thoughts exactly. I love old grounds for the character, the nostalgia, the memories and the uniqueness...... but only as a visitor.

Until Grimsby get a new stadium they are basically treading water. The cost to just keep patching it , keeping health and safety happy without any significant betterment will be depressing.

On a non-financial level the experience to a tough sell especially for youngster and new fans who understandably expect and want better. It will forever hamper home attendances at BP until a new stadium is found.

Doncaster have the capacity about right. Gives them the potential to operate in the Championship which let's be honest is now the ultimate aim for clubs at this level.

Big seat allocation is important, as is non football revenue generating facilities. This external / corporate revenue is only become more important and a big gap between the haves and have nots will only get bigger as time moves on. You can't over stress the importance

Ultimately it's all about the long term view and keeping potential of growth alive. Sadly for Town fans that looks a long way away as they battle restricted views and high asbestos levels.

Its an interesting point by Grimsby Road about getting up and the owners seeing all that wasted income as the ground is full and they could have sold thousands for the game.

Personally I don’t like Donny’s ground one bit!

Soulless, and little or no decent pubs close by.

I much prefer Notts County’s ground for atmosphere and fantastic location in a great city.

Btw, I am pretty certain there are no traces of asbestos at BP. Some slow redevelopment over a move to some mecano box for me

 

[Son of Cod]

Ultimately it's all about the long term view and keeping potential of growth alive. Sadly for Town fans that looks a long way away as they battle restricted views and high asbestos levels.

Yet, in the top 6 of L1 right now we have Wrexham, Stockport, Wycombe and Leyton Orient. Exeter, Lincoln and Mansfield all looking stable too. That's almost a third of the division with stadiums that present each club with some of the same problems you touch upon.

I don't necessarily disagree with what you or Grimsby Road are saying, however it's certainly not as final as you're suggesting. It is possible to grow without moving to a new build. Admittedly not as efficient or easy but certainly still possible.

 

[valefan16]

Yet, in the top 6 of L1 right now we have Wrexham, Stockport, Wycombe and Leyton Orient. Exeter, Lincoln and Mansfield all looking stable too. That's almost a third of the division with stadiums that present each club with some of the same problems you touch upon.

I don't necessarily disagree with what you or Grimsby Road are saying, however it's certainly not as final as you're suggesting. It is possible to grow without moving to a new build. Admittedly not as efficient or easy but certainly still possible.

As long as no mine shafts underneath!

Otherwise it becomes like the Sagrida Familia

 

[Son of Cod]

As long as no mine shafts underneath!

Otherwise it becomes like the Sagrida Familia

Interesting that you mention the Sagrida Familia because I think Gaudi actually drew up the original plans on the same day that we put our first planning application for a new stadium in to NE Lincs.