Official Play-Off Thread

[K-Win]

Really didn't want to be starting this thread today.

OK, so there are a few things still to be settled. Black Tuesday has done Donny no favours and so they must now beat Coventry to nail down the final place. Posh can leapfrog them if they win and Donny don't.

There may still be some shuffling about in the other three slots. Any combination is still possible.

Pompey Play-Off Pros
--------------------------------
. Kenny Jackett has won the play-offs before
. We have a pretty healthy squad going in
. We've already won at Wembley this season (albeit on pens)

Pompey Play-Off Cons
--------------------------------
. We've only ever contested two play-offs. Lost in the semis both times. In fact we've not yet won a leg.
. Don't have a great recent record against some of the other contenders. Charlton have bested us twice this season. Haven't beaten Donny in the last eight attempts. Just lost to Peterborough at home. We've done OK against Sunderland though.
. The play-offs suck

Is it too late to suggest that we return to a straight three-up, three-down? Just our luck that we may finish third a mere 32 years after the play-offs were introduced.

 

[Bobbin']

Is it too late to suggest that we return to a straight three-up, three-down?

Can I let you know on Saturday evening?

Charlton Play-Off Pros
--------------------------------
- Maybe a slight mental edge over the others
- In form
- Experience of last seasons play-offs

Charlton Play-Off Cons
--------------------------------
- Since 1998, we’ve bottled every single game to reach Wembley. We seem destined to never play at the new stadium.
- Portsmouth and Sunderland have both played there this season which may work in their favour if we were to make the final and meet either of those.

I’m actually beginning to feel physically sick about these games. This is about a lot more than promotion for us, genuinely believe we’ll be scrapping at the bottom next season if we don’t pull this off. The future of the club hangs on this next month.

 

[Caer]

We could be in better shape going into the play-offs tbh. If Peterborough manage to knick 6th spot that would mean the only time we've beaten any of the play-off contenders was the opening day of the season against Charlton.

We'll more than likely end up playing Charlton as it turns out, whether as the 4th place or 5th place side remains to be seen.

I've never seen us win at Wembley. The Checkatrade Trophy was a free swing for a good day out, a potential play-off final would be murder.

 

[DearneValleyRover]

Donny
Playoff pro’s
We have never lost a game,
Con’s
We won’t beat Coventry so we won’t be in them

 

[Haway The Lads]

We have lost at Wembley 7 consecutive times. League Cup final in 1985 and 2014, FA Cup final in 1992, playoffs in 1990 and 1998, Checkatrate Trophy in 2019 and Mercantile Credit Football Festival in 1988.

Two of those were against Charlton and Portsmouth. Ideal.

 

[K-Win]

We've been fortunate and have mostly good memories of new Wembley.

Since 2008 we've won 1 FA Cup final, 2 FA Cup semi-finals and one EFL trophy final (on pens). Lost 1 FA Cup final and 1 Community Shield (on pens) so W4 L2 overall.

Our problem is getting through the play-off semis. The thought of them fills me with dread.

 

[Bobbin']

We have lost at Wembley 7 consecutive times. League Cup final in 1985 and 2014, FA Cup final in 1992, playoffs in 1990 and 1998, Checkatrate Trophy in 2019 and Mercantile Credit Football Festival in 1988.

Two of those were against Charlton and Portsmouth. Ideal.

What’s this about? Caer

 

[Haway The Lads]

What’s this about? Caer

View attachment 10872

Sunderland half marathon is on Sunday May 12th. The route goes right by the SoL so there are road closures.

 

[Bobbin']

Well that could bollocks that right up.

Rugby in Newcastle that day aswell so hotels are like gold dust. What’s Darlo like for a night out?

 

[Bartonyellow]

Donny
Playoff pro’s
We have never lost a game,
Con’s
We won’t beat Coventry so we won’t be in them

Your assuming Peterborough will beat us. I am sure we can do you a favour. We have form in that department

 

[Bobbin']

Been on the sauce all day. Fucking come on Charlton!

 

[SoutheySWFC]

I'd prefer Charlton to the rest, decentish away but a club who I saw go through the mill in the 80s and then bounce back.

Both Sunlun and Pompey are decent clubs BTW but for me, bar Lamby, Charlton lads on here are bang on and never had hassle at theirs, plus we both love Paul Williams.

 

[Bobbin']

I'd prefer Charlton to the rest, decentish away but a club who I saw go through the mill in the 80s and then bounce back.

Both Sunlun and Pompey are decent clubs BTW but for me, bar Lamby, Charlton lads on here are bang on and never had hassle at theirs, plus we both love Paul Williams.

Paul Williams just a bit before my time. I started going in 1995, even though he had a little spell back I don’t really remember him.

Only trouble with Wednesday I remember is at your place in the cup game in Morrisons car park. Think even old Dougie brought it up on that Danny Dyer programme.

 

[SoutheySWFC]

Paul Williams just a bit before my time. I started going in 1995, even though he had a little spell back I don’t really remember him.

Only trouble with Wednesday I remember is at your place in the cup game in Morrisons car park. Think even old Dougie brought it up on that Danny Dyer programme.

Rommendahl, Bent I think for you, beat us 4-2, I sat in the boozer, saying Jan 2006?

Re Willo, what a bloke, sadly like many of the day he loved playing away, my uncle used to see him in the local as it was quiet, wife wanted to go back south after 2 year

 

[Bobbin']

Rommendahl, Bent I think for you, beat us 4-2, I sat in the boozer, saying Jan 2006?

Re Willo, what a bloke, sadly like many of the day he loved playing away, my uncle used to see him in the local as it was quiet, wife wanted to go back south after 2 year

That’s the one, Rommedahl notched a couple for us and Heckingbottom for you.

Fuck me how we’ve regressed since then.

 

[SoutheySWFC]

Oh we were shit then, think you came down 17 month later,

 

[Bobbin']

Yep, 2007 was when it all started going to shit for us.

 

[Super_horns]

Charlton the form team and get 3rd ..

 

[DearneValleyRover]

Charlton the form team and get 3rd ..

The fact we made it should be enough but out of all the teams they are the ones I would least like to face because they have been the best side we have played this season including the two who went up, obviously based on the games against us.

 

[Hooped Wizard]

Really impressed we made it in the end but you’ve got to bet on Charlton to go up now

 

[Gassy]

Can’t see anyone stopping Charlton!

(You’re welcome Donny, Pompey & Sunderland fans for jinxing it)

 

[Bobbin']

Is it too late to suggest that we return to a straight three-up, three-down?

Can I let you know on Saturday evening?

No, it’s not too late. I think we should do it. You start the petition, I’ll sign and share it.

 

[K-Win]

No, it’s not too late. I think we should do it. You start the petition, I’ll sign and share it.

You know what. I've had a couple of nights to sleep on this and I've completely done a 180 on it. Why deprive the neutral of all the play off fun. Time to be the bigger man, I think.

 

[Liam_SWFC]

Hope Doncaster come up, the team less likely to be a threat next season.

 

[Hooped Wizard]

If we go up that’s all three promoted teams coming straight back down.

It’ll be Charlton or Portsmouth.

And with one of them gone and the shite coming down from the championship we should be top 2 next season.

 

[Eastfield Posh]

Pompey & Sunderland seem to have lost momentum atm , Donny play the most attractive football of the 4 teams left but their away form can be car crash leaving Charlton , in form , have momentum & Taylor & Aribo , a handful for anyone.

Personally , I hope Pompey or Sunderland go up , both take ages to get to.

 

[That Fat Centre Half]

At the moment you have to fancy Charlton but how often is it that it works out that the team finishing 3rd actually get it? Doesn’t feel like it’s that regular of an occurrence, although given that Charlton haven’t had to deal with too much disappointment at losing out on top 2, perhaps they are better placed than most.

Charlton definitely up their with Barnsley as the best side that we played this season, borne out in the end in coming 3rd. Played decent football, with very similar shape and style to ourselves, that midfield is a handful for anyone. I do fancy them to win out.

 

[Bosox]

Sure, Charlton are the obvious pick but I have a feeling Portsmouth will get it done. They were on a good run before the Peterborough game (which could clearly have gone the other way if not for the foul up with the offside goal). They have a great record against Sunderland this season and Sunderland are in abysmal form (more losses in their last 6 games than in the first 40 games) so I fancy them to make the final.

Then when it comes to the final they have already won at Wembley this season so every player will have positive memories and no fear of playing on that stage.

 

[DearneValleyRover]

Charlton are the form team and also the best side I’ve seen this season however the slates wiped clean it’s a straight two game shoot out with a one off final, have I mentioned we haven’t lost one of these yet

 

[K-Win]

It's our home form that is a worry. I can see a scenario where we get another hard fought draw at Sunderland and then blow it at home.

McGeady has had a couple of weeks off and so should be in better shape now. I'm going to be a bag of nerves whatever happens.