Promotion Thread

[Fedora Dale]

I notice Scunthorpe seem to have started getting points on the board. They have some good players who, for whatever reason, haven't really performed for 18 months. If they can get a run going, I wouldn't rule them out.

Of the others, having to play Forest Green would irritate the bigger clubs in L1, while if Stoke manage relegation a Vale promotion would be tasty...

 

[valefan16]

I notice Scunthorpe seem to have started getting points on the board. They have some good players who, for whatever reason, haven't really performed for 18 months. If they can get a run going, I wouldn't rule them out.

Of the others, having to play Forest Green would irritate the bigger clubs in L1, while if Stoke manage relegation a Vale promotion would be tasty...

The impending Sjoke relegation is what’s causing maybe our fans who were happy to build a solid base for a real go next season impatient!

The chance to have the true rivalry back rather than the fraction of one such as Crewe or Shrewsbury in the last 18 years is a huge carrot.

That said with the wages they are paying they might struggle a bit if they have to try and balance FFP in L1

 

[F!RTHY]

I notice Scunthorpe seem to have started getting points on the board. They have some good players who, for whatever reason, haven't really performed for 18 months. If they can get a run going, I wouldn't rule them out.

Of the others, having to play Forest Green would irritate the bigger clubs in L1, while if Stoke manage relegation a Vale promotion would be tasty...

Bradford vs Huddersfield, also!

Dog shagging c***!

 

[Fedora Dale]

Bradford vs Huddersfield, also!

Dog shagging c***!

That would be quite tasty, also.

Middlesbrough also seem to be struggling a bit, while Sunderland seem to be impersonating the Coventry team of a few years ago in their mediocrity. That would be a tasty L1 fixture...

 

[Agombar stool]

Despite winning 6 in a row and sitting top of the pile I do wonder whether we might have peaked too early. There are a couple of other issues from history that may or may not prove to bite us in the arse.

Richie Wellens - He has done more or less everything brilliantly so far. However when he was Oldham manager his team ran out of steam at the end of the season and he ended up getting them relegated. I hope that this doesn't repeat itself and we end the season in poor form missing out on autos/play-offs

January - As with most teams this is a key month but for us, its likely to show what direction that we take with Eoin Doyle and Anthony Grant, who have been key personnel so far this season. Personally I think Grant is more important, his ball retention, drive and energy is what makes us tick. Yes Doyle has scored 18 goals but we are far from a 1 man team and with Jerry Yates second in the goal scoring charts with 10, he could quite easily step into that breach if required. There are some rumours that we have agreed a deal to sign Doyle permanently, but we'll have to wait and see.

As for other sides in the race, Northampton have been coming on strong. They were pants at our place, but pants enough to take 3 points. I thought Plymouth were a strong side as well. Finally Crewe were the best team I have seen by some way, they tore us apart. Since then however we have gone from strength to strength and they have stuttered a little. There are plenty of twists and turns, away to FGR over Christmas is a massive game for both sides.

 

[Indian Dan]

No such thing as peaking too early. They were 6 average teams that we should put to the sword - and we did.

Oldham were in the initial stages of their basket case status when Wellens was there - can see no reason why we should run out of steam.

We’ve recruited very well - even without Doyle - and there’s no way Power would let our current position slip away.

Just enjoy the ride.

 

[Agombar stool]

No such thing as peaking too early. They were 6 average teams that we should put to the sword - and we did.

Oldham were in the initial stages of their basket case status when Wellens was there - can see no reason why we should run out of steam.

We’ve recruited very well - even without Doyle - and there’s no way Power would let our current position slip away.

Just enjoy the ride.

Good points to my post ID.

I always err on the side of caution and continue so, despite the team being in excellent form currently. Don't worry, the ride is being enjoyed!

 

[GTFCfish]

They were 6 average teams that we should put to the sword - and we did.

How dare you call us only average you cheeky fucker.

We’re shite.

 

[Indian Dan]

How dare you call us only average you cheeky fucker.

We’re shite.

You were worryingly poor. Need to get it sorted soon.

 

[Jigsaw]

January - As with most teams this is a key month but for us, its likely to show what direction that we take with Eoin Doyle and Anthony Grant, who have been key personnel so far this season. Personally I think Grant is more important, his ball retention, drive and energy is what makes us tick.

I don't think you will have to worry about Anthony Grant, personally.

Fantastic player in League 2 and a good league 1 player but always ends up turning sour at some point. Think a few clubs will turn away and not want any disruption.

Can't recall exactly what happened but Grant was made to train with the youth, and became a bad influnce over Brad Inman when he played here. Think a similar incident happened at Shrewsbury too where he was made to train away from the first-time and possibly Posh or Vale too! As long as he keep his head down, you have a real player there.

Doyle on the other hand... why would Bradford want to allow him to stay with you if it could cost them automatic promotion?

 

[valefan16]

I don't think you will have to worry about Anthony Grant, personally.

Fantastic player in League 2 and a good league 1 player but always ends up turning sour at some point. Think a few clubs will turn away and not want any disruption.

Can't recall exactly what happened but Grant was made to train with the youth, and became a bad influnce over Brad Inman when he played here. Think a similar incident happened at Shrewsbury too where he was made to train away from the first-time and possibly Posh or Vale too! As long as he keep his head down, you have a real player there.

Doyle on the other hand... why would Bradford want to allow him to stay with you if it could cost them automatic promotion?

At Vale he went skitz when he got sent off threw his shirt then at full time came out like a man possessed and tried to get to the referee... promptly banned for 6 matches and flogged to Posh soon after.

Great player but one of those that can blow his top... and as soon as an offer higher comes in hes gone, hence he rarely stays anywhere for long.

He was class for us in the first season mind but I think he left Crewe saying he wanted to move down South or something and rolled up 14 miles away! Hes one of those players that will break up play expertly and throw himself to the ground to win free kicks etc. Very good player.

 

[Indian Dan]

I don't think you will have to worry about Anthony Grant, personally.

Fantastic player in League 2 and a good league 1 player but always ends up turning sour at some point. Think a few clubs will turn away and not want any disruption.

Can't recall exactly what happened but Grant was made to train with the youth, and became a bad influnce over Brad Inman when he played here. Think a similar incident happened at Shrewsbury too where he was made to train away from the first-time and possibly Posh or Vale too! As long as he keep his head down, you have a real player there.

Doyle on the other hand... why would Bradford want to allow him to stay with you if it could cost them automatic promotion?

For the same reason they loaned him out in the first place - they wanted rid of his wages which they have now spent on other players. Bowyer won’t get him scoring as he does for us, he’d have to change their formation completely - and, tbf, they aren’t doing too bad without him.

If they can afford to recall him just to try and scupper us, fair enough. He doesn’t want to go back, either - which I know, of course, isn’t up to him.

He’ll stay.

 

[The Alex]

I’m surprised by Swindon doing so well after we comfortably bettered them, but that’s what a bang in form striker does. Grant would worry me, his work ethic is questionable, having a laugh is more important to him than doing well in the league from my experience, but he is a good player on his day. Bradford surprise me too, we easily beat them, I don’t think it’s difficult to be near the top of this league and it’s going to be tight up until the end.

As for us, we have stuttered a bit, but still sit in a good position. Two postponements haven’t helped and actually winning our cup games. Our last game was Eastleigh in the cup and it’s also our next game. Need to get back full swing into league action, can’t be helping us at all not playing much.

 

[Indian Dan]

Tbf, our poor spell where we got beat by Crewe and Bradford coincided with a dreadful injury list which has just about cleared. We also lost our best CB for the rest of the season which threw an almighty spanner in the works until we sorted it. Caddis is a fantastic addition as well. Isgrove and Anderson, probably 2 of our best players, are now available after injury but can’t get in the side at the mo.

Looking good.

 

[Agombar stool]

Tbf, our poor spell where we got beat by Crewe and Bradford coincided with a dreadful injury list which has just about cleared. We also lost our best CB for the rest of the season which threw an almighty spanner in the works until we sorted it. Caddis is a fantastic addition as well. Isgrove and Anderson, probably 2 of our best players, are now available after injury but can’t get in the side at the mo.

Looking good.

And no cup distractions either (apart from the Wiltshire Shield)

 

[JJ1532]

January will separate the runners from the riders. I can us losing at least 2 players in January. I also reckon Cheltenham might lose Broom, who was rumoured to be scouted by Posh.

The Swindon/Bradford/Doyle saga will be fascinating. I know Bradford are tight to the wall with their FFP, but selling Doyle to a promotion rival feels like a big mistake. That decision will have a massive impact on both teams.

Northampton have come on strong and could make a run for the top 3, got a very effective Lincoln esq style which gets results. You also fancy Plymouth to get their shit together and get into the top 7 eventually. Wouldn't rule out Mansfield and Scunthorpe, the latter are in great form and the former could turn it around if they dump Dempster and get someone who can get a tune out of their strikers, plus make some changes elsewhere.

Colchester seem to be doing their usual of lurking around the top 7 but not actually breaking in. FGR are doing their usual, looking greater than the sum of their parts, struggling at home but doing really well away.

Looks to be a very even top 7, with potential for those outside to easily make a run and break in.

 

[valefan16]

If we are to make it we look like we will have the cash but need to sign a left back, get Manny a new hamstring (he’s probably our best player and missed the season) and probably do whatever it takes to keep Taylor who’s had interest from other L2 and L1 clubs already.

Take the 10-0 fisting at Man City and use that cash could be a difference if we can stay in touch

 

[denzel ecfc]

January will separate the runners from the riders. I can us losing at least 2 players in January. I also reckon Cheltenham might lose Broom, who was rumoured to be scouted by Posh.

The Swindon/Bradford/Doyle saga will be fascinating. I know Bradford are tight to the wall with their FFP, but selling Doyle to a promotion rival feels like a big mistake. That decision will have a massive impact on both teams.

Northampton have come on strong and could make a run for the top 3, got a very effective Lincoln esq style which gets results. You also fancy Plymouth to get their shit together and get into the top 7 eventually. Wouldn't rule out Mansfield and Scunthorpe, the latter are in great form and the former could turn it around if they dump Dempster and get someone who can get a tune out of their strikers, plus make some changes elsewhere.

Colchester seem to be doing their usual of lurking around the top 7 but not actually breaking in. FGR are doing their usual, looking greater than the sum of their parts, struggling at home but doing really well away.

Looks to be a very even top 7, with potential for those outside to easily make a run and break in.

You missed one out there...

 

[GTFCfish]

You missed one out there...

Nah, I’m as optimistic as they come but even I admit that we’ve got no chance.

 

[F!RTHY]

January will separate the runners from the riders. I can us losing at least 2 players in January. I also reckon Cheltenham might lose Broom, who was rumoured to be scouted by Posh.

The Swindon/Bradford/Doyle saga will be fascinating. I know Bradford are tight to the wall with their FFP, but selling Doyle to a promotion rival feels like a big mistake. That decision will have a massive impact on both teams.

Northampton have come on strong and could make a run for the top 3, got a very effective Lincoln esq style which gets results. You also fancy Plymouth to get their shit together and get into the top 7 eventually. Wouldn't rule out Mansfield and Scunthorpe, the latter are in great form and the former could turn it around if they dump Dempster and get someone who can get a tune out of their strikers, plus make some changes elsewhere.

Colchester seem to be doing their usual of lurking around the top 7 but not actually breaking in. FGR are doing their usual, looking greater than the sum of their parts, struggling at home but doing really well away.

Looks to be a very even top 7, with potential for those outside to easily make a run and break in.

I don’t and will not proclaim to know a lot of about FFP, but apparently, if our chairman is willing to throw in somewhere in the region of £120k as “investable revenue”, this would ensure we stay within the FFP ruling (there’s an article about it somewhere). Yes, he’s our player, but how many strikers of that quality are available for just over £100k.

If we decide to sell Doyle, it will be purely down to Bowyer not wanting him, as opposed to financial constraints/Swindon wanting him on a perm.


It also depends on who we ship out, also. The likes of Shay McCartan and Hope Akpan are on a decent wedge. Should they go out on loan (for example) this would also work in our favour. Omari Patrick and Sam Hornby have also gone out on loan since Doyle departed. I don’t believe that we’re right up against the FFP wall at the minute, tbh.

 

[Indian Dan]

That sounds about right. Money has to be gifted to the club, not loaned and not repaid to be counted as turnover.

But you’ve also got to chuck in paying his full wage again for 6 months. I understand we are paying the majority of his £5k a week - say £3.5k - so that’s an extra £84k. Add on top of that losing out on a possible transfer fee and your owner is looking at £250,000 for recalling Doyle. I bet Bowyer would prefer that money, if it’s available, to spend on other targets.

All that for a reluctant Doyle?

 

[Sydney Posse]

Write Exeter off at your peril. We have a big squad and plenty of cover in all positions. We do need to be more clinical and hopefully Ajose (who is now back in contention) will sort that for us. I will be very surprised if we are not top 3 come the end

 

[Jigsaw]

I wouldn't write Exeter off at all. Best team I've seen play Crewe this season.

 

[Indian Dan]

The problem with just seeing a team once or twice a season when your team plays them isn’t a great gauge.

Mansfield are probably the best team I’ve seen us play and, no doubt, Crewe and Bradford fans think we’re gash.

 

[SVH]

Exeter are the worst team I have seen. This league is crazy.

 

[GTFCfish]

The problem with just seeing a team once or twice a season when your team plays them isn’t a great gauge.

Mansfield are probably the best team I’ve seen us play and, no doubt, Crewe and Bradford fans think we’re gash.

Yep, we won comfortably at Exeter playing great football in September, and in 7 games since we’ve scored once and won zip.

 

[shoddycollins]

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/50716256

Obviously I very much feel for Dave Artell here, as the first manager ever to face a game being postponed we're breaking new ground this week and whatever happens to Crewe in the aftermath of the day that shocked football will be totally without precedent. Dave is simply looking to work with the relevant authorities to present a forward thinking solution that hopefully can be applied in future should any match ever be postponed again (unlikely as that may seem).

 

[Indian Dan]

He has a good point about suspended players, though. Also, what about who they may sign in January. May sign a raft of better players then they currently have. Unlikely, I know, but still.

 

[shoddycollins]

He has a good point about suspended players, though. Also, what about who they may sign in January. May sign a raft of better players then they currently have. Unlikely, I know, but still.

Yeah but the same is true if the match was postponed for any other reason such as weather, international call-ups, FA cup etc.

 

[Indian Dan]

Well, yeah. But it wasn’t. The game was called off because of the failure of Macclesfield FC. It’s the same bollocks that covers the Bolton fiasco.

Some clubs have had a gimme 3 points and a racking up of their goal difference. Others have had to play a hugely more competitive side.

It’s down to fairness.