Relegation thread

[Casey]

*cough* Dean Cox *cough*

Dean Cox has put on a few pounds on his sabbatical.

We have James Collins who now has 18 goals this season but we are playing powder puff academy style football and keep having players playing out of position for no real reason (Roberts as left back is a prime example).

I seriously think we could be dragged into this. My hope is that not all of the clubs below us can pick up points but I predict a drop down the table.

Casey

 

[Look Out There Are Llamas]

If Crawley get relegated I will buy a hat and eat it.

 

[shoddycollins]

If Crawley get relegated I will buy a hat and eat it.

You can join The Terminator in his faecal feast at the end of the season.

Any other Orient fans feel like wagering what they'd eat if certain things happen?

 

[E10rifle]

You can join The Terminator in his faecal feast at the end of the season.

Any other Orient fans feel like wagering what they'd eat if certain things happen?

I'll eat a tin of baked beans* if Rowan Liburd scores a goal for us.

*I'd honestly rather eat a tin of tripe dog food.

 

[Look Out There Are Llamas]

That would count on Rowan Liburd not being fourth choice striker, maybe fifth.

 

[NolansOrient]

You can join The Terminator in his faecal feast at the end of the season.

Any other Orient fans feel like wagering what they'd eat if certain things happen?

If Crawley go down and Orient stay up I'll eat Dean Cox!

 

[PortyPort]

We have Morecambe at home tomorrow night, if we don't win that one I'd say you can probably count us as gone.

 

[NolansOrient]

Exciting news for all the sides at the bottom: it's becoming probable that Orient may enter administration before the end of the season as the grapevine is saying our owner has had enough (had enough of what is my question - his own incompetence?).

Anyway, if administration hits before April we will obviously be down with that 10 point penalty, to be honest we will clearly struggle without the penalty so it will be a death sentence.

Someone could well be saved by our owner's insane negligence (I'm looking at you Cheltenham).

Just rumours right now, but I've heard it from two or three usually reliable sources now, and it does make sense.

Poor Orient.

 

[shoddycollins]

Exciting news for all the sides at the bottom: it's becoming probable that Orient may enter administration before the end of the season as the grapevine is saying our owner has had enough (had enough of what is my question - his own incompetence?).

Anyway, if administration hits before April we will obviously be down with that 10 point penalty, to be honest we will clearly struggle without the penalty so it will be a death sentence.

Someone could well be saved by our owner's insane negligence (I'm looking at you Cheltenham).

Just rumours right now, but I've heard it from two or three usually reliable sources now, and it does make sense.

Poor Orient.

On the plus side, you'd be rid of him.

 

[Habbinalan]

Exciting news for all the sides at the bottom: it's becoming probable that Orient may enter administration before the end of the season as the grapevine is saying our owner has had enough (had enough of what is my question - his own incompetence?).

Anyway, if administration hits before April we will obviously be down with that 10 point penalty, to be honest we will clearly struggle without the penalty so it will be a death sentence.

Someone could well be saved by our owner's insane negligence (I'm looking at you Cheltenham).

Just rumours right now, but I've heard it from two or three usually reliable sources now, and it does make sense.

Poor Orient.

With the situation you are in, getting it over with and someone else picking up the pieces in a relegation situation may be the best that you can hope for.

So long as Bechetti is around, there's little hope of revival and anyone coming in new (with trust involvement or not) might be better picking up the few assets from the administrators rather than trying to do business with Bechetti - PROVIDED THE GROUND IS SAFE.

With the Council between you and Barry Hearn, there may be some protection but presumably he would love to see Bechetti manipulate a default on the lease and the death of the club, allowing development. Is Brisbane Road registered as a community asset?

Whatever the case, "Death Sentence" doesn't fully capture it. It's more like either the current " "Slow Lingering Death," "Purgatory" or, at best, "On Death Row." If there's a way of going through this in L2, it might help but I struggle to see any scenario where that would happen.

 

[mowgli]

Exciting news for all the sides at the bottom: it's becoming probable that Orient may enter administration before the end of the season as the grapevine is saying our owner has had enough (had enough of what is my question - his own incompetence?).

Anyway, if administration hits before April we will obviously be down with that 10 point penalty, to be honest we will clearly struggle without the penalty so it will be a death sentence.

Someone could well be saved by our owner's insane negligence (I'm looking at you Cheltenham).

Just rumours right now, but I've heard it from two or three usually reliable sources now, and it does make sense.

Poor Orient.

I though the points deduction for going into administration had gone up to 12 points from the start of this season.

 

[BlackHaddock]

Not good for Orient, again.

I can remember their supporters boycotting when Hearn first took over too.

<*))))))><

 

[Si Robin]

There's no joy in watching Orient struggle like this, even if it is to the betterment of my club.

I want Cheltenham to stay up on merit and, whilst it can be argued that at least we have our house in order and we will reap the benefits of that, that is not the fault of the Orient supporters.

I sincerely hope Orient come through this all the better for it.

 

[Look Out There Are Llamas]

With the Council between you and Barry Hearn, there may be some protection but presumably he would love to see Bechetti manipulate a default on the lease and the death of the club, allowing development. Is Brisbane Road registered as a community asset?

Yes, thankfully. But, with the current housing pressures in London and the regeneration/ gentrification of Waltham Forest...

 

[NolansOrient]

There's no joy in watching Orient struggle like this, even if it is to the betterment of my club.

I want Cheltenham to stay up on merit and, whilst it can be argued that at least we have our house in order and we will reap the benefits of that, that is not the fault of the Orient supporters.

I sincerely hope Orient come through this all the better for it.

Thanks for your kind words. I fear it's going to get worse before it gets better. I just hope becchetti leaves before next season so I can renew my season ticket, regardless of the league.

I don't know why, but I never thought this would happen to the Orient. It really does hurt when it happens to your own club. I also never knew I was capable of such pure hatred, so in a way becchheti has enriched my life. Kind of.

 

[Sestonpoolie]

Echo the sentiments of Si Robin,altough we are head to head in a scrap to stay in the league,i wouldn't want any club to go into admin.

 

[hellogregory]

Echo the sentiments of Si Robin,altough we are head to head in a scrap to stay in the league,i wouldn't want any club to go into admin.

Pretty much this, apart from Manchester United. I'd take great pleasure in seeing that club rot into oblivion.

 

[Vanni]

Haha. That's what I always say when talking of clubs going into admin. My response is always the same. 'Well, with the exception of Man Ure of course'' But then again I also know that this has as much chance of happening as Carlisle have of not making the top 7, so this could be the reason why I'm fine with saying it.

 

[Vanni]

Anyway, on this little relegation matter, I still believe County and Orient will not go down, and the same goes form Cheltenham too as I've said before that I just can't see Gary Johnson taking them down.

However I'm having second thoughts on Newport, as I had predicted that Westley will keep them up. If I were to guess now, I reckon it will be two out of them, Pools and Crewe. Yes, I still think the latter will be in it 'til the last kick of the season but I think they stand a much better chance of staying up than Newport and Hartlepool.

 

[Si Robin]

I think if we win on Saturday it would be the nail in Orient's coffin. Last Saturday may well be what saw off Newport. Last minute defeats like that are absolute killers

 

[Boletus Edulis]

Pretty much this, apart from Manchester United. I'd take great pleasure in seeing that club rot into oblivion.

Chelski and Man City for me.

 

[Boletus Edulis]

Thanks for your kind words. I fear it's going to get worse before it gets better. I just hope becchetti leaves before next season so I can renew my season ticket, regardless of the league.

I don't know why, but I never thought this would happen to the Orient. It really does hurt when it happens to your own club. I also never knew I was capable of such pure hatred, so in a way becchheti has enriched my life. Kind of.

No administration is easy, but I suspect a lot of how bad it will be is down to how hard ball Becchetti plays. And based on past behaviour things do not look good. Winning, losing, relegation, promotion is past of sport, but I never like to see a club go under. The owners usually walk away with something, the players tend to get re-signed the losers are the local suppliers, staff and fans.

 

[Chief Rocka]

Arse nipping time

Newport 1-0 up

 

[Roger Stone]

Arse nipping time

Newport 1-0 up

Was a cracker too fair play.

 

[Sestonpoolie]

Pretty much this, apart from Manchester United. I'd take great pleasure in seeing that club rot into oblivion.

Whose Man Utd?

 

[NolansOrient]

With only 14 games left to go I thought I would write a brief summary of each team potentially at risk of dropping down to the National League.

16th: Crawley, 39 points. 10 points clear of 23rd and with a game in hand, Crawley would have to completely implode if they were to face the drop. Can't see it happening myself as it looks like relatively low totals at the bottom this year. Safe.

17th: Yeovil, 38 points. With a healthy 9 point gap between themselves and the drop, Yeovil shouldn't be too worried. However, draws against Hartlepool and Orient, and a loss against Cheltenham, in their last 4 speaks of relegation form. Not safe yet, but have likely got enough on the board to be seeing league football again next year. Probably safe.

18th: Crewe, 36 points. A few weeks ago Crewe were right in the thick of it, but 7 points from the last 3 has lifted them. They're also scoring plenty of goals and have some easier fixtures coming up. Expect them to be comfortably mid table by Easter. Safe.

19th: Accrington, 33 points. Two games in hand could be crucial for Stanley, but a bird in the hand is worth 2 in the bush. That said, an impressive recent win over high-flying Colchester, not to mention putting 4 past Mansfield, indicates that Accrington have plenty in their locker. If they lose their 2 in hand it could spell trouble, much hangs on these games. Probably safe.

20th: Notts County, 33 points. Resurgent under Nolan, and having put in a gritty, determined display against the Orient last time out, County have taken 7 points from 9, and look to be on the road to recovery. The big downside for County is their fixture list - they have some tough teams to play, especially in April, which sees them face Colchester (7th), Carlisle (3rd), Crewe (resurgent), Pompey (5th), Luton (4th) and Blackpool (14th). They look like they've turned a corner in recent weeks, and have taken points from relegation rivals, but I still think they are right in the thick of things. Home to a faltering Yeovil is massive on Saturday.

21st: Cheltenham Town, 32 points. Only 15 points off that final play-off spot, Cheltenham have plenty of work to do to clinch successive promotions, and a crucial 2-0 win over Yeovil last week certainly helped soothe any lingering relegations fears. on a serious note, away to Orient on Saturday is a genuine 6 pointer. Again, their fixture list is none too kind, but having put 3 past Stanley and Luton in recent outings, the Robins' inconsistency could well be their saving grace. A loss on Saturday could be extremely damaging. Definitely in the hat for the drop.

22nd: Hartlepool, 32 points. Some bad weeks recently for the Monkey Hangers. Losing to rock-bottom Newport had to sting, and leaking 7 for no return against Mansfield and Luton certainly didn't help.Crewe, Notts, Orient and Cheltenham all to face before curtains means it is still in their hands, but recent results are very worrying. If Cheltenham, Orient or Newport begin to find some form, it could well come at Hartlepool's expense. Outplaying Plymouth last weekend may have put some heart into the faithful, but unless things improve they could well be facing the drop.

23rd: Leyton Orient, 29 points. 3 points off the pace, a damaging defeat at home to Notts County last week, whispers of administration, a plethora of injuries, captain suspended for 5 more games, and an average team age of 21...things look bleak indeed for the East London outfit. Hope remains, however, largely thanks to Gavin Massey and an inspiring comeback away at Plymouth. Orient have found their feet in front of goal too, scoring 6 in the last 3, but problems at the back grow worse, with crucial CB Tom Parkes out indefinitely. The fixtures could be a lot worse though, with Cheltenham, Newport, Stanley, Crawley, Hartlepool and Crewe all still to play. It's not out of their hands yet - trouble is, their hands are tied behind their back but a greasy, Italian megalomaniac.

24th: Newport County, 26 points. 6 points off the pace is a mini-mountain when you're at the bottom, then again a few wins will do it - but throwing away leads to free-falling Cambridge and a distinctly average Morecambe outfit is not the way to stay up. Westley knows his way around a relegation scrap, and having a large squad may pay dividends; only 1 defeat in the last 8 is an excellent return, although 6 of these have been draws. A mixed bag of fixtures for the Welshmen, who still have a lot to do. It may prove to be too much, but they are not down yet. I would expect them to lose against the bigger sides, so fixtures against fellow relegation scrappers are crucial for Westley's men.

Verdict: 2 from Newport, Orient, Hartlepool and Cheltenham.

Most likely to go: Orient and Newport.

 

[Habbinalan]

With only 14 games left to go I thought I would write a brief summary of each team potentially at risk of dropping down to the National League.

16th: Crawley, 39 points. 10 points clear of 23rd and with a game in hand, Crawley would have to completely implode if they were to face the drop. Can't see it happening myself as it looks like relatively low totals at the bottom this year. Safe.

17th: Yeovil, 38 points. With a healthy 9 point gap between themselves and the drop, Yeovil shouldn't be too worried. However, draws against Hartlepool and Orient, and a loss against Cheltenham, in their last 4 speaks of relegation form. Not safe yet, but have likely got enough on the board to be seeing league football again next year. Probably safe.

18th: Crewe, 36 points. A few weeks ago Crewe were right in the thick of it, but 7 points from the last 3 has lifted them. They're also scoring plenty of goals and have some easier fixtures coming up. Expect them to be comfortably mid table by Easter. Safe.

19th: Accrington, 33 points. Two games in hand could be crucial for Stanley, but a bird in the hand is worth 2 in the bush. That said, an impressive recent win over high-flying Colchester, not to mention putting 4 past Mansfield, indicates that Accrington have plenty in their locker. If they lose their 2 in hand it could spell trouble, much hangs on these games. Probably safe.

20th: Notts County, 33 points. Resurgent under Nolan, and having put in a gritty, determined display against the Orient last time out, County have taken 7 points from 9, and look to be on the road to recovery. The big downside for County is their fixture list - they have some tough teams to play, especially in April, which sees them face Colchester (7th), Carlisle (3rd), Crewe (resurgent), Pompey (5th), Luton (4th) and Blackpool (14th). They look like they've turned a corner in recent weeks, and have taken points from relegation rivals, but I still think they are right in the thick of things. Home to a faltering Yeovil is massive on Saturday.

21st: Cheltenham Town, 32 points. Only 15 points off that final play-off spot, Cheltenham have plenty of work to do to clinch successive promotions, and a crucial 2-0 win over Yeovil last week certainly helped soothe any lingering relegations fears. on a serious note, away to Orient on Saturday is a genuine 6 pointer. Again, their fixture list is none too kind, but having put 3 past Stanley and Luton in recent outings, the Robins' inconsistency could well be their saving grace. A loss on Saturday could be extremely damaging. Definitely in the hat for the drop.

22nd: Hartlepool, 32 points. Some bad weeks recently for the Monkey Hangers. Losing to rock-bottom Newport had to sting, and leaking 7 for no return against Mansfield and Luton certainly didn't help.Crewe, Notts, Orient and Cheltenham all to face before curtains means it is still in their hands, but recent results are very worrying. If Cheltenham, Orient or Newport begin to find some form, it could well come at Hartlepool's expense. Outplaying Plymouth last weekend may have put some heart into the faithful, but unless things improve they could well be facing the drop.

23rd: Leyton Orient, 29 points. 3 points off the pace, a damaging defeat at home to Notts County last week, whispers of administration, a plethora of injuries, captain suspended for 5 more games, and an average team age of 21...things look bleak indeed for the East London outfit. Hope remains, however, largely thanks to Gavin Massey and an inspiring comeback away at Plymouth. Orient have found their feet in front of goal too, scoring 6 in the last 3, but problems at the back grow worse, with crucial CB Tom Parkes out indefinitely. The fixtures could be a lot worse though, with Cheltenham, Newport, Stanley, Crawley, Hartlepool and Crewe all still to play. It's not out of their hands yet - trouble is, their hands are tied behind their back but a greasy, Italian megalomaniac.

24th: Newport County, 26 points. 6 points off the pace is a mini-mountain when you're at the bottom, then again a few wins will do it - but throwing away leads to free-falling Cambridge and a distinctly average Morecambe outfit is not the way to stay up. Westley knows his way around a relegation scrap, and having a large squad may pay dividends; only 1 defeat in the last 8 is an excellent return, although 6 of these have been draws. A mixed bag of fixtures for the Welshmen, who still have a lot to do. It may prove to be too much, but they are not down yet. I would expect them to lose against the bigger sides, so fixtures against fellow relegation scrappers are crucial for Westley's men.

Verdict: 2 from Newport, Orient, Hartlepool and Cheltenham.

Most likely to go: Orient and Newport.

Excellent summary.

I'd say look in the boardroom and on the terraces, as well as the pitch - Orient and Hartlepool might just be capable of saving the Exiles for another year.

 

[Boletus Edulis]

Very good assessment. While all to play for, and three wins on the trot can changes things an awful lot, I agree with your that Newport and Orient look most likely at present. I think the problem you Os may have is how much debt you go down with, this will clearly affect how long it takes to get back?

 

[TommoCUFC]

Pretty good summary of it really. Does Westley know his way around a relegation scrap though? How many has he been in? Hopefully Orient and County can both stay up

 

[Glasshalffullpools]

You will of course all noticed that we have put the Poolie towel down on 3rd bottom spot ..... whatever plans any of you may have for your team , 3rd bottom ain't happening