Season so far- Who looks like promotion/relegation candidates and why?

[NorfolkWomble]

Lack of overall discussion about the league on this board.

 

[valefan16]

Sheffield United and Bolton look miles ahead based on what we have faced.

Haven't overly faced anyone right at the bottom bar Oldham and MK (fixtures mainly coming up) oddly the poorest we've faced on the day was Scunthorpe or Southend both of whom are doing well!

What I have noticed is apart from Bolton and Sheffield United, we've been battered in some games at home yet no one bar Coventry has been clinical enough to punish us when we've played badly.

I expect Bolton and Sheffield United to finish top 2 if Scunthorpe don't keep hold of key men in January.. if they do then they would be far more suspect with injuries hitting I guess.

 

[joethegill]

Honestly no-one has impressed me at Priestfield yet, although I missed the Sheff Utd game. From early results, Scunthorpe are basically us from last season and we all saw how that ended up so I wouldn't necessarily have them as certainties up the top - although if they manage to keep it up then that would be excellent. Sheff Utd and Bolton will be there or thereabouts, as will Millwall, Charlton (both based on their striking options) and Peterborough or Bradford would be my pick for 6th place.

At the bottom, Chesterfield, Shrewsbury and Bury look destined for the drop, and could be joined by any number of teams including Coventry, Walsall, Northampton, Oldham and Swindon. I expect MK to rise 8-10 places in the remainder of the season, along with ourselves once we get our act into gear. I think it says it all that we've been excruciatingly poor all year and there's still 8 teams below us - shame on you all.

I expect the mid-table championship to be claimed by either Fleetwood, Bristol Rovers or Southend, with Wimbledon not far away.

 

[valefan16]

Honestly no-one has impressed me at Priestfield yet, although I missed the Sheff Utd game. From early results, Scunthorpe are basically us from last season and we all saw how that ended up so I wouldn't necessarily have them as certainties up the top - although if they manage to keep it up then that would be excellent. Sheff Utd and Bolton will be there or thereabouts, as will Millwall, Charlton (both based on their striking options) and Peterborough or Bradford would be my pick for 6th place.

At the bottom, Chesterfield, Shrewsbury and Bury look destined for the drop, and could be joined by any number of teams including Coventry, Walsall, Northampton, Oldham and Swindon. I expect MK to rise 8-10 places in the remainder of the season, along with ourselves once we get our act into gear. I think it says it all that we've been excruciatingly poor all year and there's still 8 teams below us - shame on you all.

I expect the mid-table championship to be claimed by either Fleetwood, Bristol Rovers or Southend, with Wimbledon not far away.

That's just it, we've been awful since Coventry (October 1st) yet are only 3 points of the play offs considering we were only just in the playoffs at the start of that run... the rest of the league is just such a muchness this year.

 

[Muzzle]

WE haven't played well yet (barring the match against Port vale) but we are starting to be consistent and are not letting many goals in. Expect Sheff Utd to be up there and happily surprised Scunthorpe are and I actually hope they keep the players fit and end up promoted. In no order the top 6 I expect will be Us, Bradford, Scunthorpe, Sheff Utd, Charlton and Southend, Bottom four will be Bury, Oldham, Shrewsbury and Swindon

 

[Agombar stool]

I don't go to every game, but its been a number of years since I have come away from a Swindon match and thought, 'wow, they (insert opponents here) were a bit good'.

Most of the teams I have seen this season have been utter dross.

 

[Dayul]

Bolton , Bradford, Sheff U are all where I'd expect them to be given budgets etc. Strangley though from the games I've seen against them 1-0W v Bolton and 1-1D v Sheff U neither looked that impressive but that of course is the exception to the norm if the team is around the top 2. I didn't go to the Bradford game but they beat us 4-0. We don't often lose heavily under Hill so Bradford in my fuzzy logic seem legit auto promotion contenders.
I thought Scunny would be challenging for a play off place but not top 2 so they've surprised me. Wouldn't mind seeing them go up as Dale never seem to beat them and tbh it's nice to see a small club (in comparison to most of L1) do well, who knows it might inspire Dale's squad.
There are some clubs I expect will finish a lot higher than their current league position. MK Dons and Charlton in particular.
I think bottom 4 will include Shrews, Chesterfield Oldham and possibly Bury dependent on whether they can get a manager in to stop the rot that has set in over the past month or two.
As for Dale, I think like the last couple of seasons in L1 we'll flirt around the play off places along with several others. Ultimately I think Dale will fall short and finish upper mid table again although that's more than good enough given our piss poor resources.

 

[Sheffsteel]

After 4 matches Sheff Utd were bottom of the league ( W0, D1 and L3)

But since then we've got better and better and we currently have a look of auto promotion about us.
Long way to go yet though and things can easily go pear shaped.

In the last 14 league matches, we've won 11 and drawn 3.
We've got some players, the 2 centre halves Ebanks Landell and Wright that have never been on the losing side in 14 appearances. The goalie Moore lost on his debut away at Millwall but he's also not lost in his next 14 matches.

We've also already played the top 3, all away from home. So it's looking good.
Noticed that Scunny have a tough December playing both Bolton and Bradford.

I think Bolton have the best individuals but Parkinson seems to be cautious & happy with 1-0's.
Scunthorpe success is no fluke as they are simply carrying on the form from the end of last season.
Bradford have been good but seem to lack something up front regards scoring.

It's already looking those 4 are pulling away.
Will be a shame that 2 miss out as it might need a huge points haul to finish top 2 this season.

Think 2 out of Charlton, Peterboro and possibly Millwall will be the other playoffs teams.

 

[CFC91]

I think Sheff U will run away with it. Can see Bolton going up also but not yet sen them play.

Worst side we played in my eyes were Swindon, though 've not actually been to many games this season.

We look nailed on and could possibly be helped on our way with a points deduction. Shrewsbury and Bury don't look very good either.

 

[LS Bantam]

Sheff Utd league champions by a mile and I'd like to think we'll have a good chance in the Play Off's, second spot though is certainly up for grabs and the top 5/6 seem to be picking up points consistently enough as to not look over their shoulders too worryingly at the minute. A big January for us, it's no secret we don't score enough goals, addressing that and adding a winger also will give our chances a big boost, if someone signs Nahki Wells I think we have around 25% sell on so that would be a timely cash injection

 

[JJH]

I don't go to every game, but its been a number of years since I have come away from a Swindon match and thought, 'wow, they (insert opponents here) were a bit good'.

Most of the teams I have seen this season have been utter dross.

Last time must've been your lots drubbing at AG eh?

 

[Big Bird]

Last time must've been your lots drubbing at AG eh?

We were the better team in that game you were just more clinical

 

[finley]

It's certainly going to be interesting in January.Who will push the boat out in terms of recruitment,will any of the current pace setters cash in on there better players.I think their will definitely be some comings and goings down at Valley Parade with regards forwards,hopefully Hiuwula and McNulty will be sent packing and better quality brought in

 

[Fedora Dale]

Autos: Probably Sheff U, with any of the other top three to join them. My hunch is Scunny to hold on to the spot.

Playoffs: Bradford, Bolton, maybe us if we don't lose too many in January, maybe Southend if they can keep Nile Ranger fit and firing. Wombles, Gas and maybe a resurgent MK also.in the mix.

Midtable winners: Oxford or Vale. Both far too good to go down, but too inconsistent.

Relegation:
Chesterfield (money problems)
Bury (chairman away with the fairies)
Shrews (thanks to some inept summer signings)
Swindon or Walsall (both easy on the eye, but naive at the back)

I think Oldham may survive (assuming they conquer their own money problems). Solid enough, will.be OK if they can acquire a goalscorer in January...

 

[ccfctommy]

I cannot work us out yet. If things carry on as they are then it will be bottom 1/4 of the table. We need a new manager BEFORE January.

 

[Sheffsteel]

I cannot work us out yet. If things carry on as they are then it will be bottom 1/4 of the table. We need a new manager BEFORE January.

I get the impression Cov have been playing reasonably well this season but just a bit unlucky.
I know a Coventry fan and he's assured me your too good to go down and should finish comfortable mid table.

But theres a saying the poorest teams are often unlucky
And the best teams always seem to be lucky.
Anyway whilst you're near the relegation trap door there's always big pressure.

 

[4froale]

If we had a goalscorer we would certainly not be in the bottom four. The amount of games we've dominated this year and lost or drawn after missing chances is a joke. I wouldnt go as far as some of our fans who believe we would be a decent team with a better striker, but I'd say we could be 7 or 8 places higher up the table. As it stands though I reckon us, Chesterfield, Shrews and Bury for the drop.

At the other end i fancy Sheff Utd to win it with Scunny second. I still fancy Millwall for promotion as well so i will say them via the play offs.

 

[UTS]

We have been horrific lately, but wouldn't say we are "destined for the drop" just yet... we were one of the best teams earlier in the season.

We have a good squad which is just starting to get back together after being decimated by injuries. When these key players come back we will pick up results.

We also don't have a manager so I'd wait to see who we apppoint.. if it's Chris Brass we will 100% be relegated.

 

[Dale4ever]

We also don't have a manager so I'd wait to see who we apppoint.. if it's Chris Brass we will 100% be relegated.

Should have kept Flitcroft.

 

[WhiteRussian]

We need someone at the helm before everything goes even more to shit. Talk about underperforming. Trouble is I can't see the end to it.

 

[Fedora Dale]

We have been horrific lately, but wouldn't say we are "destined for the drop" just yet... we were one of the best teams earlier in the season.

We have a good squad which is just starting to get back together after being decimated by injuries. When these key players come back we will pick up results.

We also don't have a manager so I'd wait to see who we apppoint.. if it's Chris Brass we will 100% be relegated.

You may be right. Jones, Soares, Ismail and Pope are all more than capable at this level, Vaughan seems to know where the goals are, Mayor and Cameron could be really good, Tutte was decent enough for us and always puts a shift in, same with Etuhu. Maher, Bryan and Leigh are inexperienced, but could come good, and your youth teams are normally up towards the top of their league (but never got much chance for first team football under Flitcroft.

However, your chairman's bullshit is becoming less credible hourly, and you could do with a better goalkeeper, no nonsense centre back and disciplijed leader in midfield...

 

[THE LAST WALTZ]

You may be right. Jones, Soares, Ismail and Pope are all more than capable at this level, Vaughan seems to know where the goals are, Mayor and Cameron could be really good, Tutte was decent enough for us and always puts a shift in, same with Etuhu. Maher, Bryan and Leigh are inexperienced, but could come good, and your youth teams are normally up towards the top of their league (but never got much chance for first team football under Flitcroft.

However, your chairman's bullshit is becoming less credible hourly, and you could do with a better goalkeeper, no nonsense centre back and disciplijed leader in midfield...

Add a goal scoring striker to that list and you have just described us, and probably most of the teams in League 1.

 

[Marked Ox]

Coventry were awful against us but that is only one game and we've been awful in some games as well.

Like Fedora Dale I reckon we will be midtable. Hopefully correct on Swindon as well.

I get the impression Cov have been playing reasonably well this season but just a bit unlucky.
I know a Coventry fan and he's assured me your too good to go down and should finish comfortable mid table.

But theres a saying the poorest teams are often unlucky
And the best teams always seem to be lucky.
Anyway whilst you're near the relegation trap door there's always big pressure.

 

[West Terrace]

If we get a proper manager I think we'll just about be ok, stick with Venus and we're gonna be in real trouble. Luckily for us there are some woeful teams in this league

 

[Jockney]

got some good talent coming through but still carrying quite a few mediocre players and we have a manager who relies too much on two players (Gregory and Morison).

I can't see Harris lasting beyond this season tbh. Not really an ideas manager and isn't getting the best out of a set-up that should be thriving.

 

[UTS]

Okay, we are down. A truly inept team playing for an inept club.

 

[Saddlerrad]

We are down unless we sack our physio before it's too late. Let him take a few of the crocks he signed with him.

 

[Indian Dan]

Of the top clubs we've played so far at home, Bolton were mediocre, Bradford average, Rochdale woeful. Walsall always impress me at the CG.

Worst performance by a country mile (even including some of our own) were Charlton - truly awful.

Since Bristol City won the league the 2 following seasons have been chock full of plain average at best teams. Would have thought the promoted clubs would be doing better - probably only Wimbledon are overachieving. Cobblers and Rovers had good runs but are struggling now. Oxford appear to be more solid than those 2.

We go from being OK to dreadful and the January window will show if we have any sort of ambition. Unbelievable that after so many horrific performances we are only 2 wins from the play offs. That fact alone points to the overall mediocrity of this league.

 

[Bobbin']

We have been horrific lately, but wouldn't say we are "destined for the drop" just yet... we were one of the best teams earlier in the season.

We have a good squad which is just starting to get back together after being decimated by injuries. When these key players come back we will pick up results.

We also don't have a manager so I'd wait to see who we apppoint.. if it's Chris Brass we will 100% be relegated.

Which is exactly what everyone told you in the David Flitcroft thread and you argued it.

 

[Vanni]

Someone left the L2's forum back door open so I'm out for a stroll.

Dunno who's going up but Scunny and the Blades look solid.

But I'm more interested in who's going down seeing as we'll be spending another year at least in L2. Once again I'll admit I don't have a clue but it's not looking good for the Gas I reckon. A 1-5 defeat at home to Charlton coupled with a loss at Chesterfield (a side no one ranks apparently) only means they were performing miracles at the start of the season. And when even the ginger Messi cannot save you then you know you're really in it