The Playoffs

[James PAFC]

I'd say that our deserved defeat at Plymouth on Tuesday has probably knocked us out of contention.

There have been a couple of exceptions (Wycombe away and Oxford at home) where we've managed to beat one of the better sides, but generally we've been found wanting against the top teams this season. I think I've still got us hitting 73 points but that clearly will be well short, and we're unlikely to turn my predicted losses into wins.

Basically, we are where we should be and we'll likely stay there. Squad depth has really hit us. The Cowleys are shuffling around the same 14 or so players which isn't ideal with two games a week.

Another big summer transfer window coming up. We're in a different position this time, not having to shift unwanted players on.

I watched the game the other night and thought Pompey would test our defence more then it did. As you said squad death has been an issue for you this season but hopefully that will be addressed over the summer. Our squad is actually pretty strong this year, particularly in forward positions where we’ve been able to chop and change and keep our strikers fresh. It was very even and cagey in the first half but then Argyle stepped it up in the early stages of the 2nd half and it paid off. The play off battle this season is the most fiercely competitive I’ve known for years. I never expected us to be up there this season but the club is very well run these days and our recruitment last summer was exceptional.

 

[LeonTheGreen]

Well, we are still plodding along very nicely. A win on Tuesday, would see us go up to 74 points. Surely that would leave us just needing 2 wins to get into the play offs?

Our run in is very difficult but right now I’d back our lads against anyone. We’ve quietly gone about our business these last few months without really being out of the play off pack and seem to be finding our form from the beginning of the season at just the right time again.

We’ve already over achieved this season so I’m just enjoying being up amongst it. Realistically our group isn’t ready for the Championship but you’ve got to jump at the chance if it presents itself. Blackpool we’re outsiders last season and they are doing absolutely fine in the league above.

Going to be a very interesting end to the season!

 

[Boletus Edulis]

I think the thing with our run in is that because we are playing most of the top teams we could either shoot up further and be very safe, or fall back into danger. It’s going to be a fun roller coaster.

 

[James PAFC]

I think the thing with our run in is that because we are playing most of the top teams we could either shoot up further and be very safe, or fall back into danger. It’s going to be a fun roller coaster.

I believe if we can get 3 points against Cheltenham on Tuesday to get to 74 points we will put ourselves in a great position going into those tough run of games. There’s bound to be a slight drop off at some point but nobody will relish playing Argyle at the moment, especially coming to Home Park.

 

[K-Win]

Looks like a battle between 6 teams now. Us, Ipswich and Bolton didn't do enough over the last few games to stay in the hunt. MK Dons are still big outsiders for the autos.

It's been a weird season for us. Most fans will say that they've probably enjoyed the football more under the Cowleys than Jackett. However, to an outsider it would look like we've gone backwards.

We've pretty much overturned the entire squad over the year, and the rebuilding will continue into the summer. The pressure will really be on next season for the Cowleys. They've still got the backing of the fans at the moment but things could quickly turn sour if we don't get off to a good start.

The main problem to solve is replacing the loan players who have become fundamental to the first team (Bazunu, Carter, Romeo and Hirst). I'm sure they'd like to sign all four but absolutely no chance with our budget. I'd be surprised if we land one of them.

The next biggest problem will be to improve creativity up front. We've been woeful in trying to create chances against the better teams. Generating one shot on target in total in our last three games against Ipswich, Plymouth and Wycombe can attest to that.

So I'd say that the summer transfer window is make or break time for the Cowleys. At least mid table obscurity will help them start the work early.

 

[Janek_dd]

I like when the level is even and the result can be surprising

 

[T.A]

How is Shuey doing Plymouth fans? Looking pretty well after a rocky start.

 

[James PAFC]

How is Shuey doing Plymouth fans? Looking pretty well after a rocky start.

Schuey has been phenomenal since since over from Lowe. He’s fully embraced the role and brought in his own coaches which have clearly had a positive impact. He’s smart and media savvy too and nearly always makes the correct subs at the right times in games. whatever happens this season it’ll be interesting to see how he builds on this when he has a full pre season to work with. I suspect he will be just fine. Schuey‘s at the wheel!

 

[WhiteRussian]

Schuey has been phenomenal since since over from Lowe. He’s fully embraced the role and brought in his own coaches which have clearly had a positive impact. He’s smart and media savvy too and nearly always makes the correct subs at the right times in games. whatever happens this season it’ll be interesting to see how he builds on this when he has a full pre season to work with. I suspect he will be just fine. Schuey‘s at the wheel!

There are some good young forward thinking managers in league 1 at the moment, specifically Schuey, Manning at us and McKenna at Ipswich. Of course the problem at this level is hanging on to them once they have become noticed further up the food chain.

 

[longmover]

There are some good young forward thinking managers in league 1 at the moment, specifically Schuey, Manning at us and McKenna at Ipswich. Of course the problem at this level is hanging on to them once they have become noticed further up the food chain.

Michael Duff and Mark Bonner at Cambridge

 

[Arbury]

Michael Duff and Mark Bonner at Cambridge

Shhhhhhhhhh!



KTF

 

[WhiteRussian]

Michael Duff and Mark Bonner at Cambridge

Yes, and probably a few more that I have forgotten about. It's a breath fo fresh air after seeing the likes of Evans being recycled club after club!

 

[Boletus Edulis]

How is Shuey doing Plymouth fans? Looking pretty well after a rocky start.

James summed it up really. He is clearly a good coach, brought in a good coaching team, is getting to grips with the wider management role, is tactically astute. In short “Scheuy’s at the wheel.”

I don‘t know if you felt this at Bury, but there were rumours that Schuey was the brains and Lowe the front man. The evidence suggests that this may well have been the case (And this is not sour grapes, I still think Lowe is good, but perhaps not as rounded as Schuey).

Shoes off for Schuey (glad to see that’s died a death I could not get mine back on).

 

[T.A]

James summed it up really. He is clearly a good coach, brought in a good coaching team, is getting to grips with the wider management role, is tactically astute. In short “Scheuy’s at the wheel.”

I don‘t know if you felt this at Bury, but there were rumours that Schuey was the brains and Lowe the front man. The evidence suggests that this may well have been the case (And this is not sour grapes, I still think Lowe is good, but perhaps not as rounded as Schuey).

Shoes off for Schuey (glad to see that’s died a death I could not get mine back on).

To be honest Shuey was always kind of the in the background for us. We didn’t hear from him a lot apart from preseason and at the end of the season. Lowe always rated him though as well as the players who were there. Glad to see he’s doing well as he’s just as much as a legend with Bury as Lowe was imo.

 

[Boletus Edulis]

To be honest Shuey was always kind of the in the background for us. We didn’t hear from him a lot apart from preseason and at the end of the season. Lowe always rated him though as well as the players who were there. Glad to see he’s doing well as he’s just as much as a legend with Bury as Lowe was imo.

The Chairman said this week that an ex-player said that Schuey was the best coach he had ever had. We have also heard this a few times from other more anonymous sources. I am pretty sure that PNE thought they were getting both Lowe and Schuey. I am did not want to lose Lowe, but it was always going to be for a limited time. I am very happy that only Lowe left.

 

[K-Win]

A couple of killer late winners for Wednesday and Sunderland yesterday, which firmly put paid to the flimsy, remaining chances of anyone below 8th.

Looking like the top two play-off spots are already sealed by two of Rotherham, Wigan, MK Dons and Plymouth.

So that leaves a four-way battle for the remaining two places between Wednesday, Sunderland, Oxford and Wycombe.

Wednesday still need to go to Bolton, MK Dons and Wycombe. Their other three games look like definite 3-pointers.

Sunderland still have to go to Oxford and Plymouth, and also have Rotherham at home. Their other three games look like definite 3-pointers.

Oxford have Sunderland and MK Dons at home, plus a trip to Rotherham. Again,
their other three games look like definite 3-pointers.

Wycombe may have a slightly easier run-in. They have four winnable games, although all are away from home. Plus two tough home games against Plymouth and Sheffield Wednesday.

Some big old games coming up. Whichever two teams miss out can consider themselves very unlucky as they are likely to finish with a points haul that would easily make the play-offs most seasons.

 

[Tea Towel]

Really not sure which way it’ll go for us. We have been shakey at the back lately and struggle to break teams down who come and sit back so I think maybe playing a couple of the ‘better’ sides will suit us more.

Getting Windass and Adeniran back for the last few games would be a massive boost, I don’t think they’re miles off by the sounds of it.

Plymouth will have a big say in what happens looking at their fixtures.

 

[WhiteRussian]

If I had to take a punt I would go for Wednesday and Sunderland for the final two places. I hope Oxford make it because I have a soft spot for Robinson, (I still think he was rather hung out to dry with our brief sojurn in the championship.) but they just seem to be stumbling a bit at the moment.

Wycombe I just don't like (they don't like us much either ) and I can't see them getting above either of Wednesday or Sunderland.

 

[SMH]

Dear dear Oxford, a bottlejob of huge proportions on the cards. Win or bust for them on Saturday you'd have to say.

 

[PuB]

I am not very happy with Oxford.

 

[SF_]

The fact Will Keane & Cole Stockton are prolific makes me think this could be the worst third tier in decades.

 

[K-Win]

The fact Will Keane & Cole Stockton are prolific makes me think this could be the worst third tier in decades.

Not really. It's just that we have a very divided league, quality wise. There is a massive gap between the top 11 teams and the rest.

This is our 5th season here and I'd say the overall quality at the top is better than in previous seasons. Just my opinion though.

 

[Robie]

Dear dear Oxford, a bottlejob of huge proportions on the cards. Win or bust for them on Saturday you'd have to say.

It’s not over yet.

Elliott Moore, Marcus Browne, Cameron Brannagan and Sam Baldock to return to help ease us over the line.

 

[BarrieOwl]

Does Saturdays results make it now 2 from 3 or do Oxford still have a shot

 

[Laker]

Does Saturdays results make it now 2 from 3 or do Oxford still have a shot

If Oxford do make it, they’re gonna have to beat one or both of MK Dons and Rotherham.

 

[TractorBoys]

It’s not over yet.

Elliott Moore, Marcus Browne, Cameron Brannagan and Sam Baldock to return to help ease us over the line.

Certainly over now. Race between Weds, Wycombe and Sunderland for that 6th spot.

 

[Laker]

Certainly over now. Race between Weds, Wycombe and Sunderland for that 6th spot.

Have you accepted Plymouth getting in the play offs now? I recall you writing them off earlier this season.

 

[WhiteRussian]

Certainly over now. Race between Weds, Wycombe and Sunderland for that 6th spot.

That's for 5th and 6th. I still wouldn't totally rule out Oxford. Plymouth and us or Rotherham for the the other 2.

 

[TractorBoys]

Have you accepted Plymouth getting in the play offs now? I recall you writing them off earlier this season.

Wouldn't be averse to them going up through them, to be fair. Family connections.

 

[Super_horns]

Sunderland love a late goal .

Got some momentum - as have Wycombe.