The quality of this league.

[D B Disco]

Indeed. As interesting as noting that last season, Orient were 9-1 joint-favourites to be promoted from L1, and in August, you could get 25-1 on Bournemouth and 16-1 on Watford going up, compared to 10-1 for Wigan and 11-1 for Fulham.

So we are using "interesting" in the sense of "totally meaningless" here.

fwiw (and that's never a fucking lot, as SERNWA is keen to point out), I believe that Bristol City fans underestimate Rotherham and other smaller, lower clubs like Cardiff and Brighton at their peril. (Yeh..that's fucked with your heads.......do I slag him off for dissing us, or Like him for dissing those inbreds across the river???...aaarrrghhh!). This is because there is remarkably little between most clubs in this division. Yes, Blackpool were woeful but apart from Bournemouth, Norwich and Derby (earlier in the season) there was little to choose between the entire division - and that includes Watford, Boro and Ipswich. The Millers deservedly beat us early on and in the last weeks, Derby just bent over and presented their bottom to anyone who would have it. So to speak. On the day, anyone can win against anyone in this division: it's about stamina and that takes a little getting used to.

I'll weigh in more only when the little cheerleader sings or when the seasons starts with everyone fielding their new signings and the usual collection of unknown Chelsea, Spurs and Southampton loaners. Or when I feel it will piss someone off.

I wouldn't go so far as to say "totally meaningless". OK they're never going to get everything right, but overall they are generally not far off the mark.

And FWIW, I'll go with your second option of "Liking" you for dissing the inbreds across the river!

 

[Ciderhead]

Agree with the above, it'll be a big step up defending in the Championship to League 1. Last season Ayling and Williams alongside Flint were able to deal with any threats of pace and allow Flint to do what he does and be the ball-winner. I'd imagine the cleverer attacks in this league will be able to isolate him more often and that will present a greater challenge.

However, this time last year he didn't seem to be good enough for L1. He's improved massively since he's been with us and I'm hopeful he'll do so again.

 

[HertsWolf]

I wouldn't go so far as to say "totally meaningless". OK they're never going to get everything right, but overall they are generally not far off the mark.

And FWIW, I'll go with your second option of "Liking" you for dissing the inbreds across the river!

I've just had a look at the L1 odds for the beginning of two seasons ago. It's all over the place. At this stage, the odds mainly reflect what money is going on the different teams. It's all sentimental money at this point but it's a good time to get great odds.

 

[Scumarmy.]

Agree with the above, it'll be a big step up defending in the Championship to League 1. Last season Ayling and Williams alongside Flint were able to deal with any threats of pace and allow Flint to do what he does and be the ball-winner. I'd imagine the cleverer attacks in this league will be able to isolate him more often and that will present a greater challenge.

However, this time last year he didn't seem to be good enough for L1. He's improved massively since he's been with us and I'm hopeful he'll do so again.

Agree with the above, it'll be a big step up defending in the Championship to League 1. Last season Ayling and Williams alongside Flint were able to deal with any threats of pace and allow Flint to do what he does and be the ball-winner. I'd imagine the cleverer attacks in this league will be able to isolate him more often and that will present a greater challenge.

However, this time last year he didn't seem to be good enough for L1. He's improved massively since he's been with us and I'm hopeful he'll do so again.

You can say that again.

 

[SirTomFinney]

Yeah I see your point regarding Hunts and Flint but was referring to the Rotherham fan who was trying to big up Matt Derbyshire, not having it.

Huntington has been fantastic since coming back into the side but his lack of mobility might cause a few problems against the top Championship sides. I feel Clarke will be fine.

I wouldn't mind a Lucketti esk signing if I'm honest

 

[SF_]

Yeah I see your point regarding Hunts and Flint but was referring to the Rotherham fan who was trying to big up Matt Derbyshire, not having it.

Huntington has been fantastic since coming back into the side but his lack of mobility might cause a few problems against the top Championship sides. I feel Clarke will be fine.

I wouldn't mind a Lucketti esk signing if I'm honest

I'd like a Claude Davis-type myself (before Sheffield United ruined him) someone with a bit of pace and is comfortable on the ball, they generally don't come cheap though. I've always liked the look of Reda Johnson at Coventry personally but Sheff Wednesday must have released him for a reason so L1 might be his level.

 

[HertsWolf]

At the moment you can get 357-1 for Ipswich, Swindon and Plymouth all to be promoted next season. That's not bad for three good sides in each division.

 

[StevieEvansRedNWhiteArmy]

Hahahaha, this made me laugh, looking forward to an easy 6 points v you lot next season

Like what we got off you last time we were in a division you mean?

 

[StevieEvansRedNWhiteArmy]

Didn't Aden Flint the defender who you slag off score more than Derbyshire last season? Infact 5 goals more? Again I repeat, the DEFENDER who scored 5 more goals than your star striker?

In the poorest league one in years.

 

[StevieEvansRedNWhiteArmy]

Can't wait to gloat after we finish mid table and Bristol, Mkat and Prestok scrap it out for survival.

 

[Walkley_Owl]

I'd like a Claude Davis-type myself (before Sheffield United ruined him) someone with a bit of pace and is comfortable on the ball, they generally don't come cheap though. I've always liked the look of Reda Johnson at Coventry personally but Sheff Wednesday must have released him for a reason so L1 might be his level.

Reda played left back for us in the end mate, did a great job in L1 but fitness and lack of mobility in this division did him, I loved Reda though.

 

[BCFC David]

I didn't think Flint was that slow tbh? Hes no Jamie McCombe. I can't remember him struggling with it at all this season. Yes I know, it's a higher level. But let's not make out this league is full of world beaters. Rotherham FFS?

A few additions to the squad and we will be fine. Only have to look at the promoted clubs last season. ( Ignore Rotherham, they'll reach there natural level soon enough).

Season can't come quick enough.

 

[TomPNE94]

In the poorest league one in years.

you mean the poorest since the year before?

It wasn't that different, except there were only 4 good teams as opposed to 5.

 

[Mr Elmo]

Rotherham, mid table? Lol

 

[Aaron-Bcfc]

In 2012 we stayed up with a defence consisting of Ryan McGivern, Liam Fontaine, Lewin Nyatanga and Ricky Foster. Not that worried about Flint to be honest

 

[Luke_ciderhead]

So based on this thread, Sheff Wed are going to win the league by an absolute mile, Rotherham are finishing mid table and ourselves, Preston and MK Dons are getting relegated. Wish I could predict the future so accurately!!

 

[Aaron-Bcfc]

I think bringing Sam Baldock back could be the perfect signing for you. Wouldnt mind us going for him either if we played him as a striker instead of a winger.

Baldock did get 13 or 14 for us in the championship, and then obviously had a great season in league 1, I'm just not sure how other City fans would receive him if he were to come back, I'd be happy enough seeing him in a City shirt again if the price were right, at 26 he still has years ahead of him, but would like to see us sign someone like Will Grigg or Tom Bradshaw as well, think we will need 4 strikers.

No thanks to Baldock. 10 in the Championship for us, 4 of those penalties. Even in League One I thought he was a bit shit, horrific chance to conversion rate.

 

[Scumarmy.]

Can't wait to gloat after we finish mid table and Bristol, Mkat and Prestok scrap it out for survival.

I cannot speak for the others but where have any of our fans stated we would be doing anything but the aforementioned?

 

[JJH]

Can't wait to gloat after we finish mid table and Bristol, Mkat and Prestok scrap it out for survival.

We'll scrap relegation, whilst 68 goal a season man Matt Derbyshire fires you to midtable.

Can't wait

 

[TomPNE94]

Can't wait to gloat after we finish mid table and Bristol, Mkat and Prestok scrap it out for survival.

I cannot speak for the others but where have any of our fans stated we would be doing anything but the aforementioned?

In addition to this, what is Prestok? Is it a new Pokémon?

 

[hodge]

Seriously everyone

 

[Tom_ITFC]

Indeed. As interesting as noting that last season, Orient were 9-1 joint-favourites to be promoted from L1, and in August, you could get 25-1 on Bournemouth and 16-1 on Watford going up, compared to 10-1 for Wigan and 11-1 for Fulham.

So we are using "interesting" in the sense of "totally meaningless" here.

fwiw (and that's never a fucking lot, as SERNWA is keen to point out), I believe that Bristol City fans underestimate Rotherham and other smaller, lower clubs like Cardiff and Brighton at their peril. (Yeh..that's fucked with your heads.......do I slag him off for dissing us, or Like him for dissing those inbreds across the river???...aaarrrghhh!). This is because there is remarkably little between most clubs in this division. Yes, Blackpool were woeful but apart from Bournemouth, Norwich and Derby (earlier in the season) there was little to choose between the entire division - and that includes Watford, Boro and Ipswich. The Millers deservedly beat us early on and in the last weeks, Derby just bent over and presented their bottom to anyone who would have it. So to speak. On the day, anyone can win against anyone in this division: it's about stamina and that takes a little getting used to.

I'll weigh in more only when the little cheerleader sings or when the seasons starts with everyone fielding their new signings and the usual collection of unknown Chelsea, Spurs and Southampton loaners. Or when I feel it will piss someone off.

I don't agree with you there! The top 8 were far better and far more consistent than the rest of the league for 85-90% of the season. The points gap to Blackburn and the highest points to miss out on playoffs tells you this.

Each of the top 8 had superb runs throughout the season, October to December for us, losing 1 in 21 I think. We were hit with injuries and forced to change formation which hindered us, yet we still nearly had enough points to get us promoted in previous seasons.

I really think 9th down have a huge task to get anywhere near the likes of Boro, Wolves, Brentford, us and Derby. Out of them, I'd say we're in the best position considering all of them have lost key players and/or managers already.

 

[Jockney]

I don't agree with you there! The top 8 were far better and far more consistent than the rest of the league for 85-90% of the season. The points gap to Blackburn and the highest points to miss out on playoffs tells you this.

Each of the top 8 had superb runs throughout the season, October to December for us, losing 1 in 21 I think. We were hit with injuries and forced to change formation which hindered us, yet we still nearly had enough points to get us promoted in previous seasons.

I really think 9th down have a huge task to get anywhere near the likes of Boro, Wolves, Brentford, us and Derby. Out of them, I'd say we're in the best position considering all of them have lost key players and/or managers already.

I don't think you're in the best position at all. You were a sum of your ageing, flash-in-the-pan parts and your final position was a mild overachievement. I expect you to compete again next season because McCarthy is a shrewd manager but Wolves, Boro and Derby have better players and are better equipped financially to step it up a gear next season.

 

[HertsWolf]

I don't agree with you there! The top 8 were far better and far more consistent than the rest of the league for 85-90% of the season. The points gap to Blackburn and the highest points to miss out on playoffs tells you this.

Each of the top 8 had superb runs throughout the season, October to December for us, losing 1 in 21 I think. We were hit with injuries and forced to change formation which hindered us, yet we still nearly had enough points to get us promoted in previous seasons.

I really think 9th down have a huge task to get anywhere near the likes of Boro, Wolves, Brentford, us and Derby. Out of them, I'd say we're in the best position considering all of them have lost key players and/or managers already.

I remember watching us against Millwall, Blackpool and Charlton and thinking that man-for-man, there wasn't much in it. We tended to be better at taking chances. I lost count of the times reporters and opposition managers said "Wolves were clinical". We could have won, drawn or lost nearly all the games we played.
But against Cherries, Derby, Norwich away....we were played off the park. They were a class apart.
I agree the top 8 - probably plus Forest, Birmingham and Sheffield Wednesday at times - were clearly better than those below but there's not a lot in it.

I remember a manager (can't remember who) saying that there's actually not much difference between a PL club and a Conference club, skill-wise...what does make the difference is player stamina, player consistency, the ability to keep calm and think, and collective strategy. Personally I think the first two can be 'trained in' while the latter two can be learnt from playing alongside those who already have "it".

However, I have often wondered how a team can be so good one season and so bad the next......Brighton being a good example, Orient being another.

 

[Tom_ITFC]

I don't think you're in the best position at all. You were a sum of your ageing, flash-in-the-pan parts and your final position was a mild overachievement. I expect you to compete again next season because McCarthy is a shrewd manager but Wolves, Boro and Derby have better players and are better equipped financially to step it up a gear next season.

I don't disagree with you completely but we are in a much better financial state this season, easily matching Boro. We have our best players still in contract and can build on what we have done this season. Boro and Wolves have got to fill key positions.

Play offs were the target and we got it so I can't say it was an overachievement at all. Not finishing in the play offs would have been disappointing imo.

Stability is as key as money in this league and I feel we have that compared to Derby and maybe Wolves.

 

[MagpieBee]

I remember watching us against Millwall, Blackpool and Charlton and thinking that man-for-man, there wasn't much in it. We tended to be better at taking chances. I lost count of the times reporters and opposition managers said "Wolves were clinical". We could have won, drawn or lost nearly all the games we played.
But against Cherries, Derby, Norwich away....we were played off the park. They were a class apart.
I agree the top 8 - probably plus Forest, Birmingham and Sheffield Wednesday - were clearly better than those below but there's not a lot in it.

I remember a manager (can't remember who) saying that there's actually not much difference between a PL club and a Conference club, skill-wise...what does make the difference is player stamina, player consistency, the ability to keep calm and think, and collective strategy. Personally I think the first two can be 'trained in' while the latter two can be learnt from playing alongside those who already have "it".

However, I have often wondered how a team can be so good one season and so bad the next......Brighton being a good example, Orient being another.

I think sometimes one player can just be so key to a team. Brighton lost Ulloa, and Orient lost Odubajo. Both seemingly were key to their chances (Orient then cycled through a few managers, which probably made the situation worse)

 

[HertsWolf]

In addition to this, what is Prestok? Is it a new Pokémon?

Love the accented é in Pokémon. Because it's really crucial.

 

[HertsWolf]

and Wolves have got to fill key positions.

Huh? We have?

 

[Tom_ITFC]

I think sometimes one player can just be so key to a team. Brighton lost Ulloa, and Orient lost Odubajo. Both seemingly were key to their chances (Orient then cycled through a few managers, which probably made the situation worse)

Which backs up my point re clubs losing key players.

We had games where we were played off the park footballing wise but still won. Brentford away is just one example. We play to our strengths and that's what makes us a good side. We might not be pleasing on the eye but opposition managers used to say we were the best team they'd seen under Jewell, after hammering us 4-0

 

[Tom_ITFC]

Huh? We have?

Well a Sako shaped hole