Loyal canary
New Member
Before we start to get a real idea about how the season will pan out. We have largely kept the same squad so I think 12 to 15. What do you think?
Andy
Active Member
Not sure it will be that simple. Looking at the table for 2010/11 we got into the top 6 by the end of August but only pushed for 2nd in the New Year.
http://www.statto.com/football/stats/england/league-championship/2010-2011/table/2010-08-28
I think if we are consistently in top 6 by Christmas then auto promotion is a real possibility. If we are in the top 10 by then, we could still do it. If we are languishing mid-table, Neyull may be looking for a new job.
So, yes we should have an idea by 12 or so games but the Champs is more volatile than the Prem and so expect some ups and downs ( we dropped to 8th in Nov 2010)
http://www.statto.com/football/stats/england/league-championship/2010-2011/table/2010-08-28
I think if we are consistently in top 6 by Christmas then auto promotion is a real possibility. If we are in the top 10 by then, we could still do it. If we are languishing mid-table, Neyull may be looking for a new job.
So, yes we should have an idea by 12 or so games but the Champs is more volatile than the Prem and so expect some ups and downs ( we dropped to 8th in Nov 2010)
Canaryboy
Well-Known Member
Owen Coyle was sacked 2nd December with Wigan in mid-table, Uwe Rosler just about managed to rescue their season and get them in the play-offs.
If they'd have moved a bit earlier they may have got automatic, I think early to mid November if we aren't in the play off spots (or very close) then I'd hope the board wouldn't be slow to react this time around.
All futile discussion though, as I hope and expect us to be right up there all season within reach of automatic.
If they'd have moved a bit earlier they may have got automatic, I think early to mid November if we aren't in the play off spots (or very close) then I'd hope the board wouldn't be slow to react this time around.
All futile discussion though, as I hope and expect us to be right up there all season within reach of automatic.
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Branston Pickle
Member
It's difficult - in 85/86 after relegation we started pretty poorly and lost three out of the first five, I think, but then never really looked back. We certainly shouldn't jump to conclusions, good or bad, on a few games - it is a long haul.
IMO it is partly down to how we are performing rather than results per se, at the start, but clearly after 15 games we would really want to be there or thereabouts.
IMO it is partly down to how we are performing rather than results per se, at the start, but clearly after 15 games we would really want to be there or thereabouts.
splutcho
Moderator
I think we need to get out of the blocks quickly. If we're up there after ten games, we'll be there or thereabouts all year.
skijumptoes
Active Member
I don't think it's such importance to get off to a blistering start... What i mean by that is it's great to happen for confidence etc., but i don't see it as an essential that will define whether we could get promoted or not.
I'm expecting us to finish around 3rd - 6th and in all honesty, you can sit mid table with a few months left and still reach those spots by coming strong at the end. Which inevitably stands you in good stead in the playoffs.
Consistency and winning our home matches is key for me
Obviously if you're expecting us to get top two spots then yes a good start is essential, because the leader usually finishes by a fair margin.
For me, i would say 10-12 games is a great indication of where things are going for the season. Because if players like Redmond, Howson, Grabban etc. hit their potential we could be lethal.
I'm expecting us to finish around 3rd - 6th and in all honesty, you can sit mid table with a few months left and still reach those spots by coming strong at the end. Which inevitably stands you in good stead in the playoffs.
Consistency and winning our home matches is key for me
Obviously if you're expecting us to get top two spots then yes a good start is essential, because the leader usually finishes by a fair margin.
For me, i would say 10-12 games is a great indication of where things are going for the season. Because if players like Redmond, Howson, Grabban etc. hit their potential we could be lethal.
Yellow Fever
New Member
There will be some indications after 10 or so games, but only when we've played every other team by the halfway point will we had a true indication of how it is going. so 23 games for me.
Robert Brompton
New Member
For me it is 15 games but I do not think that a blistering start is essential or necessarily that helpful.
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Ankles
New Member
I remember Worthington saying (in the summer after he got us promoted) that the early season form meant teams set up to defend against us, which played into our attack minded set up hands
If I look at our likely starting 11 we are weighted towards forward play, so we do need a good start to encourage defensive strategy by the opposition
I think 8 games in we'll know if we're in the running for top 1/3 finish or not
If I look at our likely starting 11 we are weighted towards forward play, so we do need a good start to encourage defensive strategy by the opposition
I think 8 games in we'll know if we're in the running for top 1/3 finish or not
Warren Hill
New Member
I think we need to start well.
For many fans the jury is out on the Adams appointment and if you look around other fan sites there is still a swell of anti-Hughton feeling bubbling very close to the surface of peoples emotions. If we get off to a slow start I don't think it would take much for that frustration to become audible once again.
A good, solid start will provide us with a sound footing to build on and will settle us supporters. I keep saying it but nothing unites a fanbase like winning. We should know after a dozen games how both our season and Neil's tenure are likely to pan out.
For many fans the jury is out on the Adams appointment and if you look around other fan sites there is still a swell of anti-Hughton feeling bubbling very close to the surface of peoples emotions. If we get off to a slow start I don't think it would take much for that frustration to become audible once again.
A good, solid start will provide us with a sound footing to build on and will settle us supporters. I keep saying it but nothing unites a fanbase like winning. We should know after a dozen games how both our season and Neil's tenure are likely to pan out.
skijumptoes
Active Member
Warren, therein lays the major factor in your post, if supporters are expecting us to be top 6 after 5-6 games (Which is what i would call a good start) then ultimately we need to get off to a good start to prevent emotions rising to match expectations.
I'm not one who will be downhearted if we don't, this is quite a transition (new manager, backroom staff, new league, new forward line) and feel it's unfair to expect that kind of start, or indeed feel that it will be the defining factor in our success. however, i'm starting to understand that maybe most supporters will be expecting a flying start(?).
Wolves away is a tough start in itself, and we could find ourselves with the carpet pulled out from beneath us come sunday night so while this sounds a bit defeatist, we need to be realistic in the first 3-4 matches.
I'm not one who will be downhearted if we don't, this is quite a transition (new manager, backroom staff, new league, new forward line) and feel it's unfair to expect that kind of start, or indeed feel that it will be the defining factor in our success. however, i'm starting to understand that maybe most supporters will be expecting a flying start(?).
Wolves away is a tough start in itself, and we could find ourselves with the carpet pulled out from beneath us come sunday night so while this sounds a bit defeatist, we need to be realistic in the first 3-4 matches.
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Yellow Fever
New Member
Winning and playing attractive football will certainly help the 'feel good factor', but it also takes some of the pressure off. both are keys if we want a united fan base.
Warren Hill
New Member
I'm under no illusions 'toes, I'm also not one who'll be barking for the managers/chief execs/golden goal seller's head if we don't get off to a flyer.
It might be unfair to expect that kind of start but I'm not sure how much of a 'bedding in' period Neil is likely to be afforded, expectations will be high.
David Evans
Active Member
I generally feel that at Christmas you can get a reasonable idea of where teams are going to finish, this is an unpredictable league though so even then things can still surprise you.
You have to remember this is a marathon not a sprint and while you don't want to get off to a slow start you also don't want to charge off in the first mile.
It will be important the players keep it calm and composed, there's no need for a rash high paced attacking game, especially in the first 20mins.
You have to remember this is a marathon not a sprint and while you don't want to get off to a slow start you also don't want to charge off in the first mile.
It will be important the players keep it calm and composed, there's no need for a rash high paced attacking game, especially in the first 20mins.
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Ankles
New Member
I keep reading Wolves being a tough start, they absolutely are not, they're a 6 point gimme this season
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Highland Canary
New Member
11 games until after Rotherham at home and the international break. Adams should be replaced if we are not in the top six at that point. Get some experience in and prey it's not already too late.
skijumptoes
Active Member
Being away from home to one of the bigger clubs on their way up will always be a tough opener.
We carried our League one momentum through the championship with a supposedly 'average' squad, Kenny Jackett's no fool, think they set a record for points last season didn't they? Certainly know where the goal is!
Definite banana skin.
We carried our League one momentum through the championship with a supposedly 'average' squad, Kenny Jackett's no fool, think they set a record for points last season didn't they? Certainly know where the goal is!
Definite banana skin.
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Killiecanary
New Member
First six games are crucial. Actually first 4. Wolves away is a decent game to start and I would take a point if I'm honest. To follow that with two home games against teams that we should be able to beat at CR really is beneficial, and then of course an away match against the relegation fodder from Suffolk...
9-10 points should be achievable, which then should be a decent springboard
But of course the inverse is also true...a bad start from those 4 games including anything poor from the derby and the knives will be out for Neil...
I can't remember a season where a good start is SO vital as it is this year.
9-10 points should be achievable, which then should be a decent springboard
But of course the inverse is also true...a bad start from those 4 games including anything poor from the derby and the knives will be out for Neil...
I can't remember a season where a good start is SO vital as it is this year.