TWENTY SEVEN.....

[1066blade]

Points, that"s what Millwall finished behind the Blades. Absolute joke that they get the same reward as us (championship football) they were about 12th a month ago and have overtaken (last kick of their season) Southend who to be fare had been there or thereabouts top 6 most of the latter end of the season. A total piss take to have those cretins along side is next year, even if it does mean I now have one extra ground to easily get too. Not happy at all. No justice in the play-offs, never has been. (Apart from last Weds of course)

 

[Stretch]

The playoff system is a complete joke really, and I am not saying that because we have such an abysmal record in them either. I don't recall the official reason for their introduction but it's clearly just a ploy to eek out more revenue from an already long season and to add even more 'drama' to the season finale - as if the traditional automatic promotion and relagation scraps aren't drama enough.
As you say it's absolute toss that an average team can scrape through 3 matches and get promoted over a team who has clearly performed better than them all season.

Just give it to the 3 best teams in the league ffs, meaning those who finish 1st, 2nd and 3rd. The table doesn't lie after 40 odd games.

If you are using a playoff system then apply the same principles to the last relegation spot as well and make 4 teams play off for it.. They all play each other and the team with the least points after 3 fixtures goes down. If a team can get promoted over those who finish above them, then a team who finishes 3rd from bottom should have a chance to stay up at someone else's expense.

 

[mattbianco1]

It's a complete joke that they're still in existence.

 

[BerksBlade]

Hopefully there will be a bigger points gap next season.

 

[Weasel]

Tbh I don't mind them going up at all. Everyone knew the rules at the start and if it had happened to us then I'm sure we would have been ecstatic and happily taken it.

It's their problem now in that they've now got to really strengthen their team in pre season or that's two of the relegation spots taken for next season (Millwall and Bolton).

Not my favourite club at all, but fair play to them. They have won promotion fair and square and I don't begrudge them that at all today.

 

[Grizzly blade]

It seems very unfair, that after having a play off all season the 3 best sides aren't sure to go up.

BUT....the play offs were introduced to keep the competition right until the end of the season I suppose. And no matter what is said, it does make a spectacle. Yes, I'm sure it is also used as a method of generating cash, but to be fair without it many sides wouldn't ever have much chance of playing at Wembley.


So, I like the idea....but perhaps they need to find a way of ensuring the third placed side has a slight advantage. Maybe the 4/5/6 placed sides play off to face the third placed side in the final?

5&6th play off to face 4th in a semi final....and meet third in the final.

5th and 6th is played in one fixture at home of 5th....4th & 5th game at 4ths home stadium and the final game at Wembley but allowing third place to have advantage of selecting ends, dressing room etc etc. I would even set up a booking system similar to cups....meaning third can be sure to have a full squad to choose from, whereas the teams in 5th and 6th might not if they get there. In fact....get rid of penalties and have a draw meaning 3rd wins?

It's a thought, but I would like to see the team in third to have an advantage and make those further back really have to earn the chance.

 

[S64 Blade]

They will probably get relegated and take up one spot that could be for us, if things don't go as expected.

 

[Liverpool blade]

I feel really sorry for Bradford but one of their problems this season has been scoring goals!. The guy they got from Carlisle has been poor in my opinion!. Millwal are really going to struggle unless they invest heavily in the team!!. Millwall is a shit hole but I'll still be making the trip down there.

 

[bl4desman]

I thought it would be more fair if they played a mini league. 3rd play all 3 games at home, 4th, 2 home and 1 away, 5th 1 home and 2 away and 6th play all 3 games away. Keeps the competition alive longer as teams would still aim for the top 6. However, the higher you finish in the playoffs, the greater the advantage gained.

 

[Fulwood Blade]

As Grizzly has stated above - his ideas are similar to what happens in both Rugby codes.

There is no advantage in playing a final at Wembley either - just another money making venture.

ANY final should be a one game affair at the home of the team finishing 3rd - that is an advantage worth having and ensuring you don't get the pigs 2nd team playing Fulhams 2nd team on the last day of the proper season or Huddersfield playing a reserve side against Birmingham. If 3rd, 4th, 5th and 6th had some actual proper merit in playing for, then the competition would still keep the season open for teams further down the league but would also properly benefit teams who finish in a higher position.

UTB

 

[Pinchy]

I feel really sorry for Bradford but one of their problems this season has been scoring goals!. The guy they got from Carlisle has been poor in my opinion!. Millwal are really going to struggle unless they invest heavily in the team!!. Millwall is a shit hole but I'll still be making the trip down there.

Of course he has. That didn't stop, though, the usual cap-doffing from the experts on here before we outclassed them recently. So much better than Championship player James Hanson, they said. Knowledgeable "Bradford fans" said so, they said. We then saw him 'play'.

Funny old place, S2.

 

[georgebernardshaw]

Of course he has. That didn't stop, though, the usual cap-doffing from the experts on here before we outclassed them recently. So much better than Championship player James Hanson, they said. Knowledgeable "Bradford fans" said so, they said. We then saw him 'play'.

Funny old place, S2.

Nothing condescends like condescendity

 

[zablade]

Millwall should go straight back down, however as a London club it's likely they will pick up a couple or three decent young season long loans from the likes of Chelsea, Arsenal, etc so you never know.

 

[Grizzly blade]

As Grizzly has stated above - his ideas are similar to what happens in both Rugby codes.

There is no advantage in playing a final at Wembley either - just another money making venture.

ANY final should be a one game affair at the home of the team finishing 3rd - that is an advantage worth having and ensuring you don't get the pigs 2nd team playing Fulhams 2nd team on the last day of the proper season or Huddersfield playing a reserve side against Birmingham. If 3rd, 4th, 5th and 6th had some actual proper merit in playing for, then the competition would still keep the season open for teams further down the league but would also properly benefit teams who finish in a higher position.

UTB

I considered that too, however I just felt that for many clubs the play offs are their only likely chance for them to play at Wembley.
And even though the third placed side might fancy the advantage of being at home, they might prefer the extra revenue that is guaranteed from going to Wembley.

But there should certainly be an advantage of finishing third

 

[ucandomagic]

As I've said on several threads the playoffs are there to provide an opportunity for a side to beat a side that finished above them. If they achieve that then they deserve the right to take their place.

However, what I find most ridiculous is the fact that games go to penalties and take no account of League achievement. If the lower team doesn't win after extra time then the higher team should progress. Deciding promotion on penalties over 46 league results is ridiculous.

UTB

 

[GRUMPY BLADE]

As I've said on several threads the playoffs are there to provide an opportunity for a side to beat a side that finished above them. If they achieve that then they deserve the right to take their place.

However, what I find most ridiculous is the fact that games go to penalties and take no account of League achievement. If the lower team doesn't win after extra time then the higher team should progress. Deciding promotion on penalties over 46 league results is ridiculous.

UTB

Imagine how many Wednesday at Huddersfield insipid performances we'd have to endure from 3rd placed teams who would get promoted for keeping a clean sheet?

 

[Pinchy]

As I've said on several threads the playoffs are there to provide an opportunity for a side to beat a side that finished above them. If they achieve that then they deserve the right to take their place.

However, what I find most ridiculous is the fact that games go to penalties and take no account of League achievement. If the lower team doesn't win after extra time then the higher team should progress. Deciding promotion on penalties over 46 league results is ridiculous.

UTB

Deciding anything on penalties is ridiculous. Penalties are one small aspect of football. Why not see who can take the longest throw-in or win the most corners?

Matches should be decided by all facets of the game; by playing football. The much-maligned "golden goal" makes far more sense than penalties.

As for the play-offs. Whatever the competing merits and faults, the terms and conditions are certain and well-known before the season starts. Each team can plan accordingly. The goalposts, unfortunately for Fernando and his piggy mates, are not moved.

 

[PokerBlade]

Can't say I've had good experiences of the play-offs but I bet most of the teams that have won a final would say it was a fantastic way to win promotion. The biggest argument for them is that even 2/3's into a season you can still have the top half of the table with the possibility of promotion. And with the bottom clubs fighting relegation, you get a lot more teams with something important to play for. Think how many more meaningless games there would've been this season without play-offs.

 

[HillmortonBlade]

Can't say I've had good experiences of the play-offs but I bet most of the teams that have won a final would say it was a fantastic way to win promotion. The biggest argument for them is that even 2/3's into a season you can still have the top half of the table with the possibility of promotion. And with the bottom clubs fighting relegation, you get a lot more teams with something important to play for. Think how many more meaningless games there would've been this season without play-offs.

The biggest argument against the Play Offs seems to be when an unpopular team wins.

Truth be told, much as I don't mind Bradford (and every sympathy for their fans this evening), I'm not really that bothered. I'd sooner have an away day in London than Bradford.

 

[bladesmanluke]

As I've said on several threads the playoffs are there to provide an opportunity for a side to beat a side that finished above them. If they achieve that then they deserve the right to take their place.

However, what I find most ridiculous is the fact that games go to penalties and take no account of League achievement. If the lower team doesn't win after extra time then the higher team should progress. Deciding promotion on penalties over 46 league results is ridiculous.

UTB

If it ends a draw in the semi final the team that finished highest in the league goes through? Likewise in the final? Higher placed team only need to draw?

 

[bertieblade]

I do not believe that the use of play offs to increase interest is in dispute its the fact that teams finishing higher up the "play off" table should have an advantage.
As previously suggested
6 v 5 with 5 at home
The winner plays 4, with four at home and the winner plays 3 at Wembley.
How you ensure that 3 has an advantage at Wembley is open for debate?
Teams finishing a certain number of points above their opponent could also be awarded with a goal start. ( possibly one goal for every five points )
Not sure how it should all work but something has to change to favour the team finishing higher up the league?

 

[Elsecar_Blade]

It seems very unfair, that after having a play off all season the 3 best sides aren't sure to go up.

BUT....the play offs were introduced to keep the competition right until the end of the season I suppose. And no matter what is said, it does make a spectacle. Yes, I'm sure it is also used as a method of generating cash, but to be fair without it many sides wouldn't ever have much chance of playing at Wembley.


So, I like the idea....but perhaps they need to find a way of ensuring the third placed side has a slight advantage. Maybe the 4/5/6 placed sides play off to face the third placed side in the final?

5&6th play off to face 4th in a semi final....and meet third in the final.

5th and 6th is played in one fixture at home of 5th....4th & 5th game at 4ths home stadium and the final game at Wembley but allowing third place to have advantage of selecting ends, dressing room etc etc. I would even set up a booking system similar to cups....meaning third can be sure to have a full squad to choose from, whereas the teams in 5th and 6th might not if they get there. In fact....get rid of penalties and have a draw meaning 3rd wins?

It's a thought, but I would like to see the team in third to have an advantage and make those further back really have to earn the chance.

I'd scrap ET and penalties and really reward the higher placed team by saying that the lower ranked team have to beat the higher placed team.

5th vs. 6th - one game. 6th have 90 minutes to BEAT 5th. If it's a draw, 5th go through.

Winner away at 4th. Same rules. Draw = 4th go to Wembley.

Wembley. 3rd vs. winner. Winner has to beat third. Draw = 3rd promoted.

 

[Tyler Durden]

The top 3 teams should be the ones promoted. The play-offs are little more than TV revenue over football. Football is a very simple game (hence its popularity) ruined by fake concepts of modernity.

 

[cahill]

Instead of matches being decided on Pens why not just toss a coin, as arbitrary and just as decisive without putting players through the misery of global public humiliation. All clubs could have a dedicated "tosser" they'd be spoilt for choice at Hillsborough, they could rotate the tossing

 

[cahill]

Tossing a coin was normal in European Cup competitions in the 1960's in the event of a tye (tie ?) and in the absence of away goal advantage. Actually went to a Leeds V Bologna in 1966 or 67 can't remember which, both legs ended 1-0 to the home side. That tosspot Billy Bremner called correctly, I used to hate Leeds more bitd

 

[metalblade]

Well what I have seen of Millwall this season has been utter shit, even their own fans were complaining they were shit. I really expected Bradford to win easily even if they are a bit light up front.

 

['Doc' Pace my hero]

I'm sick of teams finishing 5th and 6th winning promotion through the play-off system,whats wrong with the top 2 up and the bottom 2 down,how on earth can you deserve to be promoted if you finish sixth,it's bloody ridiculous !!!

 

[Weasel]

I don't mind the play offs as they keep the season alive for a greater number of teams for a greater period of the season. That said I would change the rule slightly to give the teams finishing higher over 46 games an advantage of some sort as it is plainly ridiculous that a team can potentially finish in 3rd place 20 points or so in front of a team scraping in to the play offs in 6th place. There has to be an advantage.

Im not taken with the idea of 6th playing 5th, then the winners playing 4th, then the winners of all that then taking on the team playing 3rd as you could argue that the team who comes through the first two games to play the 3rd placed team has all the momentum and has been active and play off 'hardened', whereas the 3rd placed team has just been kicking their heels waiting or even potentially subconsciously 'switching off' too early after a very long season.

I'd just make it so that 3rd placed 4th. Automatic 1 goal advantage given to the 3rd placed team. Likewise, same applies to 5th team versus 6th.

In final, if 4th and 5th placed teams got through then 1 goal auto advantage to 4th place team. If any other scenario i.e 3rd v 5th, or 3rd v 6th, or 4th v 6th, then the higher placed team gets a 2 goal advantage at the start. To me this change of rule would keep the season alive for most teams as it does now but gives a reward to then most consistent teams over the season. It also has the benefit of giving the playoffs more interest as the teams 'behind' front the start know they have to come out and take the game to the opposition whilst the team in front know that if they get anot her goal they are in a pretty good position. No rule is going to do it for everyone but i think the above is about the fairest that I can think off.

The only exception to the above should be when the Pigs get into the play offs when they should start with an automatic minus 15 goals deduction - 1 goal deduction for every decade of their sad deluded porky existence.

 

[TarquinDelouche]

I'm in favour of having the best three teams earning promotion. If there were some kind of system for accruing points over the whole season so we could compare teams against each other and work out who those three teams were, that would be great. Then those teams who deserve to be rewarded, are rewarded.

 

[grafikhaus]

In 2009-10 in the Championship, Blackpool finished thirty-two points behind the Champions but still went up to the PL. Only for one season, but enough to line Oyston's pockets:



Of far more concern is how long the 'authorities' will indulge Millwall's fan-base which seems to be made up of utter cunts. Trouble, as usual, yesterday and Bradford fans' fears of trouble meant only 20,000 travelled down. This vid. shows their scum fans waiting for Bradford fans after the game:



A few weeks ago, at the Spurs v Millwall Cup game, the policing costs were £250,000, with the taxpayer stumping up £200,000. Why? Just send the bill to Millwall or, like another East London club, are the rules stretched to breaking point to indulge them?