The 21/22 Championship

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Bladesince59 said:
Complacency
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👆 Facts!

Don’t think it’s going to be a particularly weak league personally. Bournemouth, Barnsley, Blackburn, Cardiff, Fulham, Middlesbrough, Milwall, Reading, Swansea & WBA will all be contenders for promotion IMO. I think that we will (justifiably for now at least) be the favourites to win the league, but it certainly won’t be easy by any means.
 
I think if we get the team set up tactically organized we will be hard to beat even if the squad remains exactly as it is now
If we have a full pre season and get every one fit as they were before lockdown we will be stronger than last season
If o'connel comes back we will be stronger than last season

That's without bringing anyone in or changing the system and formation to be more attacking and exciting to watch

So I don't think we should have anything to fear
 
YorkBlade said:
Who do you see being the main threats from this, arguably fairly weak, Championship?

View attachment 114108
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I usually reserve answers to this type of question to just before the season starts when clubs have done their transfer business and we know who will start the season as their managers however I'll have an interim go.

Due to lockdown I've watched a lot of football this last 14 or so months (what else has there been to do?) and in all seriousness there really isn't anything in this division to worry us greatly as long as we get our act together. We have certainly made the right 1st move on this front by appointing Big Slav. Now we just need to let him shape the squad as he wants and we shouldn't really be that far away from Top 2/3.

Bournemouth - Will probably lose another couple of their PL level players and not certain who their manager will be. Make the wrong appointment and they'll struggle IMO. Should be in and around the Top 6 but can't see them challenging automatic.

Barnsley - Really good season results-wise but horrible to watch. Did they do so well as they were a surprise package? Will their manager still be there? Looks like Mowatt will be off and Dike only on loan so will need replacing. Owners look like they have a long term plan which holds them in good stead but I feel next season may be a transition for them.

Birmingham City - Can't see them challenging again while ever their current owners are in situ. Most likely going spend their season towards the wrong end of the table. Bit of a basket case at the moment.

Blackburn Rovers - Look like they may be getting their act together at times but then seem to go back to struggling. Natives aren't happy with Mowbray so may be a change of manager and some of their better players (Armstrong, Lenihan, Rothwell, Dack etc) look prime for being poached this summer so can't see them competing at the top end of the table.

Blackpool - Promoted side with a seemingly decent owner but can't see anything better than comfortable mid table for them.

Bristol City - Mega rich owner but don't seem to be improving at all and we beat them this season in the middle of our horrendous run whilst not getting out of 3rd gear. Can't see them competing.

Coventry City - I actually quite rate Robins as a manager but they're just another basket case of a club in all reality aren't they?

Cardiff City - Improved massively under MM and have owners with some money behind them so could see them pushing for the Top 6 but another club that, for me, could finish anywhere from about 4th to 14th.

Derby County - Owner wants out and seems to be happy to agree a sale to any charlatan that flutters their eyelashes his way. Add in a suspect manager who looks out of his depth and I'd be amazed if they weren't relegated next season let alone challenging at the top.

Fulham - All depends on what happens over the summer. Had a lot of loan players that will probably return to their parent clubs but had a lot of players on loan from themselves that are probably more suited to the Championship. Rich owner and obvious parachute payments mean they should be right up there but I still can't make my mind up if I rate Parker or not. Arguably a couple of years ago he had by far the best squad in the division but just scraped up through the play offs and whilst they have played some decent stuff this season and got some results they still had a relatively big budget.

Huddersfield - Can see them struggling. Another suspect owner.

Hull City - Promoted side with questionable owners. Stuck with McCann and were rewarded with an immediate return. Should be safe but won't challenge.

Luton Town - Jones the perfect example of right club, right manager IMO. Should have them well enough organised that they don't flirt with relegation but can't see them troubling the top of the table.

Middlesboro - Warnock obviously knows the division inside out but having to cut their cloth after years of spending big relatively. Bit like Cardiff. Could be anywhere from 4th to 14th IMO.

Millwall - Mid table nothingness of a team. Slightly harsh maybe but just don't see them challenging.

Forest - I've always rated Hughton but he was there quite a while last season and they just didn't seem to improve much. Definitely one of the team that could show the most improvement from this season but may lose their best defender in Worral and Lolley isn't the player he once was. Could gatecrash the Top 6 if things go well.

Peterborough - Lowest of the 3 promoted sides IMO. Will also probably lose their top scorer yet again so will have to replace in a higher division.

Preston - The epitome of a mid table side. May flirt with the playoffs from time to time and have some good players that will inevitably be sold. Can't see anything different next season.

QPR - See Preston.

Reading - Dropped off a cliff this season. Will they recover by the start of next season. Basis of a good side and manager but the slump post xmas was worrying.

Stoke City - Richest club in the division but can't spend it. Not sure about O'Neill. He comes across as someone who's OK on the international stage but not when it comes to the day to day of club management. For other examples see Southgate, Coleman etc. May trouble the Top 6.

Swansea - Play off finalists although didn't really turn up on the day (sound familiar?). Don't think they have parachute payments after this season so may need to offload a few, Ayew on £60k pw would be a prime example. Like Cooper but will he still be there. Should still challenge the Top 6.

WBA - Parachute payments but look like they may have over spent in Jan gambling to stay up and may have to cut their cloth accordingly. Will all depend who they get as manager IMO. Decent squad but will probably lose a few.

Take this with a (massive) pinch of salt but if I was put on the spot I'd go with this:

1. Fulham
2. Blades
3. West Brom
4. Bournemouth
5. Swansea
6. Cardiff

22. Huddersfield
23. Peterborough
24. Derby
 
Hecko in charge = Champions

We will have to accept the playoffs now 🤷‍♂️
 
Easy? ... certainly not.
Firstly, trust the new regime, whatever shape it takes.
Secondly, Covid permitting, the results at the Lane will take care of themselves.
Thirdly, look to double figure away from home wins.
Fourth, whatever happens keep in the mix.
Fifth, easy, certainly not. UTB
 
We will never have a better chance to go straight back up

It’s a shame a certain someone has left the squad such an unbalanced mess. That may take 2 transfer windows to fix...
 
BrianBadonde said:
We will never have a better chance to go straight back up

It’s a shame a certain someone has left the squad such an unbalanced mess. That may take 2 transfer windows to fix...
Click to expand...

Bris Brilder Boooooo
 
Upton_Blade said:
I usually reserve answers to this type of question to just before the season starts when clubs have done their transfer business and we know who will start the season as their managers however I'll have an interim go.

Due to lockdown I've watched a lot of football this last 14 or so months (what else has there been to do?) and in all seriousness there really isn't anything in this division to worry us greatly as long as we get our act together. We have certainly made the right 1st move on this front by appointing Big Slav. Now we just need to let him shape the squad as he wants and we shouldn't really be that far away from Top 2/3.

Bournemouth - Will probably lose another couple of their PL level players and not certain who their manager will be. Make the wrong appointment and they'll struggle IMO. Should be in and around the Top 6 but can't see them challenging automatic.

Barnsley - Really good season results-wise but horrible to watch. Did they do so well as they were a surprise package? Will their manager still be there? Looks like Mowatt will be off and Dike only on loan so will need replacing. Owners look like they have a long term plan which holds them in good stead but I feel next season may be a transition for them.

Birmingham City - Can't see them challenging again while ever their current owners are in situ. Most likely going spend their season towards the wrong end of the table. Bit of a basket case at the moment.

Blackburn Rovers - Look like they may be getting their act together at times but then seem to go back to struggling. Natives aren't happy with Mowbray so may be a change of manager and some of their better players (Armstrong, Lenihan, Rothwell, Dack etc) look prime for being poached this summer so can't see them competing at the top end of the table.

Blackpool - Promoted side with a seemingly decent owner but can't see anything better than comfortable mid table for them.

Bristol City - Mega rich owner but don't seem to be improving at all and we beat them this season in the middle of our horrendous run whilst not getting out of 3rd gear. Can't see them competing.

Coventry City - I actually quite rate Robins as a manager but they're just another basket case of a club in all reality aren't they?

Cardiff City - Improved massively under MM and have owners with some money behind them so could see them pushing for the Top 6 but another club that, for me, could finish anywhere from about 4th to 14th.

Derby County - Owner wants out and seems to be happy to agree a sale to any charlatan that flutters their eyelashes his way. Add in a suspect manager who looks out of his depth and I'd be amazed if they weren't relegated next season let alone challenging at the top.

Fulham - All depends on what happens over the summer. Had a lot of loan players that will probably return to their parent clubs but had a lot of players on loan from themselves that are probably more suited to the Championship. Rich owner and obvious parachute payments mean they should be right up there but I still can't make my mind up if I rate Parker or not. Arguably a couple of years ago he had by far the best squad in the division but just scraped up through the play offs and whilst they have played some decent stuff this season and got some results they still had a relatively big budget.

Huddersfield - Can see them struggling. Another suspect owner.

Hull City - Promoted side with questionable owners. Stuck with McCann and were rewarded with an immediate return. Should be safe but won't challenge.

Luton Town - Jones the perfect example of right club, right manager IMO. Should have them well enough organised that they don't flirt with relegation but can't see them troubling the top of the table.

Middlesboro - Warnock obviously knows the division inside out but having to cut their cloth after years of spending big relatively. Bit like Cardiff. Could be anywhere from 4th to 14th IMO.

Millwall - Mid table nothingness of a team. Slightly harsh maybe but just don't see them challenging.

Forest - I've always rated Hughton but he was there quite a while last season and they just didn't seem to improve much. Definitely one of the team that could show the most improvement from this season but may lose their best defender in Worral and Lolley isn't the player he once was. Could gatecrash the Top 6 if things go well.

Peterborough - Lowest of the 3 promoted sides IMO. Will also probably lose their top scorer yet again so will have to replace in a higher division.

Preston - The epitome of a mid table side. May flirt with the playoffs from time to time and have some good players that will inevitably be sold. Can't see anything different next season.

QPR - See Preston.

Reading - Dropped off a cliff this season. Will they recover by the start of next season. Basis of a good side and manager but the slump post xmas was worrying.

Stoke City - Richest club in the division but can't spend it. Not sure about O'Neill. He comes across as someone who's OK on the international stage but not when it comes to the day to day of club management. For other examples see Southgate, Coleman etc. May trouble the Top 6.

Swansea - Play off finalists although didn't really turn up on the day (sound familiar?). Don't think they have parachute payments after this season so may need to offload a few, Ayew on £60k pw would be a prime example. Like Cooper but will he still be there. Should still challenge the Top 6.

WBA - Parachute payments but look like they may have over spent in Jan gambling to stay up and may have to cut their cloth accordingly. Will all depend who they get as manager IMO. Decent squad but will probably lose a few.

Take this with a (massive) pinch of salt but if I was put on the spot I'd go with this:

1. Fulham
2. Blades
3. West Brom
4. Bournemouth
5. Swansea
6. Cardiff

22. Huddersfield
23. Peterborough
24. Derby
Click to expand...
Enjoyed reading your post, very good 👍
 



West Brom will be strong. The latter have a lot of quick attacking players and will cause defences lots of problems. I think they're likely favourites, depending on manager.
I expect Fulham to be strong as well. If you take all the loan players away they still have a strong Championship squad with several matchwinners. If they keep the likes of Mitrovic and Cariney gets back to full fitness they'll be top 6 pushing for autos
Of the rest, I suspect Swansea will be there and thereabouts. Bristol City, Forest (who surely must have a good season), Reading and Bournemouth will be hunting around the play-off spots. QPR, Cardiff and probably Hull pushing as well.

Not the strongest league and the pandemic works in our favour in terms of finances. We desperately need to find a way to score and create more if we want to go up through the automatic route.
 
Scarebus said:
Think Bournemouth might have blown their best opportunity.
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Yep. Their attack centres down the flanks with Danjuma and Brooks, they'll definitely lose Danjuma, possibly Brooks.
Then they've got, er, Junior Stanislas.

Jonathan Woodgate at the helm too. Erm.
 
BrianBadonde said:
Yep. Their attack centres down the flanks with Danjuma and Brooks, they'll definitely lose Danjuma, possibly Brooks.
Then they've got, er, Junior Stanislas.

Jonathan Woodgate at the helm too. Erm.
Click to expand...
Stanislas is out of contract as well I think.
 
Blacksea said:
If we recruit well and bring in the 2 defensive minded midfield players,and the 2 creative midfielders/wingers needed,we will be primed for a go at automatic.Bournemouth are the only team that impressed me last season and Reading in patches,if they get a better manager in they could go better than last season.
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The Reading fans round here reckon they are more likely to go down than up. They're not appeh.
 
It's an interesting one. Just a few years ago we'd have been pleased to be in the Championship, now the expectation is much higher. Mine included.
But it is always difficult to get a team that is used to struggling/defending back on the front foot for a promotion push.

We've replaced a Blades icon with a 'name' and the new manager/system will take time to settle in - but we're a fickle lot. I hope he gets off to a good start! I really don't want 'sack the board' and feightin on't kop by January

I'm really looking forward to it, particularly getting back to BDTBL but have really no idea how it's going to pan out, too many unknowns and variables. I wont be making predictions or placing bets, just crossing fingers and hoping for the best. Might win the cup?
 
I'm going for a Dark horse QPR.
They finished the season strongly.
Only thing I'm not sure on is if they had aload of loan players last season.
 
Frank the tank said:
I think if we get the team set up tactically organized we will be hard to beat even if the squad remains exactly as it is now
If we have a full pre season and get every one fit as they were before lockdown we will be stronger than last season
If o'connel comes back we will be stronger than last season

That's without bringing anyone in or changing the system and formation to be more attacking and exciting to watch

So I don't think we should have anything to fear
Click to expand...
The fear is that some players may not have the same motivation as last time. If we get promoted they know they will not then be needed so the drive to succeed may well be less.
New players and youngsters will have that drive as they have nor been to the Premiership before.
 
Broomhall Blade said:
I'm going for a Dark horse QPR.
They finished the season strongly.
Only thing I'm not sure on is if they had aload of loan players last season.
Click to expand...

Same here. Not to win it, but play off contenders.

Dikes really came into form the second half of the season, and Austin signing perm adds a bit of maturity up front. Dieng is a decent keeper through their academy and financially they're run well after the FFP fine kicked them up the arse. Ferdinand behind the scenes and Warburton have steadied them nicely for a push.

Watched a few of their games this season as my best mate is a QPR fan. They play good stuff.
 
Scarebus said:
Same here. Not to win it, but play off contenders.

Dikes really came into form the second half of the season, and Austin signing perm adds a bit of maturity up front. Dieng is a decent keeper through their academy and financially they're run well after the FFP fine kicked them up the arse. Ferdinand behind the scenes and Warburton have steadied them nicely for a push.
Click to expand...
It's not that long ago when Warbuton was being touted as the next big thing, potential for a big job, fair to say, he hasn't been helped by various things out of his control at some of the clubs he's been at, had some time at QPR to possibly recover some of his confidence and show what he can do ?
 
Newbury Blade said:
Yep. Serves them right for pissing us about over Swift. Who knows, he might have been good enough to displace Lunny.
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a tortoise would have been good enough to displace lundstram in 60 years of following the blades ive never ever seen a player down tools and still get picked week in week out well done chris 🤨🤨🤨
 
pommpey said:
Us, if we aren't intending changing huge parts of our playing staff and system.

If we think United can simply roll up unchanged from last season and scoop in points from assumed lower status teams we are in deep shit.

Teams will have watched our failings this past season and have strategies ready to deal with us. They'll block out the overlaps and overloads, they'll press the outnumbered midfield weaknesses and they'll put Ramsdale on the spot with crosses and long shots.

pommpey
Click to expand...
Exactly, the biggest threat to Sheffield United is always Sheffield United
 



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