Deadbat's Championship Season Preview 17/18

[robbiez666]

Great summary Deadbat , I'd probably swap Burton and Millwall, but spot on.

 

[TBW57]

Nice work, Deadbat.

I honestly think the Blades will do at least as well as Wednesday in the coming season. They have a bigger wage bill and so-called bigger names but there is an obvious lack of togetherness there which bodes badly for them, whereas United seem to have a happy squad as well as a talented one. If I were a betting person I'd put money on us finishing higher in the table. (Hello, PorkTalk).

I don't think Barnsley will do as badly as a lot of folk think; their manager has done a great job and it wouldn't surprise me if he carries on in the same vein. Like Exeter's Paul Tisdale a couple of divisions below, he loses his best players but uses what he gets from the proceeds very wisely.

Bolton will probably be OK too, unless they disappear down that huge financial hole that they have been too close to the edge of for so long.

I bet Wolves sack at least another pair of managers this season. Birmingham likewise. They'll both pay the price if they do. They were rubbish last season from what I saw on TV, and Forest weren't great either.

 

[Silent Blade]

Stockdale was from us and is an immense piece of business for Birmingham. Without him in our side last season we would most likely have not been promoted. I'm gutted he's gone and fear we may have spent a lot of money in replacing him with an inferior albeit younger stopper.

My favourite Mick Stockdale moment

 

[Deadbat]

I watched quite a few Wednesday games last season. They are very hard to break down. No one ever batters them. On the other hand, to say they have such an expensive and wide choice of strikers, they offer next to nothing going forward. They constantly debate about Foresteri's best position (left wing or up front) and simply do not get the goals they've paid for. I think they were lucky to even get a play off place last season as Leeds capitulated and they kept getting last minute winners/equalisers. My prediction is 9th and the end of Carlos.

Not sure I agree. Tin hat on here but taking away all allegiances; they will be in and around the top 6 even with Carlos there (I agree if they start badly he will be a dead man walking).

Personell wise though they are a solid and proven Championship team that have finished top 6 comofortably last 2 years. Division is weaker for me this year with no Newcastle or Brightons.

They have an excellent keeper (maybe the best in the league in Westwood) and two solid if not spectacular centre back in Lees and Loovens. Hutchinson does a good job in the middle just in front of the defence. Bannan and Lee are good box to box middielders and Foresteri for all the criticism; still is a very good footballer. Tin hat on here aswell but even though they did not score as many as they should Rhodes, Fletcher, Hooper, Winnall are a good 4 at League One level (you compare to Sharp, Clarke, Hanson, Lavery and Evans for instance and there is no real comparison as much as it hurt to say that -- even though Fletcher is not exactly mobile he has played Prem most of his career and he maybe 4th choice). I actually think way Wilder has us playing and our up tempo attacking style if we had a few of their strikers they would have a field day.

 

[Deadbat]

Stockdale was from us and is an immense piece of business for Birmingham. Without him in our side last season we would most likely have not been promoted. I'm gutted he's gone and fear we may have spent a lot of money in replacing him with an inferior albeit younger stopper. I'm expecting Birmingham to be up around the playoffs.
It's also disappointing to see you have us down for relegation, though I see it's a popular nationwide opinion, I think we will have enough to survive though also expect a few hammerings.
Think you could do better than 15th, I'll be keeping an eye!

No idea why I put Fulham not Brighton. I was surprised you let him go.

I hope you stay up. Much rather you than some of other sides up there but I think it will be tough.

 

[Jehovah]

Not sure I agree. Tin hat on here but taking away all allegiances; they will be in and around the top 6 even with Carlos there (I agree if they start badly he will be a dead man walking).

Personell wise though they are a solid and proven Championship team that have finished top 6 comofortably last 2 years. Division is weaker for me this year with no Newcastle or Brightons.

They have an excellent keeper (maybe the best in the league in Westwood) and two solid if not spectacular centre back in Lees and Loovens. Hutchinson does a good job in the middle just in front of the defence. Bannan and Lee are good box to box middielders and Foresteri for all the criticism; still is a very good footballer. Tin hat on here aswell but even though they did not score as many as they should Rhodes, Fletcher, Hooper, Winnall are a good 4 at League One level (you compare to Sharp, Clarke, Hanson, Lavery and Evans for instance and there is no real comparison as much as it hurt to say that -- even though Fletcher is not exactly mobile he has played Prem most of his career and he maybe 4th choice). I actually think way Wilder has us playing and our up tempo attacking style if we had a few of their strikers they would have a field day.

No tin hat required, I understand your points. But for me they do not play attacking football and will struggle to score as many as needed for top 6. I see them drawing loads.

 

[DronnieBlade]

Not sure I agree. Tin hat on here but taking away all allegiances; they will be in and around the top 6 even with Carlos there (I agree if they start badly he will be a dead man walking).

Personell wise though they are a solid and proven Championship team that have finished top 6 comofortably last 2 years. Division is weaker for me this year with no Newcastle or Brightons.

They have an excellent keeper (maybe the best in the league in Westwood) and two solid if not spectacular centre back in Lees and Loovens. Hutchinson does a good job in the middle just in front of the defence. Bannan and Lee are good box to box middielders and Foresteri for all the criticism; still is a very good footballer. Tin hat on here aswell but even though they did not score as many as they should Rhodes, Fletcher, Hooper, Winnall are a good 4 at League One level (you compare to Sharp, Clarke, Hanson, Lavery and Evans for instance and there is no real comparison as much as it hurt to say that -- even though Fletcher is not exactly mobile he has played Prem most of his career and he maybe 4th choice). I actually think way Wilder has us playing and our up tempo attacking style if we had a few of their strikers they would have a field day.

I pray Glen Loovens plays against us in September.

UTB

 

[sheffielder]

Middlesboro top? not with Monk.
Stopped reading after Wednesday finishing 3rd. Not a chance, town hall job.

 

[Deadbat]

Another tremendous piece of work there Deadbat . While I might not entirely agree with your league position predictions, I'm impressed at the effort it must have taken to gather all the information and then articulate it. Your reports and reviews are so much better than the ones available in the media.

I hope you will be attending all the away games this season

Said I might only get to maybe half a dozen away due to work stuff/money but now I have a sneeky trip to Cardiff planned in a few weeks. Wife does not know yet! She is from Wales so billing it as a family visit - family from Monmouth but Cardiff not too far away! Might have to go in their end if it sells out tomorrow as only eligible for tickets for me and lad on Wednesday i think.

 

[Woodwardfan]

Interesting listening to Carlos last night, he always talks 'control, shape, balance, worries about players playing twice a week, his way of playing or nothing'. Safety first, careful football. I think they are probably over-coached as well as too cautious.

It has served him quite well but he has to gain promotion this season. Last night it sounds as though they are a bit thin in central defence and touching the FFP limits so can't go spending big again. Winnall and Rhodes were big splashes last January and the 'big push on' didn't work with either of them. Can't help but feel at least one of their strikers will click before long and then they will gain momentum. However if Carlos is worried about the defence he will get more cautious, not the type to trade goals, far from it.

When we play them at Hillsborough we need to keep the back door shut. They will grind us and try to slow the pace, draw us on to them and look to get us on the break. Fascinating day for the city, glad we are back and seriously competing.

Picturing the two Sheffield managers in the dressing rooms, I see ours giving clear, simple instructions and heartfelt motivational inspirations while theirs loses his audience while rambling on with sound theories lost in delivery and translation. On the other hand they have a settled squad and that set way of playing.

 

[coaxingstar71]

Said I might only get to maybe half a dozen away due to work stuff/money but now I have a sneeky trip to Cardiff planned in a few weeks. Wife does not know yet! She is from Wales so billing it as a family visit - family from Monmouth but Cardiff not too far away! Might have to go in their end if it sells out tomorrow as only eligible for tickets for me and lad on Wednesday i think.

I'm liking your work! I tried something similar for Cardiff billing it as a couple of days near the seaside, staying in Penarth, but didn't quite pull it off

 

[coaxingstar71]

Interesting listening to Carlos last night, he always talks 'control, shape, balance, worries about players playing twice a week, his way of playing or nothing'. Safety first, careful football. I think they are probably over-coached as well as too cautious.

It has served him quite well but he has to gain promotion this season. Last night it sounds as though they are a bit thin in central defence and touching the FFP limits so can't go spending big again. Winnall and Rhodes were big splashes last January and the 'big push on' didn't work with either of them. Can't help but feel at least one of their strikers will click before long and then they will gain momentum. However if Carlos is worried about the defence he will get more cautious, not the type to trade goals, far from it.

When we play them at Hillsborough we need to keep the back door shut. They will grind us and try to slow the pace, draw us on to them and look to get us on the break. Fascinating day for the city, glad we are back and seriously competing.

Picturing the two Sheffield managers in the dressing rooms, I see ours giving clear, simple instructions and heartfelt motivational inspirations while theirs loses his audience while rambling on with sound theories lost in delivery and translation. On the other hand they have a settled squad and that set way of playing.

They've got just two regular CB's in Loovens, who must be about 35, and Lees, now that Sasso has departed. A wendy friend of mine is beside himself about it. It seems the back-up is Hutchinson, who is not only injury prone himself, but isn't a natural CB. According to him they also only seem to be able to play when Kieran Lee plays.

Not much good having 5 expensive strikers vying for 1 or 2 positions when you've only got 2 natural CB's and you rely on one player to make the team tick.

 

[Deadbat]

Doing fine work Deadbat as always! Superb stuff.

Anichebe has signed for 'BJ Enterprises'?! Makes it sound like he's become a male escort.

I think QPR, Ispwich, Bolton and Burton will struggle and to a lesser extent Barnsley, Millwall, PNE. I think your top 6 is pretty much spot on but maybe wouldn't have Wolves as high. Going be an interesting campaign!!

I sniggered as I typed it also

It is a team called Beijing Enterprises (hence the BJ reference)

They have a centre back called Wang Chanqing

Actually changing the tone it is the team Tiote played for when he passed away

They finished 8th last season. I think with Anichebe and a few Dongs in the mix they can finish 4th or 5th. My full China League One preview next week.

 

[I should coco]

Last night it sounds as though they are a bit thin in central defence and touching the FFP limits so can't go spending big again.

Yes, I heard him explain " The shairman will do the buy players in the shampionship....."

He talks in riddles so training must be a real hoot for their players.

 

[Deadbat]

I'm liking your work! I tried something similar for Cardiff billing it as a couple of days near the seaside, staying in Penarth, but didn't quite pull it off

Oh, the plan has not been executed but is just in my head at the moment (and on here). So far I have gone with 'How about a few days seeing your family etc and we can maybe take in a few other places (lad wants to go to Cadbury World Birmingham etc) and thought we could go to the coast in Wales too?' No mention of us being based in Cardiff Tuesday evening. Might surprise her with that one when we are there. I have ordered match tickets anyway so I might have 2 going spare in a few weeks when I tell her!

 

[I should coco]

So far I have gone with 'How about a few days seeing your family etc and we can maybe take in a few other places

How about:

"Look bitch we are going to Leekland so get with it. Any complaints and you'll be seeing the back of my hand. Now get in that kitchen and get my tea on!"

Sadly, it wouldn't work for me either.......

 

[Deadbat]

Wait till I am sat in the hotel room till 1am penning the match report on my phone as she is trying to sleep!

 

[coaxingstar71]

Oh, the plan has not been executed but is just in my head at the moment (and on here). So far I have gone with 'How about a few days seeing your family etc and we can maybe take in a few other places (lad wants to go to Cadbury World Birmingham etc) and thought we could go to the coast in Wales too?' No mention of us being based in Cardiff Tuesday evening. Might surprise her with that one when we are there. I have ordered match tickets anyway so I might have 2 going spare in a few weeks when I tell her!

There goes a brave man....... <salute>

 

[Maidenhead]

I'm liking your work! I tried something similar for Cardiff billing it as a couple of days near the seaside, staying in Penarth, but didn't quite pull it off

I just sold it as she can have charge of the tv remote for the whole night.

 

[I should coco]

I just sold it as she can have charge of the tv remote for the whole night.

Hide the credit cards and beware of the shopping channel!

 

[coaxingstar71]

I just sold it as she can have charge of the tv remote for the whole night.

As you put your jacket on and head towards the door, you say "Get your coat on love", she says "Ooh where are you taking me?", "Nowhere, I'm turning the heating off".