League One at this stage last 2 seasons

[The Bohemian]

The passage of 10 games and an unjustified defeat at Chezzie has put the merchants of doom into overdrive judging by the deluge of despondency saturating these pages since the weekend.

Before we write the season off, it might be worth pointing out a few facts and comparisons relating to League One at this stage in the past two seasons:

1. Neither of the top 2 at this stage last season (Leyton O and Peterborough) got promoted
2. Brentford were 10th with 15 points and did get promoted (all teams had played 10 games)
3. In 2012\13 Donnie (Champs) were 10th and Bournemouth (Runners-up) 21st (top 2 were Tranmere and Stevenage)
4. Blades were 22nd with 5 points after 10 games last season and finished 7th with 67 points
4. This season Blades are 11th with 16 points with a game in hand on 6 of the teams above them

So the question is: can we do a Brentford, Donnie or Bournemouth and get into the top 2?

I see it as a reasonable possibility with the players we currently have. It would become a distinct probability if we signed/found a 'goal every 2 games' striker and managed to keep Wallace on the field for most of the season.

Whatever you think about our chances, there is everything to play for.

COYRAWW!!!!

http://www.statto.com/football/stats/england/league-one/2013-2014/table/2013-10-05

 

[judge]

The passage of 10 games and an unjustified defeat at Chezzie has put the merchants of doom into overdrive judging by the deluge of despondency saturating these pages since the weekend.

Before we write the season off, it might be worth pointing out a few facts and comparisons relating to League One at this stage in the past two seasons:

1. Neither of the top 2 at this stage last season (Leyton O and Peterborough) got promoted
2. Brentford were 10th with 15 points and did get promoted (all teams had played 10 games)
3. In 2012\13 Donnie (Champs) were 10th and Bournemouth (Runners-up) 21st (top 2 were Tranmere and Stevenage)
4. Blades were 22nd with 5 points after 10 games last season and finished 7th with 67 points
4. This season Blades are 11th with 16 points with a game in hand on 6 of the teams above them

So the question is: can we do a Brentford, Donnie or Bournemouth and get into the top 2?

I see it as a reasonable possibility with the players we currently have. It would become a distinct probability if we signed/found a 'goal every 2 games' striker and managed to keep Wallace on the field for most of the season.

Whatever you think about our chances, there is everything to play for.

COYRAWW!!!!

http://www.statto.com/football/stats/england/league-one/2013-2014/table/2013-10-05

You will be able to do that post again this time next year after an unjustified play off defeat

 

[Pittsburg Blade]

That post is way too optimisitic and makes difficult reading. Bring back the doom and gloom, wrist slashing posts please.

 

[pommpey]

That post is way too optimisitic and makes difficult reading. Bring back the doom and gloom, wrist slashing posts please.

Or the 'this is where we are - today ... and this is why we are here' realism posts?

It's doom and gloom, because once again, United are failing to deliver. Like last season. Like the season before. Like the season before. like the season before. Like the season before. Like the season before.

Need I amplify any more?

pommpey

 

[blade too long]

Its a fact that the league promotion places are not decided in october , a fact that many seem loathe to accept , well why should they when moaning is a much better optiom

yes we have lost in play off finals

but so have other teams , theres generally 2 in them , one wins the other doesnt but any future ones arent pre set

 

[wizadry]

The passage of 10 games and an unjustified defeat at Chezzie has put the merchants of doom into overdrive judging by the deluge of despondency saturating these pages since the weekend.

Before we write the season off, it might be worth pointing out a few facts and comparisons relating to League One at this stage in the past two seasons:

1. Neither of the top 2 at this stage last season (Leyton O and Peterborough) got promoted
2. Brentford were 10th with 15 points and did get promoted (all teams had played 10 games)
3. In 2012\13 Donnie (Champs) were 10th and Bournemouth (Runners-up) 21st (top 2 were Tranmere and Stevenage)
4. Blades were 22nd with 5 points after 10 games last season and finished 7th with 67 points
4. This season Blades are 11th with 16 points with a game in hand on 6 of the teams above them

So the question is: can we do a Brentford, Donnie or Bournemouth and get into the top 2?

I see it as a reasonable possibility with the players we currently have. It would become a distinct probability if we signed/found a 'goal every 2 games' striker and managed to keep Wallace on the field for most of the season.

Whatever you think about our chances, there is everything to play for.

COYRAWW!!!!

http://www.statto.com/football/stats/england/league-one/2013-2014/table/2013-10-05

Puts things into perspective a little.I have to admit i'm not happy with the squad we have,and i certainly think it could have been better,but i do think we're capable on our day,with a fully fit side to do some damage in this league,and like you quite rightly say,there's a long way to go and with one good attacking addition,Cloughy changing his tactics a little and Mcnuts getting a run of games we're not that far off.

 

[blade too long]

piggies went up they lost 5-1 at stevenage and lost to chesterfield and were 12th this time of the season , just saying

 

[The Bohemian]

You will be able to do that post again this time next year after an unjustified play off defeat

It's an interesting one Judge: would we take a play-off place if it was offered now?

I wouldn't because I've seen enough to believe we're not that far away from being a top 2 team. However, if it is the play-offs, Clough's team has more character based on recent evidence, than Wilson's or Blackwell's, to give confidence that we could actually win a play-off final.

 

[blader]

Swindon were 11th (our current position) after 10 games and finished 8th. Still don't see what relevance it has to us and this season. I fail to believe anyone who attends regularly believes they are watching a promotion team every week. Wolves lost 5 all season, Brentford lost 8... we've ALREADY lost 4! In a way, I admire the optimism, but we are no better a side than the first game of the season, there are no signs of improvement against anyone half-decent and therefore am struggling to share the same positive faith.

We need 70+ goals for automatic promotion. Is that a realistic proposition at this stage?
We need to concede, at worst, an average of a goal-per-game. Does that seem realistic at this stage?

We've been comfortably the better side in 1 out of 10 games so far. Sadly, we need to be better than 22 teams to get automatic promotion.

Possible? yes. Likely? not for me, or anyone apart from a certain percentage of Blades fans.

 

[Pittsburg Blade]

Or the 'this is where we are - today ... and this is why we are here' realism posts?

It's doom and gloom, because once again, United are failing to deliver. Like last season. Like the season before. Like the season before. like the season before. Like the season before. Like the season before.

Need I amplify any more?

pommpey

Cheer up Pommps, there's been a few highlights in the six or so seasons you mention....I have noticed from your posts you've been down in the dumps recently. Is it a lack of sun in Hayling Island or something? You could always go to Fratton Park if you want to feel better following the Blades

 

[metalblade]

Well someone had to be the first to shift the goal posts eh, it was "judge us after 10 games" a few games into the season, now because we are still playing in the main fucking rubbish the call is "46 game season / plenty of time left" blah blah blah
Last season at this stage we had 5pts and ended 7th with 67pts now if we go on a similar record breaking run this season then we could expect to get a play off spot with around 78pts but a top 2 spot even at this stage looks extremely unlikely. Everything to play for is correct but can anyone see us making an improvement similar to last season without us bringing a few players in for the rest of the season, players of the calibre of Brayford ? Trust me past history says it ain't going to happen and this boardroom is just as shit as all the previous lot, same shit different names and faces.

 

[bristolboy]

Last season, Brentford took a while to get going, a bit of a hangover from their crushing disappointment from the year before that (v Donny, last game, then Yeovil). They seemed to thrive after Uwe Rossler left them.

There is no Wolves this season, clearly.

We're not playing fluid football or anything eye-catching, like Swindon say, and anticipate coming unstuck at some point. We'll see what we're made of when that happens.

Posh don't seem to be any better than last time. Preston about the same as previously. Swindon have improved, have goals in them but can they maintain a challenge?

Bradford and Rochdale? I wouldn't have thought these two will get near the automatic spots. Chesterfield? Don't know, you tell me?

League One is wide open this time, and there for the taking. Despite our flying start, I would rather we had a long, unbeaten run in the middle third (Nov-Jan) of the season than at the start, but beggars can't be choosers. Game on, people

 

[SwindonBladeJnr]

Good OP.

What grates on me is not that fans are unhappy with how the first 10 games have gone (I'd include myself in that category to be honest), it's those that seem to be posting with a tone that suggests the season is over already. Talking in terms of 'failing to deliver' when no one knows what has even been 'delivered' yet, and such like. Talking about 'failure' like it's an inevitability.

Express dissatisfaction, debate what isn't working, make suggestions as to what we could and should do to improve things - by all means. But don't write the whole season off at the start of October.

 

[bristolboy]

I forgot mk dons! How could I?? Freudian slip...

Actually, they gave us a proper game week before last and we couldn't get the ball off them, or keep it ourselves. Good job they can't defend properly. Can they make top two with their defence?

Anyone saying this season is sown up is not looking and seeing clearly. Every team has their faults and weaknesses

 

[essexblade87]

The passage of 10 games and an unjustified defeat at Chezzie has put the merchants of doom into overdrive judging by the deluge of despondency saturating these pages since the weekend.

Before we write the season off, it might be worth pointing out a few facts and comparisons relating to League One at this stage in the past two seasons:

1. Neither of the top 2 at this stage last season (Leyton O and Peterborough) got promoted
2. Brentford were 10th with 15 points and did get promoted (all teams had played 10 games)
3. In 2012\13 Donnie (Champs) were 10th and Bournemouth (Runners-up) 21st (top 2 were Tranmere and Stevenage)
4. Blades were 22nd with 5 points after 10 games last season and finished 7th with 67 points
4. This season Blades are 11th with 16 points with a game in hand on 6 of the teams above them

So the question is: can we do a Brentford, Donnie or Bournemouth and get into the top 2?

I see it as a reasonable possibility with the players we currently have. It would become a distinct probability if we signed/found a 'goal every 2 games' striker and managed to keep Wallace on the field for most of the season.

Whatever you think about our chances, there is everything to play for.

COYRAWW!!!!

http://www.statto.com/football/stats/england/league-one/2013-2014/table/2013-10-05

I'm am one of the optimists, we can all see that we aren't playing well at the moment and need a settled side. Like others have said there isn't a stand out favourite this season and every team is beatable.

 

[Esablade]

It'll all be fine once Ched's back..so chillax...

 

[pommpey]

Cheer up Pommps, there's been a few highlights in the six or so seasons you mention....I have noticed from your posts you've been down in the dumps recently. Is it a lack of sun in Hayling Island or something? You could always go to Fratton Park if you want to feel better following the Blades

The last time I went to Fratton Park, Portsmouth were already relegated but had had a takeover by the fans because of a series of monumentally inept fuck ups by their successive boards with promises of everything and deliveries of fuck all. We were looking at a shot at a playoff spot but still playing like cunts.

They battered us 3-0 and I left in disgust on 60 minutes at the disgraceful performance out on the park with the defence not knowing what day it was, the midfield being clueless in closing down their creative play and we had a useless lummox up front who couldn't score in a whorehouse. At least he didn't get sent off. The Pompey fans were having a fucking party.

So ... what has changed? Oh yeah. Pompey went down, but as a yardstick of Saturday's woeful outing, I'd say that if we were to play them again, they'd still batter us.

 

[Rodley]

Good OP.

What grates on me is not that fans are unhappy with how the first 10 games have gone (I'd include myself in that category to be honest), it's those that seem to be posting with a tone that suggests the season is over already. Talking in terms of 'failing to deliver' when no one knows what has even been 'delivered' yet, and such like. Talking about 'failure' like it's an inevitability.

Express dissatisfaction, debate what isn't working, make suggestions as to what we could and should do to improve things - by all means. But don't write the whole season off at the start of October.

Nail on head

 

[MobileBlade]

The last time I went to Fratton Park, Portsmouth were already relegated but had had a takeover by the fans because of a series of monumentally inept fuck ups by their successive boards with promises of everything and deliveries of fuck all. We were looking at a shot at a playoff spot but still playing like cunts.

They battered us 3-0 and I left in disgust on 60 minutes at the disgraceful performance out on the park with the defence not knowing what day it was, the midfield being clueless in closing down their creative play and we had a useless lummox up front who couldn't score in a whorehouse. At least he didn't get sent off. The Pompey fans were having a fucking party.

So ... what has changed? Oh yeah. Pompey went down, but as a yardstick of Saturday's woeful outing, I'd say that if we were to play them again, they'd still batter us.

Where abouts were you sat on Saturday?

 

[metalblade]

Here comes the I'm a bigger Blade argument

 

[pommpey]

Where abouts were you sat on Saturday?

On a bank of a stillwater in Hampshire.

Why?

pommpey

 

[Lane Ender]

On a bank of a stillwater in Hampshire.

Why?

pommpey

Broadlands?

 

[UnitedBlade]

I haven't given up all hope yet. Not at any point have we looked like a top two side but playoffs is achievable. I know it hasn't looked great so far even in games we've won.

However, we've played 5 of the top 6 (4 of those away from home). Most of the top 6 have only played one or so of other top 6 sides.

We've also played 4 at home and 6 away.

I know the top 6 will change but we've had a relatively tough start.

If we beat Orient on Saturday, we're still in a reasonable position.

I think Cloughie will eventually sort the defence out. Chance creation and putting them away (we still need a better striker than we currently have) needs to be addressed.

Maybe we'll win a Wembley playoff one day

 

[pommpey]

Broadlands?

Fort Rowner Moat. A hidden coarse angling gem.

pommpey

 

[Lane Ender]

Fort Rowner Moat. A hidden coarse angling gem.

pommpey

Christchurch or Ringwood book?

 

[pommpey]

Neither. Royal Navy and Royal Marines Coarse Angling Association. Tiny club, two fantastic venues stuffed full of specimens. I have only just returned to fishing after 35 years out of the game (used to fish Graves Park, Dam Flask and Underbank in my youth)

I want a go on the Hampshire Avon and Romsey soon though. I have missed it so much!

pommpey

 

[Lane Ender]

Neither. Royal Navy and Royal Marines Coarse Angling Association. Tiny club, two fantastic venues stuffed full of specimens. I have only just returned to fishing after 35 years out of the game (used to fish Graves Park, Dam Flask and Underbank in my youth)

I want a go on the Hampshire Avon and Romsey soon though. I have missed it so much!

pommpey

Try the Avon at Ibsey sound

 

[Revolution]

Its a fact that the league promotion places are not decided in october , a fact that many seem loathe to accept , well why should they when moaning is a much better optiom

yes we have lost in play off finals

but so have other teams , theres generally 2 in them , one wins the other doesnt but any future ones arent pre set

No one else has lost 4 of them.

 

[MobileBlade]

On a bank of a stillwater in Hamitshire.

Why?

pommpey

Just your comment about Saturdays display. Wondered where you were to decide It was so woeful. I have not seen it as yet - I will watch it on BP when I get chance at which I will decide what it was like. I would not describe it as woeful based on a few gunslingers on here the majority of whom were not at the match.

 

[Foxy]

It's possible to decide what Clough is thinking and the level of involvement and intention of owners based on conjecture, so who needs to see a match to know what it was like?