Jump to content
Sign in to follow this  
Dean Coneys boots

Not at all sure about the season....

Recommended Posts

Perhaps I am having a down day but I am not at all sure about the new season.

I think the difference between L1 and Championship is HUGE and that our squad is only L1/lower champ standard at best.

  • Not at all convinced that Jackson is a match for established Champ strikers.
  • Concerned that Holt will not have as much time in this division and could struggle.
  • Worry that Hoolahan and Lapin were far too lightweight for this division before and will remain so. You need thugs sadly
  • fear along with others that Spillane leaving has exposed the RB and that we seriously need fresh blood there.
  • Our final run in is tough and I would not want to enter the last month needing points for survival

Certainly we seem to have a determined manager and Blackpool, Swansea et al prove that a squad playing for each other can go far but.....

....just not certain. In my opinion we needed a big signing up front to make a statement of intent and a bit more proven championship quality. But then in fairness those things dont come cheap so we might just have to give it our best shot.

Here is hoping I am wrong!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites
I have to say that I share a lot of the concerns particularly concerning :the right back position.I am willing to give Jacko a chance and I am willing to bet that Holty will work even harder to combat the championship defences.As for Whoolahan we got relegated BECAUSE he was out injured, dont forget we were safe until he got injured..I do have concerns but hopefully tomorrow will ease some of my fears.OTBC

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites
[quote user="Dean Coneys boobs"]

Perhaps I am having a down day but I am not at all sure about the new season.

I think the difference between L1 and Championship is HUGE and that our squad is only L1/lower champ standard at best.

  • Not at all convinced that Jackson is a match for established Champ strikers.
  • Concerned that Holt will not have as much time in this division and could struggle.
  • Worry that Hoolahan and Lapin were far too lightweight for this division before and will remain so. You need thugs sadly
  • fear along with others that Spillane leaving has exposed the RB and that we seriously need fresh blood there.
  • Our final run in is tough and I would not want to enter the last month needing points for survival

Certainly we seem to have a determined manager and Blackpool, Swansea et al prove that a squad playing for each other can go far but.....

....just not certain. In my opinion we needed a big signing up front to make a statement of intent and a bit more proven championship quality. But then in fairness those things dont come cheap so we might just have to give it our best shot.

Here is hoping I am wrong!

[/quote]Fair enough post.  Two things:  I don''t think Lappin will be first choice, I think Surman will replace him.I agree about the RB position, Korey could cover there though as we aren''t short of defensive midfielders now.  However a specialist back up would be better.I''m certainly keeping realistic, but I expect us to finish above Doncaster.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

My biggest reservations are -

 

Selling Spillane has made us weaker at RB!

 

Getting shot of our best CB the Doc has made us weaker in that department and apart from Nelson who himself has never played at Championship level I''m unconvinced by the other 3 CB''s!

 

If Holt isn''t playing we haven''t got another targetman to take his place!

 

I know some didn''t rate Russell but he was a big part of our (and Hoolahans!) success last season and Crofts will have to go something to be as good!

 

On the other hand you''ve just got to hope Lambert can produce the goods like he did season!

 

If he can and get more out of the team then we can challenge!

 

Yes the Championships a step up from League 1 but its not that wonderful. Its got to be one of the most open and even Division anywhere on this planet which gives a team who get it together a chance!

 

If Blackpool can do it so can any properly organised, well run happy club with a good manager! 

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

My main worry is that we don''t have like-for-like replacements on the bench for Holt and Hoolihan, our two best players. Without Hoolihan, our midfield doesn''t appear to be craetive enough. If we''re forced into Plan B (because Hooli is out) then we will struggle without a target man.

I agree that some people have got an inflated expectation of what we''ll achieve this season. We''ll stay in this Division, but I feel that it will be mid to lower table. 

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites
I have concerns but only about the RB position. I''m fairly certain our midfield is strong, we have a battler in Crofts and 3 passers and technically good players in Hoolahan, Fox and Surman. When Hoolahan was played in the hole at Blackpool he was one of their best players and with our strikers and other midfielders which I believe are probably better than Blackpool''s were then I think he will thrive.Remember Korey Smith played RB in one of the friendlies and could always fill in there if Russel Martin is having a shocker. I think Jackson will do fine at this level, providing he plays rather than Martin which I think will be unlikely at the start of the season. He will most probably be used as an impact sub like Cody was, with his pace but a more developed game all round than Cody I think he will do well breaking down defences in the final third of a game.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites
Unfortunately I don''t think Lappin will be first choice next season either, but, we all thought that you needed thugs in League 1 and I think Lappin did alright then.

My concern about "a big signing up front" is I don''t think Martin or Holt have done anything to warrant being dropped. I think that Martin will actually get more goals than Holt this season as long as he starts the season running. Because if Martin''s not scoring from week 1 I can see Jackson coming in for him.

I firmly believe Holt and Martin need at least 4 weeks to see how they get on. It is Jackson''s challenge to fight his way in and Martin and Holt''s to keep him out in my opinion.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I can see where the OP is coming from and me like many others did get a bit carried away at one stage when we signed Surman saying that top half is the minimum and we should be challenging the play offs.  I agree with what he says about the team also.  However with Lambert in charge I can''t see anything worse than mid table.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

[quote user="scrimmage"]I have concerns but only about the RB position. I''m fairly certain our midfield is strong, we have a battler in Crofts and 3 passers and technically good players in Hoolahan, Fox and Surman. When Hoolahan was played in the hole at Blackpool he was one of their best players and with our strikers and other midfielders which I believe are probably better than Blackpool''s were then I think he will thrive.

Remember Korey Smith played RB in one of the friendlies and could always fill in there if Russel Martin is having a shocker.

I think Jackson will do fine at this level, providing he plays rather than Martin which I think will be unlikely at the start of the season. He will most probably be used as an impact sub like Cody was, with his pace but a more developed game all round than Cody I think he will do well breaking down defences in the final third of a game.
[/quote]

I agree with these comments but would like to add that McNamee makes good cover for Wes in the hole and I''m expecting Hughes to be a big player, from the bench for us this season.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites
Thing is though Boyo, I would be really pleased with anything around 12th. Our job this season is staying up, anything else is a bonus for me. I know the board have said they''re pushing for promotion but I think that was naive and disrespectful to all the other teams that have been in the championship for many years.

Anywhere around 12th will be a good season for me. Anything above is beyond my hopes and expectations.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

[quote user="CallsignViper"]Thing is though Boyo, I would be really pleased with anything around 12th. Our job this season is staying up, anything else is a bonus for me. I know the board have said they''re pushing for promotion but I think that was naive and disrespectful to all the other teams that have been in the championship for many years. Anywhere around 12th will be a good season for me. Anything above is beyond my hopes and expectations.[/quote]

Then why don''t you write a letter of apology to them? Can''t have other teams thinking we will give it a go can we? Can''t go getting ideas above our station now. Perhaps you can pass it around all the other quitters on here to sign as well....

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites
agree about the right back maybe 1 or 2 loans, still think we need a proven championship striker as we don''t have one, maybe someone like ismail miller on a 6month loan.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

[quote user="CallsignViper"]Thing is though Boyo, I would be really pleased with anything around 12th. Our job this season is staying up, anything else is a bonus for me. I know the board have said they''re pushing for promotion but I think that was naive and disrespectful to all the other teams that have been in the championship for many years. Anywhere around 12th will be a good season for me. Anything above is beyond my hopes and expectations.[/quote]

If we finished something like 14, 13, 12, 11, 10th place then like you I would be verry happy.  And as you rightly said our job is to stay up.  However Lambert is definately ''the man'' and I can''t see anything below 16th place at the very worst.  I''m not saying he will get us challenging for the play offs but I believe a high mid table finish is definately do-able.  However like others have said, it is very wide open and we must remember whilst it is a good chance for a high finish it makes it just as easy for a low finish.

Also I think lots of us are forgetting that we have just come up and lots of teams see us as a great chance for three points, which means they will definately go for it against us, especially early on in the season and away from home.  Any away point will be a good one this season. 

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites
Anyone here know what the starting 11, formation and tactics are going to be for the Watford game? No - so best shut the fu*ck up and wait to pass judgment when we''re at least a three or four matches into the season.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

[quote user="Shyster"]Anyone here know what the starting 11, formation and tactics are going to be for the Watford game? No - so best shut the fu*ck up and wait to pass judgment when we''re at least a three or four matches into the season.
[/quote]

 

Not often I agree with you, and not in the way you suggest, but on this I wholeheartedly agree.

How can you get down when the season hasn''t even started yet is quite beyond me lol.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

[quote user="Shyster"]Anyone here know what the starting 11, formation and tactics are going to be for the Watford game? No - so best shut the fu*ck up and wait to pass judgment when we''re at least a three or four matches into the season.[/quote]From the font of all knowledge that brought you....

[quote user="Shyster"]Spain won''t win the World Cup [/quote]

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites
[quote user="Mister Chops"][quote user="Shyster"]Anyone here know what the starting 11, formation and tactics are going to be for the Watford game? No - so best shut the fu*ck up and wait to pass judgment when we''re at least a three or four matches into the season.[/quote]From the font of all knowledge that brought you....

[quote user="Shyster"]Spain won''t win the World Cup [/quote]

[/quote]

Saved that on your hard drive especially did you, you bastard? [:D]I stated that Spain wouldn''t win the WC before the event started and kind of proves my point that it''s crass to make estimations about how City are going to fair with the season yet to get under way.So there [;)]

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites
I think mid-table will be a success for us this year. There''s a lot on here who will be disappointed if we don''t make the play-offs. There are maybe 7 or 8 teams who (on paper) look far stronger than us, however it''s impossible to gauge until the season gets underway, if we get off to a flyer then who knows. We''re a bit of an unknown quantity at the moment with the exits and the new signings it all depends how quickly we gel.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites
[quote user="Shyster"][quote user="Mister Chops"][quote user="Shyster"]Anyone here know what the starting 11, formation and tactics are going to be for the Watford game? No - so best shut the fu*ck up and wait to pass judgment when we''re at least a three or four matches into the season.[/quote]From the font of all knowledge that brought you....

[quote user="Shyster"]Spain won''t win the World Cup [/quote]

[/quote]

Saved that on your hard drive especially did you, you bastard? [:D]I stated that Spain wouldn''t win the WC before the event started and kind of proves my point that it''s crass to make estimations about how City are going to fair with the season yet to get under way.So there [;)][/quote]What you''ve done there is turn defence into attack in a manner which leaves me no comeback. [8o|] [:D]

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites
Blimey - all this negativity guys!

Worry is all in your head - they''re only thoughts - and thoughts are not even real are they?

Quick Quote: "We can’t fear the past. Fear is a future thing. And since the future’s all in our heads, fear must be a head thing." - Tom Payne

I predict a top 2 finish btw!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites
If we can keep our first eleven fit which is unlikely and Holty can cut it we have a decent chance of making the play offs at the very least,   my main concerns are that we don''t have a replacement for Holt and Whitbread who I suspect will be one of our first choice defenders seems to be a bit of a sicknote. Two very important areas of the team that don''t have adequate cover.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites
May as well bump this, anyone still so down after today?  I didn''t go and have not read the report, but its a big confidence boost for the fans and team.  I''m sure you''ll see a few goals against Lincoln in midweek and hopefully a good team performance against Everton...

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

[quote user="CallsignViper"]Thing is though Boyo, I would be really pleased with anything around 12th. Our job this season is staying up, anything else is a bonus for me. I know the board have said they''re pushing for promotion but I think that was naive and disrespectful to all the other teams that have been in the championship for many years.

Anywhere around 12th will be a good season for me. Anything above is beyond my hopes and expectations.[/quote]Are you kidding? We''ve been in and out of the top 2 divisions for over 50 years, we''ve had ONE season in the 3rd tier, and suddenly we''re being disrespectful for trying to push for promotion? Almost every single team in the Championship has been in the 3rd tier or lower a lot longer and more recent than us (as well as a lot of Premiership teams!!) so it''s not being disrespectful to anyone.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites
God, what a load of worthless twaddle.Established championship strikers - yep, those not good enough to get out of this leagueWe should be ever so ''umble and be grateful if we are allowed to stay in this divison - bollo ! The squad has been strengthened with decent players. A fair part of our demise and recent failure has been the lack of decent management. That''s not the case now. The budget has certainly been there (something that will count now and through the season).This league is cluttered up with those ''has beens'' that flatter to deceive and have been living too long on borrowed money as well as borrowed time. It has silly little clubs who have over spent, stretched themselves too far and, like a landed fish flapping about on the river bank, will either expire quickly or go back to where they belong. Twaddle about consolodation is just that - twaddle. How do you tell players and the team to consolodate ? You don''t. You train them, you coach them, you prepare them to WIN. A mid table finish achieves NOTHING - as every team starts back at the finish line at the beginning of the next season.Times are hard at the moment. Many will be shipping out players, cutting

back on squad size and padding out the team with fading ''stars'' seeking

their last decent wage and unproven youngsters. There''s no team we should fear. The club has got it''s hunger back and there is a great positive feel about the place. Having self belief and confidence from both the club and the fans is not tempting fate. There is no hidden power that will judge that optimism and then react by ''punishing '' us.What would be wrong would be for us all to assume we will be promoted. Promotion will come from hard work and organisation. It''ll come from grinding out results as at Walsall, Gilllingham and Yeovil and not giving up, as at home to Sarfend and Brighton.We''ve got the Chief executive who has the determination, we''ve got the kind of a manager that comes along once in a generation - we now need one or two fans to lose that '' little old Norwich '' mentality.Top of the table on Friday (6th) night and pretty much there till May.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Couple of points:

Compare are squad to the relegation season: We only just got relegated that season and this squad in my opinion is far better, in quantity and quality.

Wes played out of position in the championship season, he didn''t look out of place against Newcastle.

We played best last season when teams came out and had a go at us, this will happen far more this season.

Lastly this league is ridiculously hard to predict, i think we could finish anywhere between 5th and 16th!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites
[quote user="Emotional Rex"]I think I''m going to cut my throat with a blunt knife then set myself on fire[st][/quote]If the knife was blunt then you wouldn''t pierce the skin?

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites
[quote user="Brendo "][quote user="Emotional Rex"]I think I''m going to cut my throat with a blunt knife then set myself on fire[st][/quote]If the knife was blunt then you wouldn''t pierce the skin?[/quote]This isn''t neccessarily true. Though please call 08457 90 90 90 if you''re considering that.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
Sign in to follow this  

×
×
  • Create New...