With that last minute equaliser by Brentford (although honestly they deserved at least a point), and the Cardiff win at Norwich, I believe we must consign ourselves again to the Play-Offs. Considering where we were in early December, we would all have taken it then. I do however have concerns about our mental attitude following this amazing 21 game unbeaten run. We looked lethargic and not ourselves in the past couple if games. Scoring only one goal a game in the past 3 matches, compared with the previous 7 games scoring at least 2 on each occasion. The pace and attacking nature seems to be starting to revert back to the 'old way.' Slow, slow, tippy-tappy. I thought we had learned our lesson about Fredericks racing up the wing in injury time trying to hold onto a 1-0 lead. If we don't win all the 3 games left, Cardiff should beat us to the second spot. So, it's a Play-Off place again for us. Should we consider, especially after the Millwall game on Friday if we don't win, throwing in the second team, saving our strongest squad for the Play-Offs? As we have learnt, any team can get through these with a little luck. Have we been too good for it to last through to winning at Wembley? Would our nerves hold out? We can only hope so, as not sure what we will be left with next season if we don't get promoted. COYW ........
Replies
I don't hold too much validity in what we would have taken back in the day.
If asked after our first season in the Championship would we have taken being beaten in the play-offs in a coup0-le of years then of course we would have all said yes however, it was massively disappointing at the time and our season deserved better I felt.
It has been well documented that I never expected us to make 2nd place in any case as it has always been a massive ask so I can't be disappointed with 3rd (if we make it) or 4th. At least we will be at home in the second leg.
If you asked me pre-season however, what I thought was achievable, then I would have expected us to win the damn thing outright based upon the previous seasons form, what we had learned and the addition of new players (we had yet seen play). Who would have thought that Wolves would run away with it and Cardiff would have the season they have had back then?
I guess what I'm alluding to is, it is best, in my opinion, not to think about the past but concentrate on the present and as with all teams in this league, we have played a lot of games (particularly in the last two weeks) so it is expected that goals will not come so freely and that we might concede the odd goal late on. That will be the same for Millwall on Friday as well.
I still fancy us to get to Wembley and if we make it then it's anyone's on the day so keep supporting and keep hoping but "don't look back in anger" :0)).
posted by MST (Moderator) - Monday 16th April 2018, 12:03 PM
It has been a wonderful run going up the ladder bit by bit catching all but Wolves, like everone else I am now a bit worried about the play off's but it would be a fun way to get back to the Premier League.
posted by Baz (Moderator) - Monday 16th April 2018, 12:29 PM
Sorry but I would have said Wolves were a cert for promotion in September. If a championship side spends £25 million on players and gets in from loans another £40 million worth of players then I would be surprised of any other outcome. This will be investigated no doubt by the FA, a fine will be applied probably £5 million and Wolves will pay it out of the £100 million they get for being in the premiership. The shock has been Cardiff, fair play to them, I though Villa would be our biggest competition for 2nd place at the start of the season.
posted by Tezza - Monday 16th April 2018, 1:15 PM
Tezza I think You've simplified it. If you look at the facts of the matter it's nothing like you write and a lot of their players cost peanuts, are loan deals or are players that were already there. Yes I expected them to do ok but not walk the league like they have from pretty much day one...
posted by MST (Moderator) - Monday 16th April 2018, 3:03 PM
All I am saying is how it looks , Cant think of another Championship side who does not have the premiership parachute payments to use and can go out and buy a £15 mil player (Neves) buy a couple more and get a loan deal for Jota (£12 million) N'Diaye (£5 Million) Boly (£5 Million) That is not a Championship squad that is a premiership squad.
posted by Tezza - Monday 16th April 2018, 3:18 PM
I think Millwall have been the revelation of the season, closely followed by Sheffield United, both promoted last season and both in contention for play-off places. In February I pointed out that Millwall were a fantastic bet for the play-offs at 66-1 (about 10th place in the table at the time). Now two months later they have a huge unbeaten streak (16/ 17 games?) and with a manager who has worked fantastically well with a paltry budget for players, they are the achievers in the Championship this season.
posted by 5crawny (Guest) - Monday 16th April 2018, 9:53 PM
I believe that wolves would have been fined if they missed promotion after paying out all that dosh, but they took a chance and went for it and its payed of so they will not be fined a penny.
posted by the real bishop (Guest) - Tuesday 17th April 2018, 12:28 PM
I believe that wolves would have been fined if they missed promotion after paying out all that dosh, but they took a chance and went for it and its payed of so they will not be fined a penny.
posted by the real bishop (Guest) - Tuesday 17th April 2018, 12:29 PM
@5crawny.. You're right. Their squad cost just 800,000 yet they are in the playoffs. We have the 7th most expensive squad in the division: http://sportsmancs.com/much-championship-squad-cost-revealed-2/
posted by Hints - Wednesday 18th April 2018, 10:31 AM
Hints I knew they hadn't added with any financial flair, but I didn't realise their squad was that cheap. That makes what they have achieved worth the accolades they should be receiving!
posted by 5crawny (Guest) - Wednesday 18th April 2018, 1:31 PM