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Post by broomo on Oct 18, 2019 23:19:02 GMT
Without sounding too dramatic, I reckon this next 8 days and 3 games will go a long way to deciding that. Nigel mentioned in his radio interview a couple of weeks ago after the Tranmere game that until we start winning (or not losing) games like these we'll always be a nearly team.
There have been some really good results for us in the weeks where we haven't played and even tonight with Lincoln and Shrewsbury getting a point, we've now got FOUR games in hand on Lincoln, 3 on Oxford and Blackpool who we play at home next Saturday and 2 on another 5 teams above us
I might be wrong in assuming Ipswich are going to be the team clear at the top but then outside of that it's all up for grabs.
If we can beat Fleetwood tomorrow we really will be in great shape and then when you look at the rest of the Saturday fixtures
Wycombe (2nd) play Sunderland (9th)
Donny (13th) play Bristol Rovers in 4th
Rotherham (10th) play in form Oxford (8th)
With us in 14th playing Fleetwood in 5th that's 8 of the top 14 playing each other.
Midweek while we've got Wimbledon (21st) at home, Blackpool have to play Wycombe, Coventry play Fleetwood and Ipswich play Rotherham, so that's 6 of the top 10 playing each other.
Saturday is no different with us playing Blackpool, Bristol Rover play Pompey which is no gimme but then Rotherham v Wycombe, Shrewsbury v Sunderland, and Peterboro v Coventry, again meaning 8 of the top half playing each other.
Teams around us are going to drop points, if we can pick up 2 wins and a draw from those 3 games I predict we'll be sitting very pretty In 7th with a couple of games in hand on a number of clubs in the top 6.
A long winded way of saying don't lose tomorrow, win our home games and we'll be flying.
Come on Lads, it's time to step up and show us what we already know, this team is a really team and it's time we really started sending that message to our rivals.
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footyman
Youth Team
Lloyd’s Foundry Ground to Pirelli Stadium supporter.
Posts: 102
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Post by footyman on Oct 21, 2019 10:11:29 GMT
Only 6 points out of 9 possible now by Saturday, we remain a nearly team. A nearly team has to be preferred to boom and bust aka Bury.
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Post by trevor1946 on Oct 21, 2019 13:02:34 GMT
only 6 points off the playoffs, 2 points of top 12 team. does finishing in the top 12 make us a nearly team or a good league 1 team. surly any team finishing top 6 is a good team.finishing in the play offs and losing.still makes you a good league 1 team
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Post by broomo on Oct 21, 2019 19:52:19 GMT
The nearly team tag is far from a criticism. You all know me well enough by now to know that.
We still are a very good side at this level and we still are lovely to watch.
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Post by mikeyboy on Oct 23, 2019 13:53:14 GMT
I did feel we were almost a really team last night...... And 3 points on Saturday would put us in a promising situation in sorting out our form at the Pirelli, particularly as we are a decent counter attacking proposition in away games.
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Post by broomo on Oct 23, 2019 15:16:09 GMT
I did feel we were almost a really team last night...... And 3 points on Saturday would put us in a promising situation in sorting out our form at the Pirelli, particularly as we are a decent counter attacking proposition in away games. It's agonizingly close to clicking isn't it Mike? To be fair, if we win on Saturday, we're one point off the 7 I was hoping for and it would still mean we'd averaged 2 points per game over the group of 3 fixtures, which is play off form and not too far off auto form. Blackpool will be a real threat though, I'm actually dreading watching their highlights as I think I'm going to see a really powerful, physical and pacey front 3. It looks like I might "have to" be going to my first game of the season. It's been horrible watching from he outside and something I'm not entirely comfortable with. Although I've got to say it's weirdly exciting watching the text bar on bet365 and believe it or not you do get a feel for the flow of a game. Hopefully they'll find out I'm coming and put on a real show, just for me ;-)
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Post by mikeyboy on Oct 23, 2019 16:45:25 GMT
It’s been a tough ask of ‘Larry’ coming in pre season to almost a new club at Blackpool after 30 years of mismanagement under the Oyston’s. Particularly as Terry McPhillips started the pre season and made several signings before realising that he wasn’t right for the new regime - they have all been moved on apart their Ryan Edwards, a centre half from Plymouth. He has made some good signings Jak Alnwick in goal, Ben Heneghan in central defence, James Husband at left back, Sulley Kalkai in midfield, plus Joe Nuttall and James Hardy upfront to compliment last seasons core of Curtis Tilt, Jay Spearing, Liam Feeney, Armand Gnanduillet and Nathan Delfouneso. The good news is they aren’t quite clicking at the moment and Simon Grayson has been coming in for some stick. Despite piloting 4 clubs, including Blackpool to promotion from this division. It’s going to be a good game.
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Post by broomo on Oct 23, 2019 17:34:23 GMT
It’s been a tough ask of ‘Larry’ coming in pre season to almost a new club at Blackpool after 30 years of mismanagement under the Oyston’s. Particularly as Terry McPhillips started the pre season and made several signings before realising that he wasn’t right for the new regime - they have all been moved on apart their Ryan Edwards, a centre half from Plymouth. He has made some good signings Jak Alnwick in goal, Ben Heneghan in central defence, James Husband at left back, Sulley Kalkai in midfield, plus Joe Nuttall and James Hardy upfront to compliment last seasons core of Curtis Tilt, Jay Spearing, Liam Feeney, Armand Gnanduillet and Nathan Delfouneso. The good news is they aren’t quite clicking at the moment and Simon Grayson has been coming in for some stick. Despite piloting 4 clubs, including Blackpool to promotion from this division. It’s going to be a good game. knowledge is power ;-) Top insight there Mike, thanks for sharing it.
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Post by otep on Oct 23, 2019 17:36:54 GMT
One is always going to stick a good chance in a game if he is playing for the opposition. Watch him score a hat trick now.
I can't help thinking that it is going to be a season of us being there or thereabouts without breaking in to the play-offs. A bit better than last season but not quite enough to break in to the top 6. I think the potential is there to achieve the play offs though and it might just be a combination of consistency, experience, confidence and / or self-belief that prevents it happening.
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Post by broomo on Oct 23, 2019 18:19:02 GMT
Ian Mc (I think) made the comment directly that I'd hinted at earlier.
It's going to take a series of 1-0 wins (or clean sheets certainly)
Young Kieran has kept 7 already in 14 league and cup games. (not counting the leasing.com where I can't recall if he played in either game)
On the whole the defence in front of him has been solid but we've also seen he is capable of winning us points by making some brilliant stops.
If we can get anywhere near 18 clean sheets in the League we will finish top 6. We're again up against some massive clubs and there are some big teams we'd need to finish above for that to happen but I'm confident having watched hours and hours of League One football (highlights and full matches) that we are one of the best 6 sides in this division.
Bring it on.
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Deleted
Deleted Member
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Post by Deleted on Oct 23, 2019 19:52:31 GMT
It was me, but I don't yet see the signs of a team that can put together a series of wins interspersed with the odd draw.
But the Rowett/JFH 1-0s was the key.
Nearly team for me. And I am happy with that.
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Post by mikeyboy on Oct 23, 2019 21:44:37 GMT
The key for me is we can win and win well away. If we can fix our home form we’ll be right up there.
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Post by trevor1946 on Oct 24, 2019 9:49:12 GMT
When i look at the league in the top 10,only 3 are big clubs,The others come in with gates under 10-000,and in our world, we have to be competitive with clubs 3 times our size. it is life as we know it. i firmly believe having a good season puts us in the top 10,but i do see flaws.the Defence at Fleetwood.-Tramere-Portsmouth,leaves me shaking,Yet. in O"Hara=Nartley,i see the beginning of a spine.In Midfield Edwards is no Irvine or Allen,and seems to lack the aggression,and ball control,to take players on. With Fraser and a holding mid fielder,we need more presence and drive from the other midfielder. Boyce seems to have lost his passion. So while Nigel gets 100% from our small squad finances make a difference, and a prolonged unbeaten run with a small squad,not possible, Back to reality try to stop in the top 12== not their yet
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Post by otep on Nov 12, 2019 21:50:43 GMT
In consecutive games a draw away at a League 2 team in 11th place followed by a defeat at home to a League 2 team in 14th place. Either we:
a) are concentrating on the league. b) have been unlucky. c) have faced 2 sides who have raised their game. d) didn't apply ourselves properly. e) are struggling at present.
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Post by mikeyboy on Nov 12, 2019 22:19:27 GMT
Tonight I’d certainly say (d).
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Post by trevor1946 on Nov 13, 2019 13:29:54 GMT
D] Didnt apply ourselves==E] are struggling at present====back to basics goalkeeping [tick]===Defence-Buxton [slow and injured,nearing retirement] O"Toole [slow and learning central defence] Wallace [ a utility player not a experienced central defender] Nartey Central defenders weak== central midfield- Quinn [excellent but age is against him ] Wallace, [some say his best position] [Tick] Centre forward, Boyce [good all round player ] Akins [good player ], So for me defence is our weakness to the spine of our team. could be why we ship in goals Left full back,we haven't got one========Right full back Brayford,age and fitness a problem..both these positions covered by Akins leaving our attack weak. Midfield Fraser good on the ball, Sbarra and Edwards not physical or tall enough to control midfield,looks pretty,but no end result.more aggression needed. Wingers Broadhead Sarkic Templeton, have skill on the ball,and can do a job, problem Templeton is injury prone. So for me a new year gift, 1 central defender==1 6ft plus midfield attack minded player,1 quality full back, Boyce new contract or gone,if so another Lucas Akins OUt =Bywater=Daniel=Buxton=Edwards= Boyce new contract or gone===4 inn===4 out== Strengthen====central defence==full back==midfield- big striker if Boyce fails to sign new contract, or new striker instead of Boyce
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Post by broomo on Nov 14, 2019 5:32:27 GMT
D] Didnt apply ourselves==E] are struggling at present====back to basics goalkeeping [tick]===Defence-Buxton [slow and injured,nearing retirement] O"Toole [slow and learning central defence] Wallace [ a utility player not a experienced central defender] Nartey Central defenders weak== central midfield- Quinn [excellent but age is against him ] Wallace, [some say his best position] [Tick] Centre forward, Boyce [good all round player ] Akins [good player ], So for me defence is our weakness to the spine of our team. could be why we ship in goals Left full back,we haven't got one========Right full back Brayford,age and fitness a problem..both these positions covered by Akins leaving our attack weak. Midfield Fraser good on the ball, Sbarra and Edwards not physical or tall enough to control midfield,looks pretty,but no end result.more aggression needed. Wingers Broadhead Sarkic Templeton, have skill on the ball,and can do a job, problem Templeton is injury prone. So for me a new year gift, 1 central defender==1 6ft plus midfield attack minded player,1 quality full back, Boyce new contract or gone,if so another Lucas Akins OUt =Bywater=Daniel=Buxton=Edwards= Boyce new contract or gone===4 inn===4 out== Strengthen====central defence==full back==midfield- big striker if Boyce fails to sign new contract, or new striker instead of BoyceBlimey Trev. You know I like you a lot but you're being a bit harsh lately. We are a better team and squad than our current position suggests. Maybe it's pure blind faith from me AGAIN but I think we'll turn the corner soon. Yeah it's frustrating but you're writing off too many of our lads too soon. If we finish this season as strongly as we finished last well still be on for a lot of excitement.
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Post by fergo on Nov 14, 2019 6:37:41 GMT
D] Didnt apply ourselves==E] are struggling at present====back to basics goalkeeping [tick]===Defence-Buxton [slow and injured,nearing retirement] O"Toole [slow and learning central defence] Wallace [ a utility player not a experienced central defender] Nartey Central defenders weak== central midfield- Quinn [excellent but age is against him ] Wallace, [some say his best position] [Tick] Centre forward, Boyce [good all round player ] Akins [good player ], So for me defence is our weakness to the spine of our team. could be why we ship in goals Left full back,we haven't got one========Right full back Brayford,age and fitness a problem..both these positions covered by Akins leaving our attack weak. Midfield Fraser good on the ball, Sbarra and Edwards not physical or tall enough to control midfield,looks pretty,but no end result.more aggression needed. Wingers Broadhead Sarkic Templeton, have skill on the ball,and can do a job, problem Templeton is injury prone. So for me a new year gift, 1 central defender==1 6ft plus midfield attack minded player,1 quality full back, Boyce new contract or gone,if so another Lucas Akins OUt =Bywater=Daniel=Buxton=Edwards= Boyce new contract or gone===4 inn===4 out== Strengthen====central defence==full back==midfield- big striker if Boyce fails to sign new contract, or new striker instead of BoyceI think you need a new keyboard Trevor your = sign seems to be stuck. Agree that we could probably do with getting some money back on Boyce in Jan, if we can. We don't however need another Lucas Atkins in that position, we need a proven goalscorer, an out and out striker. Problem is they are not cheap and in demand. Plus then we need someone good at holding the ball up which is one of Boyceys strengths. Quinn is 33 but still alot to offer, he has the ability to control games and can prolong his career by letting other younger players around him do the running (Clough himself said that last season I believe). Buxton can still do a job in certain games that need a CB to battle/ get a head to the ball etc. The player we will have most difficulty hanging onto IMO is Scotty Fraser and he might end up going for nothing this summer as out of contract when we should be getting Irvine type money or more for him.
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footyman
Youth Team
Lloyd’s Foundry Ground to Pirelli Stadium supporter.
Posts: 102
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Post by footyman on Nov 14, 2019 10:44:27 GMT
D] Didnt apply ourselves==E] are struggling at present====back to basics goalkeeping [tick]===Defence-Buxton [slow and injured,nearing retirement] O"Toole [slow and learning central defence] Wallace [ a utility player not a experienced central defender] Nartey Central defenders weak== central midfield- Quinn [excellent but age is against him ] Wallace, [some say his best position] [Tick] Centre forward, Boyce [good all round player ] Akins [good player ], So for me defence is our weakness to the spine of our team. could be why we ship in goals Left full back,we haven't got one========Right full back Brayford,age and fitness a problem..both these positions covered by Akins leaving our attack weak. Midfield Fraser good on the ball, Sbarra and Edwards not physical or tall enough to control midfield,looks pretty,but no end result.more aggression needed. Wingers Broadhead Sarkic Templeton, have skill on the ball,and can do a job, problem Templeton is injury prone. So for me a new year gift, 1 central defender==1 6ft plus midfield attack minded player,1 quality full back, Boyce new contract or gone,if so another Lucas Akins OUt =Bywater=Daniel=Buxton=Edwards= Boyce new contract or gone===4 inn===4 out== Strengthen====central defence==full back==midfield- big striker if Boyce fails to sign new contract, or new striker instead of Boyce
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footyman
Youth Team
Lloyd’s Foundry Ground to Pirelli Stadium supporter.
Posts: 102
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Post by footyman on Nov 14, 2019 10:46:57 GMT
D] Didnt apply ourselves==E] are struggling at present====back to basics goalkeeping [tick]===Defence-Buxton [slow and injured,nearing retirement] O"Toole [slow and learning central defence] Wallace [ a utility player not a experienced central defender] Nartey Central defenders weak== central midfield- Quinn [excellent but age is against him ] Wallace, [some say his best position] [Tick] Centre forward, Boyce [good all round player ] Akins [good player ], So for me defence is our weakness to the spine of our team. could be why we ship in goals Left full back,we haven't got one========Right full back Brayford,age and fitness a problem..both these positions covered by Akins leaving our attack weak. Midfield Fraser good on the ball, Sbarra and Edwards not physical or tall enough to control midfield,looks pretty,but no end result.more aggression needed. Wingers Broadhead Sarkic Templeton, have skill on the ball,and can do a job, problem Templeton is injury prone. So for me a new year gift, 1 central defender==1 6ft plus midfield attack minded player,1 quality full back, Boyce new contract or gone,if so another Lucas Akins OUt =Bywater=Daniel=Buxton=Edwards= Boyce new contract or gone===4 inn===4 out== Strengthen====central defence==full back==midfield- big striker if Boyce fails to sign new contract, or new striker instead of BoyceSpot on assessment Trevor of the current situation.
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