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Post by ox4eva on Nov 6, 2017 10:28:57 GMT
I noticed a comment on another thread saying that after the Port Vale defeat our season was basically over.
But I personally feel we still have a target of making the playoffs, but we really do need to add someone with a bit of dig in the middle of the park and maybe another option up front, even if it's a loan signing in January.
Do we still think we can be there or thereabouts ?
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Post by dabigfella on Nov 6, 2017 10:35:42 GMT
Unlikely unless there is a pretty dramatic change. The form over the last 10 league games is won 3 drew 3 and lost 4. If that were to continue for the rest of the season then on last years table we would finish 16th.
I think we are better than that but as I have said in another post I don't think we are quite good enough for the play offs. If we can hang on to the top half by Xmas and buy well in January then things may be different.
It may also rely on Clotet having an Appleton Road to Damascus moment and realising his tippy tappy, one forward, slow approach isn't working with the players he has available.
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Post by sihath on Nov 6, 2017 10:46:56 GMT
Unlikely unless there is a pretty dramatic change. The form over the last 10 league games is won 3 drew 3 and lost 4. If that were to continue for the rest of the season then on last years table we would finish 16th. I think we are better than that but as I have said in another post I don't think we are quite good enough for the play offs. If we can hang on to the top half by Xmas and buy well in January then things may be different. It may also rely on Clotet having an Appleton Road to Damascus moment and realising his tippy tappy, one forward, slow approach isn't working with the players he has available. By my reckoning we are 4 points better off than at this time last season. We are just 2 points and 4 teams off a play off place and are in better 5 match form than the 5 teams directly above us. Hardly needs a dramatic change based on those facts does it?
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Post by ox4eva on Nov 6, 2017 10:54:45 GMT
Unlikely unless there is a pretty dramatic change. The form over the last 10 league games is won 3 drew 3 and lost 4. If that were to continue for the rest of the season then on last years table we would finish 16th. I think we are better than that but as I have said in another post I don't think we are quite good enough for the play offs. If we can hang on to the top half by Xmas and buy well in January then things may be different. It may also rely on Clotet having an Appleton Road to Damascus moment and realising his tippy tappy, one forward, slow approach isn't working with the players he has available. That's why I mentioned having someone with a bit of dig in the middle of the park as I feel we are too lightweight physically at this level. I do agree we really need to be able to change the formation and have less tippy tappy football.
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Post by Eaststandboy on Nov 6, 2017 10:57:21 GMT
With out form, i cannot see us making the play offs.
If we do, knowing our luck, our bad form would hit us for the 1st leg.
I was always settled for a mid-table position, Pep didn't really arrive at the best of times.
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Post by bashamwonderland on Nov 6, 2017 11:06:12 GMT
We've performed like a Conference side at times this year. Barring a dramatic turnaround from the crocs, I think we'll finish up in the mid -bottom half of the table this year.
Hopefully another partial rebuild in the summer.
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Post by horseman on Nov 6, 2017 11:27:27 GMT
I noticed a comment on another thread saying that after the Port Vale defeat our season was basically over. But I personally feel we still have a target of making the playoffs, but we really do need to add someone with a bit of dig in the middle of the park and maybe another option up front, even if it's a loan signing in January. Do we still think we can be there or thereabouts ? I Did say this as the Auto places have long gone over the horizon which leaves the Lottery that is the play offs and as things stand you could not be confident of beating any of the sides around us over 2 games.This is why I Found peps comment that he rested Nelson for Vale very strange and a poor decision The club have lost much needed revenue not only from a cup run but but also from floaters and any new fans as for the reasons above the season looks as good as over in early November.
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Post by ox4eva on Nov 6, 2017 11:47:28 GMT
I noticed a comment on another thread saying that after the Port Vale defeat our season was basically over. But I personally feel we still have a target of making the playoffs, but we really do need to add someone with a bit of dig in the middle of the park and maybe another option up front, even if it's a loan signing in January. Do we still think we can be there or thereabouts ? I Did say this as the Auto places have long gone over the horizon which leaves the Lottery that is the play offs and as things stand you could not be confident of beating any of the sides around us over 2 games.This is why I Found peps comment that he rested Nelson for Vale very strange and a poor decision The club have lost much needed revenue not only from a cup run but but also from floaters and any new fans as for the reasons above the season looks as good as over in early November. It's all about momentum when you get towards the end of the season. I support Pep but I think he is a naive with his approach sometimes. We all want to see free flowing football, but you need the right players for that. I sometimes feel we need to a bit more aggressive and physical in this tough league. We need to be able to mix it up and we seem to have a plan A which works some of the time and we are a joy to watch. But we also need a plan B if it's not!
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Post by bigcrompy on Nov 6, 2017 12:06:33 GMT
It’s a statistically proven fact that three out of every four playoff teams go on to have a crap season.
I find it an absolutely bizarre target to set ourselves. We really should aspire to promotion, or not at all.
Given the gist of the OP, I have my heart set on Pekalski making a big difference when available, but really think we’ll need two more players incoming in January to challenge.
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Post by McVicar on Nov 6, 2017 12:18:52 GMT
I still can't get over how we can go from looking bloody fantastic in games, to absolute dog s**t, within a matter of days, literally. Totally bizarre.
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Post by ZeroTheHero on Nov 6, 2017 12:47:15 GMT
I still can't get over how we can go from looking bloody fantastic in games, to absolute dog s**t, within a matter of days, literally. Totally bizarre. It does seem odd. But then you realise that if the team we are playing are able to quickly and aggressively close down our sideways passing at the back then that's all it takes to completely throw us off our stride. That leads to two things - us losing the ball close to our own goal or panicking and trying to 'go long' to a lone forward. Without much width or pace we have no other outlet. Of course, if a team lets us play it about then we look half way decent - but I doubt many more teams will fall into that trap this season.
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Post by pottersrightboot on Nov 6, 2017 12:58:17 GMT
I still can't get over how we can go from looking bloody fantastic in games, to absolute dog s**t, within a matter of days, literally. Totally bizarre. It does seem odd. But then you realise that if the team we are playing are able to quickly and aggressively close down our sideways passing at the back then that's all it takes to completely throw us off our stride. That leads to two things - us losing the ball close to our own goal or panicking and trying to 'go long' to a lone forward. Without much width or pace we have no other outlet. Of course, if a team lets us play it about then we look half way decent - but I doubt many more teams will fall into that trap this season. We've quickly and aggressively closed down opponents successfully as well. (Were you at the Rovers game? ) To me it's even more simple. To win games consistently in L1 you need to win the muck and nettles battles. We sometimes don't look up for the fight. I am a bit depressed about the current dissing of our squad by some on this forum. I've enjoyed the season to date - there are plenty on this forum seemingly just gagging for us to fall flat on our arses.
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Post by ox4eva on Nov 6, 2017 13:01:06 GMT
It does seem odd. But then you realise that if the team we are playing are able to quickly and aggressively close down our sideways passing at the back then that's all it takes to completely throw us off our stride. That leads to two things - us losing the ball close to our own goal or panicking and trying to 'go long' to a lone forward. Without much width or pace we have no other outlet. Of course, if a team lets us play it about then we look half way decent - but I doubt many more teams will fall into that trap this season. We've quickly and aggressively closed down opponents successfully as well. (Were you at the Rovers game? ) To me it's even more simple. To win games consistently in L1 you need to win the muck and nettles battles. We sometimes don't look up for the fight. I am a bit depressed about the current dissing of our squad by some on this forum. I've enjoyed the season to date - there are plenty on this forum seemingly just gagging for us to fall flat on our arses. Agreed, as I have said we just need someone in the middle of the part who can put the foot in a bit. I sometimes think we get bullied in some games.
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Post by Denissmithswig on Nov 6, 2017 13:04:10 GMT
It’s november and people are saying the season is over?!
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Post by berliner on Nov 6, 2017 13:12:25 GMT
After the run of wins I think we were in fourth on the live table or something? Not that long ago and easily attainable.
We just need more consistency, winning from draws, last-minute equalisers instead of last-minute losses. We really aren't that far away from contending for the playoffs, be it in terms of personnel, tactics or the manager.
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Post by yellowsarmy on Nov 6, 2017 13:56:51 GMT
I still can't get over how we can go from looking bloody fantastic in games, to absolute dog s**t, within a matter of days, literally. Totally bizarre. Because I dont think we have looked good this season our spells of goodness have coincided with the opposition trying something different. Not doing what has stifled us in the previous games. Mark Jack Payne out of the game and our one trick team just struggles. It's where teams forget to do this like Wimbledon for a period of time that we get success. To be honest I am not optimistic about our season now, because it requires change and new signings. How many of Peps signings have been a success? And if you suspect not many why would DE give him any significant money in January. Last year the cup runs added to our war chest this year we don't even have them. If Pep wants money he needs to keep us in worthwhile cup competitions and we went out of both at the first hurdle with Pep making his own decisions to play the formation and lineups he did and got what he deserved. And change? Nah from cheltenham at home i have seen tappy tappy sideways football with people saying how great we play but actually when it comes to actually playing forwards football threatening inside the box none. And it hasn't changed either plan B doesn't seem to exist there is no forward direction. I'm sorry the league table doesn't lie we aren't great (not awful either).
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Post by CheltenhamYellow on Nov 6, 2017 14:10:39 GMT
I’m not sure why anyone thinks the January window is going to help us much. We aren’t suddenly going to persuade someone else to sell us their star striker in mid-season, nor for that matter a pacy winger or two, or even a full back who can run faster than a cabbage. We’re largely stuck with what we’ve got so let’s hope the players currently sitting in the medical room can help us out in the new year.
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Post by ZeroTheHero on Nov 6, 2017 14:14:25 GMT
We've quickly and aggressively closed down opponents successfully as well. (Were you at the Rovers game? ) To me it's even more simple. To win games consistently in L1 you need to win the muck and nettles battles. We sometimes don't look up for the fight. No I was not at the Rovers game, but the fact that we successfully closed them down (and I'm glad to hear it, but it is not something we have done that many times this season) doesn't have any relevance to our ability to adjust when it is done to us, does it? I agree with what you say about fight though, and that is all over the pitch - from competing properly for the ball up front, to standing our ground in midfield and closing down / tackling at the back. I do wonder about the lack of big personalities in the side, someone at times needs to take control on the pitch, to do something to get the team going. For me, the season has been an odd one. Some games have been extremely enjoyable (win, lose or draw) and some very much below par and even a bit predictable and depressing. And (to stick to the original question) that inconsistency - which does not seem to be improving really - is why I doubt we will make the playoffs. I think Saturday's game is actually quite important in several ways.
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Post by yellowsarmy on Nov 6, 2017 14:27:50 GMT
It’s november and people are saying the season is over?! Well it's November and we haven't seen a plan B from our manager yet. we have also seen many signings of his which haven't inspired confidence in his talent spotting. Look i will be there next home game cheering the lads on but cant see this season improving unless the manager either has an epiphany over tappy tappy football or massively improves his signings over the summer ones with players who are capable of playing that style of football (which i don't think you get in League 1).
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Post by horseman on Nov 6, 2017 15:02:23 GMT
It’s november and people are saying the season is over?! Let's be blunt the marketing to attract people to attend is non existent so you're relying on a cup run to attract the eye and inject interest, we are out of both so this leaves the league to attract the floaters and potential new fans.We are 13 + pts off the Auto places sitting around mid table and whether we like it or not the fans we need are only going to come to watch a successful side so whilst regular fans can cling on to the hope of a play off place this does not get those you need to attract through the gate every home game so from that angle the season is over. if you then look at things as they stand from the regular fan there is only in reality the lottery of the play offs and who would be confident of beating the sides around us twice? You might say that in Jan you may get lucky and be able to address things though in reality that's very unlikely and even if it's done nothing changes as you've still only got the play off Lottery.
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Post by ox4eva on Nov 6, 2017 15:04:32 GMT
I’m not sure why anyone thinks the January window is going to help us much. We aren’t suddenly going to persuade someone else to sell us their star striker in mid-season, nor for that matter a pacy winger or two, or even a full back who can run faster than a cabbage. We’re largely stuck with what we’ve got so let’s hope the players currently sitting in the medical room can help us out in the new year. Surely we could get a loan signing in?
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Post by socrates on Nov 6, 2017 15:21:58 GMT
Depends entirely on what happens in January.
So, have we acquired a new head of recruitment after the bloke went to Leeds?
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Post by Boogaloo on Nov 6, 2017 15:53:35 GMT
Agree with Ox4eva. Get a couple of loan signings in. A McAleny and a Martinez could easily make the difference and get us a playoff spot, and then who knows.
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Post by gingerox on Nov 6, 2017 16:52:27 GMT
If we were to go up via the play offs (optimistic in my opinion), we'd need a MAJOR overhaul in the summer. Arguably only Eastwood, Nelson, Mous, Ledson + Hall are Championship players and even that's pushing it.
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Post by 1OUFC on Nov 6, 2017 18:05:29 GMT
I still can't get over how we can go from looking bloody fantastic in games, to absolute dog s**t, within a matter of days, literally. Totally bizarre. Because I dont think we have looked good this season our spells of goodness have coincided with the opposition trying something different. Not doing what has stifled us in the previous games. Mark Jack Payne out of the game and our one trick team just struggles. It's where teams forget to do this like Wimbledon for a period of time that we get success. To be honest I am not optimistic about our season now, because it requires change and new signings. How many of Peps signings have been a success? And if you suspect not many why would DE give him any significant money in January. Last year the cup runs added to our war chest this year we don't even have them. If Pep wants money he needs to keep us in worthwhile cup competitions and we went out of both at the first hurdle with Pep making his own decisions to play the formation and lineups he did and got what he deserved. And change? Nah from cheltenham at home i have seen tappy tappy sideways football with people saying how great we play but actually when it comes to actually playing forwards football threatening inside the box none. And it hasn't changed either plan B doesn't seem to exist there is no forward direction. I'm sorry the league table doesn't lie we aren't great (not awful either). We shouldn't need that money taken into account. Millions was made in transfers and compensation in the summer, and was available to spend, according to Pinocchio, if you believe his propaganda.
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Post by ciaranjonlucas on Nov 6, 2017 20:00:34 GMT
Last year we didn't reach the playoffs in my opinion because of a poor start and numerous cup runs. We are no longer in any cups, bar the Mickey Mouse trophy which I think we will get knocked out of tomorrow. Admittedly we have been very poor at times this season, but I am an optomist and don't see any radon why playoffs is unachievable.
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Post by essexyellows on Nov 6, 2017 20:10:01 GMT
How many times do we start like an express train then tail off after Christmas/New Year? As above.... no cups to worry about as such, players to come back & a transfer window... more reasons to be optimistic than otherwise!!
Lock the sharp things away until Feb 2018!
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Post by eraser on Nov 6, 2017 20:14:39 GMT
I’m not sure why anyone thinks the January window is going to help us much. We aren’t suddenly going to persuade someone else to sell us their star striker in mid-season, nor for that matter a pacy winger or two, or even a full back who can run faster than a cabbage. We’re largely stuck with what we’ve got so let’s hope the players currently sitting in the medical room can help us out in the new year. Surely we could get a loan signing in? The other players you can get are those who are in last year of contract, unsettled or not keen on a new deal, and their clubs try to get some sort of fee for fear of losing them on a free.
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Post by peterdev on Nov 6, 2017 21:56:03 GMT
I think probably like everyone else we need a striker who can get us goals. Thomas isn't a regular scorer. We've sold the family silver and had none to invest...that's what it looks like. I'm not sure about the play offs to be honest. It's not too late, but when you consider the teams above us, Charlton, Bradford, Wigan, Rotherham. I really don't think we look as good as them....we still have Wigan to come....anyone fancy three points against them. Plenty of games left but we need goals and to strengthen our defence
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Post by charliesghost on Nov 7, 2017 7:31:10 GMT
I noticed a comment on another thread saying that after the Port Vale defeat our season was basically over. But I personally feel we still have a target of making the playoffs, but we really do need to add someone with a bit of dig in the middle of the park and maybe another option up front, even if it's a loan signing in January. Do we still think we can be there or thereabouts ? Course we can! We are only a couple of points off the play-offs. I was saying back in August that we are lacking upfront. We are now a third of the season gone and Thomas and Obika have scored six between them. That's not enough. We have seen enough big mobile target men now for everyone to see what is required at this level. We are also lacking pace - a lot of clever footballers but no-one who can frighten the opposition and stop them playing a high line.
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