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Post by Mr_DaftBurger on Dec 8, 2018 21:15:59 GMT
How close are we in reality? Well, we're six points behind both Boro and West Brom, though you can add on another point when you take into account goal difference. There's usually at least one club who drops off the pace in the second half of the season, but you really wouldn't put much money on Stoke being good enough to take advantage the way things currently stand. More disappointing is the fact that we're a whopping 13 points from an automatic promotion place. Stop being so negative. Win the next 7 and we're safe from relegation!  |
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Post by TexasPotter on Dec 8, 2018 21:20:32 GMT
To continue the positive theme, isn't this the first time in about three years that we've had a positive goal difference? It's true, but Ipswich isn't a Watford in comparison of leagues and all. It's a good trend nevertheless. I'd rather a positive win ratio versus teams in this league instead of countless draws. We've dropped a lot 2 points to last minute draws this season for my liking. Still half a season though. |
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Post by Deleted on Dec 9, 2018 8:42:04 GMT
Every season there’s a team that puts a storming run together and goes up. There is no reason at all why it can’t be us
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Post by fca47 on Dec 9, 2018 8:46:48 GMT
We are what we look like, a mid table team. Scraping wins and mostly draws against some really terrible teams.
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Post by shrewspotter on Dec 9, 2018 8:51:23 GMT
Every season there’s a team that puts a storming run together and goes up. There is no reason at all why it can’t be us i agree that there is but we were poor against Ipswich, I guess we can look at this in 2 ways 1) it’s great to pay badly and still win, Ferguson’s Man Utd did it for years 2) we must improve, its ok vs Ipswich but vs, Villa, Leeds etc the result would be different |
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Post by scfc75 on Dec 9, 2018 8:55:21 GMT
Forgetting our opening 9 games, if you extrapolate our form over the last 12 games (only 1 defeat) and assume we had performed that way all season, we’d still be miles off the top 2. We’d be on 36/37 pts.
Personally I think we’ll be lucky to get 6th right now.
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Post by Deleted on Dec 9, 2018 9:01:10 GMT
Every season there’s a team that puts a storming run together and goes up. There is no reason at all why it can’t be us i agree that there is but we were poor against Ipswich, I guess we can look at this in 2 ways 1) it’s great to pay badly and still win, Ferguson’s Man Utd did it for years 2) we must improve, its ok vs Ipswich but vs, Villa, Leeds etc the result would be different I think we definitely need to improve, surely the whole club are aware of that. However we’ve got a window coming up, where I expect more of the deadwood will be moved on and hopefully quality players added. Yesterday was never going be pretty against a former manager and a team bottom of the league, and in those conditions. But... we got the win. We’ve dominated teams this season and come away with nothing so I’ll take that. |
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Post by kidcrewbob on Dec 9, 2018 9:02:57 GMT
Despite our stuttering start We're in a very good position to strike for top 6 come Jan - this now pretty much without the pressure of "favourites". Unlike the Prem, one,two or more front runners in this league plummet and have major wobbles around this time and into the first month or two of the new year
Yes. It's not Stokealona but it never was gonna be and as before, we're going to have to graft and scrap our way up and hopefully out of this league.
A good transfer window will help and whilst I'm not his biggest fan, if he can bring in one or two more with the attitude and skills of Ince, Woods and a Clucas then I'll be happy. He's definitely steadied the ship and has credit in the bank still from that fantastic Derby win.
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Post by rawli on Dec 9, 2018 9:03:21 GMT
We are currently four points worse off than we were at the same stage of our 2008 promotion season when a better team than this one ended up with 79 points. Disagree, we had an inferior team but a better manager. Disagree. We had inferior players but a better team and a better manager. |
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Post by adi on Dec 9, 2018 9:54:44 GMT
Keep going mate. You can preach this message at least another 50 times tonight, IF YOU STAY STRONG! It takes some doing for some thick ones on here. Like I did when Hughes was our manager and Lambert after that and now Rowett. In the end, it was obvious. Don't kill the messenger.  I always tell my guys at work “give me solutions not problems”, so I ask what do you think the solution is? I will say that the performances have been fucking awful but I can bear it as long as we maintain this form. |
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Post by enuntio on Dec 9, 2018 10:51:50 GMT
Minimum of 6 points for the rest of December would not be good.
7 points would not be overly bad
8 points would keep us in the hunt and unbeaten
9 points would be pleasing
10 or 12 points would be champions material
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Post by JoeinOz on Dec 9, 2018 11:39:37 GMT
If we beat Aston we'll be in a strong position. However, we've more than likely dropped too many points already to mount a sustained challenge.
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Post by ravey123 on Dec 9, 2018 11:58:36 GMT
Despite our stuttering start We're in a very good position to strike for top 6 come Jan - this now pretty much without the pressure of "favourites". Unlike the Prem, one,two or more front runners in this league plummet and have major wobbles around this time and into the first month or two of the new year Yes. It's not Stokealona but it never was gonna be and as before, we're going to have to graft and scrap our way up and hopefully out of this league. A good transfer window will help and whilst I'm not his biggest fan, if he can bring in one or two more with the attitude and skills of Ince, Woods and a Clucas then I'll be happy. He's definitely steadied the ship and has credit in the bank still from that fantastic Derby win. To get into the top 6 we need to improve results further. Looking at the last 10 game form table we have only gained more points than 3 of the teams above us (Sheff U, WBA and Middlesborough), we are therefore not catching most of those above us but actually falling further behind. The draws are killing us - we need a mini run of 5 wins in 6 or similar to close the gap |
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Post by kidcrewbob on Dec 9, 2018 14:08:54 GMT
Despite our stuttering start We're in a very good position to strike for top 6 come Jan - this now pretty much without the pressure of "favourites". Unlike the Prem, one,two or more front runners in this league plummet and have major wobbles around this time and into the first month or two of the new year Yes. It's not Stokealona but it never was gonna be and as before, we're going to have to graft and scrap our way up and hopefully out of this league. A good transfer window will help and whilst I'm not his biggest fan, if he can bring in one or two more with the attitude and skills of Ince, Woods and a Clucas then I'll be happy. He's definitely steadied the ship and has credit in the bank still from that fantastic Derby win. To get into the top 6 we need to improve results further. Looking at the last 10 game form table we have only gained more points than 3 of the teams above us (Sheff U, WBA and Middlesborough), we are therefore not catching most of those above us but actually falling further behind. The draws are killing us - we need a mini run of 5 wins in 6 or similar to close the gap Agreed - we have to step it up win wise but we are well within striking distance - let's hope we can keep nudging our way up..... |
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Post by Deleted on Dec 9, 2018 14:13:39 GMT
Despite our stuttering start We're in a very good position to strike for top 6 come Jan - this now pretty much without the pressure of "favourites". Unlike the Prem, one,two or more front runners in this league plummet and have major wobbles around this time and into the first month or two of the new year Yes. It's not Stokealona but it never was gonna be and as before, we're going to have to graft and scrap our way up and hopefully out of this league. A good transfer window will help and whilst I'm not his biggest fan, if he can bring in one or two more with the attitude and skills of Ince, Woods and a Clucas then I'll be happy. He's definitely steadied the ship and has credit in the bank still from that fantastic Derby win. To get into the top 6 we need to improve results further. Looking at the last 10 game form table we have only gained more points than 3 of the teams above us (Sheff U, WBA and Middlesborough), we are therefore not catching most of those above us but actually falling further behind. The draws are killing us - we need a mini run of 5 wins in 6 or similar to close the gap And if we’re not picking up points against those teams we are not going to go up. It’s good picking up points against those in the bottom half of the table but so are those above us |
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Post by mrcoke on Dec 9, 2018 14:48:02 GMT
Despite our start to the season, we are a mere 4 points off the play offs. I can’t believe that really and I wonder if we are really beginning to get our act together- not in terms of style but in points being finally gathered. This is a real possibility and top six is there for the taking. Come on Stoke! I like your positive attitude and I will try and sustain it, but throw in a bit of realism. Firstly we are 6 points off a promotion place, not 4, and with our GD the reality is we are 7 points off, but there is still over half of the season to go, so it is still well within reach. We also have the advantage that we have played most of the top ten teams away from home and they have to come to us over the rest of the season. The most difficult team to beat Middlesbrough have visited us. We have to go to Derby, but they play an open game so there is a chance of getting points. The next couple of weeks could define our season with trips to Villa and Birmingham. If we can avoid defeats, we could still be in touch with the play-off positions provided we beat Millwall. Another advantage we have is that we don't entertain the top clubs until well into the second half of the season apart from Leeds on 19th January. That gives us time to really get out act together and turn all the draws into wins against the teams lower in the table. It could give us a chance to strengthen in the January transfer window, but the same applies to the other clubs. Any chance of catching up the automatic promotion places is extremely remote. Norwich and Leeds have achieved 2 points per game and there is no reason why that should not continue. We are 12 points behind them with a huge GD deficit relative to theirs, so we would not only have to have a brilliant second half to the season, they would have to falter badly. That is just possible with Leeds as they usually do falter under the enormous pressure of their expectant fans. Norwich fans really get behind their team though and give them a lift. I have tried to be as positive as possible above, but the realism is that we have Rowett as a manager, who is negative, uninspiring and clearly feeling the pressure. I've said for a long time that I believe we have the squad to achieve promotion but the manager is clearly out of his depth and not interesting in trying to go all out to win matches. The reality is though that winning matches is the only way we are going to get to a play-off position. |
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Post by estrangedsonoffaye on Dec 9, 2018 14:51:05 GMT
I believe we’re third in the league since the arrival of Ryan Woods, it’s not exciting...but slowly and surely...we’re grinding our way closer.
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Post by dirtygary69 on Dec 9, 2018 15:06:43 GMT
It’s difficult isn’t it? Whilst this run has been better, it’s not been brilliant. If we maintain this form, will it be enough? From the final 25 games we need to win at least half and draw as many of the rest as possible. We’re not going to go unbeaten but if we win 13/14 and draw a few that could see us slide in there.
If we can stop dropping silly points and maybe dismantle a few sides rather than scraping wins, confidence should grow. That depends if we can get that mentality instilled, which is the biggest question mark to date.
The one thing we definitely need is a run of wins. The longer our tendancy to draw goes on, the harder it is to believe we can make a decent fist of it. The sooner we can get within touching distance or, even better, in the mix the greater our chances will be.
Sorry if that’s stating the obvious but that is what’s needed. Shame it’s Villa next week as that will be a tough one. Could have done with Millwall and then Villa but we have upset a few sides away from home.
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Post by Roger Everyone on Dec 9, 2018 15:13:26 GMT
We are right in this, and always have been. Despite the constant doom and gloom posts on here and continual Rowet out Rowet is shit posts. We are approaching the top at the right time of the season. We have a large squad so injury's will not really effect us in the run in. Top 6 in January and a big push to the end should see us at least in the play offs. I never had a doubt from the start.
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Post by Pugsley on Dec 9, 2018 15:52:51 GMT
Despite our start to the season, we are a mere 4 points off the play offs. I can’t believe that really and I wonder if we are really beginning to get our act together- not in terms of style but in points being finally gathered. This is a real possibility and top six is there for the taking. Come on Stoke! I like your positive attitude and I will try and sustain it, but throw in a bit of realism. Firstly we are 6 points off a promotion place, not 4, and with our GD the reality is we are 7 points off, but there is still over half of the season to go, so it is still well within reach. We also have the advantage that we have played most of the top ten teams away from home and they have to come to us over the rest of the season. The most difficult team to beat Middlesbrough have visited us. We have to go to Derby, but they play an open game so there is a chance of getting points. The next couple of weeks could define our season with trips to Villa and Birmingham. If we can avoid defeats, we could still be in touch with the play-off positions provided we beat Millwall. Another advantage we have is that we don't entertain the top clubs until well into the second half of the season apart from Leeds on 19th January. That gives us time to really get out act together and turn all the draws into wins against the teams lower in the table. It could give us a chance to strengthen in the January transfer window, but the same applies to the other clubs. Any chance of catching up the automatic promotion places is extremely remote. Norwich and Leeds have achieved 2 points per game and there is no reason why that should not continue. We are 12 points behind them with a huge GD deficit relative to theirs, so we would not only have to have a brilliant second half to the season, they would have to falter badly. That is just possible with Leeds as they usually do falter under the enormous pressure of their expectant fans. Norwich fans really get behind their team though and give them a lift. I have tried to be as positive as possible above, but the realism is that we have Rowett as a manager, who is negative, uninspiring and clearly feeling the pressure. I've said for a long time that I believe we have the squad to achieve promotion but the manager is clearly out of his depth and not interesting in trying to go all out to win matches. The reality is though that winning matches is the only way we are going to get to a play-off position. 12 points off a promotion place. |
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Post by miggoscfc on Dec 9, 2018 15:57:59 GMT
I like your positive attitude and I will try and sustain it, but throw in a bit of realism. Firstly we are 6 points off a promotion place, not 4, and with our GD the reality is we are 7 points off, but there is still over half of the season to go, so it is still well within reach. We also have the advantage that we have played most of the top ten teams away from home and they have to come to us over the rest of the season. The most difficult team to beat Middlesbrough have visited us. We have to go to Derby, but they play an open game so there is a chance of getting points. The next couple of weeks could define our season with trips to Villa and Birmingham. If we can avoid defeats, we could still be in touch with the play-off positions provided we beat Millwall. Another advantage we have is that we don't entertain the top clubs until well into the second half of the season apart from Leeds on 19th January. That gives us time to really get out act together and turn all the draws into wins against the teams lower in the table. It could give us a chance to strengthen in the January transfer window, but the same applies to the other clubs. Any chance of catching up the automatic promotion places is extremely remote. Norwich and Leeds have achieved 2 points per game and there is no reason why that should not continue. We are 12 points behind them with a huge GD deficit relative to theirs, so we would not only have to have a brilliant second half to the season, they would have to falter badly. That is just possible with Leeds as they usually do falter under the enormous pressure of their expectant fans. Norwich fans really get behind their team though and give them a lift. I have tried to be as positive as possible above, but the realism is that we have Rowett as a manager, who is negative, uninspiring and clearly feeling the pressure. I've said for a long time that I believe we have the squad to achieve promotion but the manager is clearly out of his depth and not interesting in trying to go all out to win matches. The reality is though that winning matches is the only way we are going to get to a play-off position. 12 points off a promotion place. At this point it isnt about automatic promotion, play offs are well in reach. |
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Post by TexasPotter on Dec 9, 2018 16:21:16 GMT
It takes some doing for some thick ones on here. Like I did when Hughes was our manager and Lambert after that and now Rowett. In the end, it was obvious. Don't kill the messenger. I always tell my guys at work “give me solutions not problems”, so I ask what do you think the solution is? I will say that the performances have been fucking awful but I can bear it as long as we maintain this form. The solution is easy. Less useless grafters contributing to the mountain of draws having us chase teams playing football up the table and use our skilled players in their correct positions. You know the stuff we did all Stokelona. We use Allen, McClean and Fletcher incorrectly and don't use Bojan, Bauer, Afobe and Bera effectively if at all. This run will be over as we start playing football clubs like Villa. We struggled versus the worst team in the championship in some time under Rowett ball. |
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Post by PotterLog on Dec 9, 2018 16:23:06 GMT
12 points off a promotion place. At this point it isnt about automatic promotion, play offs are well in reach. That’s not a “promotion place” though is it. After a dismally poor start we seem to be making some minute progress at glacial pace and it looks like our massively expensively assembled squad *might* have it in them to achieve the bare minimum of reaching the play-offs, which are still pretty distant. (Semi-final specialist Gary will then see that we are safely eliminated straight away imo but that’s by the by). And people are getting all excited about being “right in it” and peaking  at the right time for a run at the play-offs to rescue this fucking dreadful season. Some people are easily pleased, jesus. |
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Post by TexasPotter on Dec 9, 2018 16:23:43 GMT
If we beat Aston we'll be in a strong position. However, we've more than likely dropped too many points already to mount a sustained challenge. The thinking is only we will win and everyone up the table actually playing decent football will struggle... We're 10th you know. 😏 That's only 15 draws away! |
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Post by TexasPotter on Dec 9, 2018 16:25:42 GMT
At this point it isnt about automatic promotion, play offs are well in reach. That’s not a “promotion place” though is it. After a dismally poor start we seem to be making some minute progress at glacial pace and it looks like our massively expensively assembled squad *might* have it in them to achieve the bare minimum of reaching the play-offs, which are still pretty distant. (Semi-final specialist Gary will then see that we are safely eliminated straight away imo but that’s by the by). And people are getting all excited about being “right in it” and peaking at the right time for a run at the play-offs to rescue this fucking dreadful season. Some people are easily pleased, jesus. Some one here think we have "form" are "on the up," after a laboured second half win versus the absolute worst team in the league. I'd add easily forgetful and deluded too. |
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Post by TexasPotter on Dec 9, 2018 16:33:15 GMT
It’s difficult isn’t it? Whilst this run has been better, it’s not been brilliant. If we maintain this form, will it be enough? From the final 25 games we need to win at least half and draw as many of the rest as possible. We’re not going to go unbeaten but if we win 13/14 and draw a few that could see us slide in there. If we can stop dropping silly points and maybe dismantle a few sides rather than scraping wins, confidence should grow. That depends if we can get that mentality instilled, which is the biggest question mark to date. The one thing we definitely need is a run of wins. The longer our tendancy to draw goes on, the harder it is to believe we can make a decent fist of it. The sooner we can get within touching distance or, even better, in the mix the greater our chances will be. Sorry if that’s stating the obvious but that is what’s needed. Shame it’s Villa next week as that will be a tough one. Could have done with Millwall and then Villa but we have upset a few sides away from home. Hard to win with giving opponents 50% possession, at home like Ipswich. Gonna need feats of skill but those are rare. We've drawn more than won this season because of the front three not gelling add in no real #10 as Allen can't hold possession and a lack of threat right up the middle. It seems only Woods can hold possession but that is at the wrong end. Villa is going to press the wings force us in the middle and take it off us making us play football. |
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Post by JurgenVandeurzen on Dec 9, 2018 17:12:08 GMT
If we beat Villa and Millwall, that's when I'll get a tiny bit excited.
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Post by TexasPotter on Dec 9, 2018 18:59:13 GMT
If we beat Villa and Millwall, that's when I'll get a tiny bit excited. What if we lose? Or better yet draw like usual. More of the same? |
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Post by JurgenVandeurzen on Dec 9, 2018 19:00:05 GMT
If we beat Villa and Millwall, that's when I'll get a tiny bit excited. What if we lose? Or better yet draw like usual. More of the same? Can't see us being in the mix if we don't win these too. |
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Post by TexasPotter on Dec 9, 2018 19:04:24 GMT
What if we lose? Or better yet draw like usual. More of the same? Can't see us being in the mix if we don't win these too. Fair enough, I think that is the right barometer myself looking at the rest of the schedule. Round' the wagons kinda stuff. |
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at the right time for a run at the play-offs to rescue 
