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Post by polofrance on Feb 17, 2004 8:55:31 GMT
Bonjour tout le monde
I've been looking back at the recent final league table of Div 1 over the past 6 - 7 years and I noticed that a total of 75 points is sufficient to gain a play off spot, and that normally anything above 47 pts keeps you in the division
As we stand in 13 th position with 43 points today that leaves us 32 points short with 15 matches to go,thats 2.13 points per match is this too much, I personally beleive that it is. remember we have still to play Norwich(a) Sunderland (a) WBA (h) Wigan (h) West Ham (h°) sheff utd (a) and Ipswich (h) thats the current top seven!
I think the safer objective is the 6 - 7 points for First division security and then let Wilson and Owen play a string of matches irrespective of the opposition to see if they can do it at this level.
Polo
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Post by Lakeland Potter on Feb 17, 2004 9:03:23 GMT
You are probably right that the target of the playoffs won't be achieved. However, that is no reason not to aim for them.
Like you, I would want to give Wilson and Owen a run in the side - and I wouldn't wait until we are "safe" before doing so. They are both good players and should be able to add quality to the side to make up for their lack of experience. We'll never know unless we try it and we are so close to safety that we risk very little by trying it now.
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Post by romfordstokie on Feb 17, 2004 9:16:06 GMT
I agree with the sentiment of giving Owen and Wilson an extended go but think it’s unlikely. It’s more likely that sick note Clint will be given a run when we’re safe and then who else do you drop? Thommo? Johnny Halls. Doubtful IMO
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Post by JoeinOz on Feb 17, 2004 9:32:53 GMT
What you do is take each game as it comes (Brian) without stating objectives.
If TP declared an intention to for the play offs he'd be barking mad. But if we win every game (yeah right that'll happen) we'll make them.
Finishing where we are now would be significant improvement and anyone who seriously expects more than that will be disappointed.
Talk of the play offs is outlandish...however good our recent form has been.
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Post by Lakeland Potter on Feb 17, 2004 9:47:02 GMT
Romford, I am sure Clint will be given the opportunity to prove his fitness and ability - and I wouldn't argue with that. However, with his injury record this season (and last) it would be folly to rush him back to soon. I would hope to see Owen given a few games in the starting eleven with Hill brought on towards the end and only when he has proved his fitness beyond doubt would I start him. There is just too big a risk of him breaking down and setting his recovery back.
Joe, you are right, TP would be mad to talk of the playoffs. However, if he thinks there is a chance then he simply HAS to talk about it to the board as (sometime before the March deadline) he and Gunnar have to decide if it is worth bringing in loan players to strengthen the side. Last season the decision was easier - we HAD to bring players in or face relegation. This season TP knows that a run in similar to the last 14 games of last season (25 points from 14 games) would get us very close to a play off place - so he has to consider all options.
To put it in context. If we win on Saturday we will have 46 points with 14 games left to play. A return of 25 points from our last 14 games (like we got last season) would leave us on 71 points - just 4/5 below a probable play off place - so TP and Gunnar have some serious talking to do.
Incidentally, If we win on Saturday we will have 71 points from our last 46 games (ie a season's worth of games). Anyone who still doubts TP's managerial skills should take a long look at that statistic. ;D
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Post by JoeinOz on Feb 17, 2004 9:51:33 GMT
I posted a message at the start of June saying that if we finish mid table some Stokies would call for TPs head because we haven't made the play offs!
I wonder if anyone will!
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Post by Admin on Feb 17, 2004 9:52:42 GMT
I'm trying not to view this season in terms of league position, but rather how competitive we've been. In that respect I sincerely believe we have seen a quantam leap improvement in the ability of the team to go out and get results.
The only problem has been the defence. We have scored sufficient goals all season but the defence has not been sorted and is exceptionally vulnerable now that Taggart has been recalled to Leicester.
I think the play-offs are just out of our reach and I'm not too upset about that. This season was only ever really about rebuilding into a team of viable contenders and I think we are well along the road towards achieving that aim.
We HAVE to get the defence sorted out (either with Hill becoming fully fit or signing someone else) and the right side of midfield has to be addressed as well. Do that and I think we could be genuine play-off contenders next season - I really do!
Smudge
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Post by JoeinOz on Feb 17, 2004 9:58:29 GMT
Assuming we aren't going to get sucked into the relegation quagmire, one disappointing aspect of this season is that we haven't made more of the cups.
Going out of them both at home, to sides in our division, neither of which are particularly special.
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Post by mcf on Feb 17, 2004 10:02:14 GMT
I'd agree with that Smudge
I'm more bothered about who we can sign on longer term contracts than anything else as we've seen how the nucleus of the team is more than capable.
I think we need Hill (who has looked good and capable) to be fit PLUS another centre half. Thomas still doesn't inspire me enough despite a few encouraging displays, old habits die hard for him though.
Halls, Clarke, Russell, Eustace, Commons, Hooky, Neal, Ade, Sarbs, GNW have all shown to be more than good enough.
If anyone has to leave then its encouraging that Pulis is capable of bringing in good players, only Williams has been poor so far.
Good times ahead it seems...(fingers crossed)
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Post by Lakeland Potter on Feb 17, 2004 10:02:28 GMT
Yes, Joe, that shows the fragile nature of the squad. The first exit was in our "confused" period and the second when we had just a few players injured/suspended.
We have about 9 good players plus a few who are not (or not yet) good enough. I would imagine TP hopes for a clearout of deadwood at the end of the season so he can repeat last summers bargin hunting! ;D
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Post by wardrobe monster on Feb 17, 2004 10:34:17 GMT
I agree with the comments that Owen and Wilson should be given a go now. This will give the lads in the academy a pick-up as they can see that they can make it all the way.
As far as Hill is concerned I think he will come good...too many people rate him too highly for him to flop. However he has been badly dogged by injuries this year and the best remedy to that imho is to put him on the bench for the rest of the season, allowing him to FULLY recover from the injuries.
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