Just looking at Saturday's results. Of the top 10 teams in the Championship going into the weekend, only Leicester, West Brom and us won their games - the other 7 either drew or got beaten. Sides below us like Blackburn, Bristol City, Norwich and Birmingham all won but I can't accept they're any better than us. Not getting carried away with one positive result, but the playoff spots (at least) this season really are seriously achievable. Losing those 2 games to the East Anglian clubs by the same 2-3 scoreline when we should have won both makes me so mad, but at the same time pretty optimistic. All ifs and buts, but if we'd won them as we clearly should have, we'd be in 3rd right now above Leeds. This season is so wide open. Bulut needs some serious backing from Tan in January now that he's able to provide it - no excuses.
Still need time on the training paddock, but we seem to be seeing a style developing. The players look as if they are starting to understand each other, which was always the challenge with so many new signings and a new coaching set up. A couple long term injuries need to return, compounded by the recent suspension and injury. Add in a couple shrewd signings and we should be set for a decent run in. Our attempts on goal and the ratio of those on target is looking OK. Need an improvement in the on target attempts to goals ratio though. My glass is half full.
The fact that 23 other clubs have the same desire seems to complicate the first part of your targets a little, don't you think?
The plan is fine. Achievement of the plan, a totally different proposition. As you say, 23 other teams with exactly the same plan is the problem.
Too early to predict top 6 & bottom 3? It’s difficult to see Leicester Soton & Leeds not making it. Ipswich probably unless they come off the rails in new year but the 2 other spots could be one of many. The bottom 3 clubs have got a bit of a catch-up but hope this is the season Millwall & swansea get relegated.
No it's not complicated at all. Not agreeing with our fellow poster above, but according to some, our first target is just to stay up. Isn't that everybody's obvious bottom line? Can't be doing with that. Despite the club's embargo difficulties in recent seasons. we need to have higher aspirations from the off even if we ultimately fail, otherwise we might as well give up right now.
I'm not denying our aspirations Sparks. With 2 or 3 reasonable signings, a fit Ramsey and dropping some deadwood (I'm sure you know who I mean) we should certainly be top 8 to 10 and with luck have a push for the playoffs. That would be real progress over the last couple of seasons and a strong base to push for greater achievements next season. What I dislike is the usual over simplication by a certain poster which takes no account of circumstances elsewhere beyond our control.
What have our 2 injury time goals done to PNE? Stuffed 4-0 at Boro was bad enough but to lose at home to QPR
Just heard a great quote on 5 Live. "Opinion is the lowest form of understanding" Now I wonder who we could refer that to, and I don't mean Masky?
