Technically you are right but more often than not I back the team in 3rd or 6th. I don't subscribe to the myth finishing 3rd means you don't go up, all the recent evidence suggests otherwise. I was emotionally involved when AFC Wimbledon went up and I always thought they'd do it because they were the 2nd strongest by a stretch. Blackpool aside there have been no real surprises for me in recent years. I don't enjoy the playoff final anywhere near as much as the semi 2nd leg though.
Well I can't speak for League one and two as I have no knowledge of them but when Swansea went up last year it were the 7th time in the last 20 seasons the #3 team went up.
My preference is a stadium explosion. That bell end who is obsessed with writing anti TF and QPR stories has meant Id rather Cardiff go through as we all know they will lose the final anyway.
I just think West Ham in terms of quality are far closer to Reading and Southampton, than any of the other 3 in the playoffs, as Derby and Swansea were before them. You don't finish that far ahead of the rest for no reason. West Ham will go up as will whichever Sheffield club misses out in League One (United probably)
Cardiff for me. In mitigation it's because they're one of my Fantasy Football teams at work and I get bonus points if they win the play-offs. *Leaves thread quickly, narrowly escaping a virtual lynch mob.*
Can't disagree with any of that. WH managed to keep hold of the core of their relegated team and added quality in the likes of Nolan. I have a lot of admiration for Blackpool though, much of their team got stripped during the summer and still Ollie has managed to put together a steady but attacking side. In a one of like the play off final they have every possibility to upset the odds. And one thing I'll give Ollie is he's one hell of a motivator.
Pretty pathetic performance by Cardiff, hopefully West Ham will find their Wembley opponents tougher...
