I threw the towel in back then because even then statistically we were incredibly unlikely to bother the play offs without making a management change, and so it has proved. The game is definitely over after today's '6 pointer'. I was talking about it not because of whether there was any argument to be had over whether we'd go up this season, but because we weren't (and still aren't) giving fringe players like Marriott some game time and experience. I see a lot of progress from the Keane era but I don't see an awful lot of progress with the team over the course of the season so without some bold signings over the summer I don't think there is any danger of us finishing top two next season.
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I reckon Fulham and Cardiff are gone, Sunderland will pull away and West Brom will scrape through, leaving either Palace or Norwich for the drop. Shame Sunderland / Norwich isn't on telly, that would be one to watch.
Their fixture list is staggering - the next four are all six pointers: Sunderland, Swansea, West Brom, Fulham. Then they can take their foot off the gas for the final four: Liverpool, Man United, Chelsea, Arsenal.
Hampy Marriott is at Woking getting game time and experience, and to be fair we have been in or around the play offs since that debate.
Weighty no-ones said you can't go on a streak and get inside that zone, but things will average out cos unless you do what Wigan and Sheffield United have (by changing manager) your form doesn't change that dramatically. That's why I pointed out at the time that over five seasons or something (probably even further back) the only sides who have made up the deficit we had are ones who have changed the manager. What's concerning me now is looking forward to next season there doesn't feel like there is anything building or improving in the squad. There is no identity building on the pitch, no steadily building the way we want to play, no player that's come through this season and been a jewel in the crown and not even really a solid defensive backbone to build forward on. Wouldn't it have been better to work on that stuff so we are improving and trying things than winning ugly most weeks?
Whether or not this season is over or not I sincerely hope that the management are having this conversation and planning for next season. Its a tough one to call but fan management wise I see no issues with Micks current line of "Its still possible if we go a run. We'll see." However I think we should realistically be planning for another season in the championship Between now and the end of the season I would like to see Hewitt brought back and given another chance at RB and Bishop clocking up some sub appearences. Ideally i'd like to see Marriott back aswell but since going to Gillingham he's been very quiet, suggesting Woking is probably the best place for him at the moment. For the summer we need to re-sign Hunt and SEB while making sure we don't lose McGoldrick and Cresswell. It'll be a shame but we can sell Taylor and Loach to help grease the wallet hinges for bringing in some creativity in Midfield that Mick actually likes. and then we'll need a new back-up keeper aswell... unless Mick is happy bringing Crowe through. So next season we'll be looking a first team squad that hopefully resembles something like GK: Gerken RB: Hewitt CB: Berra CB: Smith LB: Cresswell RM/W:Anderson CM: New Creative Signing CM: Skuse LM: Hunt ST: SEB ST: McGoldrick Sub: New Keeper/Crowe Sub: Chambers Sub: Hyam Sub: Murphy Sub: Nouble Sub: Youth Player Sub: Youth Player Theres not a lot of impact on that bench i realise so maybe in the summer we could and should be looking for 2 creative midfielders. Or to change the game we could put Chambers to the RB position and move Hewitt into an AM role. In suggesting that bench though im optimistically hoping the youth could provide the impact I think McGoldrick could also line up behind SEB and Murphy, although that would open another space on the bench that needs filling. Loaned Out: Bishop Mariott Mings (24 hr recall to cover Cresswell) Lawrenence any other youth player that needs game time We should be heading into the season with the aim of 6th as a minimum, although I would also consider it progress if we we're mathematically and realistically in the play off mix on the final day. (I noticed we weren't shown as play-off contenders on yesterday's football focus, that is the base line for next season, make the pundits notice us) Promotion should be pencilled in for 2016.
Our season still isn't over, it's unlikely we'll get playoffs but I think it was always going to be touch and go anyway but if we get results against Forest and Brighton who knows, Forest seem to be in a bad run of form atm whilst we're still just plodding along. It's unlikely but I don't know why people are completely writing us off as I've said every time we seem to lose one game even if it was only the 5th game in we were writing off our playoff chances, only for them to be back on again after a few decent results. We're only 5 points off Forest and still to play them. This season has been a relative success in terms of stabilisation and in terms of position IMO we couldn't have asked for more. Next season i'd like to see us in the playoffs for the majority of the season with Mick giving a few more youngster a go and adding some creativity to the team. I do have many gripes with Mick but that's because I think he is a very talented manager but his mindset limits his teams, which is why he'd do well at any club in this division but IMO will never be anything other than a relegation battle PL manager and will never win anything despite having IMO the talent to do so.
Whatever ptc, it does not matter what i say as you will always try to pick holes. Lets face facts, youdont like me and the feeling is mutual, in actual fact i think i may detest you more than you me. Only diff is, i will sometimes agree with you, cant say you ever have me or if you have you have then gone on to find fault some other way.
I like you to Warky, apart from the Mick thing and next time st PR i would love to meet up for a beer!! However i would rather muff dive a 90 yr old granny with herpes and genital warts than have a drink with ptc!!
Leicester seem to be doing ok by sticking with a manager rather than chopping and changing to get a small new manager boost....I think we need to look a long term stability rather than short term temporary fixes....as I've said before it is harsh on the hardcore season tickets holders when the style of play takes a hit in a transitional period but I'm hopeful that that side of things will improve in the coming season. I have not managed to get to a game for a month or so which makes it unfair for me to judge players performances but we do seem to be nowt special but also not terrible so consistently average which is a step in the right direction.
