I can't get where all this cracks appearing nonsense, and we are getting worried. If you look at forum last night, it was very much a oh well we move on type of attitude. not like oh god we lost a game lets chuck stuff at our manager attitude! we are living a dream and are riding it knowing we are punching above our weight.
Guru, do you think there will be a massive supporter uproar if you don't get in the play-offs this season? From the position you were in a couple of weeks ago, I couldn't see Ipswich dipping lower than top four (I know you have had a few injuries, but it's still undeniably a decent "team" that McCarthy has put together even if "punching above [its] weight"). Even though now you've had your first dip in form (you had a slow start to the season, but at least picked up points steadily) it's still looking like it would be hugely disappointing for you if you don't get at least top six. I'd be surprised if the fans of any club were not pretty annoyed they didn't get play-offs when in the autos over Christmas?
Nothing is won or lost in January though... yes we have lost a match (only our 5th loss of the season) but there is no divine right for anyone to finish anywhere in the league. The league table never lies after 46 games which is where we will deserve to finish. As for this 'cracks appearing' as mentioned we are well aware of our shortfalls so don't expect to be winning week in week out. A lot of football still to be played for everyone in the league. If we finish in the play offs then that will be a positive as we would have taken that before a ball was kicked.. if we miss out on Automatic promotion on the last game of the season then yes I would be disappointed.. As for our current position, we're there on merit but like I said, it means squat until May 2nd.. similarly would Forrest be disappointed having led the league in September? No one can really guess who will do what with their remaining matches, that's what makes this league so bloody ridiculous!
Good post KoPR, though I would say I do think things can be lost in January. I don't really recall any teams having a very bad January month and then recovering for promotion (no doubt there will be an exception to prove me wrong!) So a bad January doesn't necessarily get you relegated (e.g. Wigan's multiple late season survivals) but can definitely knock you out of a title race (albeit that I appreciate your target still remains play-offs, I think that given the nature of this league all teams in the top eight right now can still target winning the league with a good run of form).
But after all the guff we have heard since your new untried manager came in, apparently you had the league won already!
Seasons not over yet. The only guff is the high altitude wind keeping those long balls of yours in the air.
Hopefully your sunday league management team will have the inspired idea to play wessi at cb against us.
I've never said that. I thought we'd finish 9th pre season. Now I think we'll finish 5th. Hardly ideas above my station