Since Peter Taylor's first season in charge. I expect a top 6 finish, but I think top 2 is well within reach. I do not normally build myself up, so to avoid disappointment. Anyone agree?
It's going to be a really tough league this year, too hard to predict until we've played a few. It will be interesting to see if Forest now have a load of cash to chuck at getting promoted. Top teams I predict will be, no particular order: Wednesday (good manager decent squad and strengthening well) Charlton (good manager, momentum from dominating L1 see Norwich & Southampton) Blackburn (**** manager but keeping a decent squad, early signings look good) Bolton (decent manager at this level, seem to be holding onto key players) Birmingham (Lee Clark - still not convinced by him, but still some decent players and Lovenkrands is a good signing) Wolves (don't know about their manager - proven abroad, but the Championship is a different league, not sure how many players they'll lose) Leeds (love him or hate him good manager - depends on takeover/funds) Huddersfield (good manager, some really good players Hunt/Rhodes - depends if they stay - very wealthy owner) Middlesbrough (good manager/money to spend/decent squad) Us (great manager, young squad with much promise, need to sprinkle in some experience in key areas - a bit naieve at times last year) Leicester (Pearson - good at identifying decent young prospects, can't manage ego's, I genuinely don't think he has the motivational ability or the wherewithal to get a team into the premier league. His signings to date seem to me to be a bit of a gamble - he'll be an early candidate to be sacked I think. It's a big punt he's taken on Vardy) Blackpool (Brilliant manager, cavalier approach to attacking football always delivers a decent finish in this league) A really really hard division, much tougher than last year IMHO. There are some really decent teams in this league now, and for a top 6 or top 2 finish we'll have done bloody well. Not to mention the amount of Yorkshire derbies, which are always tense and tight affairs, I think these games will be our biggest hindrance to doing well in this league (potentially).
Cautiously optimistic but as things stand because we look short, we've probably been the least active team in the transfer market in the league so far but thats understandable given the managerial situation. I've every faith Bruce will spend whatever money we have wisely though. Striker and left wing stand out as glaring needs, hopefully some decent money will be thrown at these 2 positions, throw in Tunnicliffe & Keane on loan and we'll look in good shape.
I think those odds to win the league have drifted actually - I think they were 28/1 when Bruce was appointed - but not sure if that was with Bet365. Strange I really expected them to shorten. 12/1 may be worth a crafty fiver though.
You guys do genuinely believe you have got a great manager dont you? This isn't a WuM post by the way I'm just curious. From an outsider looking in I believe you will finish 9th
No, personally I wouldn't say Bruce was a 'great' manager. I'd say he was a decent manager, few more adept at taking teams up in this league though and I do believe he can get us up within the next 3 years. I have a feeling we will finish 5th, for no real reason.
Thats a fair response. You guys do seem to have the core of the team already though which is one of the hardest things to do and just need to iron out some of your poorer positions I suppose. I just don't like Bruce to be honest
He has managed in the prem for the last 10 seasons, consistently over achieved at Wigan with finishes in or around the top half. I'd say that gives us reason to be optimistic. Best manager out there that we were linked with, and he's certainly one of the better managers in the Championship - his record supports that.
