We really need a win today

We've got an odd run of fixtures coming up and the hardest of run-ins between the two sides. We've yet to play our return games against Bournemouth, Wolves, and Forest (the last two away from home), and Blackburn away on the last day of the season won't be easy either. Before the Watford result, I didn't have us down as picking up three points against any of those four sides. Now, I'm slightly more optimistic. Bournemouth destroyed Middlesbrough yesterday, but they've been inconsistent and if we can get three points at our place against them then ... just wow, we'll be rightly considered realistic play-off contenders again.

I just hope by the time we play Wolves and Forest, their play-off hopes would've been over, as it would realistically result in easier games. Somehow, I can't see that happening in Wolves' case, who I expect will end up dislodging a very poor Brentford side. Amazing to think that Derby, very much the media darlings, could drop out of the top six over the next couple of games too.

Norwich's run in looks considerably easier. Brighton away will be tough, but three consecutive games against mid-rankers like Sheffield Wednesday, Bolton, and Leeds should bring in several points. But yes, your home matches against Middlesbrough and Fulham will be difficult. I think top two is a realistic ambition and your board were right in sacking Adams.

We didn't realistically expect play-offs at the start of the season, and why would we after several years of underachievement and mediocrity. We all have a go at McCarthy at times, usually at his tactics, style of play, and team selection, but I think we're all grateful of the job he has done here so far. Can he get us play-offs? I hope so. Will we get promoted? I doubt it, but I'd take Premier League football no matter how good or bad people think our squad is. We need the money, we need top-flight football again, and in McCarthy, I think we've got the best manager to deliver us that ambition in many years.

 

Nicely put Nuggets

 

i agree with you there M.M is quality at this level,not sure about in the P,L though

 

Not bothered about that, we'll worry about that if we need to.
Besides, who better to take us up, get us relegated and take us back up again?

 

I'm with you I keep hearing people say that he is great in the championship but limited in the prem ........well we are in the championship so no worries

 

Do think you have the ability to strengthen if you go up?

 

I think everyone in this league would need to significantly strengthen if they were to go up (perhaps to a slightly lesser extent for yourselves, but would still need to invest quite heavily)

I would imagine that the moth-eaten wallet would come out if we found ourselves at the top table. Certainly not to do a QPR, but more likely a Burnley and bring in 3 - 4 additions without upsetting the apple cart. This is obviously all hypothetical as no one knows is a) we'll go up, and b) what Marcus Evans will do to try and keep us there

 

" a very poor Brentford side "

I have no idea how Brentford can be classed as this!? Very good footballing sides and have worked miracles. They have no right to be anywhere like where they are now and are very much in the race. Brentford won at Blackburn and you said that's a difficult proposition, just wondered if that was a typo re Brentford?

Next up Bournemouth, can we?

 

....Too right we can

 

Just one year in the Prem would wipe out all of our debts and I couldn't care less if we were relegated after one season. All that lovely parachute lolly over 4 years would also come in handy!

 

But would you want to stick with Mick if he did bring us down after one season?

 

Yep

 

Rarely happens that way though does it?
Normally the manager has already been sacked in a vain effort to stay up and then you go through the motions of finding another manager capable of getting you back up.

 

Not quite the same here though!
If we do go up this year it will be viewed as a miracle and Mick will be under no pressure at all next season.
Mick will be given a budget to spend but relegation will be factored into the equation and given the severe restrictions that Mick has operated under there will be no need to change manager. If he had spent a shed load of money like Maclaren for example then yes I can see how getting rid of him would be favourable.

 

I agree mate, I was just saying that it is rare for a club to stick by the man who got you promoted. Seems ridiculous, the revolving door at some clubs looking for success, only to find yourself dropping like a stone.

 

Apologies for the confusion there Westy. I meant a Brentford side in poor form.

I'm not going to write off what they've accomplished this year at all, that wasn't my intention. In many ways, they've exceeded us in the 'overachieving' stakes and are still in the running for a play off place. They look a well-run club, play football in an attractive way, and possess a very proactive manager and chairman.

Fortunately for us, they're in very poor form. I hope I don't jinx it when I say I don't think they'll finish in the top six this year. Nonetheless, an incredible season for them.

 

Yeah I hope Brentford's dodgy run can continue, long may it!