That is rather sobering. Blackpool were in the PL only three seasons ago and became many fans' second team as we admired their grit on a limited budget. Wigan, a team whom I've always seen as on par with us, are just above them and in danger of the drop. The implications of relegation have been extensively discussed here and elsewhere but the plight of these two clubs demonstrates the dangers rather dramatically. I hope the team are focussed tonight because this game is as big as our semi-final against Wigan last year. I note Millwall are adrift too which is the only good news!!
So true RTID....there for the grace go I . In both clubs the funding line and dreams have been cut......Blackpool is a club being torn apart by there owners too. We are just a few steps away from this if uncle Tony and his backers walk...so be careful what you wish for. I am simply wishing for a mammoth performance and a win tonight
Paul Ince took Blackpool from the top of the championship to the bottom. The club has not recovered yet. He thinks he was sacked because he is black though.
At the top, the Championship is really on fire and looks like a fascinating end to the season. Bournemouth, Norwich, Watford, Middlesbrough, Derby, Wolves and Brentford all looking for top two automatic places.
If we do get relegated, it would be an incredible feat to get promoted at first try again. Very hard league indeed this year.
Wolves weathered that double relegation experience to League 1, eventually coming back stronger, now fighting for a Championship playoff berth, packing in 25,000+ crowds to Molineux, as they did yesterday beating Leeds 4-3. Bournemouth also have a lot of fight in them coming back from 2-0 down to win at home yesterday. Fulham will probably just escape relegation, but it currently looks like Wigan & Millwall (despite recent good form) will be joining Blackpool. Our former managers, Ollie & Warnock (add HR), had horrible seasons, highlighted in Warnock's case by the Palace revival under Pardew. I imagine that Dave Whelan, after his Wembley FA Cup triumph and playing in Europe, must be regretting the gamble with Malky Mackay. In the above-mentioned examples, not sure where the blame lies - with the manager, the squad of players at their disposal or the attitude of the board of directors, in say restricting transfers? Chris Ramsey was really put in an awful situation, being appointed as manager after the January transfer window had closed, carrying injuries & misfits, Mutch going to Palace, plus the Zarate cock-up with West Ham. HR should have walked earlier, or TF should have had the balls to see the writing on the wall and show him the door back in December.
I do love the Championship. Such a competitive league. Won't be too miffed if we go down. Of course it would be great to survive though.
I watched the Football League Show last night. The Championship is indeed very competitive, but the quality looked low - exciting but dodgy. It's terrible preparation for playing in the PL.
Yes, there's a big gulf in quality which is why promoted clubs struggle - unless you take up a young, talented team that are improving and can step up with the need for only a few well-chosen reinforcements (thinking of Southampton or Swansea)
It was previously believed that this was the correct way to prepare for promotion. Leicester City have shown everybody conclusively that there is no "correct way".
