Seeing as that was the last season we played at this level, how does our current squad compare to the 95/96 one which finished 19th and of course, went down? In my opinion I think we have a slightly better side that looks more balanced on paper. Back then we still had some very good players (Sinclair, Bardsley, Barker, Impey etc) who were technically very good. Along with Big Macca at the back and young Gallen and Dichio up front, we had a little bit of quality. But our defence leaked like a siv and the youngsters in the forward line (along with geriatric Hateley) couldn't score enough goals. Currently our defence looks more solid along with a better keeper although we do need a full-back (or two). Tarbs, Dyer (if fit ) and Faurlin are a good midfield and maybe on a par with the old team. Up front I think we are better off now with Bothroyd and hopefully soon DJ Cambell. Also, crucially, we have a better manager and maybe a closer knit set of players which could mean we might do what the 95/96 side failed miserably to do: Survive. What you reckon guys?
we only went down cos of sir les leaving, and to think he only went for 6M! nowadays he'd be worth 5x that, you have to stop and wonder where we'd be if the bloody geordies hadnt signed him
Interesting discussion item there Swords - and solid analysis that suggests the main difference between the two sides is management and cohesion. Looking back, the 95-96 side certainly appears a 'papering over the cracks' job, reflecting a time where the club had lost its sense of direction in every meaning of the word. Always knew Swords was no one trick pony!
The EPL has moved on leaps since '96. Think we have a better coaching set up now. We need a settled board asap and if Taarabt (I would have taken the £13m if offered) starts sulking then doomed. Taarabt's worth along with Eccelstones shares will nose dive in value unless we over achieve. Might be a few clubs queuing up to go down this year so we might get luckly. Not sure we will be above Norwich or Swansea this season like last.
The difference is simple: Today we are a team on the up carrying momentum and a high team spirit then we were a falling from grace ... the players were great but losing Sir Les affected everything .. I remember feeling gutted and if i am honest found myself watching ex QPR players in other teams albeit on the box and wanting them to do well. We supplied so much quality to the benefits of other teams. This year we have a very good team born from a very good spirit which has had to do so throughout a load of stuff off the pitch... hence my belief that our current squad has an unseen unity about them and these things count ... Kenny,Mackie, Taarabt, Faurlin, Smith, Orr, Bothroyd, Derry, Connelly, Hogan and even Dave all have in them to be premiership stars... it won't take long to attract attention with today's media ... one tackle, one goal, one assist, one block , one save is all it takes. 14 months ago no one knew Derry ...now he is a star on TV and writes in columns .... to be balanced it don't work both ways of course... one goal one mistake and QPR aren't good enough. The answer is to stay positive
Swords, I reckon your analysis is about right on every score. Whilst Dichio and Gallen had potential they were inexperienced and, especially with DJ, we're going to be stronger up front. However, whilst our current defence may be better than in 95/6, especially in goal, as you say we do need to strengthen the pool of talent, with FB being particularly thin on numbers. Hopefully, with a great manager and good team spirit, we will survive.
w127pa has it right. While our current squad does not measure up unfavourably to the 1996 team (when we got relegated remember) the standard and investment in PL teams have moved on apace since then. Teams like Bolton, Wigan and Fulham are packed with current internationals. We are better off than Blackpool were last season but probably less well off than West Ham who also got the chop of course.
That is a really tough comparison to make. If the two sides played each other, I would back the current team to win because they have proven to be hard to beat. The 95/96 defence should be stronger, what we would give to have Macca and Bardsley in the current team. However we didn't have a solid defensive midfielder and I think the current team is more likely to score a few goals. Maybe trying to pick a composite team out of the two squads would give a good indication?
It's a pointless exercise to try and compare them. The PL is so much more a squad orientated league that there really isn't a reliable comparison. I think we are a tad light in defence at present but we are now looking pretty decent in most other areas of the team and I'm sure Warnock will have another 2 or 3 signings/loans lined up. I'm a lot more optimistic now than a couple of weeks ago and I think we're better equipped in the most important position than we were in 95/96 and that is the manager!
