This is Cross Channel Stuff, Cardiff & Connected Banter Thread.

You are right it's about consistently getting tactics right against different opposition that ultimately gets more points and hence more of a chance of promotion , and obviously as you are 2nd and we are 6th and 13 points behind you I can't really argue you've been more successful than us. However we had a lower starting point than you as haven't been in this division as long as you , and last season had a team that barely managed to stay in this division, our progression this season has been immense.

 

Agreed - after last season I thought (and said so on this thread) that you would be bottom 6 at Christmas and we would be top 6. You've far exceeded my expectations at the half way point and to be honest we've exceeded the actual position I thought we'd hold at that point.

I thought we had enough under Warnock to challenge in the playoffs but we've now taken it a bit further. It's down to us now to go for the autos. That ambition may be a bridge too far for you guys now given your recent results, but a top 6 finish and a tilt at the playoffs certainly isn't.

It's good to talk.

 

There’s an old cliche; the league table doesn’t lie.

Cardiff have the points - fair enough.

We are still top 6 with everything to play for.

 

Stuck a thread up on our board that sort of concerns you guys. No sweat and no offence meant at all, just a discussion piece. Feel free to contribute - all welcome.

https://www.not606.com/threads/midweek-chat-only-one-place-left-for-the-playoffs.358856/

 

For me it will be Preston or Boro we ain’t at the races going into the last 12 games.
The mojo went after the cup run.

 

Quiet on this thread for a while guys - just a question......were we lucky to win last night and were you unlucky to lose?

Genuine question because after we went 2-0 up we were flying, but as soon as they got their goal we were under the cosh and I was happy to hear the ref's final whistle for the 3 points.

Preston are tough side to beat - they've done the double over us this season - but from the stats last night, you seemed to have had the greater possession and presumably control, so what went wrong?

 

Think the main thing is, You went through a lull but have turned it around bringing the confidence back to your players and hats off to Warnock for achieving that.. he’s an old master in the championship, he knows how to get a result.. in all honesty I think LJ is getting there but is still learning..
our aim now is playoffs which is still possible but slowly fading.. I fear a bit for us as it’s possible we will lose our best players next season and would mean we start again, not sure LJ will get the backing financially or by the fans..

 

Onefor - still think you can do this despite your recent dissappointments.

Just looked at your fixtures. Your next 3 away games are going to be bruisers - Burton, Barnsley and Millwall may not be the classiest of sides but they can dish it out with the best of them. We are supposed to be a "physical" side but last night Barnsley were in a different league. Millwall a couple of weeks back were the same at their place when the broke Madine's nose for him, but they also played some decent aggressive stuff and are very dangerous.

Keeping clear of trouble and coming away with something could be crucial because you could easily win all your home games. Realistically you could easily overtake Derby who have become a complete shambles recently.

Of the others, Middlesbrough look strong contenders with Sheff Utd and Brentford not finished yet. Perhaps we can do you a favour next Tuesday when we visit them for our re-arranged postponed fixture. It's on the box and you might even look in and give us your support - you know it makes sense.

 

I also have a small fear for you lot....If you do go up, I imagine NW will leave as he doesn't like the Prem....then what or who? Think it will be a massive ask you staying there.....but hey, I think I'm becoming jealous!!

 

No probs about Warnock - he's just signed a new 2 year contract extension until 2020 wherever we finish this season.

Despite what he's said about not liking the Prem, if we do go up I expect him to give it good shot - if we don't, he'll go again next year in the Championship.

 

A season in the Prem will wipe all that out and more

 

Fair play OS, your mob have kept going and ground out results and beaten teams comfortably along the way as well, wheras we have thrown leads away to sides and dropped off the pace.

As a fan what would be considered success, getting promoted and Warnock walking away and a new guy coming in who probably couldn't do anything to save you from instant relegation and maybe even worse the following year (think Sunderland), or a gracious play-off defeat (to us hopefully) and Warnock staying and keeping you in the top 6 again next season?

I'm in alignment with Warnock (where are my pills) in that the Premiership is an awful self-fulfilling indulgence for the big teams and a nightmare and potential financial ruin for the rest. I hate it, and as glad as I am to see City challenging to be there next year, I'm not sure it is what all the fans, players, manager and chairman hope it will be.
If you're not set correctly it could end up like popping you're cherry - over quickly and you're left wondering what all the fuss was about.....

 

Said it all along about the Prem supcon - the journey there is often better than the arrival.

 

Most teams enjoy the winning of games in the championship to get there and hate the losing to stay in the Premier......I have a very good friend that's a Norwich fan and says he much prefers a decent season in the championship than the struggling of the prem.....(not this one though, he says it's been dire)!!

 

'not sure LJ will get the backing financially'

Morning 1For, not sure about your comment above.
Why on earth do you think SL wont back LJ ?
Didn't LJ preside over the worst run of defeats in BCFC history last season and yet SL then backed Lee with the most money any manager has enjoyed ever.

Why do you think it might change next season ?

 

I think SL could see the potential of LJ (as did some of us!!) when he took him on and continued that belief even after that bad run you love to remember!!
The question SL might be having is has LJ peaked with the club being how the season was going? If we don't get in the playoffs, it could go down as a bit of a disappointment, especially with the relatively open cheque book.....although I don't believe he had a massive spend.
BTW, that's not my view only what SL might be thinking along with restless fans...
As you know Redprintt, I like LJ, for me he is doing a great job, needs to learn & improve how to set his teams up to get results as well as playing the good football. Killer instinct, Warnock or Bruce style, sometimes maybe required to push on out of this division...how long will he be given to achieve that, is my only questoion..

 

SL has always backed his managers financially - LJ got more to spend as he recouped more (in Kodija) than any other manager in our history.....

 

Supcon, sorry I forgot LJ brought Kodija to our club.
Hope his other signings are equally profitable.