FFS! WE ARE STILL ONLY 3 POINTS FROM THE PLAYOFFS!!! (9 Viewers)

[steve cooper]

Also we have 2 games in hand over 2 of the teams above us and 1 game in hand over all the others except Exeter. Got to get points from them to benefit, but at this stage of the season 2 games in hand can make a massive difference.
Crawley are on a good run but they need 2 points per game to make 75 points, that's 8 wins out of 12 games. Exeter have only scored 1 point out of the last 3 games but need 23 points out of their last 15 games to reach 75. Lincoln have scored only 4 points from their last 4 games but need 22 points from their last 13 games to get to 75. So all to play for I think

 

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[Otis]

Also we have 2 games in hand over 2 of the teams above us and 1 game in hand over all the others except Exeter. Got to get points from them to benefit, but at this stage of the season 2 games in hand can make a massive difference.
Crawley are on a good run but they need 2 points per game to make 75 points, that's 8 wins out of 12 games. Exeter have only scored 1 point out of the last 3 games but need 23 points out of their last 15 games to reach 75. Lincoln have scored only 4 points from their last 4 games but need 22 points from their last 13 games to get to 75. So all to play for I think

I know there are still the games left in order for us to make it and I do understand the notion of that perhaps we don't have to beat both Mansfield and Wycombe in order to do so, because of the games that follow.

However, the concern is if we were to lose both these two games that would then mean we would have lost 5 matches in a row. That would surely be incredibly damaging to team morale and could well have us 5, 6 or 7 points adrift of that final play off spot.

Momentum is obviously so important and if we were to lose next week at Mansfield that would of course then be 4 defeats in a row going into the game at Wycombe where they are free scoring (10 goals in the last 3 home games).

Therefore, I would say next week is a game we dare not lose, so it will be interesting to see how MR approaches the match.

A well earned draw could well give us heart for the following Wycombe game and a win would obviously be a fantastic shot in the arm.

Such a crucial matchup next Saturday. Fingers crossed we can get something from the game and get back on track.

 

[steve cooper]

I know there are still the games left in order for us to make it and I do understand the notion of that perhaps we don't have to beat both Mansfield and Wycombe in order to do so, because of the games that follow.

However, the concern is if we were to lose both these two games that would then mean we would have lost 5 matches in a row. That would surely be incredibly damaging to team morale and could well have us 5, 6 or 7 points adrift of that final play off spot.

Momentum is obviously so important and if we were to lose next week at Mansfield that would of course then be 4 defeats in a row going into the game at Wycombe where they are free scoring (10 goals in the last 3 home games).

Therefore, I would say next week is a game we dare not lose, so it will be interesting to see how MR approaches the match.

A well earned draw could well give us heart for the following Wycombe game and a win would obviously be a fantastic shot in the arm.

Such a crucial matchup next Saturday. Fingers crossed we can get something from the game and get back on track.

Yes, and as I said in an earlier post, we definitely need to re-group, hopefully the worst of our injury position is over or at least getting much better, and a fully fit & motivated JCH could be all we need (I liked his video following yesterday's game). It's no co-incidence to me that the teams from L2 that had a good cup run have all lost form drastically. Notts C, Newport, and us.

 

[stupot07]

Current form home and away

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[AFCCOVENTRY]

Current form home and away

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Looks like mid-table mediocrity...

 

[Otis]

Looks like mid-table mediocrity...

And as people keep saying, we HAVE to improve our away form.

Those tables tell you exactly that.

Home form very good, albeit only Swindon and Notts County below us out of the top teams in that form table and the away form is very poor and not one of the top teams below us in that table.

We need to continue our good home form, but pick up points away too.

 

[JulianDarbyFTW]

Our two best players (on paper) have barely kicked a ball all season. How many division 4 clubs have the strength in depth to cope with that? The fact that we're still up there competing with a team of little more that journeymen and kids that are in their first season together says a lot. If we don't go up this season it's not the end of the world, as long as we keep the nucleus of the squad together.

 

[Otis]

Our two best players (on paper) have barely kicked a ball all season. How many division 4 clubs have the strength in depth to cope with that? The fact that we're still up there competing with a team of little more that journeymen and kids that are in their first season together says a lot. If we don't go up this season it's not the end of the world, as long as we keep the nucleus of the squad together.

And you honestly think that will happen?

 

[SkyblueBazza]

Why do people accept our underachievement? Some people seem to think it's ok to be 3 points off the play offs in league 2, when do we draw a line and say we shouldn't accept this rubbish?

So let's not accept it...what are we going to do about it...something realistic that will actually make a difference???

In the cold light of day: there is a mismatch in spending power compared to the need...so we have to wait for the Academy kids to mature & provide us a light at the end of the tunnel, which will be snuffed out when SISU accept the first reasonable bid & they are replaced with the next journeyman; we sack the manager...that's not worked so far over the years for most clubs; get SISU out in favour of some preferred owner...though we tried that too over a period of time & that hasn't worked either!

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[Nick]

So let's not accept it...what are we going to do about it...something realistic that will actually make a difference???

In the cold light of day: there is a mismatch in spending power compared to the need...so we have to wait for the Academy kids to mature & provide us a light at the end of the tunnel, which will be snuffed out when SISU accept the first reasonable bid & they are replaced with the next journeyman; we sack the manager...that's not worked so far over the years for most clubs; get SISU out in favour of some preferred owner...though we tried that too over a period of time & that hasn't worked either!

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Is there really a mismatch in spending power in league 2?

 

[Brighton Sky Blue]

Our two best players (on paper) have barely kicked a ball all season. How many division 4 clubs have the strength in depth to cope with that? The fact that we're still up there competing with a team of little more that journeymen and kids that are in their first season together says a lot. If we don't go up this season it's not the end of the world, as long as we keep the nucleus of the squad together.

For nearly every other team I would agree. History dictates however that we will drift into mid table, then relegation battles, then go down in about 5 years. That is why this season was so important.

 

[Sky Blue Pete]

For nearly every other team I would agree. History dictates however that we will drift into mid table, then relegation battles, then go down in about 5 years. That is why this season was so important.

Yep bang on

 

[Brighton Sky Blue]

[


Correction they won 4 in a row at home! Not bad.

Talking of Red cards they maybe should have beaten Wycombe last month at Home also would have 5 in a row. If they themselves hadn't had player sent off in first half. They gave them one hell of a fright second half even with 10 men.

Also they were unlucky against Exeter Away. They completely outplayed them few weeks. It was one of those games where Exeter had 2 shots on target and scored 2 goals one of which a penalty. and FGR had about 16 shots! and dominated.

Just making a point, and will prove it in coming weeks. We shall see. I will come back to you later in season.

As for that other person whos completely clueless and thinks FGR wont beat any of the teams above us in top 8 we shall see. lol

I will come back to this post very soon.

Yes totally clueless just going off 30 games' worth of form. Though as more teams pass above us the odds do go in your favour.

 

[BackRoomRummermill]

It’s a really unfortunate thread which will get bumped the more if we fall as a testament to demise

 

[Otis]

It’s a really unfortunate thread which will get bumped the more if we fall as a testament to demise

We still have a chance of the top 7 this season and we simply cannot afford to blow it.

Of course, it is all guesswork re next season and that goes for all us, but this season we were clearly one of the favourites and one of the big boys.

Next season we will have the 4 teams come down, who could well challenge for promotion and I do believe our attendances will drop and it will be tougher for us.

We have talked a lot of overachieving this past year or two and I think it may well prove to be the case for us next season.

Some have been talking of building on what we have, but if we have less income due to smaller crowds it will be tougher than this year and we could easily lose our best players.

I am pretty much always optimistic about the City and our chances and was very optimistic about this season and promotion.

Next season I am not at all sure I will have the same degree of optimism.

I don't think there is any evidence to show that next year we will be able to build on this year and be stronger.

Anyway, we STILL can make the playoffs this year. Let's make sure we do so.

 

[BackRoomRummermill]

We still have a chance of the top 7 this season and we simply cannot afford to blow it.

Of course, it is all guesswork re next season and that goes for all us, but this season we were clearly one of the favourites and one of the big boys.

Next season we will have the 4 teams come down, who could well challenge for promotion and I do believe our attendances will drop and it will be tougher for us.

We have talked a lot of overachieving this past year or two and I think it may well prove to be the case for us next season.

Some have been talking of building on what we have, but if we have less income due to smaller crowds it will be tougher than this year and we could easily lose our best players.

I am pretty much always optimistic about the City and our chances and was very optimistic about this season and promotion.

Next season I am not at all sure I will have the same degree of optimism.

I don't think there is any evidence to show that next year we will be able to build on this year and be stronger.

Anyway, we STILL can make the playoffs this year. Let's make sure we do so.

Unless a miracle happens , no promotion this year I am afraid , we just do not have the correct system or consistency

We have been lucky when we won and shown what we really are when we lose .

 

[Brighton Sky Blue]

Unless a miracle happens , no promotion this year I am afraid , we just do not have the correct system or consistency

We have been lucky when we won and shown what we really are when we lose .

All down to Robins. He has the players, even in this depleted side, to beat anyone in the league. Question is can he send them out with more ambition than to hold a draw.

 

[Sky Blue Pete]

Only one Mark robins
Only one Mark robins
He picks the wrong team
He goes for a draw
Never going up with him in charge

So hope I’m wrong

 

[Otis]

Only one Mark robins
Only one Mark robins
He picks the wrong team
He goes for a draw
Never going up with him in charge

So hope I’m wrong

Needs work.

 

[Londonccfcfan]

Yep bang on

Disagree. We were always going to find a bottom.

With our academy generally producing league two players. And a couple of gems now and again.

We have reached our level at the moment. We will be stronger next year for this years experience.

 

[JulianDarbyFTW]

And you honestly think that will happen?

You know what, I actually do. It's not like we have any players on unsustainable wages for once. And sure, we may lose a youngster or two, but as long as we keep the bulk of the players we'll be ok - and if we don't hit the D4 playoffs, why would anyone want to bid megabucks for any of our players? And while most of us dislike our owners, we have managed to keep hold of Willis, Haynes and Bayliss over the last 2 or 3 windows despite cash offers (if the news stories are to be believed).

 

[SkyblueBazza]

Is there really a mismatch in spending power in league 2?

I'm talking what we gain from sales versus what we spend on replacements. It is rare that if you sell a car for £10k then buy another for £6k that the latter will be as good overall!

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[Grendel]

I'm talking what we gain from sales versus what we spend on replacements. It is rare that if you sell a car for £10k then buy another for £6k that the latter will be as good overall!

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The only car we sold in January didn’t make it past the parking lot most times did he?

 

[Brighton Sky Blue]

Disagree. We were always going to find a bottom.

With our academy generally producing league two players. And a couple of gems now and again.

We have reached our level at the moment. We will be stronger next year for this years experience.

Some of us thought L1 was the bottom.

 

[SkyblueBazza]

The only car we sold in January didn’t make it past the parking lot most times did he?

Still a little better than those we bought in really

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[Sick Boy]

Disagree. We were always going to find a bottom.

With our academy generally producing league two players. And a couple of gems now and again.

We have reached our level at the moment. We will be stronger next year for this years experience.

How does that work when we will likely be losing our better players due to a smaller budget? I'm sure internally the club would have set the target of promotion this season. This 2 year plan has only emerged due to making excuses for poor results.

 

[Otis]

How does that work when we will likely be losing our better players due to a smaller budget? I'm sure internally the club would have set the target of promotion this season. This 2 year plan has only emerged due to making excuses for poor results.

That's exactly to my puzzlement too.

I can't see how less income due to lower attendances (all but 100% certain unless regime change) will result in us being stronger.

I would think quite the opposite.

Anyway, we are going up this season. Baker will prove his fitness this week, be signed by Friday and will then go on to score three hat tricks in the next three matches, leaving us right back into the heart of the pack.

Either that or the other scenario will occur, that of Barrett getting fit, finding form and losing the flabbiness.

Obviously the first scenario is a lot more plausible.

 

[Gosford Green]

When you have sunk that low you think you have hit the bottom but then you just keep falling further, I read that in a book somewhere but it does sum up supporting Coventry City.

The comparisons with 2 seasons ago are all there for us to see. Sporadic performances by Murphy, Armestrong and Fleck with the fans distracted by Joe Cole and a young player sold for a large sum but the manager given little or no support in the window as we ended up in mid table mediocrity

This time the defence and McNulty offer the form spasms and the FA cup has distracted the fans. Young playaer sold and as before and no window backing for the manager, mid table awaits us.

 

[covboy1987]

My prediction from last week on another thread - now we go on the unbeaten run - last 25 mins at Brighton shows we have enough

Being a realist we can and should either hit the top three or a play off place
Colchester away Tuesday - a tough game as they are just behind us and the hopeful the ending of the virus - We also still have a number of injuries we might lose this game - a point would be useful - get the FA cup out of the way as we will no doubt get beat - Get all the squad fit including Carl baker and we can go on a run as our squad looks decent
15 games to go and 45 points to play for it is possible to finish in the top three as this league is pretty crap - Teams like Stanley will not be there end of season Luton are having a few poor results notts county are falling like a stone - Lincoln are disappearing - it’s there for the taking any team from the top 12 can get a play off place which I think 70 to 75 points is the target
85 to 88 points could be a possibility for a top three - we have 50 points and need the following
35 - 38 points out of 45 for top three
20 - 25 points out of 45 for top seven finish
This is doable with our squad and experienced manager
We have beaten all of the so called top teams so have the ability
Interesting words from the manager of Stanley and Stanley supporters in the casino after beating us on Saturday
Coventry will be there at the end of the season

 

[Skyblueweeman]

How does that work when we will likely be losing our better players due to a smaller budget? I'm sure internally the club would have set the target of promotion this season. This 2 year plan has only emerged due to making excuses for poor results.

I'm sure the majority of players we brought in last summer were on 2 yr deals. Our two (potentially) best players, Jones and Andreu are both contracted to be here next season.

It's not as if we've been setting the league alight and there's going to be loads of offers rolling in. McNulty would probably be the exception. If we can keep him, I kind of agree that we might lose Bayliss or one other youngster showing promise but I don't think this Summer will see the wholesale changes we've been accustomed to.

If someone like Bayliss does go, I'd imagine it would make some cash available to address the GK situation. If we don't go up, I don't see it as much of a disaster as some on here. I fully expect us to be at least top 7 but we need to appreciate that there's other teams who'll be pushing for the same thing. If we're in L2 next season, THAT would be the last chance saloon for Robins in my eyes.

He would've had 3 (or 4 by the end of next season) transfer windows to mould his squad which is ample time. One would hope that we'd be due some luck next season on the injury front. Keep McNulty, JCH to find form and stay, Andreu and Jones fit, address CM, GK and LB and we could have a good season next season.

Buuuuuut, there's still plenty to play for this season. We just need to buck up our ideas quick sharpish.

 

[Otis]

I'm sure the majority of players we brought in last summer were on 2 yr deals. Our two (potentially) best players, Jones and Andreu are both contracted to be here next season.

It's not as if we've been setting the league alight and there's going to be loads of offers rolling in. McNulty would probably be the exception. If we can keep him, I kind of agree that we might lose Bayliss or one other youngster showing promise but I don't think this Summer will see the wholesale changes we've been accustomed to.

If someone like Bayliss does go, I'd imagine it would make some cash available to address the GK situation. If we don't go up, I don't see it as much of a disaster as some on here. I fully expect us to be at least top 7 but we need to appreciate that there's other teams who'll be pushing for the same thing. If we're in L2 next season, THAT would be the last chance saloon for Robins in my eyes.

He would've had 3 (or 4 by the end of next season) transfer windows to mould his squad which is ample time. One would hope that we'd be due some luck next season on the injury front. Keep McNulty, JCH to find form and stay, Andreu and Jones fit, address CM, GK and LB and we could have a good season next season.

Buuuuuut, there's still plenty to play for this season. We just need to buck up our ideas quick sharpish.

Don't think we can afford to lose to both Mansfield and Wycombe.

A positive win out of one of those games could give us a real boost.

 

[Londonccfcfan]

My prediction from last week on another thread - now we go on the unbeaten run - last 25 mins at Brighton shows we have enough

Being a realist we can and should either hit the top three or a play off place
Colchester away Tuesday - a tough game as they are just behind us and the hopeful the ending of the virus - We also still have a number of injuries we might lose this game - a point would be useful - get the FA cup out of the way as we will no doubt get beat - Get all the squad fit including Carl baker and we can go on a run as our squad looks decent
15 games to go and 45 points to play for it is possible to finish in the top three as this league is pretty crap - Teams like Stanley will not be there end of season Luton are having a few poor results notts county are falling like a stone - Lincoln are disappearing - it’s there for the taking any team from the top 12 can get a play off place which I think 70 to 75 points is the target
85 to 88 points could be a possibility for a top three - we have 50 points and need the following
35 - 38 points out of 45 for top three
20 - 25 points out of 45 for top seven finish
This is doable with our squad and experienced manager
We have beaten all of the so called top teams so have the ability
Interesting words from the manager of Stanley and Stanley supporters in the casino after beating us on Saturday
Coventry will be there at the end of the season

I just love a positive post well done. Theres at least two of us who think positively. The OP was trying to be positive. Lets hope hope it rubs on the constant doom and gloom merchants.

 

[Londonccfcfan]

Lets stick with team and have faith in whatwe have seen and then hopefully say to all negative doom and gloomers we told you so. Unlike them we try to always seek and look for positives.

Lol some folk already writing off next season as well. Cant and wont ever change mindsets.

Yet these are thesame folks who will say i knew it was just a blip if we win next game or two. And then they will find something else to be nagative about like why are not in auto.

Constant fucking negativity.

Give the fucking team a chance. Already a few saying since 3 games ago. Every game a MUST win.

Laughable.

 

[italiahorse]

The only car we sold in January didn’t make it past the parking lot most times did he?

He used to be a good player for us.
The question is 'what happened' ?
Do we play our younger players to early and it has a negative effect when they get outplayed/bullied by experienced pros ?
Teams are picking them up cheap as they just invest in them for the future.

 

[italiahorse]

Lets stick with team and have faith in whatwe have seen and then hopefully say to all negative doom and gloomers we told you so. Unlike them we try to always seek and look for positives.

Lol some folk already writing off next season as well. Cant and wont ever change mindsets.

Yet these are thesame folks who will say i knew it was just a blip if we win next game or two. And then they will find something else to be nagative about like why are not in auto.

Constant fucking negativity.

Give the fucking team a chance. Already a few saying since 3 games ago. Every game a MUST win.

Laughable.

It's this 'acceptability' that means our owners just play along with their 'puppet'.
We had the same conversations in the Championship and league 1.
They just keep the club ticking over and can't be arsed with the complication of funding the team after a promotion.
I'm starting to think that attending in numbers makes them think fans see our position as 'okay'.
God knows where we would be if our away support went to Northampton.