6 games ago (1 Viewer)

[Astute]

So some are worried about what is to happen from now to the end of the season. But look back 6 games. It was after the first game.in our unbeaten run. The table is there for all to see. We were 6 points outside the playoffs and 11 points outside the top 3.

Mansfield Town 1-1 Coventry City

Now we are in 6th and 2 points clear of 8th. And only 6 points away from 3rd with a game in hand.

We are unbeaten in 7, have just played about our hardest game left today and have about the easiest run in out of the teams at the top. Am I wrong to be getting more confident as we go along?

 

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[Sky Blue Harry H]

Am I wrong to be getting more confident as we go along?

Yes - unless we win on Monday, in which case - No ! (P.S. I am now seriously ticked off at the potential advantage Yeovil have, having not played today - will even it up more than it would have been).

 

[Paul Anthony]

Am I wrong to be getting more confident as we go along?

I can never be confident of anything about City, except the fact that we'll always make things as hard as possible for ourselves!

 

[Grendel]

So some are worried about what is to happen from now to the end of the season. But look back 6 games. It was after the first game.in our unbeaten run. The table is there for all to see. We were 6 points outside the playoffs and 11 points outside the top 3.

Mansfield Town 1-1 Coventry City

Now we are in 6th and 2 points clear of 8th. And only 6 points away from 3rd with a game in hand.

We are unbeaten in 7, have just played about our hardest game left today and have about the easiest run in out of the teams at the top. Am I wrong to be getting more confident as we go along?

Unfortunately yes. The upturn was starting Clarke - Harris. I dont think we’ve lost a league game he’s started. It’s unlikely we will finish third. I can’t see us falling to make play offs but then it’s a lottery really.

 

[Tommo72]

I can never be confident of anything about City, except the fact that we'll always make things as hard as possible for ourselves!

TBF people keep saying that but recently that isn’t the case.....we are far more assured this season.

 

[Astute]

TBF people keep saying that but recently that isn’t the case.....we are far more assured this season.

Last 7 games more like. We came from behind to get something out of the game. Just like we did today. Earlier in the season.....and not long before that game....we seemed to defend being 1-0 down. After adding JCH....the player we all knew we were missing but some made out differently.....we are a new team. And if Reid is ready to play the last 7 games of the season and not just toss it off like he seems to on the lead up to the final games it should be a fun end to the season.

There are not many players that can keep up with Reid or JCH at this level. And we have McNulty as well. And every other team but Accrington have had a dip in form.

If only we hadn't had that bad run before our players got their act together

 

[fatso]

So some are worried about what is to happen from now to the end of the season. But look back 6 games. It was after the first game.in our unbeaten run. The table is there for all to see. We were 6 points outside the playoffs and 11 points outside the top 3.

Mansfield Town 1-1 Coventry City

Now we are in 6th and 2 points clear of 8th. And only 6 points away from 3rd with a game in hand.

We are unbeaten in 7, have just played about our hardest game left today and have about the easiest run in out of the teams at the top. Am I wrong to be getting more confident as we go along?

We are coventry city, we are more than capeable of fucking it up!

 

[Johhny Blue]

We are coventry city, we are more than capeable of fucking it up!

Happy Easter

 

[Astute]

We are coventry city, we are more than capeable of fucking it up!

But we have normally fucked it up by now. As in the bad run before this unbeaten run.

 

[wingy]

While there's always the potential to look a fool I think County and Lincoln are still toughish assignments.

 

[lifeskyblue]

While there's always the potential to look a fool I think County and Lincoln are still toughish assignments.

Agree. They, like us, have it all to play for.


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[covcity4life]

Burges save abs hyam clearence were huge. Nice for other fans to be thinking what if for once

 

[hill83]

It works both ways. Win a few the confident people pipe up. Lose a few the negative people pop up.

None of us have a fucking clue what will happen in reality. We could win the next 6 or lose them.

 

[Esoterica]

Unfortunately yes. The upturn was starting Clarke - Harris. I dont think we’ve lost a league game he’s started. It’s unlikely we will finish third. I can’t see us falling to make play offs but then it’s a lottery really.

The upturn started plenty before that. As soon as Bayliss came in and played centrally we won 6 of 8 games and started scoring first half goals. We had a 3 game blip when Robins rushed Kelly back still unfit, coinciding with Doyle's injury but as soon as Bayliss and Doyle were restored to the middle the wins started again. JCH has made a big contribution but he wasn't the catalyst. He was a further improvement, coupled with the cup run ending and Reid playing again.

 

[Mucca Mad Boys]

While there's always the potential to look a fool I think County and Lincoln are still toughish assignments.

Agree. They, like us, have it all to play for.


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Indeed, however, both teams have a significantly difficult run-in compared to us. Lincoln have to play; us, Carlisle and Accrington (all away) and Wycombe at home (hoping they win that assuming Wycombe are still the team to beat). Whilst Notts County have to travel to Accrington, also having us and Luton to play at home. I'm more concerned about Wycombe and Exeter at this point! In fact, I think Luton are looking like they could fall out of the top 3 altogether they're playing so badly! In what would be the mother of all capitulations!

Exeter's stand out difficult game is Accrington away, other than that, they've got very winnable games (thankfully, they've been more than willing drop what should be easy points, like us). Perhaps Chesterfield may be a difficult game because they're in survival mode, but Exeter are home and should really take maximum points.

To regurgitate a point I've been making for a while, we need to keep picking up maximum points where we can. If we keep up (or better yet, best their results) with Wycombe, we can close the gap to 3pts if we win our game in hand!

 

[Grendel]

The upturn started plenty before that. As soon as Bayliss came in and played centrally we won 6 of 8 games and started scoring first half goals. We had a 3 game blip when Robins rushed Kelly back still unfit, coinciding with Doyle's injury but as soon as Bayliss and Doyle were restored to the middle the wins started again. JCH has made a big contribution but he wasn't the catalyst. He was a further improvement, coupled with the cup run ending and Reid playing again.

Disagree

 

[Mucca Mad Boys]

The upturn started plenty before that. As soon as Bayliss came in and played centrally we won 6 of 8 games and started scoring first half goals. We had a 3 game blip when Robins rushed Kelly back still unfit, coinciding with Doyle's injury but as soon as Bayliss and Doyle were restored to the middle the wins started again. JCH has made a big contribution but he wasn't the catalyst. He was a further improvement, coupled with the cup run ending and Reid playing again.

I think the catalyst has been the way we approach games. After the 3 game skid, we had to act or we risked missing out on even the playoffs. We appear to be more attacking of late and getting first half goals.

I think JCH is a factor, so too is Bayliss. Both of them offer outlets for goals. JCH has two assists and 4 goals in the 7-8 games he’s started? But, overall, I think Robins has decided to be a bit more risky and ‘go for it’ a bit more too. In turn, giving the likes of McNulty, JCH, Bayliss room to express themselves.

I think Robins deserves a lot of credit!

 

[Astute]

It works both ways. Win a few the confident people pipe up. Lose a few the negative people pop up.

None of us have a fucking clue what will happen in reality. We could win the next 6 or lose them.

I was stupidly confident of still making the playoffs even when we were on that bad run. Our defence is decent and we have McNulty.

But now we have hit a run, we have JCH and Reid has decided to put some effort in. And the teams around us are slipping up. I am now stupidly looking at the top 3

 

[rob9872]

Indeed, however, both teams have a significantly difficult run-in compared to us. Lincoln have to play; us, Carlisle and Accrington (all away) and Wycombe at home (hoping they win that assuming Wycombe are still the team to beat). Whilst Notts County have to travel to Accrington, also having us and Luton to play at home. I'm more concerned about Wycombe and Exeter at this point! In fact, I think Luton are looking like they could fall out of the top 3 altogether they're playing so badly! In what would be the mother of all capitulations!

Exeter's stand out difficult game is Accrington away, other than that, they've got very winnable games (thankfully, they've been more than willing drop what should be easy points, like us). Perhaps Chesterfield may be a difficult game because they're in survival mode, but Exeter are home and should really take maximum points.

To regurgitate a point I've been making for a while, we need to keep picking up maximum points where we can. If we keep up (or better yet, best their results) with Wycombe, we can close the gap to 3pts if we win our game in hand!

I need Exeter or Accrington to win the league for my bet. Got doubles and trebles running with Blackburn and Wigan in L1, Cardiff and villa in the championship. Loos like L1 & L2 have a good chance now buthat need Wolves to stop winning. Anything from 1k to 4k depending on results. Hoping for Cardiff, Blackburn, Exeter but looks less likely now.

 

[Sky Blue Pete]

Disagree

Which bit?

 

[hill83]

I was stupidly confident of still making the playoffs even when we were on that bad run. Our defence is decent and we have McNulty.

But now we have hit a run, we have JCH and Reid has decided to put some effort in. And the teams around us are slipping up. I am now stupidly looking at the top 3

None of it is stupid as long as you are fully aware it’s all ultimately educated guesswork. If you start thinking you are mystic meg we have a problem.

Top three for me though. Fuck it.

 

[harvey098]

I mentioned on another thread how important that point at Mansfield was, if we hadn’t got that (admittedly soft) penalty then we would’ve dropped to 11th in the league. Physiologically we and the players may have given up on the idea of promotion from there.

As much as I’m excited about challenging for the autos, I’d still take a p/o spot right now. People are talking like playoffs are almost guaranteed. We could be out of it again 5pm Monday

 

[Astute]

None of it is stupid as long as you are fully aware it’s all ultimately educated guesswork. If you start thinking you are mystic meg we have a problem.

Top three for me though. Fuck it.

With my guesswork we have the best defence of the division on our side. And the teams around us are not as consistent as they were just a few weeks ago or as consistent as we are now.

And my other educated guesswork is that the team at the top keep winning yet the bookies keep offering decent odds on them to win. Quite enjoying it ATM.

 

[AFCCOVENTRY]

We need to start scoring more goals now. It could come down to goal difference on the final day for the autos or play offs. Lagging behind Wycombe. Need some high scoring games.

 

[Gibbo]

Disagree

Can't see why

 

[Gibbo]

I think the catalyst has been the way we approach games. After the 3 game skid, we had to act or we risked missing out on even the playoffs. We appear to be more attacking of late and getting first half goals.

I think JCH is a factor, so too is Bayliss. Both of them offer outlets for goals. JCH has two assists and 4 goals in the 7-8 games he’s started? But, overall, I think Robins has decided to be a bit more risky and ‘go for it’ a bit more too. In turn, giving the likes of McNulty, JCH, Bayliss room to express themselves.

I think Robins deserves a lot of credit!

When he switched Bayliss into the middle, the team sheet caught this place by surprise. It was not expected he would drop Kelly, whom he has been very loyal to. That game - whether it was Bayliss or not - was the catalyst. One up for Robbins for uncharacteristic ambition

 

[Grendel]

Can't see why

Because we lost 3 in a row when he played in central midfield and since Clarke Harris joined and started games we have I think gone on our longest unbeaten run in the league this season.

 

[theferret]

Because we lost 3 in a row when he played in central midfield and since Clarke Harris joined and started games we have I think gone on our longest unbeaten run in the league this season.

His point was about doyle and bayliss playing together in the middle. That didn't happen in any of those 3 games. Bayliss played on the right at FGR and Doyle missed Accrington and Colchester. Our record with those two playing together in midfield is outstanding.

 

[Grendel]

His point was about doyle and bayliss playing together in the middle. That didn't happen in any of those 3 games. Bayliss played on the right at FGR and Doyle missed Accrington and Colchester. Our record with those two playing together in midfield is outstanding.

From what I can see we’ve won 4 lost two (inc Port Vale when they played 3 across the middle) before clarke Harris arrived and it’s 3 v 1 playing wide?

 

[Esoterica]

The win pattern with Bayliss/Doyle either side of those 3 losses is identical. Win 2, drop points + repeat. What we've done is start turning the defeats (Port Vale, Exeter) into hard fought draws (Mansfield, Luton, Newport). We're not winning any more games since JCH came in and we're not scoring many more goals either, 13 in 8 before the 3 game loss and 12 in 7 since, although that has a good chance to improve on Monday. What he has brought is aggression, experience in leading the line and game management and we are playing better football as a team without the temptation of going long so regularly.

 

[Mucca Mad Boys]

When he switched Bayliss into the middle, the team sheet caught this place by surprise. It was not expected he would drop Kelly, whom he has been very loyal to. That game - whether it was Bayliss or not - was the catalyst. One up for Robbins for uncharacteristic ambition

I don’t think Robins’ is particularly loyal to any player per se — he seems to select the best players at his disposal at any given time.

The four best midfielders available to us are; Bayliss, Kelly, Doyle and Shipley. It would be perfect had Bayliss worked on the wing, but it didn’t. Vincenti has only really claimed that RM position by scoring 2 goals in his last 4 or 5. If either or Reid or Shipley were right footed, I have no doubt that they’d both be starting. I think now we play 4-4-2, Bayliss adds a new dimension to the midfield — but if anything, I think JCH is more of a catalyst. Why? Because we have two outlets for goals upfront — hopefully 3 if Biamou hits some form — and he’s struck up a good relationship with McNulty. Scored a pen v Mansfield, scored v Barnet, involved in both goals v Crewe, played excellently v Luton and unselfishly assisted McNulty v Grimsby. He’s been an inspired signing.

But, it boils down to one man, Robins. I think Robins deserves a hell of a lot of credit this season. He’s proven himself to be very adaptable, I think ‘Plan A’ was 4-2-3-1 with Andreu behind McNulty. He’s changed formation and system and has had to deal with season-ending injuries. He’s brought in some fantastic players, and built a real squad of players — look at Hyam, he’s our 4th choice CB and he’s making fantastic goalline clearances to keep us in it. He brought in Bayliss against the advice of his staff — an inspired choice. He seems to get all he wants from our owners like no other manager, since probably Coleman when they first came in, like no one else — which is key for us going forward.

With the likes of Jones and Andreu coming back, another transfer window to strengthen up, JCH from game 1. Even if we fail to make autos or we lose in the playoffs. I think we’ll win the league next season. But let’s get the job done this season.

 

[Otis]

I don’t think Robins’ is particularly loyal to any player per se — he seems to select the best players at his disposal at any given time.

The four best midfielders available to us are; Bayliss, Kelly, Doyle and Shipley. It would be perfect had Bayliss worked on the wing, but it didn’t. Vincenti has only really claimed that RM position by scoring 2 goals in his last 4 or 5. If either or Reid or Shipley were right footed, I have no doubt that they’d both be starting. I think now we play 4-4-2, Bayliss adds a new dimension to the midfield — but if anything, I think JCH is more of a catalyst. Why? Because we have two outlets for goals upfront — hopefully 3 if Biamou hits some form — and he’s struck up a good relationship with McNulty. Scored a pen v Mansfield, scored v Barnet, involved in both goals v Crewe, played excellently v Luton and unselfishly assisted McNulty v Grimsby. He’s been an inspired signing.

But, it boils down to one man, Robins. I think Robins deserves a hell of a lot of credit this season. He’s proven himself to be very adaptable, I think ‘Plan A’ was 4-2-3-1 with Andreu behind McNulty. He’s changed formation and system and has had to deal with season-ending injuries. He’s brought in some fantastic players, and built a real squad of players — look at Hyam, he’s our 4th choice CB and he’s making fantastic goalline clearances to keep us in it. He brought in Bayliss against the advice of his staff — an inspired choice. He seems to get all he wants from our owners like no other manager, since probably Coleman when they first came in, like no one else — which is key for us going forward.

With the likes of Jones and Andreu coming back, another transfer window to strengthen up, JCH from game 1. Even if we fail to make autos or we lose in the playoffs. I think we’ll win the league next season. But let’s get the job done this season.

The one thing with Vincenti is that he is so inconsistent. He will follow up a decent game with a poor one, whereas on the whole, Shipley, Doyle and Bayliss have all been reasonably consistent all season.

Kelly too was very consistent in the first part of the season, though has gone off the boil a bit of late.

It's been a bit of an issue I would say throughout the team.

Burger Grimmer, McDonald, Hyam, Davies and Willis have been pretty solid throughout, but both Stokes and Haynes haven't been and nor have the DKE's.

Don't expect everyone to play every game, but Vincenti, Stokes and Haynes especially, have not put enough decent performances in all season.

 

[Sky Blue Harry H]

Disagree

Well constructed point

 

[Mucca Mad Boys]

The one thing with Vincenti is that he is so inconsistent. He will follow up a decent game with a poor one, whereas on the whole, Shipley, Doyle and Bayliss have all been reasonably consistent all season.

Kelly too was very consistent in the first part of the season, though has gone off the boil a bit of late.

It's been a bit of an issue I would say throughout the team.

Burger Grimmer, McDonald, Hyam, Davies and Willis have been pretty solid throughout, but both Stokes and Haynes haven't been and nor have the DKE's.

Don't expect everyone to play every game, but Vincenti, Stokes and Haynes especially, have not put enough decent performances in all season.

I think Vincenti does a lot of dirty work that doesn’t get the credit it deserves. He’s not an out and out winger (nor is Shipley), but I think he’s decent at linking up down the wing, is good in the tackle and makes some intelligent clearances that leads to counter-attacks. As we seen in glimpses, but particularly v Grimsby, he’s a threat from set-pieces. He’s had some bad games, but we were in a bit of limbo at RM where Robins couldn’t decided if DKE, Vincenti, JMD or Barrett (then Bayliss), was his first choice. The lack of continuity couldn’t have helped either of the listed players. If we miss out on autos by 3-6pts — I think over the 27 games JJ will have missed, he makes up that easily. Which is frustrating.

Even now, I think our midfield lacks balance, because Jones is injured — that’s something we’ve not been able to sort out, especially since our loan signings have been ‘busts’.

As for LB, I’d consider getting rid of Stokes and signing a new LB — I think Haynes has got more development in him, and it appears that Robins’ favours him at the moment anyway. But agreed, less assured than the others in defence.

I like Kelly too, but I think he was a better fit when we played 4-2-3-1 better than 4-4-2. Again, without Jones, there was no forward thrust in that midfield. Enter Tom Bayliss, who can carry the ball. Thus, I think Bayliss’ role in a 4-4-2 suits us very well.

Even if we fail to get promoted, there’s cause for optimism! Jones and Andreu coming back will be like brand new signings, Bayliss still under contract (allegedly), JCH will hopefully become a permanent signing and with 3-5 additions to add to the squad depth... Autos will be a minimum requirement, surely.

 

[Otis]

I think Vincenti does a lot of dirty work that doesn’t get the credit it deserves. He’s not an out and out winger (nor is Shipley), but I think he’s decent at linking up down the wing, is good in the tackle and makes some intelligent clearances that leads to counter-attacks. As we seen in glimpses, but particularly v Grimsby, he’s a threat from set-pieces. He’s had some bad games, but we were in a bit of limbo at RM where Robins couldn’t decided if DKE, Vincenti, JMD or Barrett (then Bayliss), was his first choice. The lack of continuity couldn’t have helped either of the listed players. If we miss out on autos by 3-6pts — I think over the 27 games JJ will have missed, he makes up that easily. Which is frustrating.

Even now, I think our midfield lacks balance, because Jones is injured — that’s something we’ve not been able to sort out, especially since our loan signings have been ‘busts’.

As for LB, I’d consider getting rid of Stokes and signing a new LB — I think Haynes has got more development in him, and it appears that Robins’ favours him at the moment anyway. But agreed, less assured than the others in defence.

I like Kelly too, but I think he was a better fit when we played 4-2-3-1 better than 4-4-2. Again, without Jones, there was no forward thrust in that midfield. Enter Tom Bayliss, who can carry the ball. Thus, I think Bayliss’ role in a 4-4-2 suits us very well.

Even if we fail to get promoted, there’s cause for optimism! Jones and Andreu coming back will be like brand new signings, Bayliss still under contract (allegedly), JCH will hopefully become a permanent signing and with 3-5 additions to add to the squad depth... Autos will be a minimum requirement, surely.

I do quite like Vincenti, but even still, I do think he is very inconsistent.