This Season (9 Viewers)

[Earlsdon_Skyblue1]

The league has quite clearly been strong this year. The top 5 teams are all 15+ points clear of 6th that is how good they have all been. The fact Sunderland aren’t top shows the quality of this league this year!

I guess you've kind of proved my point unintentionally.

Considering we've taken points off all the top sides, the fact we have lost points largely by teams at the bottom suggests it's a disappointment to not be in that top bracket.

 

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[stevefloyd]

Its been a fair season but in all honesty we are not really strong enough to have been promoted this season, once again a mixture of shite goalkeeping and plenty of missed chances have cost us with the latter being the biggest culprit..If only we had stumped up the money for James Collins for one then we may have been in Lutons position but its back to a clearout and more new faces next season lets hope its an even better one

 

[Warwickhunt]

lets hope Manure bid for Wilson because Lukaku is a spent force, 35 million will do!

 

[jto123]

If you have told me this would be our final position at the beginning of the season I would have been delighted. Delighted with the football we're playing and Robins as a manager. If more ruthless next season promotion could be achievable. As always though, a lot will depend on recruitment in the summer. Particularly as we'll be losing a few loanees and more...

 

[IrishSkyBlue]

If we can somehow get bright back next season and a proven goal scorer with a good keeper cant see why we cant push top 6 next season!

 

[COVKIDSNEVERQUIT]

If we can somehow get bright back next season and a proven goal scorer with a good keeper cant see why we cant push top 6 next season!

I blame Robins for not signing an experienced goal keeper at the start of the season.

We could all see that Burge is a car crash just waiting to happen, that is the main reason we won't Finnish in the playoffs .

 

[fatso]

A poor season to be honest. Luton showed what is possible. Any team that was consistent could get into the top 6.
We recruited poor strikers, and stuck with a poor keeper, with that in mind 8th place was all we could realistically expect. MR needs to learn from his mistakes,

 

[Adge]

On the whole a decent season that has gone over and above my expectations. I’d have took just staying in the League at the beginning of the season and I think most would.
A new keeper is a must and I think Robins now knows this has been a thorn in his side since Christmas.
We all seen how awful Burge was in L1 last time and the drop down to L2 seemed to have done him the world of good much the same as it did with Willis. Willis has moved on and adapted to the level and could possibly be maybe playing at s higher level in the not too distant future. Burge has returned to type and will never be any higher than this level.
So in a nutshell, poor goalkeepering and the inability to kill games off has maybe cost us a higher spot.

 

[skyblue025]

Decent season overall. I said a top 10 finish at the start of the season would be good. Although Burge has made a number of errors it's the lack of goals especially against teams in the bottom 8 that have stopped us being promoted this year. A real shame Jones did his cruciate again. Given the chances Thomas has missed time and time again I think Jones would of been in double figures comfortably. We have played decent football as well.

 

[Brighton Sky Blue]

A keeper who isn’t insane and a striker who can score gilt edged sitters are all that have denied us a playoff spot. Despite some trying to build up Southend and Shrewsbury as galacticos the quality of this league is awful and we have gone toe to toe with the front runners. 4 points off Sunderland and Barnsley, 6 against Charlton with an unfortunate loss at Pompey being our only whitewash.

It was there for a playoff tilt this season, no question. There will need to be some rebuilding as the loanees and unfavoured personnel depart and next season will depend on how well we replace them. We do not need Messi up front just someone who can score from 6 yards. We do not need Buffon just a keeper who doesn’t punch the ball towards his own goal.

 

[block16]

Very promising season just a shame we didn’t grow up/toughen up as it went along.
Was strange in a way because in pre season I thought Ogogo Andreu brown Chaplin Allasani and Jones would be the key players this year, but clearly none of those worked out! We’ve done well and maybe with a better GK and even more crucially better finishing it’s no exaggeration to say we could have at least another 15 points on the board.
Fingers crosses Robins can build another strong side recruitment this summer is absolutely crucial for us - can’t afford any bad transfer windows at this level can cost dear.

 

[clint van damme]

I guess you've kind of proved my point unintentionally.

Considering we've taken points off all the top sides, the fact we have lost points largely by teams at the bottom suggests it's a disappointment to not be in that top bracket.

Wolves have done the same in the Premiership and doubt they think they should be top 4. Sometimes a teams style of play are suited to certain games.

If we're at the Ricoh next season we have to find a way past teams with little attacking intent though you could argue we did that on several occasions but missed the chances created against them.

 

[Magwitch]

Very promising season just a shame we didn’t grow up/toughen up as it went along.
Was strange in a way because in pre season I thought Ogogo Andreu brown Chaplin Allasani and Jones would be the key players this year, but clearly none of those worked out! We’ve done well and maybe with a better GK and even more crucially better finishing it’s no exaggeration to say we could have at least another 15 points on the board.
Fingers crosses Robins can build another strong side recruitment this summer is absolutely crucial for us - can’t afford any bad transfer windows at this level can cost dear.

I think Chaplin will prove okay in time, bit too much on his inexperienced shoulders at first.

 

[Captain Dart]

I think Chaplin will prove okay in time, bit too much on his inexperienced shoulders at first.

Good movement in and around the box and doesn't lose the ball easy. He didn't really get any good chances on Monday.

 

[Paxman II]

Our squad needs a few tweaks but this thought we will lose most of them is silly. This young side will develop further without the loanees. New loanees will be targeted of course and I would seriously consider a more competent man between the sticks. We always knew we had a striker issue but overall Hiwula has proved good and Chaplin will come into his own next season. The brand of football is at times amazing at this level. We are very technical but just need to add a bit of bite. We will be right up there next season. My only fear is to do so means we must be at the Ricoh, playing at say St.Andrews will kill the support, and gravely affect who we can attract to the club.

 

[Deleted member 5849]

but this thought we will lose most of them is silly.

Burge, Willis, Davies, Grimmer out of contract. Sterling, Bright, Thomas loanees so not here next season as it stands.

That's five first teamers to replace, and two of the most senior backups are off too. That's quite a hole to fill, even if we don't deal with 'problem' positions that need improving, and none of the other players set to go as offers come in.

 

[scottccfc]

I think we need to find someone who can throw in like gunnarson can, put it in the mixer against teams that come for the point and someone who isn't shy from having a shot from 30-40 yards, I see this season as a positive played some good football had some awesome away days and shut some of the "big boys" up.

 

[covcity4life]

its both, overalla good season yet we clearly could have been top 6 with better finishing or even a cardboard cut out in goals so it is wasted opportunity too

 

[Paxman II]

Burge, Willis, Davies, Grimmer out of contract. Sterling, Bright, Thomas loanees so not here next season as it stands.

That's five first teamers to replace, and two of the most senior backups are off too. That's quite a hole to fill, even if we don't deal with 'problem' positions that need improving, and none of the other players set to go as offers come in.

Burge needs replacing. Willis can go or stay for me. Likely he will sign. he is injury prone and for large chunks of the season has been kept out by Hyam or Davies.
Grimmer not good enough. I think Sterling could remain on loan another season. Bright is the one that we will lose who has made a significant impact. But that's a chance for someone else. Thomas has been good but equally bad barbecue he still can't finish. Wakefield and others are yet to show what we have and among them we have a star man Jones coming back from injury and we also have Biamou coming back. Top that with David Myler too. Bayliss I don't think will go anywhere - still needs a good season to find suitors. Shipley is a good squad player. Hiwula will be here, Chaplin, Ponticelli and Westbrooke.
Here's a probable line up as of now:

Keeper
Sterling Willis Hyam Brown
Baylis Myler Kelly Jones
Biamou Hiwula

Westbrooke, Shipley Chaplin, Bakayoko, Allisanni among others still warming the bench.

Just don't see the panic?

 

[Deleted member 5849]

Top that with David Myler too.

Meyler's another who, as it stands, isn't here next season...

 

[Disgruntled Sky Blue]

If the Notts County game Biamou shows up then great but if it takes a season for him to get up to speed then he will be a bit part player. I fear for Jones though as it may end up being a psychological issue as much as physical one and in any event we're unlikely to see him until mid season. We may need short loans to cover them both.

 

[Brighton Sky Blue]

Wolves have done the same in the Premiership and doubt they think they should be top 4. Sometimes a teams style of play are suited to certain games.

If we're at the Ricoh next season we have to find a way past teams with little attacking intent though you could argue we did that on several occasions but missed the chances created against them.

No Chinese mega corporation or Portuguese super agent for us though

 

[Grendel]

Burge needs replacing. Willis can go or stay for me. Likely he will sign. he is injury prone and for large chunks of the season has been kept out by Hyam or Davies.
Grimmer not good enough. I think Sterling could remain on loan another season. Bright is the one that we will lose who has made a significant impact. But that's a chance for someone else. Thomas has been good but equally bad barbecue he still can't finish. Wakefield and others are yet to show what we have and among them we have a star man Jones coming back from injury and we also have Biamou coming back. Top that with David Myler too. Bayliss I don't think will go anywhere - still needs a good season to find suitors. Shipley is a good squad player. Hiwula will be here, Chaplin, Ponticelli and Westbrooke.
Here's a probable line up as of now:

Keeper
Sterling Willis Hyam Brown
Baylis Myler Kelly Jones
Biamou Hiwula

Westbrooke, Shipley Chaplin, Bakayoko, Allisanni among others still warming the bench.

Just don't see the panic?

Willis has only missed 30 games in 3 seasons - lost interest after that

 

[Liquid Gold]

GK:
New/New

LB:
Mason/McCallum

RB:
New/New

CB:
Hyam/Thompson/Drysdale
Williams/Rose

CM
Kelly/Shipley
Bayliss/Westbrook

LW
Hiwula/Allassani

AM
New/New

RW
New/Wakefield

ST
Baka/Chaplin/Biamou/Ponti

2 new keepers, one for development and one experienced
same for right back
probably another centre back if Willis and Davies leave unless MR has confidence in one to step up
More experience in the middle
If only we could sign Bright for that AM role
Someone to compete with Westbrook on the right

That's 8 players but realistically only a few of them need to be first team ready. Clubs will also have seen how we dealt with Thomas, Sterling and Bright so we will be looked at fondly by parent clubs of loan players.

 

[ps1948]

its both, overalla good season yet we clearly could have been top 6 with better finishing or even a cardboard cut out in goals so it is wasted opportunity too

In agreement with you again, except that you again miss out the obvious number of points dropped by the wasted chances. We should have been 2 - 0 up at half-time yesterday, which may have taken us onto a win, as a prime example.
If we do stay at the Ricoh, we'll have to learn to play a little less on the ground passing football, as the pitch will certainly be no better than this year, and the egg-chasers will probably want primacy on Saturday afternoon kick-offs.
We also need to have someone who can stand up to the underhand tactics used by several of the "lower" teams who beat us - Oxford being a prime example.
One centre-forward I was impressed with was Tom Eaves of Gillingham. Can't think of any keepers who I thought were excellent, but this is clearly the position we need to improve on - with better training of the defence as a whole from set-pieces.

 

[Skybluefaz]

GK:
New/New

LB:
Mason/McCallum

RB:
New/New

CB:
Hyam/Thompson/Drysdale
Williams/Rose

CM
Kelly/Shipley
Bayliss/Westbrook

LW
Hiwula/Allassani

AM
New/New

RW
New/Wakefield

ST
Baka/Chaplin/Biamou/Ponti

2 new keepers, one for development and one experienced
same for right back
probably another centre back if Willis and Davies leave unless MR has confidence in one to step up
More experience in the middle
If only we could sign Bright for that AM role
Someone to compete with Westbrook on the right

That's 8 players but realistically only a few of them need to be first team ready. Clubs will also have seen how we dealt with Thomas, Sterling and Bright so we will be looked at fondly by parent clubs of loan players.

Jodi RM? Hope he gets a good pre season in although I don't know where he is in terms of his recovery

 

[Liquid Gold]

Jodi RM? Hope he gets a good pre season in although I don't know where he is in terms of his recovery

Nah, he's done. To ACLs on the same knee, I'd be surprised if he ever played at a decent level again.

 

[covcity4life]

In agreement with you again, except that you again miss out the obvious number of points dropped by the wasted chances. We should have been 2 - 0 up at half-time yesterday, which may have taken us onto a win, as a prime example.
If we do stay at the Ricoh, we'll have to learn to play a little less on the ground passing football, as the pitch will certainly be no better than this year, and the egg-chasers will probably want primacy on Saturday afternoon kick-offs.
We also need to have someone who can stand up to the underhand tactics used by several of the "lower" teams who beat us - Oxford being a prime example.
One centre-forward I was impressed with was Tom Eaves of Gillingham. Can't think of any keepers who I thought were excellent, but this is clearly the position we need to improve on - with better training of the defence as a whole from set-pieces.

I mentioned finishing in my post

We need to continue this style of footy. Pitch whilst not great is noway near as bad as some make out

 

[higgs]

Could Jodi play the bright role next season?

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[Speedies_Chips]

Could Jodi play the bright role next season?

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No way. Nowhere near Bright's technical ability and vision.

 

[chiefdave]

At the start of the season I'd have been happy with mid table and not getting drawn in to a relegation battle so more than happy with what Robins has done.

Saying that to be at this point of the season look at the position we might be in with even a couple of draws turned in to wins can't help but feel its a bit of a missed opportunity.

Burge, Willis, Davies, Grimmer out of contract. Sterling, Bright, Thomas loanees so not here next season as it stands.

That's five first teamers to replace, and two of the most senior backups are off too. That's quite a hole to fill, even if we don't deal with 'problem' positions that need improving, and none of the other players set to go as offers come in.

Just because they're out of contract doesn't mean they won't stay. Are any of the 4 who are actually our players so good you think Championship sides will be beating down the door to sign them?

Pretty much everyone says Burge isn't good enough and needs replacing so no problem there. Davies and Grimmer aren't getting in the team unless there's injuries so really only Willis who will be a loss and I suspect he may sign a new contract.

Sterling and Thomas will undoubtedly be big losses but there will be replacement loanees to come in. We had this every season. Bright has only been here 6 months and is out of contract so its not out of the question we sign him. Meyler hasn't really featured much so won't be a big loss.

Who else will go? Possibly Bayliss but there's people saying he shouldn't be first choice.

There will be players to come in, Robins has already said they are working on that, and there will be players ready to step up from the U23s.

 

[higgs]

At the start of the season I'd have been happy with mid table and not getting drawn in to a relegation battle so more than happy with what Robins has done.

Saying that to be at this point of the season look at the position we might be in with even a couple of draws turned in to wins can't help but feel its a bit of a missed opportunity.

Just because they're out of contract doesn't mean they won't stay. Are any of the 4 who are actually our players so good you think Championship sides will be beating down the door to sign them?

Pretty much everyone says Burge isn't good enough and needs replacing so no problem there. Davies and Grimmer aren't getting in the team unless there's injuries so really only Willis who will be a loss and I suspect he may sign a new contract.

Sterling and Thomas will undoubtedly be big losses but there will be replacement loanees to come in. We had this every season. Bright has only been here 6 months and is out of contract so its not out of the question we sign him. Meyler hasn't really featured much so won't be a big loss.

Who else will go? Possibly Bayliss but there's people saying he shouldn't be first choice.

There will be players to come in, Robins has already said they are working on that, and there will be players ready to step up from the U23s.

Posters on here seem to have heard Willis has signed for Luton so he will be in the championship next season

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[fernandopartridge]

Burge needs replacing. Willis can go or stay for me. Likely he will sign. he is injury prone and for large chunks of the season has been kept out by Hyam or Davies.
Grimmer not good enough. I think Sterling could remain on loan another season. Bright is the one that we will lose who has made a significant impact. But that's a chance for someone else. Thomas has been good but equally bad barbecue he still can't finish. Wakefield and others are yet to show what we have and among them we have a star man Jones coming back from injury and we also have Biamou coming back. Top that with David Myler too. Bayliss I don't think will go anywhere - still needs a good season to find suitors. Shipley is a good squad player. Hiwula will be here, Chaplin, Ponticelli and Westbrooke.
Here's a probable line up as of now:

Keeper
Sterling Willis Hyam Brown
Baylis Myler Kelly Jones
Biamou Hiwula

Westbrooke, Shipley Chaplin, Bakayoko, Allisanni among others still warming the bench.

Just don't see the panic?

Meyler doesn't fit the style of play, why 4-4-2?

 

[Earlsdon_Skyblue1]

Doncaster losing 2-0.

Imagine if we had won yesterday?

Smacks of missed opportunity.

 

[Adge]

Doncaster losing 2-0.

Imagine if we had won yesterday?

Smacks of missed opportunity.

Balls! That’s typical.