Are we being “hyped”? (7 Viewers)

[Perennial Lurker]

It’s funny how we can have such opposite views from watching the same thing, and I’m not saying you’re wrong, it’s all just personal interpretation, I just think that defence has been our weak point for a while now.

I get your point about the players having more time together but I’m not convinced that that’s enough. The goals against Werder Bremen were similar mistakes we’ve made before for example I just think we need someone like Worrall to really bolster our defence.

You are never going to get perfection out of championship level players . Using Werder Bremen as a benchmark is wrong too as we won't play many of their standard of players often this season . Funny you didn't mention Everton??

And this is my last comment as getting into dialogue with you is liking banging my head against a wall

All the best

 

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[BlueSkiesForever]

It's a totally different system and not one that would allow the freedom of a marauding player . Why are you constantly looking for the negative

Yeah that’s fair but I feel like we can still have someone similar to Hamer and play the system we play now. We need someone that has the ability to beat a man and occasionally take the ball forward straight from defence to attack, quickening the tempo and getting players higher up the pitch quicker, or maybe whip a ball in from deep. We’ve got to keep defenders on their toes and create more chances, we’ve got the quality to score a shit ton of goals this season.

I’m critical, I wouldn’t necessarily say “negative”, because I feel like you can only improve if you’re critical about things rather than always saying everything is perfect the way it is. That’s just my personal take on things

 

[Flying Fokker]

West Brom could still be decent because of Corberan, but Watford are in the shit. Best players sold, no real replacements, and Tom Cleverley is in charge.

West Brom is a club in turmoil off the pitch. There will be no significant squad changes unless it’s to sell/ reduce costs.

 

[BlueSkiesForever]

You are never going to get perfection out of championship level players . Using Werder Bremen as a benchmark is wrong too as we won't play many of their standard of players often this season . Funny you didn't mention Everton??

And this is my last comment as getting into dialogue with you is liking banging my head against a wall

All the best

That’s true as well, we’re never going to be perfect but we’ve got to strive for it if we’re to get out of the championship. I didn’t mention Everton because we were obviously great in that game, I’m looking at where we went wrong and how we can improve on it. I could go around applauding everything positive I see but that would only get us so far. Okay maybe I can be more positive but I’m more interested in the points we can improve on and how we need to adapt in order to get to the prem.

And the last statement you said, I agree, that’s very wise

 

[SBAndy]

I think we are being ‘hyped’ a bit and for good reason. Genuinely expect us to be battling round the autos all season.

 

[bigfatronssba]

I can’t help but think there is always a tendency to overestimate the relegated teams.

Apart from last season, when was the last time all 3 relegated teams finished in the top 6?

Every year the relegated teams are all predicted to finish in the top 6, however I can’t help but think that is quite a rare occurrence

 

[Sky Blue Wozza]

It’s unnerving.

Can remember before first season in the Championship after relegation from the PL and pundits tipping us for great things. It was a very strange sensation.

As a Coventry fan, it’s a genuinely strange position to be in!

 

[SeaSeeEffCee]

Expectations for the season are the highest I can remember, it feels weird.

I’d take scraping 6th on goal difference on the last day if offered now.

 

[Ashdown]

Your big time pundits still have it fresh in their mind when we ‘beat’ Man Utd

 

[Tomh111]

I have us as a strong contender this year, which is unnerving.

I don't remember going into a season with elevated expectations, even the League 1 winning season it didn't feel like this.

On paper, we've strengthened and currently retained all of our key pieces and players.

There are teams like Leeds, Burnley, and Luton that will be strong, but outside of that, I don't see the league anywhere near as strong as last year. I actually think it resembles the league 2 years ago when we made the playoffs.

I've always felt like the 3/5 message from Doug was around a re-building year, followed by a competing year on a cycle. That's why I think Doug was so keen on the cup run and the exposure it gave us, commercially and attracting players.

I'd like another CM to provide some more strength, and I'd like to see Palmer and Collins/Wilson move on if we are going a flatter 3 in midfield. The CM is the difference, I think between 4/5/6 and 2/3.



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[Perennial Lurker]

I have us as a strong contender this year, which is unnerving.

I don't remember going into a season with elevated expectations, even the League 1 winning season it didn't feel like this.

On paper, we've strengthened and currently retained all of our key pieces and players.

There are teams like Leeds, Burnley, and Luton that will be strong, but outside of that, I don't see the league anywhere near as strong as last year. I actually think it resembles the league 2 years ago when we made the playoffs.

I've always felt like the 3/5 message from Doug was around a re-building year, followed by a competing year on a cycle. That's why I think Doug was so keen on the cup run and the exposure it gave us, commercially and attracting players.

I'd like another CM to provide some more strength, and I'd like to see Palmer and Collins/Wilson move on if we are going a flatter 3 in midfield. The CM is the difference, I think between 4/5/6 and 2/3.



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Getting Madsen whilst retaining Sheaf would be a massive signal of intent

 

[SAJ]

For the first time ever (that I can remember) I’ve noticed a lot of fans of other teams online and in person are predicting us for a top 6 / a lot even saying top 2 finish.

I certainly don’t have that much optimism (haven’t seen much of pre-season at all). If Sheaf goes, having to bed-in a new centre mid will surely effect our start.

Do we think the team and the management can cope with the expectations ? Will they even be aware?

If we don’t make it this season with this team, which on paper looks very strong, what happens then?

I remember (I can’t remember which year) but Bristol City ‘went for it’ and had an exciting team on paper and finished like 10th or something. I really do not want that to be us. I think I could handle it if we narrowly missed out, but surely now the expectation is warranted and if we miss out there will be some kind of fall out.

Sheaf going wouldn’t in my opinion derail us. As much as I want him to stay we have shown

I personally don’t think the Hamer situation has been rectified, we’ve yet to sign a marauding or penetrating midfielder, I think the closest thing we’ve got is Torp maybe? As much as it’s a cliche at this point we do lack the qualities that Hamer brought to the table.

We play a totally different system now to when Hamer was here. You will never get an exact like for like player and why would you if you’re playing a different system. Whilst we may well lack some of his qualities other players have brought different qualities to the team from his sale fee.

 

[fernandopartridge]

I can’t help but think there is always a tendency to overestimate the relegated teams.

Apart from last season, when was the last time all 3 relegated teams finished in the top 6?

Every year the relegated teams are all predicted to finish in the top 6, however I can’t help but think that is quite a rare occurrence

At least two of the three relegated teams have finished in the top 6 in four of the previous five seasons.

2023/24: 3 of the 3
2022/23: 1 of the 3
2021/22: 2 of the 3
2020/21: 3 of the 3
2019/20: 2 of the 3
2018/19: 1 of the 3
2017/18: 1 of the 3

 

[Senior Vick from Alicante]

You will get a better indication of where we are on Saturday. Stoke is always a difficult place to go and play as they are always physical. If we get a solid 2-0 then I would say that autos are achievable. We need another couple of signings to complement the squad, I love Bidders I just wish he was a yard quicker and 2 years younger so a good replacement in the Milan mould is needed. Midfield is Ok if Sheaf stays and I think Binks will step up a level this year, his long ball distribution can bypass busy midfields if we need it. Quietly confident of autos but a top six squad brings its own pressures. Loved the play offs but its a lottery.

 

[covmutley]

I fancy Cardiff to do alright this year. They’ve got a good manager and seem to have signed some quality.

IF they can keep them fit. Ramsey a ticking time bomb, el gazhi not played for over a year, willock been injured recently, and Chambers has not played lots of football in the last few years

 

[skybluecam]

Boosh’s prediction:

Burnley
Leeds
Sheffield United
Luton
Middlesbrough
Sunderland
Norwich
West Brom
Millwall
Bristol City
Coventry
Sheffield Wednesday
QPR
Cardiff
Hull
Swansea
Blackburn
Stoke
Plymouth
Watford
Preston
Pompey
Derby
Oxford

Cov 11th? Treat teams with kindness!

 

[skybluecam]

Best to be pessimistic I find. Harder to be disappointed.

I think our first 11 is worse than it was in the last 2 seasons. Better depth perhaps

Nahh, O'hare wasn't that important. Depth is better and that's key.

Although if Sheaf goes I could see us missing playoffs.

 

[HuckerbyDublinWhelan]

Most of our fans are still getting over 30 years of shit. It’s hard to get out of that mindset. I’m convinced it’s our year this year though - the squad is atrong in paper. If we can get off to 2 points a game start for the first 10 games - very douable, I think we’ll be there or there abouts

im confident in the top 2

 

[Brylowes]

For the first time ever (that I can remember) I’ve noticed a lot of fans of other teams online and in person are predicting us for a top 6 / a lot even saying top 2 finish.

I certainly don’t have that much optimism (haven’t seen much of pre-season at all). If Sheaf goes, having to bed-in a new centre mid will surely effect our start.

If we don’t make it this season with this team, which on paper looks very strong, what happens then?

Have to say I find your post a little confusing, please forgive me if I’ve somehow misunderstood your reasoning.

On the one hand, you’re saying you have little optimism for our chances of mounting a serious top 2 or even top 6 challenge - which indicates that you’re not really convinced of our ability to compete at the top End of the table.

On the other hand, you’re saying how we look very strong on paper and that all the expectation is now surely warranted, then asking the question ‘what happens if we don’t achieve our goals this season’ and predicting some form of fall out within the club If we don’t.

 

[Happy_Martian]

I'm concerned about everyone overhyping our chances.

Second Tier Podcast have us finishing second in their preview (video posted today).

Puts too much pressure on the players.

I'm much more comfortable with us being dismissed and catching everyone else unaware.

 

[BaldyJ]

I'm concerned about everyone overhyping our chances.

Second Tier Podcast have us finishing second in their preview (video posted today).

Puts too much pressure on the players.

I'm much more comfortable with us being dismissed and catching everyone else unaware.

I understand what you’re saying, but disagree. Going through the season unfancied and hoping to surprise is a weak mindset. Doug has quite clearly changed that mindset and ambition, we are no longer “poor little Coventry” trying to hold our own with all of the big boys.

The new recruits have already gone on record talking confidently about their aims and those of the club, which suggests to me they want/are happy with any pressure that brings. If any of the players find it too much they are probably not right for us.

 

[Happy_Martian]

I understand what you’re saying, but disagree. Going through the season unfancied and hoping to surprise is a weak mindset.

Get what you mean. But that period in the 90s of being also-rans set my mind into that "Meh!" thinking. Don't expect too much and you won't be disappointed. Alternative side to that is that if you expect low but achieve high, you have more to celebrate

Would certainly love to see us do well. And the club gets the praise it rightfully deserves.

 

[Bad Boy]

It's high time we bigged ourselves up.

Bring it on, I say.

 

[BaldyJ]

Get what you mean. But that period in the 90s of being also-rans set my mind into that "Meh!" thinking. Don't expect too much and you won't be disappointed. Alternative side to that is that if you expect low but achieve high, you have more to celebrate

Would certainly love to see us do well. And the club gets the praise it rightfully deserves.

I think as a fan base and a club we have all been in that mindset for too long (understandably so given all that has gone on).

We have turned the corner now and as Bad Boy has just said it’s time we bigged ourselves up! And if there is a time to start doing it, it’s when those external to the club are bigging us up!

 

[Hutch11]

BTA's interview after the Werder game , full of expectations
If the other players have the same belief we have a bloody decent chance
Mindset accounts for a lot

 

[napolimp]

I'm concerned about everyone overhyping our chances.

Second Tier Podcast have us finishing second in their preview (video posted today).

Puts too much pressure on the players.

I'm much more comfortable with us being dismissed and catching everyone else unaware.

Post the second tier podcast with the time stamp in case anyone's interested: -

 

[larry_david]

2 of the racing post guys tipped us to win the league

 

[Jamesimus]

Have to say I find your post a little confusing, please forgive me if I’ve somehow misunderstood your reasoning.

On the one hand, you’re saying you have little optimism for our chances of mounting a serious top 2 or even top 6 challenge - which indicates that you’re not really convinced of our ability to compete at the top End of the table.

On the other hand, you’re saying how we look very strong on paper and that all the expectation is now surely warranted, then asking the question ‘what happens if we don’t achieve our goals this season’ and predicting some form of fall out within the club.

It’s more just that looking strong on paper doesn’t always translate to competitive games. So I’m yet to be convinced. But I hope I am!

 

[Happy_Martian]

It’s more just that looking strong on paper doesn’t always translate to competitive games. So I’m yet to be convinced. But I hope I am!

Exactly. It's far too easy to write predictions down in August when nothing is riding on your workings out.

An injury, a last minute sale. Lots of things can change a club's fortunes and put the predictors to shame.

 

[Old Warwickshire lad]

I think we all secretly fancy our chances. But then we can’t help but remember, the shit luck we have had.
But **** it, this is it.

 

[fernandopartridge]

I'm concerned about everyone overhyping our chances.

Second Tier Podcast have us finishing second in their preview (video posted today).

Puts too much pressure on the players.

I'm much more comfortable with us being dismissed and catching everyone else unaware.

I doubt the players give much thought to a podcast

 

[HuckerbyDublinWhelan]

I'm concerned about everyone overhyping our chances.

Second Tier Podcast have us finishing second in their preview (video posted today).

Puts too much pressure on the players.

I'm much more comfortable with us being dismissed and catching everyone else unaware.

What pressure? If our players are affected by podcasts then we don’t want them.

a lot of our fans have such a small club mentality

we’ve spent close to 40m on players in the last two seasons. If we’re not competing in the championship we’re doing something wrong

 

[Happy_Martian]

What pressure? If our players are affected by podcasts then we don’t want them.

a lot of our fans have such a small club mentality

we’ve spent close to 40m on players in the last two seasons. If we’re not competing in the championship we’re doing something wrong

You've not read my other comments in this thread, have you ?

Look at the bigger picture. It's pressure from within. Our own fanbase is being smashed with positivity from those podcasts, journalists and other fans. That's going to rub off on us and will increase OUR expectations. We then expect our players to perform to those higher levels constantly. One potentially poor result and watch those boos start rolling round the CBS. We've always had a fickle minority of fans.

And it's got zero to do with "small club". As I have previously said, I was following Cov in the 80s and 90s. We were an also-ran in the top flight all that time, apart from one outstanding year. You get fed an "Oh well, another season of doing nothing" attitude consistently , it sticks. We were where Crystal Palace are now.

 

[Mucca Mad Boys]

On the current squad, I’d say we wouldn’t have the distance to go for automatics. The teams around us have much bigger squads.

You add 2-3 players to the mix and keep Sheaf, then automatics is a distinct possibility in my view.

We’ve got a lot going for us but if our defence is 5-6th best in the league, we’re probably not finishing in the top 2.

 

[Perennial Lurker]

On the current squad, I’d say we wouldn’t have the distance to go for automatics. The teams around us have much bigger squads.

You add 2-3 players to the mix and keep Sheaf, then automatics is a distinct possibility in my view.

We’ve got a lot going for us but if our defence is 5-6th best in the league, we’re probably not finishing in the top 2.

What if our attack is 1st-2nd in the league ?