Sheaf (2 Viewers)

TomRad85 · Aug 2, 2024

BlueSkiesForever said:
I know what you mean about how the relegated teams are always challenging for top 6 but I really do think Luton, Burnley and Sheffield are a lot weaker than Southampton, Leeds and Leicester. I think it makes our job just that bit easier with Leicester and Southampton having left the league.

Also Leeds have lost a fair few decent players, same for West Brom and Hull, so they’ll all be weaker and it’s not like Sheffield or Burnley have signed some gobsmacking talent yet. We’ll see what it’s like at the end of the window but atm I think it’s a slightly easier league than last year. Still going to be a slog no matter what but I think we have more of an advantage this season.

I actually agree with you on this. I don't think its a hot take to suggest the relegated teams this time around are weaker than the ones relegated last time, in fact i think its pretty well understood by most people. Our fans are just afraid to think of us as a real contender so put up barriers in their minds. Anyone who genuinely believes the top of the league this time around will look anything like it did last time with regards to relegated teams and points totals is a lunatic.

Brighton Sky Blue · Aug 2, 2024

TomRad85 said:
I actually agree with you on this. I don't think its a hot take to suggest the relegated teams this time around are weaker than the ones relegated last time, in fact i think its pretty well understood by most people. Our fans are just afraid to think of us as a real contender so put up barriers in their minds. Anyone who genuinely believes the top of the league this time around will look anything like it did last time with regards to relegated teams and points totals is a lunatic.

I just have nagging doubts about our defence. We gave away so many piss poor goals last season so just have to hope everyone’s improved and Dovin doesn’t ‘do a Collins’.

Assuming another CM arrives before the window closes though, a top 6 finish is a realistic expectation. Sort the defensive depth on top of that and a tilt at the autos isn’t out of the question.

Mucca Mad Boys · Aug 2, 2024

Brighton Sky Blue said:
I just have nagging doubts about our defence. We gave away so many piss poor goals last season so just have to hope everyone’s improved and Dovin doesn’t ‘do a Collins’.

Assuming another CM arrives before the window closes though, a top 6 finish is a realistic expectation. Sort the defensive depth on top of that and a tilt at the autos isn’t out of the question.

The defence is the same isn’t it? Robins will try to get an experienced CB in there and we tried last season too.

That’s more important than a RB because Lati will do a good job there in any MVE absences.

Terry_dactyl · Aug 2, 2024

Brighton Sky Blue said:
I just have nagging doubts about our defence. We gave away so many piss poor goals last season so just have to hope everyone’s improved and Dovin doesn’t ‘do a Collins’.

Assuming another CM arrives before the window closes though, a top 6 finish is a realistic expectation. Sort the defensive depth on top of that and a tilt at the autos isn’t out of the question.

Stop those nagging doubts! We’ll be better than last year and, let’s be honest, we weren’t that bad for the most part last year anyway.
Also, I’m fairly sure we’ll be getting at least a new CM and a new CB.

I’m with @TomRad85 on this; I think a lot of us are very excited to see what happens this season but don’t want to commit to saying that we stand a chance.

Brighton Sky Blue · Aug 2, 2024

Mucca Mad Boys said:
The defence is the same isn’t it? Robins will try to get an experienced CB in there and we tried last season too.

That’s more important than a RB because Lati will do a good job there in any MVE absences.

I’m really not sold on Lati at RB, and at LB we’re kind of hoping for Bidwell to stay fit all season and even he isn’t quite what MR wants.

I think we’ll score plenty in any case though.

Brighton Sky Blue · Aug 2, 2024

Terry_dactyl said:
Stop those nagging doubts! We’ll be better than last year and, let’s be honest, we weren’t that bad for the most part last year anyway.
Also, I’m fairly sure we’ll be getting at least a new CM and a new CB.

I’m with @TomRad85 on this; I think a lot of us are very excited to see what happens this season but don’t want to commit to saying that we stand a chance.

If we win at Deepdale all bets are off.

BlueSkiesForever · Aug 2, 2024

Mucca Mad Boys said:
The defence is the same isn’t it? Robins will try to get an experienced CB in there and we tried last season too.

That’s more important than a RB because Lati will do a good job there in any MVE absences.

I think a proper alternative RB is needed tbh, I don’t think Lati or Eccles do the same job as MVE. If he’s out for any serious length of time (which is definitely possible with how much running he does) then we’ll be a lot weaker. Okay it maybe a mil or two but a backup RB would see us a lot more secure imo.

Legia Sky Blue · Aug 2, 2024

BlueSkiesForever said:
I think a proper alternative RB is needed tbh, I don’t think Lati or Eccles do the same job as MVE. If he’s out for any serious length of time (which is definitely possible with how much running he does) then we’ll be a lot weaker. Okay it maybe a mil or two but a backup RB would see us a lot more secure imo.

Why haven't you mentioned this before?

Hobo · Aug 2, 2024

itsabuzzard said:
I don't understand the point you continually make that this coming season will be "much easier" than last, based on the teams dropping out of the Premier. Every year the relegated teams have to adjust to life in the Championship. All you can really say about them is that they got relegated because they weren't good enough. Unless they implode, they're always likely to be challenging for a top 6 spot.

Do you remember Burnley? "In terrible financial trouble", a chorus of they are in the shit and will struggle?

Then they go and piss the league

Mucca Mad Boys · Aug 2, 2024

Brighton Sky Blue said:
I’m really not sold on Lati at RB, and at LB we’re kind of hoping for Bidwell to stay fit all season and even he isn’t quite what MR wants.

I think we’ll score plenty in any case though.

BlueSkiesForever said:
I think a proper alternative RB is needed tbh, I don’t think Lati or Eccles do the same job as MVE. If he’s out for any serious length of time (which is definitely possible with how much running he does) then we’ll be a lot weaker. Okay it maybe a mil or two but a backup RB would see us a lot more secure imo.

I agree with you both, the order/priority of signings is where I differ.

In terms of priority, Robins is most likely wanting to sign a CM next and a CB after that. Why? We missed out on Stamenic and a ‘star’ CM is clearly still wanted. As for CB, it’s an area there are likely to be good experienced options in the market. Lati isn’t really a traditional back 4 CB and he was signed with a 3-4-1-3 formation in mind. In our current system, he’s probably better suited as a RB.

We’ve looked at Camara and numerous LBs so if the opportunity is there, we’ll sign players for those positions. Without any outgoings this window, my guess is that Jan 2025 or (more likely) next summer is when I reckon we’ll look to address these positions properly, because of the following reasons:
- financial fair play
- Bidwell’s contract expires
- JDS & Lati more likely to be moved on in next summer

itsabuzzard · Aug 2, 2024

BlueSkiesForever said:
I know what you mean about how the relegated teams are always challenging for top 6 but I really do think Luton, Burnley and Sheffield are a lot weaker than Southampton, Leeds and Leicester. I think it makes our job just that bit easier with Leicester and Southampton having left the league.

Also Leeds have lost a fair few decent players, same for West Brom and Hull, so they’ll all be weaker and it’s not like Sheffield or Burnley have signed some gobsmacking talent yet. We’ll see what it’s like at the end of the window but atm I think it’s a slightly easier league than last year. Still going to be a slog no matter what but I think we have more of an advantage this season.

You've gone from"much easier" to slightly easier", so you haven't really made your mind up about this, despite the impressive word count. I think the difference this coming season is that we've got a better squad, and that's why we've got a better chance of promotion. Exciting times ahead.

itsabuzzard · Aug 2, 2024

TomRad85 said:
I actually agree with you on this. I don't think its a hot take to suggest the relegated teams this time around are weaker than the ones relegated last time, in fact i think its pretty well understood by most people. Our fans are just afraid to think of us as a real contender so put up barriers in their minds. Anyone who genuinely believes the top of the league this time around will look anything like it did last time with regards to relegated teams and points totals is a lunatic.

We should revisit this next May.

Chris1987 · Aug 2, 2024

itsabuzzard said:
You've gone from"much easier" to slightly easier", so you haven't really made your mind up about this, despite the impressive word count. I think the difference this coming season is that we've got a better squad, and that's why we've got a better chance of promotion. Exciting times ahead.

Familiar pattern. Gets called out ,changes a few words in responses to cover the initial statement and then comes up with a variation on the original. Loves lots of words which puts many to sleep well before the end of the post.

The watchmaker · Aug 2, 2024

itsabuzzard said:
I don't understand the point you continually make that this coming season will be "much easier" than last, based on the teams dropping out of the Premier. Every year the relegated teams have to adjust to life in the Championship. All you can really say about them is that they got relegated because they weren't good enough. Unless they implode, they're always likely to be challenging for a top 6 spot.

There are also only 4 teams this season that have parachute payments which is relatively low. Last year it was 6.

Edit. 5 of those finished in the top 6.

itsabuzzard · Aug 3, 2024

The watchmaker said:
There are also only 4 teams this season that have parachute payments which is relatively low. Last year it was 6. 5 of those 6 made playoffs.

How can five teams make playoffs when there are only four playoff spots?

The watchmaker · Aug 3, 2024

itsabuzzard said:
How can five teams make playoffs when there are only four playoff spots?

Alright, alright, its late. 5 out of the top 6. If you really want - 100% of the playoff teams benefited from parachute payments. You are a smart man, you could have figured that out yourself.

Anyway the basic point is that the playoff and promotion places tend to be dominated by teams with the bigger budgets granted by parachute payments and this year there aren't enough of them to fill all the slots.

BlueSkiesForever · Aug 3, 2024

itsabuzzard said:
You've gone from"much easier" to slightly easier", so you haven't really made your mind up about this, despite the impressive word count. I think the difference this coming season is that we've got a better squad, and that's why we've got a better chance of promotion. Exciting times ahead.

Oh right, big controversial difference between “much” and “slight” from some stranger on a fan forum. It’s really not that deep, this season seems easier than the last.

The word count was to give my reasoning behind my original statement, as you were questioning me on it. Just don’t question me if you don’t want to know the reasoning behind my answer

Perennial Lurker · Aug 3, 2024

BlueSkiesForever said:
Oh right, big controversial difference between “much” and “slight” from some stranger on a fan forum. It’s really not that deep, this season seems easier than the last.

The word count was to give my reasoning behind my original statement, as you were questioning me on it. Just don’t question me if you don’t want to know the reasoning behind my answer

Bet you're fun at parties ?

BlueSkiesForever · Aug 3, 2024

Chris1987 said:
Familiar pattern. Gets called out ,changes a few words in responses to cover the initial statement and then comes up with a variation on the original. Loves lots of words which puts many to sleep well before the end of the post.

“Cover the initial statement” like my answer is some sort of government coverup or a backtrack on a pledged statement in a manifesto

Your obsession with trying to slate every single comment I make is getting beyond weird tbh. Don’t think I’ve ever once called you out unprovoked. It’s a tiny little insignificant forum where fans can discuss topics about the club they love, need to let random shit like this pass man, ffs

BlueSkiesForever · Aug 3, 2024

Perennial Lurker said:
Bet you're fun at parties ?

Nah I’m too busy arguing with weirdos about the difference between the words “slight”, “much”, “by”, “to”, “large” and “big”, ain’t got time to have fun

Perennial Lurker · Aug 3, 2024

BlueSkiesForever said:
Nah I’m too busy arguing with weirdos about the difference between the words “slight”, “much”, “by”, “to”, “large” and “big”, ain’t got time to have fun

Monty · Aug 3, 2024

The watchmaker said:
There are also only 4 teams this season that have parachute payments which is relatively low. Last year it was 6.

Edit. 5 of those finished in the top 6.

I think there are 6 teams on parachute payments. Norwich and Watford - will be there last year, Leeds and then Burnley, SU and Luton.

West Brom have now lost there Parachute payments hence the need to restructure their squad. And Leicester and Southampton promoted so removed from list of clubs on parachute payments.

Brighton Sky Blue · Aug 3, 2024

Monty said:
I think there are 6 teams on parachute payments. Norwich and Watford - will be there last year, Leeds and then Burnley, SU and Luton.

West Brom have now lost there Parachute payments hence the need to restructure their squad. And Leicester and Southampton promoted so removed from list of clubs on parachute payments.

Norwich and Watford only get two seasons’ worth so now don’t have any, it is just the 4 teams. I expect Leeds and Luton to be the teams to beat this season in any case.

Scott Parker was very unconvincing in this league with Bournemouth while Sheff Utd at the moment anyway have too small a squad.

TomRad85 · Aug 3, 2024

itsabuzzard said:
We should revisit this next May.

Happy to, bookmark it.

Sent from my SM-G973F using Tapatalk

ovduk78 · Aug 3, 2024

Monty said:
I think there are 6 teams on parachute payments. Norwich and Watford - will be there last year, Leeds and then Burnley, SU and Luton.

West Brom have now lost there Parachute payments hence the need to restructure their squad. And Leicester and Southampton promoted so removed from list of clubs on parachute payments.

Burnley, SU & Luton only qualify for parachute payments at the end of the season if they aren't promoted straight back to PL although they do though have PL money from last season to spend.

itsabuzzard · Aug 3, 2024

BlueSkiesForever said:
Oh right, big controversial difference between “much” and “slight” from some stranger on a fan forum. It’s really not that deep, this season seems easier than the last.

The word count was to give my reasoning behind my original statement, as you were questioning me on it. Just don’t question me if you don’t want to know the reasoning behind my answer

Nothing controversial about it, but it is significant in the context of your argument. Not sure where the stranger bit fits in. It's not that I don't want to know the reasoning, I just don't agree with it.

The watchmaker · Aug 3, 2024

Monty said:
I think there are 6 teams on parachute payments. Norwich and Watford - will be there last year, Leeds and then Burnley, SU and Luton.

West Brom have now lost there Parachute payments hence the need to restructure their squad. And Leicester and Southampton promoted so removed from list of clubs on parachute payments.

Just to add a little detail to BSB's answer you only get 2 years parachute payments if you come straight back down after promotion so the only teams that have it this season are Burnley, Leeds, a Luton team that doesn't exactly splurge money and the second worst team in premier league history.

West Brom and Watford appear to be battling a legacy of overplayed players they are struggling to shift. Norwich look in reasonable shape but then so do we.

Brighton Sky Blue · Aug 3, 2024

The watchmaker said:
Just to add a little detail to BSB's answer you only get 2 years parachute payments if you come straight back down after promotion so the only teams that have it this season are Burnley, Leeds, a Luton team that doesn't exactly splurge money and the second worst team in premier league history.

West Brom and Watford appear to be battling a legacy of overplayed players they are struggling to shift. Norwich look in reasonable shape but then so do we.

Of the sides who don’t have parachute payments I think ourselves, Norwich and Boro should be in and around the top 6. If it weren’t at our expense I’d be happy to see Carrick take Boro up.

itsabuzzard · Aug 3, 2024

The watchmaker said:
Alright, alright, its late. 5 out of the top 6. If you really want - 100% of the playoff teams benefited from parachute payments. You are a smart man, you could have figured that out yourself.

Anyway the basic point is that the playoff and promotion places tend to be dominated by teams with the bigger budgets granted by parachute payments and this year there aren't enough of them to fill all the slots.

Didn't want to make assumptions about your line of reasoning. As agreed with TomRad85, ler's see how this shakes out come the end of he season.

Torquay Sky Blue · Aug 3, 2024

Brighton Sky Blue said:
Of the sides who don’t have parachute payments I think ourselves, Norwich and Boro should be in and around the top 6. If it weren’t at our expense I’d be happy to see Carrick take Boro up.

Carrick is so negative with his tactics. He kept us in the playoffs when they failed to beat us at our place. He holds Boro back if anything

The watchmaker · Aug 3, 2024

itsabuzzard said:
Didn't want to make assumptions about your line of reasoning. As agreed with TomRad85, ler's see how this shakes out come the end of he season.

Ha, well then I am glad to have cleared that up. I do think BlueSkies has a point when he says it is a weaker league (on paper) but then I didn't see Ipswich racking up 90+ points last season. We shall see.

BlueSkiesForever · Aug 3, 2024

itsabuzzard said:
Nothing controversial about it, but it is significant in the context of your argument. Not sure where the stranger bit fits in. It's not that I don't want to know the reasoning, I just don't agree with it.

Okay fair enough, I just don’t think there’s enough of a difference between “much” and “slight”, in terms of the difficulty of this season, to warrant questioning me on it. Especially as I’m just a stranger to you, as is everyone on here, it doesn’t really matter what I think so I was just surprised why you bothered arguing the toss over it.

itsabuzzard · Aug 3, 2024

BlueSkiesForever said:
Okay fair enough, I just don’t think there’s enough of a difference between “much” and “slight”, in terms of the difficulty of this season, to warrant questioning me on it. Especially as I’m just a stranger to you, as is everyone on here, it doesn’t really matter what I think so I was just surprised why you bothered arguing the toss over it.

So, do you post on here in the expectation that you won't be questioned? Isn't the point of a forum to encourage discussion?
If you don't think swapping "slight" for "much" in a line of reasoning changes things signficantly, then count me perplexed.
Many posters on here are strangers to each other. So what?

Legia Sky Blue · Aug 3, 2024

Torquay Sky Blue said:
Carrick is so negative with his tactics. He kept us in the playoffs when they failed to beat us at our place. He holds Boro back if anything

Not sure that's true. They were scoring goals for fun in the Championship before their play off against us. Carrick was then simply tactically outmanoeuvered by MR. Outside of the parachute payment beneficiaries I think Middlesbrough will be our biggest rivals for promotion this season.

Torquay Sky Blue · Aug 3, 2024

Legia Sky Blue said:
Not sure that's true. They were scoring goals for fun in the Championship before their play off against us. Carrick was then simply tactically outmanoeuvered by MR. Outside of the parachute payment beneficiaries I think Middlesbrough will be our biggest rivals for promotion this season.

In the game I'm referring to, they had a free kick 25 yards out with 3 minutes to go and it went back to their keeper. I like the bloke but he manages as he played

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