Injuries already pilling up before we have kicked a ball, a worry given the threadbare squad. The ongoing ownership issues will also affect the league position
Some decent players, especially in defense, but injuries and squad size will be our undoing, lets just hope it doesn't completely unravel.
On a positive note I would not be surprised to see 1-2 permanent signings. Then of course we have the loan player lottery which could unearth some gems or saddle us with some donkeys. Lets just hope that we end up with 2-3 additional players fit for purpose.
Very difficult to say given what may happen. If a takeover goes. through this side of Christmas we may be able to bolster what we already have and finish top half. If we continue flogging the family silver and accumulating injuries, the absolute desolation in morale that would result from continuing into the New year with Twoshits in control will see us finish bottom by a distance (with maybe Burton for company). If we are phenomenally lucky with injuries and the players and management don’t give up the ghost, we might just scrape 20th.
If we have a relatively injury free season (yes, I know, I know!) we could really do well.
I just don’t have it in me to say we will be fighting relegation, we have too many players like Pearce, Solly, Pratley, Forster-Caskey who just wouldn’t let that happen.
No owner, no CEO, no strategy, no strength in depth, no strengthening of the squad, no new manager bounce, no electricity, no hope. We are dependent on other teams being bad just to avoid relegation.
It's the first of August. We don't have a full-time Manager, Chairman, CEO or Finance Director. We have sold some of our best players and sent back loanees, without adequately replacing them. We have too few players and the ones we have aren't good enough.
I reserve the right to change my mind when (or if) the facts change. But I can't see how the present shambles of a club can avoid relegation.
-we have some good players for this level and the basis of a good side.
-although inexperienced, I’ve got a fair amount of confidence in Lee Bowyer’s ability to motivate the players.
Cons
-the level of squad depth is pitiful. By my reckoning, we only have 17 players who have started a league game (16 if, and when, Ajose departs). Once we suffer the inevitable injuries, suspensions and loss of form, we’ll be screwed, confidence will dip and we’ll struggle to get results.
-although we had two exceptional loanees last year in Da Silva and Amos, that was unusual. We also had duds like Kaikai and, of course, the great Joe Dodo. Given Duchatelet’s extreme penny pinching and the club’s poor reputation in the game, I’ll be pleasantly surprised if we get a couple of decent players in. We need at least 4 or 5 to sustain a challenge.
-the side lacks creativity, both in central midfield and in wide areas. Our best flair player, Fosu, is injury prone and looks to have a significant problem.
-notwithstanding the signing of Lyle Taylor (a significant upgrade on Josh), I don’t think the team has enough goals in it. I think that Karlan will do well but we need more firepower and I’m not confident that we’ll get it.
-if Duchatelet is still here when the season gets properly underway, the atmosphere is likely to turn toxic to a greater or lesser degree and, ultimately, that is likely to affect morale around the club.
The margins between success and failure are pretty small in this league. We weren’t good enough last season and, given that the squad is now materially weaker, I think that we’ll finish lower mid-table.
Yes our squad is paper thin,but we have several players who should be outstanding in this league,Jfc,Pearce Baur,pratley,Igor,Taylor should all excell,if only Solly and Page can remain fit our defense is sound,get Clarke Reeves and Fosu fit,Give Grant an opportunity and who knows what we can achieve.
I voted 13th to 20th last season too I think. I was glad to be very wrong, our run in and play-off cameo was the most excitement we've had in a few years. I wouldn't mind being wrong again if it brings us some luck.
No realistic end in sight to the takeover saga. In the meantime, Roland continues to make the same old mistakes (or very possibly has now just lost all interest). We are in no better a position than a year ago, and in my opinion anyone who thinks we'll finish higher than mid table is being mugged off by the regime yet again.
We are fucked. No takeover, once again not enough playing staff, arsehole owner, rest of club determined to fuck stuff up one way or another. Bowyer has to work a miracle
If Roland stays and this takeover trauma continues then relegation is the most likely outcome.
If the takeover actually happens then I could see a playoff place following a well executed January transfer market - but most likely paying over the odds.
Under the present owner sadly the ‘food’ will continue to remain tasteless (mid table). But with new owners and hopefully 3 or 4 new chefs the menu, cooking and victuals will improve greatly and hopefully a Michelin star (promotion) will come our way – Yours, a disgruntled eater
It's the first of August. We don't have a full-time Manager, Chairman, CEO or Finance Director. We have sold some of our best players and sent back loanees, without adequately replacing them. We have too few players and the ones we have aren't good enough.
I reserve the right to change my mind when (or if) the facts change. But I can't see how the present shambles of a club can avoid relegation.
i think we will be in a relegation battle. I don't think we will go down as with every year in this league it always surprises me how shit some of the other teams are. just got to find 4 worse teams done us. gonna be tough.
Comments
Would be amazed if this current squad finishes top 10.
Should a takeover happen i will revise my opinion.
Some decent players, especially in defense, but injuries and squad size will be our undoing, lets just hope it doesn't completely unravel.
On a positive note I would not be surprised to see 1-2 permanent signings. Then of course we have the loan player lottery which could unearth some gems or saddle us with some donkeys. Lets just hope that we end up with 2-3 additional players fit for purpose.
God help us if we don't
If we have a relatively injury free season (yes, I know, I know!) we could really do well.
I just don’t have it in me to say we will be fighting relegation, we have too many players like Pearce, Solly, Pratley, Forster-Caskey who just wouldn’t let that happen.
I reserve the right to change my mind when (or if) the facts change. But I can't see how the present shambles of a club can avoid relegation.
Pros
-we have some good players for this level and the basis of a good side.
-although inexperienced, I’ve got a fair amount of confidence in Lee Bowyer’s ability to motivate the players.
Cons
-the level of squad depth is pitiful. By my reckoning, we only have 17 players who have started a league game (16 if, and when, Ajose departs). Once we suffer the inevitable injuries, suspensions and loss of form, we’ll be screwed, confidence will dip and we’ll struggle to get results.
-although we had two exceptional loanees last year in Da Silva and Amos, that was unusual. We also had duds like Kaikai and, of course, the great Joe Dodo. Given Duchatelet’s extreme penny pinching and the club’s poor reputation in the game, I’ll be pleasantly surprised if we get a couple of decent players in. We need at least 4 or 5 to sustain a challenge.
-the side lacks creativity, both in central midfield and in wide areas. Our best flair player, Fosu, is injury prone and looks to have a significant problem.
-notwithstanding the signing of Lyle Taylor (a significant upgrade on Josh), I don’t think the team has enough goals in it. I think that Karlan will do well but we need more firepower and I’m not confident that we’ll get it.
-if Duchatelet is still here when the season gets properly underway, the atmosphere is likely to turn toxic to a greater or lesser degree and, ultimately, that is likely to affect morale around the club.
The margins between success and failure are pretty small in this league. We weren’t good enough last season and, given that the squad is now materially weaker, I think that we’ll finish lower mid-table.
If the takeover actually happens then I could see a playoff place following a well executed January transfer market - but most likely paying over the odds.
Yours, a disgruntled eater