The Championship Thread 2023/2024

[HighPeakFox]

48 minutes ago, Matt said:

I'm believer i'm on the middle ground.

 

As a self proclaimed hater of playing out from the back and the branches off pure, constant possession based football having had PTSD from everything caused in the last 2+ years, how we were playing vs how we're now playing are like watching 2 different sports, this is a breath of fresh air, it's exciting, fast, and most importantly, forward, possession with purpose!

 

That doesn't mean it goes without criticisms and concerns though.

 

I know people who had absolutely no problems with the past 2+ years (Genuinely and seriously!) yet they're now claiming this is boring, i'm dumbfounded by them, I stand there in disbelief, part of me thinks they're are winding me up.

 

I think that, as this forum often demonstrates, people adopt a mindset for a particular situation and then just pin their ears back. Those that blindly defended BR will have done that in the same way that people vote for awful candidates/parties in elections, or believe in terrible people despite massive evidence against them - anything to avoid conceding that they might be shown to be wrong.

[The Bear]

9 hours ago, Langston said:

 

With all due respect – why do you care?

Fair question. 

 

I have a small soft spot for Leicester as I worked with loads of Leicester fans for over 20 years in my last job at Coalville, and am still in touch with several in a WhatsApp group. I used to discuss football with those lads, and heard plenty of what was going on at the club from them. 

 

But mainly because I've been a member here for donkeys and I'm a football fan in general. Plus I like to be nice and engage with what's going on from time to time. 

Edited 27 August 2023 by The Bear

[Beachyboy]

12 hours ago, The Bear said:

How are you guys doing without Maddison and Barnes' creativity in midfield?

 

Youve had a couple of late winners, but you can't argue with results. 

I thought about this last night, last season if neither of them scored or assisted, we looked lacking in creativity. Now there are no real stars in the midfield we have seen different players step up in key moments. 4 different match winners in each of the 4 games, it feels like more of a team effort than just looking at 2 players to create something.

[Happy Fox]

I do think we are missing a playmaker I hope we can sign Ilias Chair from QPR.

 

 

[Ric Flair]

7 hours ago, Deeg67 said:

Next 4 days are going to be huge for Leeds.  They need reinforcements at the back, but their attacking options are impressive.

You post more about Leeds than Leicester.

[Happy Fox]

Sheffield Wednesday are shite , aren’t they bet they wish Darren Moore was still in charge for them.

 

 

Edited 27 August 2023 by Happy Fox

[foxfanazer]

Our away double header at Southampton and Norwich will be a good indication of where we're at. We've narrowly beaten some of the weaker teams (maybe excluding Cov) but these two will be direct rivals for promotion. 4 points out of those two games would be a superb return

[Matt]

12 hours ago, The Bear said:

How are you guys doing without Maddison and Barnes' creativity in midfield?

 

Youve had a couple of late winners, but you can't argue with results. 

 

13 minutes ago, Beachyboy said:

I thought about this last night, last season if neither of them scored or assisted, we looked lacking in creativity. Now there are no real stars in the midfield we have seen different players step up in key moments. 4 different match winners in each of the 4 games, it feels like more of a team effort than just looking at 2 players to create something.

Along with many of our problems last season quite a big factor is we had too many individuals, not a team, infact that had been going on for a long time, ultimately despite my vitriol and somewhat 'bitter' (by my own admission) opinions about pretty much anyone who had a part to play in last seasons debacle they are good players (Some of them. I'll still argue till i'm blue in the face about a few of them) but I don't give a **** about their talent, quality or ability, they didn't wanna be here and good riddance to them, i'm glad to see the back of them.

 

Obviously quality and talent trumps just hard work and endeavor but no matter how good you are you still need to apply that hard work and endeavor which hadn't been happening, a battling, hard working team effort is far more appreciative in my eyes.

[Deeg67]

23 minutes ago, Ric Flair said:

You post more about Leeds than Leicester.

They’re our competition, possibly our main competition this season when it’s all said and done.  And their offseason has been one of the weirdest and most fascinating clusterfricks I’ve seen in a good while.

 

But hey - we all decide what we choose to be offended by…

Edited 27 August 2023 by Deeg67

[FrankieADZ]

wonder if Southampton will let Adams go too, think Tella will be a massive loss for them

Leeds look good going forward, dodgy asf at the back, suspect theyll get some defenders in before the window shuts

Norwich look impressive, as do Birmingham and Preston,

see Jay Stansfield scored the winner for Brum' too, think he'd a been a decent loan for us tbf if Daka had gone earlier

[Ric Flair]

5 minutes ago, Deeg67 said:

They’re our competition, possibly our main competition this season when it’s all said and done.  And their offseason has been one of the weirdest and most fascinating clusterfricks I’ve seen in a good while.

 

But hey - we all decide what we choose to be offended by…

I'm not offended, I actually enjoy the insight but just noticed that for the last year or more you post a lot about them and at the time Jesse Marsch.

 

Didn't know if there's an affiliation?

[FrankieADZ]

a leeds pal of mine says they are looking at Spence from Spurs, be a hell of an upgrade from Ayling

[Beachyboy]

8 minutes ago, Matt said:

 

Along with many of our problems last season quite a big factor is we had too many individuals, not a team, infact that had been going on for a long time, ultimately despite my vitriol and somewhat 'bitter' (by my own admission) opinions about pretty much anyone who had a part to play in last seasons debacle they are good players (Some of them. I'll still argue till i'm blue in the face about a few of them) but I don't give a **** about their talent, quality or ability, they didn't wanna be here and good riddance to them, i'm glad to see the back of them.

 

Obviously quality and talent trumps just hard work and endeavor but no matter how good you are you still need to apply that hard work and endeavor which hadn't been happening, a battling, hard working team effort is far more appreciative in my eyes.

A lot of Brentfords rise has been down to this collective effort. I've no doubts the quality will shine eventually, an players like Mcateer, and Wanya Marcal are getting opportunities, they wouldn'thave otherwise got in the prem. The years 2013-2017 we were definitely about the collective.

[Deeg67]

21 minutes ago, Ric Flair said:

I'm not offended, I actually enjoy the insight but just noticed that for the last year or more you post a lot about them and at the time Jesse Marsch.

 

Didn't know if there's an affiliation?

I did get more interested in them during the Marsch era, but their profound dysfunction has continued to prove fascinating.

[StevieH]

Isn't it great being top of the league with 100% record compared to Everton with no points and facing a tough season. We would have struggled just like they are but now it's a fresh start and everyone is enjoying watching the Foxes.

[foxfanazer]

1 minute ago, StevieH said:

Isn't it great being top of the league with 100% record compared to Everton with no points and facing a tough season. We would have struggled just like they are but now it's a fresh start and everyone is enjoying watching the Foxes.

I'd rather do what we've done and have the chance to reset early. It shouldn't have been allowed to happen but I'd take it over scraping survival and still having that charlatan in charge.

 

It must be agonising supporting Everton 

[Number 6]

Think Norwich have probably been the most impressive side so far. Would have been top if not for a very late Soton equaliser and have had more difficult fixtures than us. 

[RonnieTodger]

Ryan Lowe and Steven Schumacher are the same bloke

[StriderHiryu]

 

 

What a great game! Leeds look scary, amazing pace with their wingers, I think they would cause us serious problems given the way we play as the ball behind Vestergaard (or even Coady when he returns) is always going to be on. Ipswich also looking good, but stylistically seem more like us, IE a more methodical build up.

 

Extended highlights for Norwich aren't out yet, but most fans are saying they have looked like the most impressive team performance wise so far.

[mozartfox]

The strange thing we are on maximum points without being at our best.  After the International Break and with the squad settled, I think we will start to see some more positive and exciting performances. 

[F T Fagos]

Seems like the Saints local rag has deleted us from the Championship table. 

Not sure whether they're just being salty, or think we're in a league of our own. 

 

[Drink Water]

Anyone feeling a sense of regret for not going for Piroe?

[CosbehFox]

55 minutes ago, StriderHiryu said:

 

 

What a great game! Leeds look scary, amazing pace with their wingers, I think they would cause us serious problems given the way we play as the ball behind Vestergaard (or even Coady when he returns) is always going to be on. Ipswich also looking good, but stylistically seem more like us, IE a more methodical build up.

 

Extended highlights for Norwich aren't out yet, but most fans are saying they have looked like the most impressive team performance wise so far.

Contains defensive mistakes I’ve yet to see opposition we’ve faced make, some laughable defending 

[The Doctor]

11 minutes ago, Drink Water said:

Anyone feeling a sense of regret for not going for Piroe?

It's one goal, prior to that he'd only scored 1 in 6. If he goes on a mad run, maybe, but at the moment no.

[AmyLGK]

Watfords ground seems half empty