Thracian Posted 24 April 2008 Posted 24 April 2008 Think positive Thracian! I'll be positive enough come Saturday.
Legend_in_blue Posted 24 April 2008 Posted 24 April 2008 I'll be positive enough come Saturday. We will be. But what about the players? I'm starting to feel nervous, twitchy, apprehensive. I was feeling quite confident last Saturday. A week is a long time in football - but these last few weeks feel like they've been going on for years.
Fat Ron Posted 25 April 2008 Posted 25 April 2008 We will be. But what about the players? I'm starting to feel nervous, twitchy, apprehensive. I was feeling quite confident last Saturday. A week is a long time in football - but these last few weeks feel like they've been going on for years. Exactly how I feel. Its bad when you get to work on a Monday morning and start to clock watch for 5 o'clock, this week Ive been clock watching for 3pm Saturday afternoon, its been awful
davieG Posted 25 April 2008 Author Posted 25 April 2008 We will be. But what about the players? I'm starting to feel nervous, twitchy, apprehensive. I was feeling quite confident last Saturday. A week is a long time in football - but these last few weeks feel like they've been going on for years. It has been - four years fighting relegation
davieG Posted 26 April 2008 Author Posted 26 April 2008 Saturday's Independant Leicester lead scramble for survival By Glenn Moore Saturday, 26 April 2008 The scramble to avoid relegation from the Championship is as absorbing as the chase for promotion out of it, albeit ghoulishly so, like rubber-necking a car wreck. S****horpe United and Colchester United have gone, to no great surprise, but the odds are a big club will also drop. A decade ago Leicester City, Coventry City, Southampton and Sheffield Wednesday finished 10th, 11th, 12th and 16th in the Premier League, all above Everton. The former three, confident about their futures, have since moved to new grounds, each with capacities above 32,000, while Wednesday's Hillsborough remains a great temple of the sport. Yet this quartet all face relegation to the third tier. Leicester have never dropped as low while Southampton and Coventry have not done so in more than four decades. Another club with a top-flight pedigree, Norwich City, are also in danger of slipping into the third tier, for the first time in nearly half a century. As Leeds United and Nottingham Forest can testify, coming back up can be tough. The key match today is at Leicester, where Wednesday are the visitors. Ian Holloway, who became City's third manager of the season in November, said: "What you need to do in our position is to try and show you believe in your team." The fans, added Holloway, appear to do so. "I was stood in the dressing room before [last week's] Barnsley game and I heard fans singing very, very loudly: 'we're not going down, we're not going down.' "I thought 'Christ, the Barnsley supporters are up for it' and when I walked out I saw it was Leicester fans who were singing. Goosebumps ran upmy back – it was fantastic and my lads responded to that." Leicester will guarantee survival if they win, while point for Wednesday would drop Southampton in to the bottom three ahead of Monday's trip to West Bromwich Albion. Blackpool. Coventry, Norwich and Barnsley will all be safe if they win today. Two things most of these clubs have in common is a ridiculous turnover of managers – Leicester, Coventry, Southampton and Sheffield Wednesday have shared 34 between them since the Millennium – and problems in the boardroom and with the bank. Southampton and Wednesday are in the throes of attempted takeovers. The lesson appears clear: instability leads to failure. l A fourth-minute goal by Dougie Freedman gave Leeds a 1-0 win at Yeovil last night to book their place in the League One play-offs, but Gary McAllister's side had to withstand late pressure after seeing Alan Shush! sent off for a two-footed challenge on Lee Peltier in the 64th minute at Huish Park. Falling from grace The big clubs under threat *COVENTRY CITY (17th, 52pts, GD -9) Pedigree Top flight for 34 years prior to 2001. FA Cup winners 1987. Ground Ricoh Arena (since 2005), capacity 32,609 Last in third tier 1964 Manager Chris Coleman (Feb 2008) Managers since 2000 8 Form WDLLW (league only) Fixtures Wolves (h), Charlton (a) *NORWICH CITY (18th, 52pts, GD -10) Pedigree Spent 20 of 23 years 1972-95 in top flight, also 2004-05 Ground Carrow Road (1935) 26,034 Last in third tier 1960 Manager Glenn Roeder (Oct 2007) Managers since 2000 4 Form WLWLL Fixtures QPR (h), Sheffield Wed (a) *LEICESTER CITY (20th, 51pts, GD -1) Pedigree Top flight eight of 10 years before 2004. League Cup winners 1997, 2000. Ground Walkers Stadium (2002), 32,500 Last in third tier Never Manager Ian Holloway (Nov 2007) Managers since 2000 9 Form LWLDW Fixtures Sheff Wed (h), Stoke (a) *SOUTHAMPTON (21st, 50pts, GD -17) Pedigree Top flight for 27 years prior to 2005. FA Cup finalists 2003. Ground St Mary's (opened 2001), capacity 32,689 Last in third tier 1960 Manager Nigel Pearson (appointed Feb 2008) Managers since 2000 9 Form DLWDL Fixtures West Brom (a), Sheff Utd (h) *SHEFF WEDNESDAY (22nd, 49pts, GD -6) Pedigree Top flight for 15 of 16 seasons prior to 2000. Ground Hillsborough (1899), 39,812 Last in third tier 2005 Manager Brian Laws (Nov 2006) Managers since 2000 8 Form DDDDDL Fixtures Leicester (a), Norwich (h) *Also in danger *BLACKPOOL (16th, 53pts, GD -2) Pedigree Newly promoted with an illustrious history, but mediocre recent past. Manager: Simon Grayson (June 2006) Form: DDLLW Fixtures: Plymouth (a), Watford (h) *BARNSLEY (19th, 52pts, GD -13) Pedigree FA Cup semi-finalists this season, and in the Premier League a decade ago, but in League One as recently as 2004 Manager Simon Davey (Jan 2007) Form LWWLL Fixtures Charlton (h), Cardiff (a) What can be decided today *CHAMPIONSHIP West Bromwich promoted if Bristol City and Hull fail to win. Stoke promoted if they better Hull's result and match or better Bristol City's. Relegated: S****horpe, Colchester.
Kilworthfox Posted 26 April 2008 Posted 26 April 2008 Saturday's IndependantLeicester lead scramble for survival Falling from grace The big clubs under threat *COVENTRY CITY (17th, 52pts, GD -9) Pedigree Top flight for 34 years prior to 2001. FA Cup winners 1987. Ground Ricoh Arena (since 2005), capacity 32,609 Last in third tier 1964 Manager Chris Coleman (Feb 2008) Managers since 2000 8 Form WDLLW (league only) Fixtures Wolves (h), Charlton (a) *NORWICH CITY (18th, 52pts, GD -10) Pedigree Spent 20 of 23 years 1972-95 in top flight, also 2004-05 Ground Carrow Road (1935) 26,034 Last in third tier 1960 Manager Glenn Roeder (Oct 2007) Managers since 2000 4 Form WLWLL Fixtures QPR (h), Sheffield Wed (a) *LEICESTER CITY (20th, 51pts, GD -1) Pedigree Top flight eight of 10 years before 2004. League Cup winners 1997, 2000. Ground Walkers Stadium (2002), 32,500 Last in third tier Never Manager Ian Holloway (Nov 2007) Managers since 2000 9 Form LWLDW Fixtures Sheff Wed (h), Stoke (a) *SOUTHAMPTON (21st, 50pts, GD -17) Pedigree Top flight for 27 years prior to 2005. FA Cup finalists 2003. Ground St Mary's (opened 2001), capacity 32,689 Last in third tier 1960 Manager Nigel Pearson (appointed Feb 2008) Managers since 2000 9 Form DLWDL Fixtures West Brom (a), Sheff Utd (h) *SHEFF WEDNESDAY (22nd, 49pts, GD -6) Pedigree Top flight for 15 of 16 seasons prior to 2000. Ground Hillsborough (1899), 39,812 Last in third tier 2005 Manager Brian Laws (Nov 2006) Managers since 2000 8 Form DDDDDL Fixtures Leicester (a), Norwich (h) *Also in danger *BLACKPOOL (16th, 53pts, GD -2) Pedigree Newly promoted with an illustrious history, but mediocre recent past. Manager: Simon Grayson (June 2006) Form: DDLLW Fixtures: Plymouth (a), Watford (h) *BARNSLEY (19th, 52pts, GD -13) Pedigree FA Cup semi-finalists this season, and in the Premier League a decade ago, but in League One as recently as 2004 Manager Simon Davey (Jan 2007) Form LWWLL Fixtures Charlton (h), Cardiff (a) What can be decided today *CHAMPIONSHIP West Bromwich promoted if Bristol City and Hull fail to win. Stoke promoted if they better Hull's result and match or better Bristol City's. Relegated: S****horpe, Colchester. This to me is what makes our fall from grace the most shocking of all even when compared with the other big"ish" clubs. Also our time in the Premiership was usually mid table where as most of the others were always scrapping in Relegation fights.
tartanowl Posted 26 April 2008 Posted 26 April 2008 This to me is what makes our fall from grace the most shocking of all even when compared with the other big"ish" clubs.Also our time in the Premiership was usually mid table where as most of the others were always scrapping in Relegation fights. We've both suffered massively because unlike the others we've had some moderate success. We finished in the top half on quite a few occasions. We won the League Cup 17 years ago. We finished 7th only 11 years ago. We were challenging for the title 16 years ago and finished 3rd. 2 years after that we finished 7th and were in both cup finals. At least unlike some of the younger fans I've got the memories of the good times. It's horrible watching your team go from that to losing 3-0 at home on the opening day of the season in League 1. I prey it doesn't happen to us again. I don't think I could stomach another season in that league. It is absolutely heartbreaking.
Kilworthfox Posted 26 April 2008 Posted 26 April 2008 We've both suffered massively because unlike the others we've had some moderate success. We finished in the top half on quite a few occasions. We won the League Cup 17 years ago. We finished 7th only 11 years ago. We were challenging for the title 16 years ago and finished 3rd. 2 years after that we finished 7th and were in both cup finals.At least unlike some of the younger fans I've got the memories of the good times. It's horrible watching your team go from that to losing 3-0 at home on the opening day of the season in League 1. I prey it doesn't happen to us again. I don't think I could stomach another season in that league. It is absolutely heartbreaking. Yep! Nah were too big to go down
tartanowl Posted 26 April 2008 Posted 26 April 2008 Yep!Nah were too big to go down We've said that twice before.
Legend_in_blue Posted 26 April 2008 Posted 26 April 2008 We've both suffered massively because unlike the others we've had some moderate success. We finished in the top half on quite a few occasions. We won the League Cup 17 years ago. We finished 7th only 11 years ago. We were challenging for the title 16 years ago and finished 3rd. 2 years after that we finished 7th and were in both cup finals.At least unlike some of the younger fans I've got the memories of the good times. It's horrible watching your team go from that to losing 3-0 at home on the opening day of the season in League 1. I prey it doesn't happen to us again. I don't think I could stomach another season in that league. It is absolutely heartbreaking. We will beat you today but you will still stay up because you will beat Norwich at home. Southampton, Cov or Blackpool for the drop.
Webbo Posted 26 April 2008 Posted 26 April 2008 Two things most of these clubs have in common is a ridiculous turnover of managers – Leicester, Coventry, Southampton and Sheffield Wednesday have shared 34 between them since the Millennium – and problems in the boardroom and with the bank. Southampton and Wednesday are in the throes of attempted takeovers. The lesson appears clear: instability leads to failure. And yet people still think sacking Holloway is a good idea.
Kilworthfox Posted 26 April 2008 Posted 26 April 2008 And yet people still think sacking Holloway is a good idea. I't wud be well gud 2 sak olloway as e iz a fick idiot ou don na what he iz doin, safe!
Legend_in_blue Posted 26 April 2008 Posted 26 April 2008 I't wud be well gud 2 sak olloway as e iz a fick idiot ou don na what he iz doin, safe! I'm not even going to bother replying to that. My previous post this week said it all.
Mickey O'Neil Posted 26 April 2008 Posted 26 April 2008 I'm not even going to bother replying to that.My previous post this week said it all. Legend, that was tongue-in-cheek by the Bluenose
wurmer Posted 26 April 2008 Posted 26 April 2008 And yet people still think sacking Holloway is a good idea. That's because it IS a good idea - it makes no difference now, do it now and not in the closed season - make an example of him the useless twat..
bigneville Posted 27 April 2008 Posted 27 April 2008 That's because it IS a good idea - it makes no difference now, do it now and not in the closed season - make an example of him the useless twat.. So changing the manager is the answer right now? Get real. It might be the right thing to do in the longer term to sack Holloway, but i can't think changing the manager with the do or die last game of the season left as the solution to the problem.. No chance.
Fox in a Box Posted 27 April 2008 Posted 27 April 2008 These are they options left. City to beat Stoke, but I cannot see it happen. WBA to beat Saints (this is a must) Saints to lose/draw against against Sheffield Utd, with Sheff utd still can make the play offs so they will be up for it. But what else is possible.
Jack Posted 27 April 2008 Posted 27 April 2008 Did you have to start another thread to say that ? There is about 500 others that have this in it.
Fox in a Box Posted 27 April 2008 Posted 27 April 2008 Did you have to start another thread to say that ?There is about 500 others that have this in it. 501
Finchy Posted 27 April 2008 Posted 27 April 2008 Ideal results. We beat Stoke - Obviously Southampton beat West Brom and draw against Sheffield United. Sheffield Wednesday beat Norwich Cov lose to Charlton Cov down
Matt Posted 27 April 2008 Posted 27 April 2008 Ideal results. We beat Stoke - Obvously Southampton beat West Brom and draw against Sheffield United. Sheffield Wednesday beat Norwich Cov lose to Charlton Cov down Wow. I thought Cov were well and truly out of the relegation battle and a win last week and draw on Saturday. Doubt that scenario will happen though, TBH its not that unrealistic, but just can't see it happening!
foxesfan1 Posted 27 April 2008 Posted 27 April 2008 Ideal results. We beat Stoke - Obvously Southampton beat West Brom and draw against Sheffield United. Sheffield Wednesday beat Norwich Cov lose to Charlton Cov down haha that would be very funny, however not a chance in hell it is going to happen. i can see southampton beating west brom as they are promoted. then southampton have sheffield united which have nothing to play for... therefore stick out the reserves? i have a slight feeling we be meeting forest again presuming they dont go up themselves.
tartanowl Posted 27 April 2008 Posted 27 April 2008 The Pigs are only 2 points off the playoffs now so they have everything to play for. I hate to say it and I feel dirty thinking it but I actually want them to beat Southampton just to make sure we survive. A Blunts win will benefit you massively as well.
Cal Posted 27 April 2008 Posted 27 April 2008 haha that would be very funny, however not a chance in hell it is going to happen.i can see southampton beating west brom as they are promoted. then southampton have sheffield united which have nothing to play for... therefore stick out the reserves? i have a slight feeling we be meeting forest again presuming they dont go up themselves. > West Brom will be out for a win, they'd wanna be champions. > Sheffield United need play-offs.
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