Is This Team Good Enough

[smudger63]

I think the team as it is should be good enough to keep us in the division, but I can't see it getting us any further than mid-table at the best with what we've got at the moment. I'm pretty sure the club will bring in at least one more player (remember we are still to use the loan system) before the season begins, but I haven't got much confidence that this/these player(s) will be good enough for us to realistically aim for the play-offs, based on the signings we have already made.

For all the 'ambition' of Mandaric in pledging to get us back into the Premier League, we have hardly spent anything at all (so far ) in this transfer window in relation to some of the other clubs in the division. To put it into perspective, Championship clubs with realistic play-off ambitions for next season have even spent more on single players than our combined expenditure this summer. As a fan I wouldn't demand the club spends big at the moment because the club simply doesn't have any money to spend, but what I really resent is this self-deification from Mandaric and the fact the club is feeding the local media with stories about a play-off challenge without stumping up the money to make it seem like a feasible target.

I mean I hope the players prove me wrong, but I don't think we've got a chance of making the play-offs next season...

Agree 100 per cent with this.

For me, milan talks the talk, but ive yet to see, that he`s willing to walk the walk!

[Salieri]

I think we might be being a bit optimistic if we think we are good enough to challenge for the play offs. The last few years has certainly brought most of our fans back down to reality and we now realise we don’t have this god given right to be a premiership team. I still believe relegation that day at stoke in the long run was what we needed, a right kick up the arse,

Last season for me was the biggest season in our now 125 year history, we had to get out of that poor division at the first attempt if we didn’t we would of been the next Leeds, Bradford, Luton etc.

When Nigel Pearson was appointed manager, I was not filled with the greatest confidence - I actually threw a cushion at my TV when Sky Sports News had it running across the yellow bar at the bottom of the screen and called Milan every name under the sun, as Southampton seemed to go in to freefall after Pearson took the job there. I am now eating my words still as all my workmates still take the piss of my comments that day.

I think Pearson has set the foundations for something good, we have a cracking group of young players and one or two experienced heads to guide them. I personally think with the addition of a striker or two, we could become a force in the championship over the next couple of seasons. I also like the way Pearson is signing good, young players like Hobbs and N'guessan - hopefully we can keep this squad together and progress as a team.

As for where we’ll finish this season - 4th from bottom will do me fine, its not that I have a lack of ambition, it’s just that the reality check of last year has kicked in. Let’s stay up this year and kick on next season and carry on building a future squad that can take us back to the promise land.

Good post.

[Kilworthfox]

To evaluate LCFC's chances in the championship this season before they have kicked a competitive ball is difficult, but having witnessed their performances over the last few seasons regularly I know most of the players and their abilities. I made a prediction last season after 3 games and was on the money, so I (without seeing us play so far) will make another.

The major factors that have led the members of this board to become so optimistic are:

1. Nigel Pearson's ability to have the the job's not done until it's finished approach. I also love this.

2. Last seasons performance and all around good feeling.

3 The emergence of some young home grown players who played very well last season.

4. The headlines in the Mercury sports back page telling us of promotion.

5 The noises about supposed new players coming in, and what they can & will do.

The Players

1. Chris Weale - Must be decent, NP would not have got him otherwise

2. Robbie Neilson - I think he will be solid, but unspectacular

3. Joe Mattock - Needs to buck his ideas up & work on his game, if he can he will deserve his shirt and may progress

4. Michael Morrison - Getting better, I have reservations if he is good enough for the CCC

5. Aleksandar Tunchev - Awesome, could play alot higher than CCC & has.

6. Wayne Brown - Meat head will come in handy at some point.

7. Max Gradel - Must become more consistent, only young and a great talent

8. Matt Oakley - Must become more consistent, no excuses.

9. Steve Howard - Not up to the job, had some great moments last season and some equally awful.

10. Andy King - Will struggle to match the physical intensity of the CCC.

11. Lloyd Dyer - Other than pace he is useless.

12. Matty Fryatt - May bag 10? but is not going to shoot us to the prem.

13. Conrad Logan - Had his chance, not good enough then, not now.

14. Stephen Clemence - Was a decent player, but what will return from injury, i hope for the best

15. Bruno Berner - Solid LB, won't be spectacular but will be ok.

16. Nicky Adams - too lightweight.

17. Dany N'Guessan - ?

19. Richie Wellens - Class may be a great signing.

21. Ashley Chambers - Why this kid does not get a chance? How Dickov get in front of him is a crime.

25. Jack Hobbs - Great signing, CCC player, with potential.

27. Paul Dickov - His days are long gone, unfortunately he is still hanging around on his big wage.

29. Chris Powell - Won't get much game time but a good pro and positive influence.

Summary

In summary, Our GK & defence are fine, our midfield lacks bite and ability to put in consistent displays even in League 1. Our Strikers are hit & miss, Fryatt's space and time will be cut severely this season and if he bags half the league goals (27) he did last season I will be delighted, but suprised.

We won't concede too many 50 ish, but I fear we will score the same or even less and if you can't score goals you don't win enough games to dream about playoffs or promotion as no one ever gets lucky (it's a myth), especially after 46 turns or 46 league games. A realistic position will be anywhere from 22nd up to 13th and it all depends on where the goals will come from.

Goal scoring estimates...

Fryatt 10

Howard 5

Chambers 2

Dickov 1

N'Guessan 5

Gradel 2

King 5

Wellens 5

Dyer 2

Oakley 2

Defenders possibly 5 max from set pieces & corners.

40 ish goals I, realisticly can account for next season. Not good enough, no where near good enough. Even if Fryatt has an epic season again (27) which some believe he will (remember Ebanks Blake only got 25), and Howard gets 10, they both play all games fully fit that is still only an extra 22 goals, and 62 in total, now how realistic is that?

What is needed

1. Goals & lots of em

2. Midfield stability

Lita would provide a genuine 20 goal a season man if his head was on it and fully fit, then another just like him it would be nice to see Keogh but that was just rumour too. I think Clingan is off to Cov but a player who can bite ankles and give the ball to a better player (Wellens).

I don't believe that Mandaric will take the financial hit to make us genuine Promotion contenders. Evans went to Sheff Utd for £3mil yesterday, will Madaric be making signings like that and expand the wages to accommodate players like him? No! Then we will be an average CCC team again.

[Sniffer-Clarke]

To evaluate LCFC's chances in the championship this season before they have kicked a competitive ball is difficult, but having witnessed their performances over the last few seasons regularly I know most of the players and their abilities. I made a prediction last season after 3 games and was on the money, so I (without seeing us play so far) will make another.

The major factors that have led the members of this board to become so optimistic are:

1. Nigel Pearson's ability to have the the job's not done until it's finished approach. I also love this.

2. Last seasons performance and all around good feeling.

3 The emergence of some young home grown players who played very well last season.

4. The headlines in the Mercury sports back page telling us of promotion.

5 The noises about supposed new players coming in, and what they can & will do.

The Players

1. Chris Weale - Must be decent, NP would not have got him otherwise

2. Robbie Neilson - I think he will be solid, but unspectacular

3. Joe Mattock - Needs to buck his ideas up & work on his game, if he can he will deserve his shirt and may progress

4. Michael Morrison - Getting better, I have reservations if he is good enough for the CCC

5. Aleksandar Tunchev - Awesome, could play alot higher than CCC & has.

6. Wayne Brown - Meat head will come in handy at some point.

7. Max Gradel - Must become more consistent, only young and a great talent

8. Matt Oakley - Must become more consistent, no excuses.

9. Steve Howard - Not up to the job, had some great moments last season and some equally awful.

10. Andy King - Will struggle to match the physical intensity of the CCC.

11. Lloyd Dyer - Other than pace he is useless.

12. Matty Fryatt - May bag 10? but is not going to shoot us to the prem.

13. Conrad Logan - Had his chance, not good enough then, not now.

14. Stephen Clemence - Was a decent player, but what will return from injury, i hope for the best

15. Bruno Berner - Solid LB, won't be spectacular but will be ok.

16. Nicky Adams - too lightweight.

17. Dany N'Guessan - ?

19. Richie Wellens - Class may be a great signing.

21. Ashley Chambers - Why this kid does not get a chance? How Dickov get in front of him is a crime.

25. Jack Hobbs - Great signing, CCC player, with potential.

27. Paul Dickov - His days are long gone, unfortunately he is still hanging around on his big wage.

29. Chris Powell - Won't get much game time but a good pro and positive influence.

Summary

In summary, Our GK & defence are fine, our midfield lacks bite and ability to put in consistent displays even in League 1. Our Strikers are hit & miss, Fryatt's space and time will be cut severely this season and if he bags half the league goals (27) he did last season I will be delighted, but suprised.

We won't concede too many 50 ish, but I fear we will score the same or even less and if you can't score goals you don't win enough games to dream about playoffs or promotion as no one ever gets lucky (it's a myth), especially after 46 turns or 46 league games. A realistic position will be anywhere from 22nd up to 13th and it all depends on where the goals will come from.

Goal scoring estimates...

Fryatt 10

Howard 5

Chambers 2

Dickov 1

N'Guessan 5

Gradel 2

King 5

Wellens 5

Dyer 2

Oakley 2

Defenders possibly 5 max from set pieces & corners.

40 ish goals I, realisticly can account for next season. Not good enough, no where near good enough. Even if Fryatt has an epic season again (27) which some believe he will (remember Ebanks Blake only got 25), and Howard gets 10, they both play all games fully fit that is still only an extra 22 goals, and 62 in total, now how realistic is that?

What is needed

1. Goals & lots of em

2. Midfield stability

Lita would provide a genuine 20 goal a season man if his head was on it and fully fit, then another just like him it would be nice to see Keogh but that was just rumour too. I think Clingan is off to Cov but a player who can bite ankles and give the ball to a better player (Wellens).

I don't believe that Mandaric will take the financial hit to make us genuine Promotion contenders. Evans went to Sheff Utd for £3mil yesterday, will Madaric be making signings like that and expand the wages to accommodate players like him? No! Then we will be an average CCC team again.

That seems to me to be SPOT ON.

[reynard]

The simple answer is probably not.

As others have pointed out our real worry is likely to be the number of goals we can score. Essentially we have the same strikers the last time round and they were not good enough then and I can't see where the goals are going to come from this time round either.

[smudger63]

To evaluate LCFC's chances in the championship this season before they have kicked a competitive ball is difficult, but having witnessed their performances over the last few seasons regularly I know most of the players and their abilities. I made a prediction last season after 3 games and was on the money, so I (without seeing us play so far) will make another.

The major factors that have led the members of this board to become so optimistic are:

1. Nigel Pearson's ability to have the the job's not done until it's finished approach. I also love this.

2. Last seasons performance and all around good feeling.

3 The emergence of some young home grown players who played very well last season.

4. The headlines in the Mercury sports back page telling us of promotion.

5 The noises about supposed new players coming in, and what they can & will do.

The Players

1. Chris Weale - Must be decent, NP would not have got him otherwise

2. Robbie Neilson - I think he will be solid, but unspectacular

3. Joe Mattock - Needs to buck his ideas up & work on his game, if he can he will deserve his shirt and may progress

4. Michael Morrison - Getting better, I have reservations if he is good enough for the CCC

5. Aleksandar Tunchev - Awesome, could play alot higher than CCC & has.

6. Wayne Brown - Meat head will come in handy at some point.

7. Max Gradel - Must become more consistent, only young and a great talent

8. Matt Oakley - Must become more consistent, no excuses.

9. Steve Howard - Not up to the job, had some great moments last season and some equally awful.

10. Andy King - Will struggle to match the physical intensity of the CCC.

11. Lloyd Dyer - Other than pace he is useless.

12. Matty Fryatt - May bag 10? but is not going to shoot us to the prem.

13. Conrad Logan - Had his chance, not good enough then, not now.

14. Stephen Clemence - Was a decent player, but what will return from injury, i hope for the best

15. Bruno Berner - Solid LB, won't be spectacular but will be ok.

16. Nicky Adams - too lightweight.

17. Dany N'Guessan - ?

19. Richie Wellens - Class may be a great signing.

21. Ashley Chambers - Why this kid does not get a chance? How Dickov get in front of him is a crime.

25. Jack Hobbs - Great signing, CCC player, with potential.

27. Paul Dickov - His days are long gone, unfortunately he is still hanging around on his big wage.

29. Chris Powell - Won't get much game time but a good pro and positive influence.

Summary

In summary, Our GK & defence are fine, our midfield lacks bite and ability to put in consistent displays even in League 1. Our Strikers are hit & miss, Fryatt's space and time will be cut severely this season and if he bags half the league goals (27) he did last season I will be delighted, but suprised.

We won't concede too many 50 ish, but I fear we will score the same or even less and if you can't score goals you don't win enough games to dream about playoffs or promotion as no one ever gets lucky (it's a myth), especially after 46 turns or 46 league games. A realistic position will be anywhere from 22nd up to 13th and it all depends on where the goals will come from.

Goal scoring estimates...

Fryatt 10

Howard 5

Chambers 2

Dickov 1

N'Guessan 5

Gradel 2

King 5

Wellens 5

Dyer 2

Oakley 2

Defenders possibly 5 max from set pieces & corners.

40 ish goals I, realisticly can account for next season. Not good enough, no where near good enough. Even if Fryatt has an epic season again (27) which some believe he will (remember Ebanks Blake only got 25), and Howard gets 10, they both play all games fully fit that is still only an extra 22 goals, and 62 in total, now how realistic is that?

What is needed

1. Goals & lots of em

2. Midfield stability

Lita would provide a genuine 20 goal a season man if his head was on it and fully fit, then another just like him it would be nice to see Keogh but that was just rumour too. I think Clingan is off to Cov but a player who can bite ankles and give the ball to a better player (Wellens).

I don't believe that Mandaric will take the financial hit to make us genuine Promotion contenders. Evans went to Sheff Utd for £3mil yesterday, will Madaric be making signings like that and expand the wages to accommodate players like him? No! Then we will be an average CCC team again.

Yep that sounds a fair evaluation to me.

Good post.

[Webbo]

Goal scoring estimates...

Fryatt 10

Howard 5

Chambers 2

Dickov 1

N'Guessan 5

Gradel 2

King 5

Wellens 5

Dyer 2

Oakley 2

Defenders possibly 5 max from set pieces & corners.

That's far too pessimistic. I'd expect Fryatt and Howard to get double those amounts, Dickov will get 5/6 depending on appearences.

Lighten up everyone, we'll do alright this season.

[Fox92]

No.

The current side isn't strong enough for a top table finish never mind the play offs and I am quite worried to be fairly honest.

I know it is not a real issue but I think we need another goalkeeper and I am not sure Weale will be good enough. He didn't get in Bristol City's first team and he was sent out on loan to Hereford when they won promotion from League 2 so why is he Leicester City's number one - must be decent though. Is Logan a good enough back up?

I am assured with the full back area although I haven't seen Nielson play a competitive championship match obviousley but he is currently out for Ipswich and Swansea. No real cover at right full back other than O'Neill or the dreaded centre back movin to right full back which I hate. Left full back, well Joe Mattock is good enough for this division and Powell can cover, just scared about him being 40 years of age though.

The centre backs are fine. Hobbs, Tunchev and Morrison should be great in the coca-cola championship whilst Brown played in the play off winning Hull City side. So, that position is fine with me.

Now then, abit worried about the midfield areas. Starting with centre midfield, Richie Wellens should be good enough but I am not convinced about his partner, either Oakley or King. I am not sure that King has the strength and physical ability to get him through this division although Wellens will most probably do that side of the midfield whilst King's other attributes including his general control, passing and finishing should be fine. No problems with Matt Oakley either and although Weselowski may leave, not sure if Clemence will feature.

Not convinced with the wingers either, will Dyer and Gradel be good enough? Dyer didn't really featured at this level for West Brom and his other loanee clubs including Millwall and is that because of his inconsistency that we all witnessed last season. Gradel will also need to be much more consistent and I wouldn't say he is a talent but he will most probably give the division ago. Not sure about N'Guesson and seeing as he has come from League 2, will he be good enough?

The striking department I am very dissapointed with. We all know about Matty Fryatt's "useless" record in this division as some put it and although I have confidence in him will he not produce the goals required? Cannot see Howard and Dickov scoring much and with DJ on his way out of the club itself, who else and where else are we going to turn to? Loanees? Transfers? Don't think we will be able to pay much of a transfer fee for a striker and there are not many proven championship goalscorers out there for less than 2million. Chambers doesn't seem to be progressing although I would give him ago and apart from his pace, I haven't seen much of him to suggest he is a decent back up to our "strikeforce".

Therefore, my summary is that we could do with another goalkeeper, the defence is fine although me may need another right full back. The midfield lacks bite and the physical side of the division - someone like Michael Ballack/Torsten Frings. The strikers are, well, not convincing enough.

[lildave3]

I'd say currently no, we need another left back to rotate with Mattock, a back-up target man and a proven fast Championship goalscorer, McGivern, Kermorgant and Nugent would do very nicely.

[Joe.]

Supercity strikes again. Can anybody stop him?

[foxoffderby]

To evaluate LCFC's chances in the championship this season before they have kicked a competitive ball is difficult, but having witnessed their performances over the last few seasons regularly I know most of the players and their abilities. I made a prediction last season after 3 games and was on the money, so I (without seeing us play so far) will make another.

The major factors that have led the members of this board to become so optimistic are:

1. Nigel Pearson's ability to have the the job's not done until it's finished approach. I also love this.

2. Last seasons performance and all around good feeling.

3 The emergence of some young home grown players who played very well last season.

4. The headlines in the Mercury sports back page telling us of promotion.

5 The noises about supposed new players coming in, and what they can & will do.

The Players

1. Chris Weale - Must be decent, NP would not have got him otherwise

2. Robbie Neilson - I think he will be solid, but unspectacular

3. Joe Mattock - Needs to buck his ideas up & work on his game, if he can he will deserve his shirt and may progress

4. Michael Morrison - Getting better, I have reservations if he is good enough for the CCC

5. Aleksandar Tunchev - Awesome, could play alot higher than CCC & has.

6. Wayne Brown - Meat head will come in handy at some point.

7. Max Gradel - Must become more consistent, only young and a great talent

8. Matt Oakley - Must become more consistent, no excuses.

9. Steve Howard - Not up to the job, had some great moments last season and some equally awful.

10. Andy King - Will struggle to match the physical intensity of the CCC.

11. Lloyd Dyer - Other than pace he is useless.

12. Matty Fryatt - May bag 10? but is not going to shoot us to the prem.

13. Conrad Logan - Had his chance, not good enough then, not now.

14. Stephen Clemence - Was a decent player, but what will return from injury, i hope for the best

15. Bruno Berner - Solid LB, won't be spectacular but will be ok.

16. Nicky Adams - too lightweight.

17. Dany N'Guessan - ?

19. Richie Wellens - Class may be a great signing.

21. Ashley Chambers - Why this kid does not get a chance? How Dickov get in front of him is a crime.

25. Jack Hobbs - Great signing, CCC player, with potential.

27. Paul Dickov - His days are long gone, unfortunately he is still hanging around on his big wage.

29. Chris Powell - Won't get much game time but a good pro and positive influence.

Summary

In summary, Our GK & defence are fine, our midfield lacks bite and ability to put in consistent displays even in League 1. Our Strikers are hit & miss, Fryatt's space and time will be cut severely this season and if he bags half the league goals (27) he did last season I will be delighted, but suprised.

We won't concede too many 50 ish, but I fear we will score the same or even less and if you can't score goals you don't win enough games to dream about playoffs or promotion as no one ever gets lucky (it's a myth), especially after 46 turns or 46 league games. A realistic position will be anywhere from 22nd up to 13th and it all depends on where the goals will come from.

Goal scoring estimates...

Fryatt 10

Howard 5

Chambers 2

Dickov 1

N'Guessan 5

Gradel 2

King 5

Wellens 5

Dyer 2

Oakley 2

Defenders possibly 5 max from set pieces & corners.

40 ish goals I, realisticly can account for next season. Not good enough, no where near good enough. Even if Fryatt has an epic season again (27) which some believe he will (remember Ebanks Blake only got 25), and Howard gets 10, they both play all games fully fit that is still only an extra 22 goals, and 62 in total, now how realistic is that?

What is needed

1. Goals & lots of em

2. Midfield stability

Lita would provide a genuine 20 goal a season man if his head was on it and fully fit, then another just like him it would be nice to see Keogh but that was just rumour too. I think Clingan is off to Cov but a player who can bite ankles and give the ball to a better player (Wellens).

I don't believe that Mandaric will take the financial hit to make us genuine Promotion contenders. Evans went to Sheff Utd for £3mil yesterday, will Madaric be making signings like that and expand the wages to accommodate players like him? No! Then we will be an average CCC team again.

Great post I agree with nearly all of this.

I think Dyer will do better than you give him credit for.

Well summed up.

[DanTheFox07]

Don`t think we have enough upfront compared to some teams, mid table for me at best at the moment.

[Tilley]

'Our defense is good' is it really? Robbie Neilson was signed from a Scottish club & in recent history, players signed from the SPL have hardly set the C'ship alight. Mattock was beaten week in week out by shit League One wingers, he needs to pull his finger out, big time. Jack Hobbs had a decent season, but it was against nobodies in a crap league, the C'ship is different completely. Tunchev I've never seen play apart from League One either, I can't wait to see him against the 'better' strikers in this league. I can see Wayne Brown doing alright when he gets his chance because the C'ship is a physical league and he can handle that but personally I think Morrison is a long way off being ready to play in the C'ship. As for the strike force, I'm sure all the C'ship defenders are quaking in their boots about facing Howard, Fryatt & Dickhead.

I haven't been to a pre-season friendly & you might think I'm being negative but I think it's been a very uninspiring pre-season so far.

[Vlad The Impaler]

The Players

1. Chris Weale - Must be decent, NP would not have got him otherwise

2. Robbie Neilson - I think he will be solid, but unspectacular

3. Joe Mattock - Needs to buck his ideas up & work on his game, if he can he will deserve his shirt and may progress

4. Michael Morrison - Getting better, I have reservations if he is good enough for the CCC

5. Aleksandar Tunchev - Awesome, could play alot higher than CCC & has.

6. Wayne Brown - Meat head will come in handy at some point.

7. Max Gradel - Must become more consistent, only young and a great talent

8. Matt Oakley - Must become more consistent, no excuses.

9. Steve Howard - Not up to the job, had some great moments last season and some equally awful.

10. Andy King - Will struggle to match the physical intensity of the CCC.

11. Lloyd Dyer - Other than pace he is useless.

12. Matty Fryatt - May bag 10? but is not going to shoot us to the prem.

13. Conrad Logan - Had his chance, not good enough then, not now.

14. Stephen Clemence - Was a decent player, but what will return from injury, i hope for the best

15. Bruno Berner - Solid LB, won't be spectacular but will be ok.

16. Nicky Adams - too lightweight.

17. Dany N'Guessan - ?

19. Richie Wellens - Class may be a great signing.

21. Ashley Chambers - Why this kid does not get a chance? How Dickov get in front of him is a crime.

25. Jack Hobbs - Great signing, CCC player, with potential.

27. Paul Dickov - His days are long gone, unfortunately he is still hanging around on his big wage.

29. Chris Powell - Won't get much game time but a good pro and positive influence.

Hmm.. I think Morrison, Howard, King, Dyer, Oakley and Fryatt will be fine

[Heart-Shaped Fox]

Hmm.. I think Morrison, Howard, King, Dyer and Fryatt will be fine

Totally agree

[Karljohn]

Majority of the posts are bang on. Been following city for 30 years and its about time we had a young kid come through the ranks who is a striker, someone who can make a real impact, following in the footsteps of lineker, heskey and joachim , there's always someone who makes the grade who we didnt expect too....last season it was Andy King. I would hope Ashley Chambers gets the nod ahead of Dickov.

Dont think we could ever rule out converting a midfielder with a knack for goals into a striker too, and for that I see a role for young Tom Cleverley, he looks like he has a "cottee" style instinct for being in the right place at the right time..the goal he took at Walsall reminded me of TC.

[carterfox90]

no we need a good striker & possibly another goalkeeper as in the last few seasons we have needed a few goalies mid table with a bit of luck as fryatt & howard was the strikeforce we went down with so we need to address that asap or we may struggle imo

[ithuriel]

this team at present is not strong enough for the play-offs but thats just my opinion.

[morris1234]

Majority of the posts are bang on. Been following city for 30 years and its about time we had a young kid come through the ranks who is a striker, someone who can make a real impact, following in the footsteps of lineker, heskey and joachim , there's always someone who makes the grade who we didnt expect too....last season it was Andy King. I would hope Ashley Chambers gets the nod ahead of Dickov.

Dont think we could ever rule out converting a midfielder with a knack for goals into a striker too, and for that I see a role for young Tom Cleverley, he looks like he has a "cottee" style instinct for being in the right place at the right time..the goal he took at Walsall reminded me of TC.

thats settled then is it.........? <_<

[foxoffderby]

Majority of the posts are bang on. Been following city for 30 years and its about time we had a young kid come through the ranks who is a striker, someone who can make a real impact, following in the footsteps of lineker, heskey and joachim , there's always someone who makes the grade who we didnt expect too....last season it was Andy King. I would hope Ashley Chambers gets the nod ahead of Dickov.

Dont think we could ever rule out converting a midfielder with a knack for goals into a striker too, and for that I see a role for young Tom Cleverley, he looks like he has a "cottee" style instinct for being in the right place at the right time..the goal he took at Walsall reminded me of TC.

We have hes called Billy Kee.

[Vlad The Impaler]

We have hes called Billy Kee.

[Lillehamring]

as far as these often posted speculations regarding andy king....

it seems to be the 'accepted general opinion' that he is going to be too lightweight, but is the championship really that more physical than L1, it always used to be the case that the lower down the footballing league one goes, the less skillful and the more physical it got...

i'm inclined to think that this must still generally apply.

i personally think king will have more time on the ball.

[Heart-Shaped Fox]

as far as these often posted speculations regarding andy king....

it seems to be the 'accepted general opinion' that he is going to be too lightweight, but is the championship really that more physical than L1, it always used to be the case that the lower down the footballing league one goes, the less skillful and the more physical it got...

i'm inclined to think that this must still generally apply.

i personally think king will have more time on the ball.

I hope he isn't lightweight, but Stringer said during commentary yesterday that he looked more physical than before.

[Benji]

Where has all this talk of play-offs and top half of the table come from? It's not even something I've begun to think about!

If people are honestly setting this as a target then they are going to be very disappointed come february and no doubt calling for Pearson's head.

20th would do me this season, anything higher will be a bonus. People really are underestimating how tough the Championship will be this season, you only have to look at our first 6 games and you'll see it's not unlikely that we'll pick up less than 7-10 points.

There's optimism and then there's setting yourself up for a big fall.

Forest went into last season blowing their own horns and saying how they'd be a force to reckon with, yet their safety wasn't exactly secured early on in the season was it. Wake up!

This isn't just aimed at this thread, but all those hanging around at the minute. Seems inconceivable for people to even consider what is needed for playoffs at this point let alone dreaming about being there or there abouts.

And we're not just a good striker away!

[Webbo]

Where has all this talk of play-offs and top half of the table come from? It's not even something I've begun to think about!

If people are honestly setting this as a target then they are going to be very disappointed come february and no doubt calling for Pearson's head.

20th would do me this season, anything higher will be a bonus. People really are underestimating how tough the Championship will be this season, you only have to look at our first 6 games and you'll see it's not unlikely that we'll pick up less than 7-10 points.

There's optimism and then there's setting yourself up for a big fall.

Forest went into last season blowing their own horns and saying how they'd be a force to reckon with, yet their safety wasn't exactly secured early on in the season was it. Wake up!

This isn't just aimed at this thread, but all those hanging around at the minute. Seems inconceivable for people to even consider what is needed for playoffs at this point let alone dreaming about being there or there abouts.

And we're not just a good striker away!

That's your opinion and you're entitled to it. There are always more losers than winners in any competition so if you're constantly negative you're bound to be right more often than not.

I remember reading all this pessimism this time last year. A lot of people were saying that they'd be happy if we stayed up. As we all know we pissed the league with some to spare.

I'll be amazed if we're not in the top half at the end of the season, in fact I expect us to be challenging for a play off place at least.