The Reds Are Going Up

What did they predict us to finish last season if they did a preview. ? Be shocked if it was 4th. I dont think any of us fans did.
I'm too old in the teeth to predict owt. I just go with it.

 

We need to gain 2.1 points per game to match the 98 points Ipswich finished 2nd with last season. Peterborough finished 6th last season on 77 points, so 1.7 per game to get into the play offs.

I think in 5 weeks we’ll have already signed at least one CB and they’ll be almost up to speed with fitness and understanding the system. We’ll be most vulnerable in the first 6 games after then we’ll just get better and better.

3pts H Port Vale
1pt A Bristol Rovers
1pt H Peterborough
1pt H Oxford
1pt A Wigan
3pts A Cheltenham
= 10 points (1.6 per game)
3pts H Portsmouth (5 weeks time)
3pts H Burton (6 weeks time)
= 16 points (2 per game)

Top 4 after 8 games and we’ll then go from strength to strength with suspensions over, injured players coming back, defence settled, whole team having had longer to understand new system

Its those home games that will help us, 5 home games in first 8 with 4 of those against teams that’ll be top 10 come May.

I appreciate the reverse fixtures later in the season will be a test but we’ll be in a far better position to face those stronger teams by then.

 

I think we’ll beat Port Vale as I think they’ll potentially go down this season but it’ll be tough from then on. We could seriously get ZERO points from the Peterborough, Oxford and Wigan games. All three will be decent this season. Bristol Rovers won’t be a walk in the park. Tactically did one on us last season at their place. Wouldn’t be surprised by the end of the window if we’re sitting on a handful of points regretting how slow we were and wishing it was January sooner rather than later.

I look to the positivity of fans on here. That’s what football is all about…opinions and I was as negative last season as I am now but wow, I honestly think this pre season has been atrocious.

 

We could also seriously get maximum points.

 

I find it incredible when people state their opinion as fact.

 

We have the squad, it's all on Collins as far as I'm concerned. Anything outside the top 6 would be failure.

 

What are you on about?

 

Hopefully!

 

Agree with Bristol, a few pundits have them finishing just outside the play offs. And your right we could lose to Peterborough, Oxford and Wigan, but one win against any of them and we are still on track, I’d take 3 draws or 2 losses and a win from those 3.

While our defence is vulnerable don’t forget our midfield and attack are considerably stronger compared to this time last year, there is a lot of fire power in there. If we are going to lose teams are more often than not going to need to score at least twice against us. Just need Styles to stay long enough to cover Philips suspension and hope Connel’s illnesses aren’t ongoing.

Really hope your wrong and that I’m right, it’ll be miserable otherwise

 

Show of hands how many people in this thread actually go to matches

 

It's not 'crap'. It might turn out to be, I hope. Just my opinion. Seasons like last have traditionally been a bit flash-in-the-pan for us, where we then fail to build on any progress in the next. One or two key departures and a brand-new, untested manager. I think we'll have a decent season, but just not enough to be in the mix come May. As I say, I very much hope I'm wrong and we piss the league.

 

'Won’t be anywhere near the top six, never mind top two.'
'It will be tough from then on.'

It's like some fortune telling, blows my mind.

 

Mid table consolidation this season

 

We're still weaker than last season imo especially in defence

 

Me!

 

Ok, should have put ‘I think’ before every sentence to help you understand it’s an opinion and that I’m not Mystic Meg.

Wonder if you would have been so pedantic if it suited your opinion.

 

We are weaker at the back, but otherwise at least as strong if not stronger with all our young uns having an extra year's experience. We should easily have enough for top 6 in my opinion.

 

Only Andersen to replace, Thomas only played four 90mins last season - then cameos from the bench and unfortunately didn't look the same after the injury so l don't think he's a loss.

Top 6 finish.

 

I would, it works both ways. If someone had said 'we'll be top in September' and 'things will get easier in that month', I'd be saying same. I think it's hard to predict, and we just don’t know. Last season is a great example and surprised many.

 

That's just an opinion though.