Racing Post "Big Kick-Off" Preview

Predicts a 10th placed finish for us on the back of player sales and our form in the last nine games.

 

Kane has been replaced, Cadden has been replaced, Williams is a big loss but we've got plenty of cover in his position. We haven't really replaced Cole, but Watters or Cosgrove both bring more value to the side than an out of form Devante.

New manager and several new players mean that the dreadful end of season form is absolutely irrelevant.

I'm rather pleased that we seem to be flying under the radar, and personally I'm feeling much more confident now than I was this time last year.

 

I think that's fair from anyone on the outside looking in. It might even turn out to be correct. There are huge question marks over Cosgrove and Watters. But if they can strike up a partnership we could do very well.

 

We’ve lost the best part of 40 goals and the competition looks a lot stronger this year. 10th feels about right for me.

 

Their headlline tips were correct last season in the Prem, Championship and League Two. Sadly for us, it was only in League One that their tip failed!

 

Keep seeing this opinion trotted out on here. Don't see it, personally.

 

I’d say around 10th won’t be far off given our current squad. A couple of key signings might just make us top 6 material. Whether we get them remains to be seen.

 

Where I see us as it stands although I hope Craig and Gent will be a upgrade. We need goals but there the players everyone wants don't see what we have having enough but get that recruitment right and who knows.

 

About 4 weeks ago, an approx. average finishing position by betting companies was 8th with odds of winning at 18/1.
Currently it shows 10th with 20/1 available so it’s a confirmation of our transfer activity.

 

10th my ar5e, we'll be pushing top 6 all season, an if Clarke can do his magic top 2, keep the faith, C,O,Y,R.

 

I agree but I'd still like to see two attacking winger/ strikers sign or one winger, one number 10.

 

Definately, 2 more, loans at best.

 

Not sure what last season’s form has to do with it given more than half of our team will be different and our coaching staff will be different.

Can’t disagree too much with 10th at this stage though I don’t think. I do hope Clarke will get us firing and in the playoff mix but I also hope we give him the tools (a keeper and 2 strikers) to do so.

 

We might sign a couple of tools.

 

Probably more than likely….

 

I thought it had already been decided that we're definitely finishing 17th?

 

Had a whisper for Sameem 18.20 t'neight, one of Tims.

 

Cole had a very unusual purple patch last season against some of the poorest teams I have seen in league 1. Second half of his season was poor.

In comparison Cosgrove never got a real good crack of the whip, neither did Watters and then we have Marsh and when fit Jalo.

I'm more positive in the team this season than last seasons, it just looks better balanced. That said, I do still want us to bring in 2 more players, 1 GK and 1 Forward. I remember Simon Davey messing about and we wouldn't part with £600k to seal a move for Charlie Adam. He almost single handedly got Blackpool promoted that season. If we have (and I'm not aware what the figure really is) already made a bid for Keillor-Dunn of say £400k to £500k, an extra £400k isn't going to break the bank to get it over the line. He's the type of player to gamble that paying off based on his performances. He could be the difference in Top 8 to Top 2. It's a risk worth taking IMO.

 

Hhmmm, that'd be a disappointing finish for me (if we do finish 10th), as I hope we can go for the Play offs, again.
I do think Lg One could be harder this time because of the Championship relegated teams, and some other teams doing better this time etc.
But that remains to be seen of course.

 

Based on the fact that Clarke simply has to be better than Collins - he just has to be - I can see Barnsley at least getting in the top 6. If they sign a striker and keeper they'll go up automatic. You heard it here first.