I think we’re genuine dark horses

But I saw the team at the start of the relegation season; Hourihane was long gone by then iirc?

 

I haven't a clue where we'll finish up this season. But it's a long time since I've had such a feel good factor at the start of the season.

 

Ah remember when Conner wernt as good as Conner and fans suggested a whip round to send him back...….but yes the team has a lot to prove but they do look more assured than most expected on Saturday, your also right that at present this league int as strong as it's been over the past few years and we could profit from that

 

Anyone who at any stage who thought that Conor want good enough knows nowt about football to be fair...

 

To be fair some sat around me wernt upset when he went to villa...….just for the record I was

 

I’d say 4th at the end of September (opening fixtures very kind to us).
Stendel leaves in January (presumably the Club will force him out if he doesn’t sign a contract extension).
14th place finish.

 

Any idea what Stendel would be on per week? I've never understood why head coaches/managers are often paid much less than most players.

 

We've played one game. Played well and won it. Try enjoying it.
Beyond that any predictions of play offs or finishing 21st are pure and simple guesswork influenced by the corresponding posters' natural inclination to wild optimism or misery.
How about we support the team and see where we finish up?

 

Why would they?
He’s an employee not a asset.
There’s no advantage in sacking him (note managers are sacked or released not sold.)

If he goes it’s because he wants to or he’s failed miserably. There’s no realistic scenario where he’s successful and we get rid.

 

From what I've seen so far (which I accept is limited to 1 game) we have added pace and power (as well as some skill as well) which was missing at time last season. Added to what we had already means Stendel's style should work quite well.

In my view we will scare the life out of some teams this season and maybe hammer a couple along the way. However, I also think we'll take some hammerings ourselves, especially when up against savvy and talented teams.

One thing I am confident about is our work-rate. Anyone who beats us will either have to match our commitment and work-rate or their superior skill will make it difficult for us. I'm sure there will be many who won't be able to do that.

I can't see us getting near promotion or the playoffs. I am, however, confident we can avoid relegation.

I'll predict a 16th place finish which I'd be delighted with and I'd bite the hand off anyone who could offer us that now.

 

^^^Sounds about right.

 

We were very impressive first game but there’s a long way to go. It seemed like we were very good but who knows? It could turn out Fulham are useless for a month or two until they get up to speed.

Alternatively even if we are very good I wouldn’t get carried away. If we’re top half at Christmas I’d suggest we’re more likely to sell key players or lose our manager than push on going on our previous form under both this ownership & Cryne before that.

Ultimately it worked out but let’s not forget Jacob Brown been a revelation at right wing after selling Potts in January was a complete fluke. He only got a game there as Hedges & Green were poor.

I reckon we’ll end up mid-table & Stendel will go next summer.

 

Believe me Jimmy. A lot of folks didn't think king Ronnie was any good for a short while. Re Conner he became a totally different player when Hammil arrived on the scene such was the impact.

 

I'd take issue with the complete fluke comment. We as supporters largely knew next to nothing about him. I assume the coaching staff knew him inside out and had a fair idea he could do a job. Hardly a fluke.
Given the recent sanctification of Daniel Stendel I find it hard to believe he gave Brown his head on the basis of shits and giggles.

 

What I mean by fluke is he wasn’t the intended replacement for Potts. It wasn’t like we sold Potts & put Brown on the wing. He only got a game there as Hedges & Green weren’t up to it. He hadn’t been coming off the bench or playing for the U23’s as a winger.

If Hedges would’ve been anything better than poor he would’ve probably kept that spot & we wouldn’t have seen the run of goals & assists Brown got in Feb / March time.

 

I can’t bear to forecast against us on the Super six. Payed off on Saturday, got 5 points for a correct score. Unfortunately they were the only ones I got !

 

Many on here will remember Tuffers from the original incarnation of the BBS. And his genuine belief that selling Neil Redfearn for a million quid was a good idea. Unbelievable!

 

It was sarcasm. I’ll go for less subtlety in future.

 

To be reight Ronnie was was about a stone and a half overweight and totally unfit when he first landed at Oakwell. Saw him in a pre season game at Chesterfield and he never got beyond a gentle trot. Think it was his first ever Reds game but my memory’s not brilliant

 

Let’s all enjoy the ride lads C.O.Y.R.