No more signings = applied psychology

Give Ritchie his due. He's consistent in his approach to building up a sense of team and commitment, starting with his own commitment and loyalty to his own players. Most folk on here believe that we will be short in the striking and central defending departments, but Ritchie is giving Kay a chance to prove himself Championship quality at the back and Richards/Wright with Hayes/Nardiello up front. Bearing in mind what these players did for us last season, that's giving them a fair chance and they will be up for the challenge.

If you look at it - we have Togwell in for Burns and McIndoe in for Shuker. I think the team which starts against Cardiff will be:

Colgan
Hassell Reid Kay Heckinbottom
Devaney Togwell Howard McIndoe
Hayes Richards

The 'reserves' give us cover in every position, except keeper, so I presume that Letheran will sign. Best predictions for the season (most optimistic): Hassell will look a class full back. Kay will surprise everyone with his commitment and consistency. Togwell will hold the central midfield. McIndoe will prove a match-winner. Hayes will look a class above most other players (including oppostion) and will set out to prove that he is at least Championship quality and possibly Premiership come the end of the season. This is optimism, but the team know each other well by now and we could prove a really hard nut to crack for all teams this season, getting the break away goals to keep us afloat. I would take 1-1 against Cardiff, but it would be nice to start with a win and there is a lot of pressure on Cardiff to perform because of their activity in the transfer market. Let's it takes until half time for them to learn each other's names and until the end of the game to work out who's supposed to play where!

 

I still think we need a striker and central defender as a bare minimum. I watched Championship football sometimes with Bro in law (palace fan) last season and I didn't see anything that would particularly worry the team you have named (Andy Johnson excepted). But the squad is very thin and a few injuries or suspensions could 'do' for us.

 

Cardiff

will be a big force this season. However, with the number of signings they've made I'd expect them to have a slow start to the season. Hence playing them early on in the season should give us the ideal opportuity to take 3 pts from one of the divisions top teams.

Having a settled squad will be an advantage for the first month, however, once players begin to settle into their roles at their new clubs, I fear we cold be left behind.

 

RE: Cardiff

Nice to see you fncy our chances but, I'm afraid I don't share your optimism. Don't get me wrong, I think we will be around 8-10th but not right up there at the sharp end.

Personally, I think it'll be along the lines of:

Birmingham
West Brom
Leeds
Sunderland
Crystal Palace
Coventry
Norwich
Southampton
Cardiff
Derby
Preston
Leicester

Just my opinion, obviously.

 

you lot are gonna need psyco bleedin therapy by the final whistle on dec 23 ha ha ha

 

Sunderland?

 

Agree with the top 3

But reckon your lot have stronger team on paper than the likes of Coventry, Southampton, Palace etc

 

RE: Cardiff

I think it is going to backfire for Cardiff, and unfortunate for the fans I think they are going to be left in a mess financially!

Just think Birmingham will walk the league, so to challenge for that last spot is allot to ask with another 8-9 teams.

 

RE: Cardiff

Nah, Brum are going to balls it up...I'm telling you!

West Brom for the title. I've already got my money on.

 

Birmingham play dull uninspired football.

Lucky to make the play-offs.</p>

Its hard to change a losing / non-scoring mentality.</p>

 

---

gayness

 

Why are you so bothered about us?

Worried?

 

RE: why are you so bothered about us?

Maybe it's because he is us.

Ponty I reckon.

 

RE: I know

...exactly how ***** they were last season but Sunderland are always a side that perform well at this level.

Just got a funny feeling they'll do better than expected this season, much the same as I feel Wolves will struggle. Just a hunch. Then again, the bookies love me (doh)

 

RE: why are you so bothered about us?

TFP is logged on tho, unless he's wired up 2 computers like a pesky kid

 

yep i'd go for west brom

 

RE: why are you so bothered about us?

mmm....perhaps not then.

And you were my second guess. Hehe.

 

Wolves good chance to go down , utterly demoralised,

and Mick McCarthy is manager.

 

RE: why are you so bothered about us?

It's McDog, the bum-bothering gaylord.

 

bothered worried ha ha ha

give it a rest
the easiest 6 points next season
fact