Pointless Prediction Time!

Okay, it's that mid-summer lull when we can't wait to get going with a crushing victory over Guiseley Town! Predictions at this point are of course utterly pointless because we don't yet know the full makeup of our squad, nor those of our rivals. Yet we can start hazarding guesses at the quality of player we and our rivals might bring in. As time goes on, we can refine our predictions according to events. Then of course, the season starts and reality kicks in!

All that said, at this point I'm of the view that the top four places will be taken by: Wigan, Swindon, Blunts, Millwall. Obviously there's some uncertainty there because three of those four effectively have new managers this season (Caldwell only appointed in April). Cooper may yet depart Swindon for Swillsborough.

Looking at our newly-published fixture list in the rosy hue of pre-season, I estimate we will get in the region of 70-75 points. (This forecast might be downgraded if we re-sign Cranie.) Good enough perhaps, for 5th or 6th. I would struggle to see us beating any of the above four over two legs. It would, however represent progress for us and LeeJay. Wouldn't be confident enough to bet on this though.

Whether we would go on from there remains to be seen, although I can't help but agree with Grandfathertyke's view that our natural centre of gravity may have shifted from Championship to League One!

 

Swindon have lost a lot of their better players, i reckon theyll finish midtable this season, especially if Cooper and Byrne go.

 

I'm actually of the opinion that this league has got easier from a Barnsley perspective, realistically only Wigan and the blunts are bigger clubs than us this year! Although Bradford and Swindon have looked like good forces in this league they both get picked apart by clubs taking their players so if they don't replace said player or even management they could become midtable teams! As for Millwall they're abit of an enigma really they could either bounce back up as donny did a few seasons back or they could need a season to adapt as we did and also be another midtable team! It's really too early to be making predictions without seeing our signings put providing we fill at least 8 of our gaps with decent signings and a sprinkle of talent I honestly can't see 6 teams that should finish above us! So I think playoffs for the Reds this season!

Taking all what I've said into account I also don't see any excuse the club has if we don't either! We have a manager that knows the league, the boards more experienced with the league now and we have one of the best budget/attendances in league! This season we just can't drop silly points here and there we need to win the winnable games and more importantly ensure we have players to fill all the positions this time round