| 5 points off second going into Christmas. 11:34 - Dec 22 with 1267 views | Vic |
Given that KM has built almost a new team and we had a v sluggish start to the season, is there any reason why we shouldn't hope that we'll be better in the 2nd half of the season?
We all know that we've lacked consistency but the stats are good and if KM is the manager that most of us (and many in the game) think he is, then as players have now settled into the championship pace and KM's tactics I think all bodes well for a good few months. Especially if we can once again land a January signing striker as in previous seasons. |  |
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| 5 points off second going into Christmas. on 11:40 - Dec 22 with 1218 views | catch74 |
We can’t give McKenna too much leeway, there’s other teams that have gone through tougher situations. Look at Norwich for instance - manager change, lost their top player to local rival and the spitting one left too, Sargent not scoring for fun - oh wait a minute, ignore me, they’re second from bottom on 19 points. (Although sadly think the new manager has got them a bit more organised.) |  |
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| 5 points off second going into Christmas. on 11:41 - Dec 22 with 1208 views | Herbivore |
We had a more disruptive transfer window than we were expecting, a lot of departures in the end and a lot of arrivals, and quite a lot of business happening right at the end of the window in both directions. No doubt that contributed to our poor start. Since the end of the transfer window, we're second in the table with 34 points from 18 games. That's only just shy of the 2 points per game that usually ensures promotion in most seasons, and I'm pretty confident that 90 points will get you in the autos this year.
We've achieved that while still only occasionally hitting top gear and the hope is that we continue to improve as the season progresses. If we manage that then there's no reason we shouldn't land in the autos come May. |  |
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| 5 points off second going into Christmas. on 11:45 - Dec 22 with 1176 views | BseaBlue |
Our January transfer windows in the two promotion seasons were very good so fingers crossed we can pull off the same and then go on a proper mad Mckenna style run for the title! |  | | |
| 5 points off second going into Christmas. on 11:51 - Dec 22 with 1151 views | tractorboy1978 |
| 5 points off second going into Christmas. on 11:41 - Dec 22 by Herbivore |
We had a more disruptive transfer window than we were expecting, a lot of departures in the end and a lot of arrivals, and quite a lot of business happening right at the end of the window in both directions. No doubt that contributed to our poor start. Since the end of the transfer window, we're second in the table with 34 points from 18 games. That's only just shy of the 2 points per game that usually ensures promotion in most seasons, and I'm pretty confident that 90 points will get you in the autos this year.
We've achieved that while still only occasionally hitting top gear and the hope is that we continue to improve as the season progresses. If we manage that then there's no reason we shouldn't land in the autos come May. |
To hit 90 points we need 2.2 points per game from here on in - so 101 point season form. Not saying we can't do it but feeling unlikely to me at the moment. Hopefully we either REALLY kick on or Boro really slide away and the total needed is lower. [Post edited 22 Dec 11:52]
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| 5 points off second going into Christmas. on 11:52 - Dec 22 with 1136 views | PioneerBlue |
At the start of the season, realistically not knowing what we would have at the end of the window, i would have taken anywhere 1-5 at Christmas. It all changes fast so we cant rest on laurels and there has obviously been some highs and lows getting to this place. Being in the mix at Feb has always been the key in the Champ, it doesnt get started until then. There are also three chances to be promoted 1st 2nd and via the Playoffs.
Uppa Towen.
My only expectation for post Dec and beyond is to keep improving, i have more expectations of the things we as supporters can control. Such as the dead atmos at PR. That simply has to improve in the second half. | |
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| 5 points off second going into Christmas. on 11:58 - Dec 22 with 1097 views | positivity |
| 5 points off second going into Christmas. on 11:51 - Dec 22 by tractorboy1978 |
To hit 90 points we need 2.2 points per game from here on in - so 101 point season form. Not saying we can't do it but feeling unlikely to me at the moment. Hopefully we either REALLY kick on or Boro really slide away and the total needed is lower. [Post edited 22 Dec 11:52]
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90 points would be trickier, but we just have to carry on our relative form since the transfer window to catch boro.
they were 9 points and +7gd ahead, since then we've taken 4 more points and 13 more gd than them | |
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| 5 points off second going into Christmas. on 12:12 - Dec 22 with 997 views | Blue_Heath |
Let's wait until the next four are played as Boro have 3 at home us away, I think gap will get bigger. It's going to take a monster signing or two to hit the ground running for us to get 2nd. | |
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| 5 points off second going into Christmas. on 12:16 - Dec 22 with 984 views | Europa |
I know there are different factors involved etc. etc., but I still find it amazing that in the Band-of-Brothers' promotion season we had over 50 points at this 22-game stage (and were STILL "only" second). This season, we've flattered to deceive at times, but I'm feeling fairly confident now that the team has (yeah, I'll say it) gelled. All we need is a magic January incomer and that momentum from a couple of seasons back. |  | | |
| 5 points off second going into Christmas. on 12:23 - Dec 22 with 952 views | ZapatasMoustache |
We were talking about this after the game on Saturday. I think it's quite a cause for optimism that we have been playing pretty badly on the whole and are in such a good position. First halves have been almost unwatchable poor at times, but we stay in (most) games and have got the squad quality to bail us out. It really won't take much for us to shift up a gear - if two or three of Davis, Cajuste, Azón, Hirst*, Nuñez, or Akpom can go on a tear over the next month or two, and/or we bring in an impact signing, we'll be looking much more like a lock for automatic promotion. It's not guaranteed of course, but we're in a very strong position on paper with a lot of room for improvement.
*depending on injury of course |  | | |
| 5 points off second going into Christmas. on 12:25 - Dec 22 with 942 views | Kieran_Knows |
Yes but why did we sell Woolfie? Why is this group so b0ll0ckless? Why are we not top? Why does McKenna have no plan B? Why is the club shop not open on Christmas Day? |  |
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| 5 points off second going into Christmas. on 12:28 - Dec 22 with 929 views | Guthrum |
An important thing is not to have our traditional winter slump. If we can pick up a fair proportion of the 17-20 points we dropped between early December and mid-February in both the promotion seasons, that will stand us in very good stead come May.
So far, we've managed to get through most of December having only missed out on 5 points, but through into the New Year will be key. |  |
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| 5 points off second going into Christmas. on 12:30 - Dec 22 with 910 views | catch74 |
| 5 points off second going into Christmas. on 12:28 - Dec 22 by Guthrum |
An important thing is not to have our traditional winter slump. If we can pick up a fair proportion of the 17-20 points we dropped between early December and mid-February in both the promotion seasons, that will stand us in very good stead come May.
So far, we've managed to get through most of December having only missed out on 5 points, but through into the New Year will be key. |
Is there a date set for the start of the estimated final table!? | |
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| 5 points off second going into Christmas. on 12:34 - Dec 22 with 899 views | RobTheMonk |
January could be interesting.
In my opinion, I think we could see the below outgoings:
- Szmodics. Great workrate, but I just don't think he fits out system. Especially with Nunez now showing how beneficial having a cute passer in that position can be.
- Harry Clarke. Could see a loan move to get fitness.
- Ben Johnson. I quite like him, but he never really plays and seems to be third choice right back.
- Baggott or Humphreys. I'll be surprised if both stay.
- Akpom to go if possible. It's just not happened for him. Although if Hirst is injured long-term then perhaps not. |  | | |
| 5 points off second going into Christmas. on 13:17 - Dec 22 with 755 views | Herbivore |
| 5 points off second going into Christmas. on 11:51 - Dec 22 by tractorboy1978 |
To hit 90 points we need 2.2 points per game from here on in - so 101 point season form. Not saying we can't do it but feeling unlikely to me at the moment. Hopefully we either REALLY kick on or Boro really slide away and the total needed is lower. [Post edited 22 Dec 11:52]
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True but I don't think it's beyond us if we find even another 5% on our performances. I also suspect 90 points might get you the title this year with mid to high 80s being enough for second. Coventry have had a great first half of the season but there's been signs they are vulnerable and I'm not convinced they have the depth to maintain their performances over the second half of the season. Boro aren't great but have found ways to dig out results, fair play to them but I see them ending up in the play offs on about 80 points. | |
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| 5 points off second going into Christmas. on 13:31 - Dec 22 with 683 views | J2BLUE |
| 5 points off second going into Christmas. on 13:17 - Dec 22 by Herbivore |
True but I don't think it's beyond us if we find even another 5% on our performances. I also suspect 90 points might get you the title this year with mid to high 80s being enough for second. Coventry have had a great first half of the season but there's been signs they are vulnerable and I'm not convinced they have the depth to maintain their performances over the second half of the season. Boro aren't great but have found ways to dig out results, fair play to them but I see them ending up in the play offs on about 80 points. |
Agree. The margins are fine. An equaliser against Boro and turning one draw into a win and we would be second on goal difference. I'm sure that statement will upset some people because it didn't happen. I'm just pointing out the fine margins. Our January business is likely to see us add a CM and ST hopefully solving two of our big issues.
Hopefully we beat Millwall and Boro drop points because that will be the half way mark and people like simple things so cutting that gap would likely be very good psychologically.
I am really struggling to see anything but a cup that is half full. It must take some real effort to force yourself to grind through a season like this being miserable. |  |
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| 5 points off second going into Christmas. on 13:47 - Dec 22 with 614 views | _CliveBaker_ |
Its there for us. 50 points from 24 games would surely give us a sniff, more than that and the odds increase.
I look at our fixture list from 1st Jan and can see us picking up a lot of points in the first few months of 2026. 15 matches in Jan - March, no reason why we can't win 10 of them IMO which will have us 'there or thereabouts' going in to the final 7 (one of which is home to Boro). Assuming we pick up some points across the next 2 I don't see why we can't have a proper push for top 2 in the new year. |  | | |
| 5 points off second going into Christmas. on 13:55 - Dec 22 with 584 views | Churchman |
I believe we will improve second half of the season.
The defence is fine, wide players are excellent and the squad for the most part has depth and quality to it. But the team doesn’t look quite right. My hope is that midfield improves either with a recruit or internally and we can sort out the central attack positions. We also need to move a few out.
I know this is Mick Mills’ line from Saturday, but I don't think he is wrong. After all he does know a little about football. |  | | |
| 5 points off second going into Christmas. on 14:09 - Dec 22 with 524 views | Blue_Heath |
| 5 points off second going into Christmas. on 12:34 - Dec 22 by RobTheMonk |
January could be interesting.
In my opinion, I think we could see the below outgoings:
- Szmodics. Great workrate, but I just don't think he fits out system. Especially with Nunez now showing how beneficial having a cute passer in that position can be.
- Harry Clarke. Could see a loan move to get fitness.
- Ben Johnson. I quite like him, but he never really plays and seems to be third choice right back.
- Baggott or Humphreys. I'll be surprised if both stay.
- Akpom to go if possible. It's just not happened for him. Although if Hirst is injured long-term then perhaps not. |
Who can afford Sammy or BJ? | |
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| 5 points off second going into Christmas. on 17:50 - Dec 22 with 300 views | Vic |
| 5 points off second going into Christmas. on 13:47 - Dec 22 by _CliveBaker_ |
Its there for us. 50 points from 24 games would surely give us a sniff, more than that and the odds increase.
I look at our fixture list from 1st Jan and can see us picking up a lot of points in the first few months of 2026. 15 matches in Jan - March, no reason why we can't win 10 of them IMO which will have us 'there or thereabouts' going in to the final 7 (one of which is home to Boro). Assuming we pick up some points across the next 2 I don't see why we can't have a proper push for top 2 in the new year. |
Bottom line is that if we’re good enough we will get the points, if we’re not we won’t! Sounds obvious but in the end quality nearly always comes out on top so if we don’t get the points we don’t deserve to go up. | |
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| 5 points off second going into Christmas. on 19:20 - Dec 22 with 48 views | Wakh |
| 5 points off second going into Christmas. on 12:34 - Dec 22 by RobTheMonk |
January could be interesting.
In my opinion, I think we could see the below outgoings:
- Szmodics. Great workrate, but I just don't think he fits out system. Especially with Nunez now showing how beneficial having a cute passer in that position can be.
- Harry Clarke. Could see a loan move to get fitness.
- Ben Johnson. I quite like him, but he never really plays and seems to be third choice right back.
- Baggott or Humphreys. I'll be surprised if both stay.
- Akpom to go if possible. It's just not happened for him. Although if Hirst is injured long-term then perhaps not. |
Szmodics to Sheffield United was mentioned a few days ago. Financially it doesn't stack up though surely. | | | |
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