Town boss Paul Lambert says he’s unconcerned that the Blues will be viewed as one of the favourites to win promotion from League One next season.

“I’d rather have that pressure on my shoulders that we are there to be shot at,” Lambert told the club site.

“We will have targets on our back and in those circumstances you have to rise above it and deal with that challenge. That’s what we have to do.

“The young players we have here are learning on the job and they will have to learn quickly. They have to have that desire to go week in, week out.

“Young is only 17, 18 though. We have players here who are 21, 22, 23. They can’t hide behind that young tag any more.

“They will need time for sure and they will make mistakes along the way. Ultimately though, they have to deliver. That’s what being a professional footballer is all about.”

Photo: TWTD

Podster added 19:48 - May 16 I'm absolutely more than happy to be challenged on this one, but if there was any of our ‘young guns' that had to go to raise funds, it would be Teddy for me. Nothing against the guy and think he's a decent footballer, but he seems a bit injury prone and whilst I haven't seen every one of his games by any stretch, I've always looked forward to seeing what he can do, only to leave feeling a bit disappointed. Do I have too higher expectations of the poor fella or a fair comment? Personally, I'm actually looking forward to next season.

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itsonlyme added 20:12 - May 16 Podster you are correct in that we do expect more from Teddy and I think he was beginning to show his talent as the season finished. This season will definitely be a make or break for him.
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Kirbmeister added 08:30 - May 17 I can't see how we can be classed as anywhere near favourites. I think we'll do very well to finish mid table. Hope I'm wrong though.
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BlueBlood90 added 09:23 - May 17 It's really nice to see us as a favourite to go up as it's been such a long time where we can say that. However I think we need to add some real quality and a bit of steel before we can be seen as a threat in this league. The players were so soft and easy to push over last year. This might be an unpopular opinion but I'm also not fully sold on Lambert yet either. I do like him but he took the job on when we were 4 points from safety and took us to absolute rock bottom. He can't just hide behind praising the fans and blaming the previous manager this season.

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dirtydingusmagee added 09:31 - May 17 how can we be favourites , we dont even know what our team is yet,and last years form would hardly inspires much optimism. Loyal dreamers may buy into it,but personally i think we are in for a tough time again .
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davetheblue added 11:02 - May 17 sadly would put a few sides above us as favourites at the moment
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bucket99 added 11:35 - May 17 I wouldn't be surprised if home games turn out to be a bit of a challenge next season. A lot of the teams will love playing in our stadium and on our pitch, and raise their game accordingly. I mean, have you seen Wycombe's Adams Park?
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ITFCsince73 added 12:05 - May 17 If we have Chambers leading the team, especially leading the back line, there will be no promotion. Pure and simple. From now till August he won't all of a sudden become great at his job. A total sham of a defender, that other teams will target from the off. Add to that, if he performs badly as per norm, he will keep his starting place regardless.
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NITFC added 13:10 - May 17 The Portsmouth v Sunderland game last night was really poor. It gives me confidence if they are two of the best teams in the division
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goat_man added 14:34 - May 17 Anyone who thinks we will win a promotion with Skuse and Chambers in the team is going to be seriously deflated by the time October comes round and we're lower mid table. Lambert really needs to be brave enough to make the big decisions and make the changes that are really needed to this club.
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Barty added 15:24 - May 17 TractorCam - most people I spoke to and they were the bookies favourite at even money
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whiskey added 16:04 - May 17 we're favorites lol. based on what? our performance against leeds?
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Steve_ITFC_Sweden added 18:26 - May 17 I think what the Portsmouth / Sunderland game showed was that our priority (apart from a striker) is to create a solid defence. Sunderland kept Portsmouth without a single goal for 180+ minutes. If we could do that, we always have a chance of putting one in at the other end. So c'mon Paul - sort out that back line!
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ITFCsince73 added 18:28 - May 17 Very well said goatman. And long, long overdue. Simply for us to move forward.... Both players, being the clubs most senior players. Have overseen our worst period ever. And have led us to our worst position ever. Our win percentage over the last 75 games is to Embarassing to write down. Since March our captain fantastic has received nothing but praise......which is strange to say the least. 6 months ago I'd maybe been happy to keep 1 of the 2. But we need rid of both players asap. Imo.

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ITFCsince73 added 18:39 - May 17 Oh for a keogh from Derby leading us into the L1 unknown. That's my idea of a captain fantastic. Age, position and experience all about the same, and a million miles apart thereafter And he can first pump with the best of erm.
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shakytown added 01:36 - May 20 How can we possibly be favourites in any league with the shoddy fifth rate defence we have????? the whole team needs to be rebuilt and we have to start at the back. How many soft goals have we let in for the last 5 seasons and how many after the 90 minute mark.
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