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Expectations

Discussion in 'City Talk' started by King Cole, Aug 27, 2020.

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  1. King Cole

    King Cole Impact Sub

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    I know it's a strange situation, with pre-season disrupted by covid and all the league clubs also having to wrestle with the salary cap, but I have exceptionally low expectations for the forthcoming season. Undoubtedly, the general standard in League 2 will drop but our squad looks especially threadbare in a number of areas and, generally, short on quality. Stuart has been talking up the training sessions but the sight of players puffing and panting well before the end of yesterdays game, and so close to the start of the season, belies the clubs fitness statistics. Our defence is weak, midfield lightweight and the attack doesn't look to have many goals in it.

    I can't recall being so pessimistic going into a new season and, if we don't recruit effectively, quicksticks, then I can see confidence quickly draining out of the squad, and McCall. Unfortunately, we've all seen that Stuart struggles when the tide turns. Our saving grace may be that the other clubs are even worse affected. If that's the case, then, I fear, we'll be watching something akin to National League standard of football.
     
    #1 King Cole, Aug 27, 2020
  2. Nottsy

    Nottsy Squad Player

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    I have no expectations, none at all. At least I’ll be spared the inevitable disappointment at the end of the season.
     
    #2 Nottsy, Aug 27, 2020
    Tony Wilkinson and King Cole like this.
  3. Hawksworth Bantam

    Hawksworth Bantam Fringe Player

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    Look! There’s a bandwagon of negativity, quick everyone jump on it before a ball is kicked!!
     
    #3 Hawksworth Bantam, Aug 27, 2020
    Bronco, Stoneski, Park bantam and 3 others like this.
  4. Keefly Bantam

    Keefly Bantam
    Euro24 PL Entrant P.L.24/25 Entrant P.L. 20/21 Top 20 Qatar 2022 Entrant Supporter

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    Yeah and @Fordy117@Fordy117 is driving the fecker
     
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    #4 Keefly Bantam, Aug 27, 2020
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  5. Fordy117

    Fordy117 Just call me Mr Flip-Flop!
    Bubbles car wash

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    People just facing up to the truth.
     
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    #5 Fordy117, Aug 27, 2020
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  6. The Original EB

    The Original EB Squad Player

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    Nothing new then.
     
    #6 The Original EB, Aug 27, 2020
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  7. Bantamsteve

    Bantamsteve Impact Sub

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    Mid to lower half for me with a few highlights maybe a cup run along the way
    Everyone likes to be an optimist and hates a pessimist but I prefer the term realist
     
    #7 Bantamsteve, Aug 27, 2020
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  8. Biker

    Biker Impact Sub

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    Squad is threadbare and lacks quality to boss games, lost potentially 50 goals a season in Doyle and Vaughan for nowt in return.

    No positivity or encouraging words from the owner, my expectations are low I’d be happy with playoffs but think we are lacking in all areas and it’s going to be a struggle to stay in touch. Stuart has got his work cut out.
     
    #8 Biker, Aug 27, 2020
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  9. King Cole

    King Cole Impact Sub

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    That's a comment, not a view. Do you think we'll be challenging for promotion?
     
    #9 King Cole, Aug 27, 2020
  10. Get Rid Of It

    Get Rid Of It
    P.L. 20/21 Top 20 Supporter

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    No Expectations, a fine Rolling Stones tune.
    To be found on Beggars Banquet.
    Very khazi league sounding is the name beggars banquet.
    Sums our massive club up quite well.
     
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    #10 Get Rid Of It, Aug 27, 2020
  11. Wakefield Bantam

    Wakefield Bantam Squad Player

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    I think the players we’ve got are a reasonably strong unit, but we are lacking strength in depth. Even Stevie Wonder can see we need a RB, CM and FW.

    I think if we can get those three in the building, top 6 is most definitely achievable.
     
    #11 Wakefield Bantam, Aug 27, 2020
    Botswana Bantam, Stoneski and Park bantam like this.
  12. Tony Wilkinson

    Tony Wilkinson
    P.L. 23/24 Top 30 P.L.24/25 Entrant P.L. 20/21 Top 10 Supporter

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    My prediction, for what it's worth... 14th..
     
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    #12 Tony Wilkinson, Aug 27, 2020
  13. Super bantams

    Super bantams Squad Player

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    Can't always get what you want
     
    #13 Super bantams, Aug 27, 2020
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  14. Gildy Pete

    Gildy Pete Emergency Backup

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    I don't think we'll be challenging for the title! I agree that the midfield is a bit lacking but I will reserve judgement until ten games in. We definitely need more mobile strikers.

    I feel like this season is the usual 'fallow year' after we've overspent and if we survive then we might push the boat out next season maybe. Depends on the salary cap though.

    There is nothing to get excited about but maybe we'll be surprised with what McCall cobbles together during this season.
     
    #14 Gildy Pete, Aug 27, 2020
  15. Stafford Bantam

    Stafford Bantam
    Staff Member Moderator P.L. 20/21 Top 30 Supporter

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    Under normal circumstances I believe our current team would fall well short of the play offs.

    However, these are not normal circumstances. The financial impact of the virus and the introduction of the salary cap are massive factors and we may see some teams really struggling this coming season.

    New signings not withstanding, we are going to need a lot of other teams going backwards if we are to mount a serious promotion challenge.

    In terms of final league position, it's a real difficult one to call, so I'll go for where we were when last season ground to a halt. 9th but hoping for better.
     
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    #15 Stafford Bantam, Aug 27, 2020
    Old Grey Fox, Bronco, Idle gent and 1 other person like this.
  16. How

    How Knows Football
    P.L. 18/19 Winner Euro 2020

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    I think we will finish 11th for what it’s worth. Almost identical squad from last season, I’d say worse given no Vaughan. We looked woeful for the short time we had with these players after January window closed.
    I think we have enough to get some points but nothing consistent enough to win the amount of points needed for play offs or promotion
     
    #16 How, Aug 27, 2020
  17. Idle gent

    Idle gent Emergency Backup

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    I don't really get all this pessimism, yes I agree we haven't got an abundance of quality but who in this division has?
    What some are easily forgetting is there are another 23 clubs in exactly the same position as regards salary cap and plenty who are in far perilous financial state than we are and will be making the numbers up with virtually junior players. Are there really that many players at any of our rivals you seriously covet?
     
    #17 Idle gent, Aug 27, 2020
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  18. Ricky

    Ricky
    Euro 2020

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    4 players at least required for me and a couple have got to have pace otherwise mid table beckons.
     
    #18 Ricky, Aug 27, 2020
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  19. How

    How Knows Football
    P.L. 18/19 Winner Euro 2020

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    Which clubs are making squads up with junior players?
     
    #19 How, Aug 27, 2020
  20. Keefly Bantam

    Keefly Bantam
    Euro24 PL Entrant P.L.24/25 Entrant P.L. 20/21 Top 20 Qatar 2022 Entrant Supporter

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    I will reserve judgement until the transfer window slams shut.
     
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    #20 Keefly Bantam, Aug 27, 2020
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