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General Category => General Discussion => Topic started by: ..FOF.. on September 27, 2014, 02:33:37 AM

Title: What would be a Realistic Plan for the Rest of the Season?
Post by: ..FOF.. on September 27, 2014, 02:33:37 AM
I am thinking;

1) Going for mid-table, at least the 12th position, by Christmas

2) Strengthen the team in the following transfer windows

3) Going for 3rd position by the end of the season. At worst, 6th position.

Any improvement to the plan to suggest?  :group hug:
Title: Re: What would be a Realistic Plan for the Rest of the Season?
Post by: ChesterTheTabby on September 27, 2014, 02:37:30 AM
Mid-table by Xmas: 12th-10th.

6th-5th by end of the season.

Add some depth in January in areas that are lacking.

HOWEVER - ALL OF THESE ARE SUBSEQUENT TO TWO OTHER PARAMETERS

1) Find and employ a proper manager for the future.

2) Survive in the Championship.
Title: Re: What would be a Realistic Plan for the Rest of the Season?
Post by: RaySmith on September 27, 2014, 05:14:57 AM
Number one priority at the moment is to ensure we are safe from relegation, I think.
Title: Re: What would be a Realistic Plan for the Rest of the Season?
Post by: ..FOF.. on September 27, 2014, 05:37:41 AM
Yes, I agree. Priority is being safe from relegation.

I stated 12 position as target to be somewhat a comfortable place to be away from the relegation zone.

Shooting for the star, there. Falling short, maybe 15th. The worse Kit could do without getting pushed back to coaching youth is probably 18th.
Title: Re:
Post by: MJG on September 27, 2014, 07:05:16 AM
I find it quite difficult to see how we can make sixth spot by the end of the season. Form wise we would need to play like the 3rd best team over the next 38 games.

My target is get clear of bottom three and be 13/14th by Jan. Strengthen team in Jan and push on for a good finish to the season.
Then take that momentum into the start of 15/16 season. I thinks that's the only realistic option.... Unless we go on a 8-10 game winning streak soon.
Title: Re: What would be a Realistic Plan for the Rest of the Season?
Post by: Mince n Tatties on September 27, 2014, 07:25:39 AM
Quote from: Woolly Mammoth on September 27, 2014, 06:36:42 AM
I have no cause for concern regarding relegation, we should be nowhere near the bottom come Christmas, the challenge is, and the Transfer Window in January May or may not be necessary, either way, and yes whoever is Manager will influence the way the season will go, I would like to feel that we can give a real go, and make the target, at least 6th place. As we are currently 14 points behind 6th spot, it's not beyond the impossibility. Plus a decent Cup run as a bonus, who knows how it will pan out. As for Kit, I hope he gets the job. However. If he did not. There will be a profusion of qualified and experienced Managers in English Football, would run over hot coals to be given the chance of managing a Unique and Oldest London Club, located by the Thames, with potential, Academy flourishing, and International players in the squad, excellent training facilities, and on the bottom of the table, so no hard act to follow, and only one way to go, and that is upwards, we could be spoilt for choice. The one concern is that the club picks the right man for the job. 

I think you are under estimating the rest of the sides in the Championship, from
what Ive seen of us and the other sides on the Football League show we are
in serious trouble.
Our defence has carried on from last season as being the worst in their
division by a mile.
Survival is the only hope for this season, to contemplate getting to the
Play Offs or even 3rd place is ludicrous.
There are some really good sides in this league far better than us at the moment.
Kit or whoever takes over has a mighty task on their hands to keep us up, remember
what happened with Wolves.
I will settle for safety this season after all the turmoil Felix has put us through.
Title: Re: What would be a Realistic Plan for the Rest of the Season?
Post by: ffc73 on September 27, 2014, 08:48:15 AM
Quote from: MJG on September 27, 2014, 07:05:16 AM
I find it quite difficult to see how we can make sixth spot by the end of the season. Form wise we would need to play like the 3rd best team over the next 38 games.

My target is get clear of bottom three and be 13/14th by Jan. Strengthen team in Jan and push on for a good finish to the season.
Then take that momentum into the start of 15/16 season. I thinks that's the only realistic option.... Unless we go on a 8-10 game winning streak soon.

I agree with this.  As of right now. Plan has to be. Avoid relegation. 
Title: Re: What would be a Realistic Plan for the Rest of the Season?
Post by: ..FOF.. on September 27, 2014, 09:42:55 AM
Ah, ok, I didn't foresee some of us are also aiming for Fulham to just survive in the Championship :)

Well, as long as Fulham is mathematically possible for a 6th position or better, then that is my suggested plan.

As MJG said, 8-10 games winning streak... anything can happen.

The season is still long and a few top teams now could also get a few losing streaks. Lack of depth or lethargy could be a factor.
Title: Re: What would be a Realistic Plan for the Rest of the Season?
Post by: the nutflush on September 27, 2014, 10:00:26 AM
Quote from: ..FOF.. on September 27, 2014, 02:33:37 AM
I am thinking;

1) Going for mid-table, at least the 12th position, by Christmas

2) Strengthen the team in the following transfer windows

3) Going for 3rd position by the end of the season. At worst, 6th position.

Any improvement to the plan to suggest?  :group hug:

You are deluded if you think we could lose seven of our first eight games and still aim for top three.  I say we need to concentrate on avoiding the bottom three.  We need a minor miracle just to do that.
Title: Re: What would be a Realistic Plan for the Rest of the Season?
Post by: JIMMY D on September 27, 2014, 10:01:30 AM
1st thing first. Win a bloody game!
Title: Re: What would be a Realistic Plan for the Rest of the Season?
Post by: ron on September 27, 2014, 10:05:53 AM
Seems simplistic, but surely the only plan should be "Start Winning", followed by "Keep Winning".

All these carefully considered waypoints are over-elaborating that one simple truth.

Going on the way we are means certain relegation.
Title: Re: What would be a Realistic Plan for the Rest of the Season?
Post by: filham on September 27, 2014, 10:17:51 AM
Quote from: JIMMY D on September 27, 2014, 10:01:30 AM
1st thing first. Win a bloody game!

1st things first. Start scoring some goals. Our strike rate, particularly at the Cottage, is dismal and is a distinct relegation warning.
Title: Re:
Post by: MJG on September 27, 2014, 10:25:56 AM
I wrote about points required back in August here it is to give you an idea on what's required at both ends of the league

Points Required

Over the last 13 years the number of points required to stay up is 49.7. Its been as low as 44(last season) and as high as 55 (2012-13). The trend has been downwards. The last 5 years you have needed 48.8pts to stay up. The previous 5 was 50.6.

Now that's the only stat you're going to see in relation to relegation as I do not see us being involved in that end of the table.

But that trend is interesting because if we look at the points required to be 6th the last playoff place its 73 over last 13 years. Last 5 its 72, previous 5 was 73.4.  So is there a trend for less points required in this league?

Well no not really. To finish 2nd and get promoted automatically you have needed 86.69 (again over last 13 years). Last 5 is 87 and previous 5 is 85. From that you need more points to get in that top 2 now than ever before.

The gap between the top 2 and 6th is getting wider. Average over 13 years of 13.69. Last 5 have been 15 pts and two of those season the gap was 21 points. Previous 5 years was 11.6

What about being champions? Last 13 you required on average 94, last 5 has been 93.6 previous 5 91.8.Two teams in last 5 years have reached 102 points. But also 87 won you the league in 2012-13.

Lots of numbers, but it tells me there is a gap forming, not ver big a couple of points, between the top two and 6th place.  Parachute payments making a difference?

Conclusion & target:

Playoff place we require 73. Only 3 times in last 13 years has that failed to find a play off place. 76 needed to absolutely make sure.

For an automatic place we need to be looking at the mid to high 80's. 87 will get you the second place for sure.

Champions are a 90 plus shot I would say. If we have that it will be a very good team needed to be above us.
Title: Re: What would be a Realistic Plan for the Rest of the Season?
Post by: Twig on September 27, 2014, 10:57:00 AM
We will not be in the play-offs so survival is all that maters.
Title: Re: What would be a Realistic Plan for the Rest of the Season?
Post by: ..FOF.. on September 27, 2014, 11:32:19 AM
So most of the fans think that we will fight the relegation battle till the end.

Haha, yeah... I might need to see a shrink for thinking we can still go for the top 6.

That's just me, an optimist :)

I wonder if Kit or Khan have said anything about our goals after the firing of Felix?
Title: Re: What would be a Realistic Plan for the Rest of the Season?
Post by: nose on September 27, 2014, 03:56:14 PM
i will settle for looking lik winning a game a some point before the end of 2014 that is in the league.

more david and roberts less ruiz and hugo might help.
Title: Re: What would be a Realistic Plan for the Rest of the Season?
Post by: mangoputney on September 27, 2014, 03:59:28 PM
Plan for league one
Title: Re: What would be a Realistic Plan for the Rest of the Season?
Post by: domprague on September 27, 2014, 04:17:33 PM
Hide under the duvet.
Title: Re: What would be a Realistic Plan for the Rest of the Season?
Post by: F.luke on September 27, 2014, 04:25:53 PM
I think most of you are in dream land massive problem just to stay. 1 point  !!!!!
Title: Re: What would be a Realistic Plan for the Rest of the Season?
Post by: Skatzoffc on September 27, 2014, 05:03:11 PM
Stay in this league.
8-)
Title: Re: What would be a Realistic Plan for the Rest of the Season?
Post by: The Rock on September 27, 2014, 05:08:58 PM
Survival. If we should really get on a roll then re-asses after New Year's and see if we add those few players to get promoted, but for now, survival and taking each game as it comes.
Title: Re: What would be a Realistic Plan for the Rest of the Season?
Post by: ron on September 27, 2014, 05:10:08 PM
Quote from: ron on September 27, 2014, 10:05:53 AM
Seems simplistic, but surely the only plan should be "Start Winning", followed by "Keep Winning".

All these carefully considered waypoints are over-elaborating that one simple truth.

Going on the way we are means certain relegation.

Hmmm, there's the first leg of the double up.........I think the second leg is going to take a bit more sweating over, but COYW!  049:gif
Title: Re: What would be a Realistic Plan for the Rest of the Season?
Post by: ToodlesMcToot on September 27, 2014, 06:29:05 PM
I believe a realistic goal would be to shoot for lower mid-table by the transfer window. "Planning"/hoping for something beyond that is foolish. If Fulham approach January with the same "balance the books" approach above all else, including building a balanced roster (some wing play please Mr. WhoeverItIsMakingTransferDecisions), then thinking we'll be anything but a lower tier Championship club is just misplaced optimism.
Title: Re: What would be a Realistic Plan for the Rest of the Season?
Post by: The Enclosurite on September 27, 2014, 07:54:16 PM
Priority is definitely to stay in the division but I do believe that our ambitions should be set a lot higher than that.  We can not just plan for another great escape and be content with it.  We need to believe we can can finish at least top ten and maybe even push for the play offs or we will continue with the air of negativity and the downward spiral that has surrounded the club for the past two seasons.
Title: Re: What would be a Realistic Plan for the Rest of the Season?
Post by: aaronmcguigan on September 27, 2014, 10:01:21 PM
1. FInd a mixture of 11 individuals capable of putting in consistent decent performances. Parker seems to be decent one week, poor the next.

2. If we are going to persist with the Colombian and the Costa Rican, we need them again to play consistently and for the team. We cant carry luxuries in this league, they are playin against weaker opposition  and yet one still has  a dreadful first touch, and the other has too much of a showboat about him. Just do the basics, pass and move, strike, and score. We dont need fluffy passes and subbed after an hour. I want someone who can change a game, but also someone who can get stuck in and play his part when things arent going well.

3. Somehow stop time so Kit can get his message across to the team. Kits interviews and general passion for the job, the team and the club has been fantastic, and if i was part of the team, I would run through brick walls for him, just because of his passion. This is nowhere to be seen on the pitch, and it needs to be led by Burn and Parker, and whoever else he hands the captaincy to. If we played with a shred of his passion and belief we would have trounced them today. Makes you wonder if he is the right man for the job if the players cant get a 90 minute performance for him. Other candidates can just talk the talk to get the job, Kit needs the players to produce to have a chance of the big job.

4. Be able to combine a good first half with a good second half.

5. go from there, but sort the basics

Optional extras include pushing the youth harder to develop. Some are there ahead of time but some arent spring chickens and seem to make the same mistakes all the time or play the same way. Fair enough maybe a loan will sort them out or some tough love needed
Title: Re: What would be a Realistic Plan for the Rest of the Season?
Post by: ..FOF.. on September 28, 2014, 03:06:41 AM
Glad to hear that people still want to set the standard high. Yeah, just aiming for a survival is a risky goal. The mentality would horrendous.

We are now about 9-10 points away from mid-table.

3 to 4 games difference.

I believe there is a good chance we can hover in the middle by Christmas. Especially if we can maintain the same fight eversince Kit took over.

Our squad is quite big. Fans keep complaining why certain deserving players are not on the field.

Well, that just goes to show at least we have depth to last the torturous schedule ahead :)
Title: Re: What would be a Realistic Plan for the Rest of the Season?
Post by: Deanothefulhamfan on September 28, 2014, 06:19:02 AM
Everyone wants to set the standard high FOF, nobody is content with just surviving, but currently that is our main goal, as we have had such a bad start, and are already cut adrift a little.

That being said we need to take the win yesterday, and march on with confidence and determination... If we can produce a nice run of form before christmas we could be 14-15th, and if we are in this position by christmas people could still hope for a late run into the play offs. Christmas is definitely a point to re evaluate, but at present still we are relegation candidates, so thinking for anything else is optimistic imo.
Title: Re: What would be a Realistic Plan for the Rest of the Season?
Post by: ..FOF.. on September 28, 2014, 07:08:04 AM
I'm just going about what I know regarding goal setting.

If Fulham set a goal of just surviving, then the chance of relegation is higher.

If they set it higher, for example for the playoff, then if we fall short we are still in the Championship.

I believe that is how goal setting is done in the general management level.

Although, I might be unaware of any unorthodox method :)
Title: Re: What would be a Realistic Plan for the Rest of the Season?
Post by: Deanothefulhamfan on September 28, 2014, 07:59:24 AM
I think that is the goal of the fans. The football club as a business model is to be promoted, although that would seem an unrealistic target after our poor start, but that was the goal at the start of the season.

I think Kit or whoever comes in will be given the task of pick up as many points as possible, improve morale and performance, that's all we can hope for as fans. What that will mean at the end of the season is anyone's guess. Hopefully by Christmas we are in a position to talk about the playoffs, but I think we need to be realistic in the meantime.

I understand what you are saying in terms of goal setting, but sometimes there is a very fine line between optimism and realism, and I answered your post as a realistic plan. If you asked me for an optimistic plan I would say we are too good to be relegation candidates, but the table does not lie unfortunately.

I will hop aboard the optimistic bus you are driving if we win our next two games  082.gif
Title: Re: What would be a Realistic Plan for the Rest of the Season?
Post by: ..FOF.. on September 28, 2014, 09:02:01 AM
Haha, Kit are you listening?

The next 2 games are crucial to shape the team until mid-season... COYW!
Title: Re: What would be a Realistic Plan for the Rest of the Season?
Post by: ..FOF.. on December 17, 2014, 02:27:37 AM
12th or better by New Year could be a reality.

Now, anyone have any doubt we have a good chance of getting Top 6 at the end of the season? :)

I have to agree all will depends on who goes in and out during the next transfer window.

A new test for Kit.
Title: Re:
Post by: MJG on December 17, 2014, 07:28:05 AM
Far too hard to reach top six,  I'll keep saying it,  but to reach 68(lowest ever for 6th) and the average (73) requires us to improve form wise and be the best team for last 25 games.
Kit's results have us about sixth in form,  so expect to be about 6-10 pts short
Title: Re: What would be a Realistic Plan for the Rest of the Season?
Post by: alfie on December 17, 2014, 08:27:56 AM
the only plan should be the age old saying of "take each game as it comes" win that then win the next and the next.....
Title: Re: What would be a Realistic Plan for the Rest of the Season?
Post by: Deanothefulhamfan on December 17, 2014, 08:55:46 AM
No chance for the playoffs. I would be happy with a top half finish.....
Title: Re: What would be a Realistic Plan for the Rest of the Season?
Post by: MasterHaynes on December 17, 2014, 10:45:52 AM
I am hopefully not asking for unrealistic goals, I only have 3 targets for Kit ;  
Deliver play that is a pleasure to watch at the cottage,
Impose ourselves on teams when visiting the cottage more regularly  
Keep clear of relegation scrap. This will allow the younger players to gain experience, express themselves and build confidence without undue pressure. 049:gif
Anything else would be a bonus
Title: Re: What would be a Realistic Plan for the Rest of the Season?
Post by: FulhamStu on December 17, 2014, 10:53:53 AM
This season should now be all about building a team for next season to get promotion.   We should keep pushing to stay clear of a relegation battle, identify the players to take us forward and develop them as first team regulars, bring in where we are weak and get rid this Jan of players like Ruiz who are not the future.
Title: Re: What would be a Realistic Plan for the Rest of the Season?
Post by: FPT on December 17, 2014, 10:58:09 AM
I think our aim is just game by game and building a bit of momentum. Our ultimate aim is the play-offs spot, and if we can get there, especially after our start, it will be seen as a successful season; we will then have the Summer to fully make this squad Kit's and he can ejaculate and stamp his personality onto the squad.
Title: Re: What would be a Realistic Plan for the Rest of the Season?
Post by: ..FOF.. on December 17, 2014, 11:24:51 AM
ok, so the general sentiment is that we won't make it for the playoff.

If that is the case too with the management of Fulham FC, then I hope they strengthen the backroom staff and put some reliable scout out there for the next season.

No point spending too much on players this coming transfer window if Kit knows we hardly have a chance at playoff.

I guess we could see Kit intent after the transfer window closes. If it is more toward squad, rather than staff, I guess he is gunning for the playoff :D
Title: Re: What would be a Realistic Plan for the Rest of the Season?
Post by: J.Perkins on December 17, 2014, 11:52:09 AM
All depends on January. Lowest I'll think we'll finish is 15th, highest 6th.
Title: Re: What would be a Realistic Plan for the Rest of the Season?
Post by: nose on December 17, 2014, 11:57:17 AM
Quote from: ..FOF.. on December 17, 2014, 11:24:51 AM
ok, so the general sentiment is that we won't make it for the playoff.

If that is the case too with the management of Fulham FC, then I hope they strengthen the backroom staff and put some reliable scout out there for the next season.

No point spending too much on players this coming transfer window if Kit knows we hardly have a chance at playoff.

I guess we could see Kit intent after the transfer window closes. If it is more toward squad, rather than staff, I guess he is gunning for the playoff :D

I think it unlikely we will make the playoffs but by no means impossible
I also think it very unlikely we will be in league one next season but it is certainly not iout of the question.
I agree that improving the so called backroom would be my priority and only if the right players came along, and jan is notorious for duff signings, get them. I would hope to see a more radical approach to the squad in summer.

I think we are going in the direction and I do not think Kit sounds the sort to just go out and purchase for the sake of it.
Title: Re: What would be a Realistic Plan for the Rest of the Season?
Post by: TonyGilroy on December 17, 2014, 01:16:51 PM

I agree with Nose but I'd add that for me this season is about preparing for next season.

Those kids who seem to have the necessary potential need to be encouraged and given playing time even if they don't always impress.

We need to be clear about the areas of weakness which the kids won't cover sufficiently and identify realistic transfer targets.

Those players who will not still be here next season need to be phased out but not until we are clearly out of relegation danger and not if we go on a run that could get us to the playoffs.

I'd like to think that there are ongoing talks with those players whose contracts are ending this summer so that we know sooner rather than later whether they are in our long term plans. We won't be aware of any of this.

Title: Re: What would be a Realistic Plan for the Rest of the Season?
Post by: ChesterTheTabby on December 17, 2014, 01:27:00 PM
I know i am ever the optimist, and I have also read the stats provided on this forum about our slim to nil chances of the playoffs, but is the point of playing for midtable? I understand that no one is actually suggesting that we should just play for midtable, but more so that it is where we will reasonably be expected to finish, and we probably will. What the eternal optimist sees is plenty of points still up for grabs, and a good run of form and we are back in it charging for 6th. At least that's what helps me sleep at night :)
Title: Re: What would be a Realistic Plan for the Rest of the Season?
Post by: MJG on December 17, 2014, 01:52:23 PM
Ok so I always tend to say its going to impossible to get 6th, its not, but its highly unlikely.

The table below is a fairly basic points per game (PPG) table and gives the positions relevant to games played and expected points. 26,31,36,41 and finally 46 games played.
Now I will say there is an error range and having looked at previous seasons the top half of the table actually does worse than the bottom half.
So while it shows 6th place getting 77, past records make out that it will be in the 72-74 range.

IF Fulham were to play like Bournemouth and Boro for the rest of the season and average what the best teams in the league are doing currently, we will end with 71/72 points.
So as best team in the league on form you can see we have no room for error. Fulham in red move up the league but fall short in 8th, maybe 7th place.

(http://i57.tinypic.com/2uthj84.jpg)

But like many I see this season as rebuilding, getting the youngsters 20-30 games under their belts ready for a good second half of the season and into next and off to a flyer and then promotion. Easy.

Title: Re: What would be a Realistic Plan for the Rest of the Season?
Post by: ToodlesMcToot on December 17, 2014, 02:19:29 PM
MJG, thanks for the chart and explanation. It certainly drives home how difficult this league is and how devastating our start to the season was to any hope of promotion. Saying that, with our dependence on youth (planned or forced), we would never have been ready for the PL by next season and the required spending to make us ready would have had to have been massive IMHO. Personally, I think we can get there and remain there more cheaply by being in the Championship at least another season (only one more I hope), allowing our youth to develop their game and their steal for what is, hopefully, ahead of them.

I think the remainder of this season is just going to be a rollercoaster for everyone. We'll have games where we get shellacked but, for the most part, we'll take our share of points and move into the top half of the table.

What I want from Kit for the remainder of the season and beyond is to get more consistent displays from the team, find some way to tighten up the defense, sell those players who demonstrate, in whatever way, that they don't belong with Fulham, and purchase players in required positions who have a future beyond the Championship. I hope that he also is seriously considering bringing in a coach that can work with our players on their defensive transition and organization.
Title: Re: What would be a Realistic Plan for the Rest of the Season?
Post by: Classic94 on December 17, 2014, 02:25:52 PM
We, as a club, have been in long-term decline caused by chronic underinvestment and poor footballing decisions. Magath accelerated our malaise and brought the club to its knees. Only now are we beginning to stabilise with a young and inexperienced group of players. Hence, given the trauma of the last few years, and particularly this season, I think we need to be realistic in our goals.

I'm not ruling out a play-off push but, for now, we should take it game by game, continue to stabilise and improve, and then see where we are in April/May. In this respect, we need to be looking up the table whilst extending the gap between ourselves and the bottom teams.

So this season... 1) In January, strengthen the defence, tie down our youngsters and clear some deadwood. 2) Continue to develop the kids. 3) Push towards upper mid-table.

Then over the summer... spend intelligently and improve any areas of weakness - no more Fazlic, Chadli, Fotheringham type signings but, ideally, proven Championship talent with the potential to play at a higher level. All going well, both the squad and Kit will have a years experience under their belts by the start of next season. We will be a stronger unit with genuine play-off/title aspirations.
Title: Re: What would be a Realistic Plan for the Rest of the Season?
Post by: Andy S on December 17, 2014, 04:35:01 PM
Our aim has to be the play offs for this season. Whether we get there is another thing
Title: Re: What would be a Realistic Plan for the Rest of the Season?
Post by: premFlem on December 17, 2014, 05:25:25 PM
we need immediate strengthening of both midfield and defence because of this play offs are unlikely this season.
Unfortunately I think cheap options will be taken that will cost us automatic promotion next season,  but that's mr Khans perogative.
Title: Re: What would be a Realistic Plan for the Rest of the Season?
Post by: clanky on December 17, 2014, 06:56:33 PM
We also need to keep key players, last year we all  assumed our squad would remain and look what happened.

If we are going to be serious about Premiership challenges then we need to not only attract quality players but also keep them.

I would be upset if Benetelli went,  he has potential for great things. We must not be complacent and need to retain a core nucleus of talent.

Puzzled by comments about Hugo, it's been a long time since a Fulham player was shown as one of the leading scorers in the papers. He might be clumsy but his current scoring rate is good

Looking forward to 3 points Saturday
Title: Re: What would be a Realistic Plan for the Rest of the Season?
Post by: WolverineFFC on December 17, 2014, 09:52:08 PM
"Personally, I think we can get there and remain there more cheaply by being in the Championship at least another season (only one more I hope), allowing our youth to develop their game and their steal for what is, hopefully, ahead of them."

:plus one:

This window and the next should be aimed at building a team for the Premier League in 2016-17. With the limited assets the club has along with the relative financial advantage it gains from the parachute payments over the next 2 seasons, all of the focus should be toward that goal. This is the clubs best chance long term for a return to the Premier League.
Title: Re: What would be a Realistic Plan for the Rest of the Season?
Post by: The Rock on December 17, 2014, 11:48:10 PM
Ask Khan. All evidence points to maximising profits. This is not to be confused with PROMOTION. I am surprised at the Khan lovers on here, but I am not on the inside track. Let's rejuvenate this thread after the transfer window and see whether we mean business.
Title: Re: What would be a Realistic Plan for the Rest of the Season?
Post by: ..FOF.. on December 18, 2014, 12:50:12 AM
Thanks MJG for the chart.

It is clear now to me of our chances.

Seems like the best way to get to the playoff is that we keep on winning and everyone else just ends up in a stalemate... that would be one hell of a longrun luck :)
Title: Re: What would be a Realistic Plan for the Rest of the Season?
Post by: St Eve on December 18, 2014, 03:11:05 AM
It's a dliemna. We are clearly not good enough to go up and are unlikely to make the play offs. However if we don't do either our young talent will move on.
Title: Re: What would be a Realistic Plan for the Rest of the Season?
Post by: MJG on December 18, 2014, 08:06:38 AM
Quote from: St Eve on December 18, 2014, 03:11:05 AM
It's a dliemna. We are clearly not good enough to go up and are unlikely to make the play offs. However if we don't do either our young talent will move on.
I just dont agree with that, we will lose (as we would in any division) players. I fully expect us to sacrifice one 'young' player next summer to both raise funds to purchase new players and show others that when the time is right they can move on.
Will Hughes is a prime example of a young player staying at a club despite overtures from the PL.

I also disagree with people who talk about building for the PL. No team in championship can really do that and expect to survive. Look at Burnley, Leicester and QPR in the PL this year. You need to get promotion and then still sign at least 5 first team players to have a chnace.
Title: Re: What would be a Realistic Plan for the Rest of the Season?
Post by: TonyGilroy on December 18, 2014, 08:24:28 AM
All of that is true.

To succeed we need players to be better than midtable Championship but they'll all look to move on. We have to balance our playing and financial needs with demonstrating to the players that we respect their aspirations and will help them to achieve those.

If and when we get promotion we'll need to bring in suitable quality and experience to strengthen the promotion squad.