Faith in steve cotterill

[dunsteral]

I hope we dont get dragged in to the current silly season, with 5 managers losing their

jobs this week. As leroy rosenior says in his column in the EP steve should certainly

still be in credit with what he has achieved since he arrived. What possible good

would come from sacking him, the only thing it would produce would be turmoil.

With this in mind, those of you who agree with me and still support steve, lets get

a round of "one stevie cotterill" going at tomorrow's game against M K Dons.

[phantom]

Not sure our current problems are really to be attributed to cotts. 

Behind the scenes the whole recruitment process has been nothing short of a disaster, hopefully come the January transfer window we are still in a position in this league where we can compete. 

Getting rid of cotts now would be an even bigger disaster! 

[The Dolman Pragmatist]

 

I've never been quite sure about faith.  It asks people to believe in something about which they have no certainty.  I have hope in Cotterill, but I don't think I have faith.  His record for us so far has been good, but he is now in a completely different situation and we will have to wait and see if he can deliver.  He wouldn't be the first manager to succeed at one level but fail at another, and his track record before he joined us doesn't necessarily give us a lot to encourage us to believe he could take us to the promised land.  I'd give him until the end of November, but if things haven't improved by then, it may be that a change is necessary.  Tomorrow's match will give us an indication of whether we are aclimatising to the Championship.  If we lose, confidence will be very low indeed.

[Stockwood gate]

Just my opinion,  I think Steve deserves to see it through he has done a amazing job and should not be a victim of the success he has brought the city . Cotts you have my total backing 

[Sir Colby-Tit]

Not sure our current problems are really to be attributed to cotts. 

Behind the scenes the whole recruitment process has been nothing short of a disaster, hopefully come the January transfer window we are still in a position in this league where we can compete. 

Getting rid of cotts now would be an even bigger disaster! 

Whilst the summer transfer fiasco can't be blamed on SC, sticking with 352 is squarely down to him and both are the reason we're struggling IMO

Not that I'm saying get rid of SC mind 

 

[Phileas Fogg]

Just my opinion,  I think Steve deserves to see it through he has done a amazing job and should not be a victim of the success he has brought the city . Cotts you have my total backing 

Obviously I understand people's reasons for posts like this.. But hypothetically, January 1st.. We're 9 points adrift and playing poorly. Would you still have the same faith?

[REDOXO]

Steve Cotterill is the best thing that has happened to this club, since GJ was hired and SL started bank rolling us.

ill always have my support even if we struggle this season...Which I am confident we will not!

[Stockwood gate]

Obviously I understand people's reasons for posts like this.. But hypothetically, January 1st.. We're 9 points adrift and playing poorly. Would you still have the same faith?

but look at Newcastle there fans were foaming at the mouth to get rid of pardew now there in a worse situation 

[reddogkev]

No manager's job should be at risk until at least half way through a season.  Cotts is one of the managers you'd think is still in a secure position at the club (despite being bottom of the league, the team has looked very good in places and perfectly able to climb the table) and he will see City safe this season, but, and playing Devil's Advocate, if we were in the bottom 3 come the beginning of Feb, I would change the manager.

[Phileas Fogg]

but look at Newcastle there fans were foaming at the mouth to get rid of pardew now there in a worse situation 

well, yes. You'll find examples at either side of how it can turn out.

 

My question to you though is; we're bottom in January, 9 points down with a transfer window and time to escape. Same faith then?

[Selred]

No manager's job should be at risk until at least half way through a season.  Cotts is one of the managers you'd think is still in a secure position at the club (despite being bottom of the league, the team has looked very good in places and perfectly able to climb the table) and he will see City safe this season, but, and playing Devil's Advocate, if we were in the bottom 3 come the beginning of Feb, I would change the manager.

The question is, does he see eye to eye with the board? I've heard otherwise and am hoping that this doesn't affect his position.

[Guest]

The question is, does he see eye to eye with the board? I've heard otherwise and am hoping that this doesn't affect his position.

What exactly have you heard?

The fact is we failed to secure ANY permanent signings (codger apart) during the close season.

Who is to blame for that remains to be seen, did Cotts reject players put forward by Burt?

Did players reject us because off Cotts, money, ambition, location etc we don't really know.

The only thing I feel sure about is that Cotts has earned the right to do things his way, after giving us the best season for many, many years. 

[Sir Colby-Tit]

I was told that SC had secured a signing during the summer break but a board member scuppered it quibbling over minor clauses in the contract and the player walked away, leaving SC a very unhappy chappy 

[Major Isewater]

well, yes. You'll find examples at either side of how it can turn out.

 

My question to you though is; we're bottom in January, 9 points down with a transfer window and time to escape. Same faith then?

No , good bye and thank you .

[Phileas Fogg]

I was told that SC had secured a signing during the summer break but a board member scuppered it quibbling over minor clauses in the contract and the player walked away, leaving SC a very unhappy chappy 

Is the board member now a former board member?

[CIDER NOT CIDRE]

I personally believe it would be crazy if sacking Cotts was even being genuinely considered at the moment. Despite what we may have thought coming into this season, the championship was never going to be easy. The championship is a very strong league. Also, in a good percentage of the games so far this season we've actually dominated in terms of possession and shots, albeit without the final product. I'm still feeling optimistic about this season and think a mid table finish is realistic; should we get a couple of wins under our belt a run of good results is definitely not out of the question. Hopefully starting this saturday against MK!

[havanatopia]

I have not yet read the Leroy R column but to even mention the words 'Steve Cotterill is in credit' strikes me as stating the bleadin' obvious and unnecessary. OK, so the guy is now a journalist and I like what he writes and that, alone, is probably justification for him writing whatever he wants; If anybody has to bring it up I am glad its a journalist. It would be downright ridiculous if one of us had. 

[marmite]

Obviously I understand people's reasons for posts like this.. But hypothetically, January 1st.. We're 9 points adrift and playing poorly. Would you still have the same faith?

Interesting question. If we wanted to change, who is the magician that will pull us to safety? Who did we turn to last time we were in the mire? Oh yes, Cotts. Give the guy time. Performances say it will come good soon.

[Sir Colby-Tit]

Is the board member now a former board member?

I wasn't told the name of the board member, but the same thought had crossed my mind 

[hortonred]

I hope we dont get dragged in to the current silly season, with 5 managers losing their

jobs this week. As leroy rosenior says in his column in the EP steve should certainly

still be in credit with what he has achieved since he arrived. What possible good

would come from sacking him, the only thing it would produce would be turmoil.

With this in mind, those of you who agree with me and still support steve, lets get

a round of "one stevie cotterill" going at tomorrow's game against M K Dons.

How can what you did last year have any bearing on this year.I wish I had a job like that.

[Phileas Fogg]

Interesting question. If we wanted to change, who is the magician that will pull us to safety? Who did we turn to last time we were in the mire? Oh yes, Cotts. Give the guy time. Performances say it will come good soon.

I agree, I think we will click in a couple of games. We did not recruit well but based on what I've seen I think there will be teams worse than us.

My issue is with those who say they'd support the manager no matter what, even if were relegated! It's very easy to say that now, but I'm sure they wouldn't think that if we were actually relegated.

 

[Selred]

What exactly have you heard?

The fact is we failed to secure ANY permanent signings (codger apart) during the close season.

Who is to blame for that remains to be seen, did Cotts reject players put forward by Burt?

Did players reject us because off Cotts, money, ambition, location etc we don't really know.

The only thing I feel sure about is that Cotts has earned the right to do things his way, after giving us the best season for many, many years. 

A mixture of board members getting to involved with transfers, as another poster said Cott's had players lined up. Why we didn't sign these straight away I don't know.

However it's not solely the boards fault, I've heard they weren't too impressed with his targets being too expensive/massive wages.

Will be interesting to see what happens in January now Pelling has gone. 

[robin_unreliant]

MKD and PNE both have managers with a pretty good reputation yet are down there with us. There is a common theme which has absolutely nothing to do with who the manager is. Why, therefore, would changing manager be the answer?

[Lrrr]

He should at minimum have until after January transfer window, last summer we saw how well the club can recruit after after how poorly the summer went you'd hope the club we're already looking at who to sign in January.

[Major Isewater]

The only reason for changing a manager is if he is not moving the team forward.

Often good managers get fired because they've burnt out. The pressure is relentless .

They need to stay on top of it all as very quickly any weaknesses start a snowball effect .

i wish Cotts well but like all players and staff at the club they are just temporary guardians of our hopes and dreams for Bristol City. 

They are good enough when they're good enough but if their performance levels drop  then there's no room for sentiment. 

[Marina's Rolls Royce]

Whilst the summer transfer fiasco can't be blamed on SC, sticking with 352 is squarely down to him and both are the reason we're struggling IMO

Not that I'm saying get rid of SC mind 

 

I'm entirely unconvinced that the reason we are struggling so far is purely down to formation. I don't think our success last season under SC has been down to formation either- more to do with quality. This season we don't have the same stand out quality because we're up against a lot of ex- prem players and more experience.

Sort of sums up our club this, whilst most other clubs pull the trigger we fanny around until its just too late, not saying he should be sacked, just yet, but sacked he will be sometime in the future, I just hope the Board do it at the right time. 

 

 

Hmmm- of course if he turns it around and we have a successful season then some club comes knocking on his door and he leaves then I guess this is the Board's stupid fault as well?

Steve Lansdown has demonstrated over many years  that he isn't trigger happy and doesn't over react so why should we expect any different now?

9 games in and one poorly played match but with 8 indicating that with a bit more 'rub of the green' and a little bit more concentration/savvy and we should be fine at this level. A few new additions in Jan which should of happened in the summer should see us at the business end of the Championship before too long.

 

As fans - we can't change the formation and we can't bring in new players - neither of which will happen any time soon anyway. But we can at least keep faith in the Manager and team irrespective of results for a little while longer.

37 games left.

 

 

[GrahamC]

What exactly have you heard?

The fact is we failed to secure ANY permanent signings (codger apart) during the close season.

Who is to blame for that remains to be seen, did Cotts reject players put forward by Burt?

Did players reject us because off Cotts, money, ambition, location etc we don't really know.

The only thing I feel sure about is that Cotts has earned the right to do things his way, after giving us the best season for many, many years. 

Actually that isn't a fact.

We signed Ryan Fredericks permanently, then he left.

[spudski]

I have no faith in SC taking us to the next level...or in fact do I have any faith in the next manager that comes here...imho...any manager would struggle here at this level and above.

[Negan]

Providing we play well all season, if we were to go down I would still want Cotterill here.

[marmite]

I have no faith in SC taking us to the next level...or in fact do I have any faith in the next manager that comes here...imho...any manager would struggle here at this level and above.

History tells us we are at our "normal" level of Championship/Div I. You may be right Spud but I think we should give SC a little longer yet. We are not even 10 games in yet!!

[Guest]

Actually that isn't a fact.

We signed Ryan Fredericks permanently, then he left.

Well he was hardly secured was he?

Signed but then left in bizarre circumstances that don't appear to have affected his availability for Fulham.

[Guest]

I have no faith in SC taking us to the next level...or in fact do I have any faith in the next manager that comes here...imho...any manager would struggle here at this level and above.

Is your view based on budget alone?  Would Wenger or Pardew struggle?

have we ever had a manager who has had consistent success at a higher level? 

[BigTone]

I have not yet read the Leroy R column but to even mention the words 'Steve Cotterill is in credit' strikes me as stating the bleadin' obvious and unnecessary. OK, so the guy is now a journalist and I like what he writes and that, alone, is probably justification for him writing whatever he wants; If anybody has to bring it up I am glad its a journalist. It would be downright ridiculous if one of us had. 

Condensed version:

Cotterill is not yet in overdraft

[phantom]

Whilst the summer transfer fiasco can't be blamed on SC, sticking with 352 is squarely down to him and both are the reason we're struggling IMO

Not that I'm saying get rid of SC mind 

 

There is a very simple reply to that - the current squad were signed as they were the best options to play in the 3-5-2 formation

Mess around with the formation and we get the Gary Johnson days where we play players out of their position, the phrase often used was square pegs in round holes

Until we recruit different players Cotts has no real option to change the formation, as that would be an even bigger gamble than not signing anyone on

[Kibs]

I have no faith in SC taking us to the next level...or in fact do I have any faith in the next manager that comes here...imho...any manager would struggle here at this level and above.

Can't disagree with that. Any manager who does really is the exception to the rule rather than the norm.

[Sir Colby-Tit]

There is a very simple reply to that - the current squad were signed as they were the best options to play in the 3-5-2 formation

Mess around with the formation and we get the Gary Johnson days where we play players out of their position, the phrase often used was square pegs in round holes

Until we recruit different players Cotts has no real option to change the formation, as that would be an even bigger gamble than not signing anyone on

Personally, I tthink we have the players to play 4-4-2. Bryan is more a winger than a wing back, and I think Burns could do a job on the right wing. 

The current system is leaving us dangerously exposed at the back and teams are taking advantage of it. 

Granted, changing the formation would be a gamble, but on the basis that the system we are playing isn't working, I think it's one worth taking. 

I honestly don't think we'd have to play anyone in a position they wouldn't be comfortable in. 

I'd like to see a 442 diamond 

           Fielding 

Ayling  Flint Baker Williams 

          Smith 

Burns                    Bryan 

         Freeman 

Kodjia          Agard

 

 

[Simon79]

Funnily enough, I was thinking about this earlier today. For me, even if we are in a relegation battle, later in the season( not that I think we will be ). I would stick with SC. We are trying to play the right way, expansive attacking football. I remember the dross we watched last time we were in the championship! He is still well in credit for me.

[Rob k]

I was told that SC had secured a signing during the summer break but a board member scuppered it quibbling over minor clauses in the contract and the player walked away, leaving SC a very unhappy chappy 

who?

[Sir Colby-Tit]

who?

I wasn't given the names of the player or the board member 

[Rob k]

I wasn't given the names of the player or the board member 

fair enough - something clearly went wrong over the summer

[BCFC Jordan]

Tactically, Cotterill is not the problem. Any manager will struggle to do any better and we certainly shouldn't be looking to replace him.

 

Anyone will be dealt a tough hand when you only make one permanent signing after letting 5 or 6 from an already small squad leave. SC has built this team so stands a better chance of keeping us up than anyone else.

 

[Roger Red Hat]

Steve Cotterill is the best thing that has happened to this club, since GJ was hired and SL started bank rolling us.

ill always have my support even if we struggle this season...Which I am confident we will not!

Good to know you'll always have your support.

[MC RISK77]

I love what cotta has done don't get me wrong...but I genuinely believe if we are cut adrift by first week of December then we need to think. With the stadium development it is imperative we stay in this league, as we will be a prem club in waiting, and sentiment takes you so far. If it is a case we can get someone in to spend the money in January to keep us up then that is when we would need to act....I'm sorry if this is not what people want to hear but I believe cotts is as culpable about our awful transfer activity in the summer as anyone and his inability to find an alternative to 3-5-2 is grating on me

[Roger Red Hat]

SC did well, more than well last season. I don't give a flying fffff who the manager is. I want to watch my team play at the highest level, before I turn me toes up. I learned a long time ago to have  no emotional attachment to any of 'em. If SC can't sort it, so be it.

Mario Bielsa would be my choice, great pacey, pressing game, but obviously no chance of him coming here!

[NickJ]

So the manager that took us from O'Drearysville bottom of the league to safety, and then win the league by a country mile with entertaining football, and most acknowledge has deserved more points so far this season, maybe should be sacked.

That's very funny I will watch this thread with interest. As I did with the hilarious threads when Cotterill was first appointed.

[Dastardly and Muttley]

Interesting that Tetbury Red liked the quote about SC securing a player only for board involvement to scupper it.

Go on Tetbury, give us the player's name....

[Turbored]

I have no faith in SC taking us to the next level...or in fact do I have any faith in the next manager that comes here...imho...any manager would struggle here at this level and above.

Have to agree .. Not that I doubt SC but I really doubt with the limitations that are imposed by the senior management team that it would be extremely difficult for anyone to succeed at BCFC. That's if we are judging success on being promoted to the PL (promise land).... We will never have enough income to compete at a top level if we want to do it by purely revenue gained or profit .. There has to be a benefactor if the current owners cannot see this then perhaps they should sell up. Or perhaps stop going on about the PL and understand BCFC for what we are .  

[Marina's Rolls Royce]

That would be nice, but alas very unlikely.

We shall see........

[Nogbad the Bad]

I have no faith in SC taking us to the next level...or in fact do I have any faith in the next manager that comes here...imho...any manager would struggle here at this level and above.

'No faith in Cotterill taking us to the next level.' What does that mean exactly?

For any manager of a newly promoted club to stabilise them in the higher division means taking them to the next level as far as I'm concerned.

Can Cotterill stabilise BCFC in the Championship? Yes, I think he can.

Or did you mean you have no faith in Cotterill taking City to the PL?

Well, that's hardly a reasonable immediate expectation of him, is it?

If he can consolidate City's Championship status, improving year on year while playing expansive and entertaining football, that will be a tremendous achievement in itself. One which will inexorably strengthen the club, build the crowds, and give us a settled club with well founded optimistic aspirations every year.

The all round stability in the club forged by keeping faith with the manager, thereby developing a 'Bristol City style' by persisting with a consistent style of play throughout the club, plus realistic fans - and board - accepting reasonable progress, will put us at an advantage over the short term panic stricken measures taken by so many of our rivals and will ensure, in the fullness of time, that there's a good chance our day may well come under SC.

It won't happen overnight, but I wouldn't bet against it longer term and I certainly believe this manager has already proved himself worthy of our patience and support.

What's more, I think we can look forward to attending AG in the happy knowledge our team will be holding it's own by playing entertaining and attacking football in the Championship and we can actually enjoy the ride until we're ready for a serious attempt to take the next step up divisionally.

That may take years but surely an exciting period to be a City fan - providing, that is, we keep to reasonable expectations of both the manager, and the club.

 

[Nibor]

The question that has to be asked is who was responsible for the absolute debacle of the summer transfer window?

If we're offering £6-9m it would seem to me the funding is there, so why did we fail to strengthen properly?

Can we really not find the players with those resources available?

Yes Cotterill gets a lot of credit for last season, but not enough to pay for a relegation.  

I want to see us out of the relegation zone and to see several strong signings at the start of January, not be ******* around on 31st hoping for scraps.  And no, not Kermorgant FFS.

 

[MarcusX]

Personally, I tthink we have the players to play 4-4-2. Bryan is more a winger than a wing back, and I think Burns could do a job on the right wing. 

The current system is leaving us dangerously exposed at the back and teams are taking advantage of it. 

Granted, changing the formation would be a gamble, but on the basis that the system we are playing isn't working, I think it's one worth taking. 

I honestly don't think we'd have to play anyone in a position they wouldn't be comfortable in. 

I'd like to see a 442 diamond 

           Fielding 

Ayling  Flint Baker Williams 

          Smith 

Burns                    Bryan 

         Freeman 

Kodjia          Agard

 

 

you talk about wingers, and then a diamond? Which is it

[REDOXO]

Good to know you'll always have your support.

Yep I will!

[REDOXO]

SC did well, more than well last season. I don't give a flying fffff who the manager is. I want to watch my team play at the highest level, before I turn me toes up. I learned a long time ago to have  no emotional attachment to any of 'em. If SC can't sort it, so be it.

Mario Bielsa would be my choice, great pacey, pressing game, but obviously no chance of him coming here!

Drinking?

We all want to watch this club play at the highest level before we die. Unfortunately my old man turned his toes up in 2010 so he won't make that, however your point appears to be pragmatism, who is the best person to get us there and unemotionally right now we have the best person managing the club. As you are of obviously turning your toes up range I don't have to remind you it took AD the best part of ten years. I'll pray for you!

[REDOXO]

The question that has to be asked is who was responsible for the absolute debacle of the summer transfer window?

If we're offering £6-9m it would seem to me the funding is there, so why did we fail to strengthen properly?

Can we really not find the players with those resources available?

Yes Cotterill gets a lot of credit for last season, but not enough to pay for a relegation.  

I want to see us out of the relegation zone and to see several strong signings at the start of January, not be ******* around on 31st hoping for scraps.  And no, not Kermorgant FFS.

 

last I saw we were not relegated and we're making enquiries regarding players to make us better  

Glad to see you out from under your I hate Cotterill rock though, this forum has largely missed you during your self imposed sebaticle! 

[phantom]

last I saw we were not relegated and we're making enquiries regarding players to make us better  

 

Rather than respond to this one poster, read the whole thread. No idea why you pick up on one reply when generally it is recognised Cotts is currently the best fit for our club. 

The issue is higher up the he food chain, where clearly mistakes were made. Not sure what relevance it is that enquiries are now being made  the point highlighted by many was this needed to happen in the summer not now 

[ChippenhamRed]

Interesting thread this. Firstly I'll say I remain a firm supporter of Cotterill and believe at the current time he is the right person for the job. I would also say that, Reading aside, our performances have warranted a higher league position than we currently occupy. That's not to say we haven't made mistakes; it's clear that the formation in its current form has left us too open at the back. However Cotterill will obviously know this and will no doubt be trying to address it while clearly still remaining committed to the broad principles of 3-5-2.

What I finding interesting is the notion of being "in credit". This would seem potentially dangerous to me; it implies that past successes somehow excuse current failings. Although on a personal level this would seem fair, it risks allowing a failing regime to continue for a potentially fatal length of time. It risks the future of the club because of a perceived debt to an individual. In other words, I would say that we must be very careful not to allow past success to cloud judgement of the current situation, should it reach a stage where a change would otherwise seem obvious and necessary (we are nowhere near that stage yet).

To reiterate, I am not saying Cotterill should go; far from it. He has my full support.

[Guest Redrobbin]

May I ask what this common theme is?

 Apart from the fact we are all In the bottom three. 

And nothing to do with the manager…?    Surely some responsibility must be put at the managers feet. They can't be totally blameless. 

[Guest Redrobbin]

MKD and PNE both have managers with a pretty good reputation yet are down there with us. There is a common theme which has absolutely nothing to do with who the manager is. Why, therefore, would changing manager be the answer?

May I ask what this common theme is?

 Apart from the fact we are all In the bottom three. 

And nothing to do with the manager…?    Surely some responsibility must be put at the managers feet. They can't be totally blameless. 

 

[Garland-sweden]

I Believe in Cotts and the team. Think he is the right man. New leauge with better teams but Im sure City will make it.

[chipdawg]

The question for me is who would we replace him with? No one stands out (I don't think Klopp is quite ready for the biggest job in football and Anceloti is a bit old) and as others have pointed out, we're largely playing decent football. Thinking back to our relegation season, we started well but performances went down hill quickly- that hasn't really happened. Eventually players and manager will adjust and we'll be ok. My one concern is that Cotts doesn't seem to be very flexible or adaptable,  I hope that's something he manages to take on board

However, still in the shit at Christmas, we probably have to say 'ta-ra' and move on

[spudski]

'No faith in Cotterill taking us to the next level.' What does that mean exactly?

For any manager of a newly promoted club to stabilise them in the higher division means taking them to the next level as far as I'm concerned.

Can Cotterill stabilise BCFC in the Championship? Yes, I think he can.

Or did you mean you have no faith in Cotterill taking City to the PL?

Well, that's hardly a reasonable immediate expectation of him, is it?

If he can consolidate City's Championship status, improving year on year while playing expansive and entertaining football, that will be a tremendous achievement in itself. One which will inexorably strengthen the club, build the crowds, and give us a settled club with well founded optimistic aspirations every year.

The all round stability in the club forged by keeping faith with the manager, thereby developing a 'Bristol City style' by persisting with a consistent style of play throughout the club, plus realistic fans - and board - accepting reasonable progress, will put us at an advantage over the short term panic stricken measures taken by so many of our rivals and will ensure, in the fullness of time, that there's a good chance our day may well come under SC.

It won't happen overnight, but I wouldn't bet against it longer term and I certainly believe this manager has already proved himself worthy of our patience and support.

What's more, I think we can look forward to attending AG in the happy knowledge our team will be holding it's own by playing entertaining and attacking football in the Championship and we can actually enjoy the ride until we're ready for a serious attempt to take the next step up divisionally.

That may take years but surely an exciting period to be a City fan - providing, that is, we keep to reasonable expectations of both the manager, and the club.

 

If you take a few words out of a paragraph, you can twist it all you like....you need to read those words in the context it was written....Instead of trying to make out how you want it to. You'd save yourself a lot of writing that way fella ;-)

As per Tony....the condensed version....any manager would struggle here atm....for all the reasons given in various posts throughout the forum.

[Sir Colby-Tit]

you talk about wingers, and then a diamond? Which is it

Anything but 352!

[NickJ]

If you take a few words out of a paragraph, you can twist it all you like....you need to read those words in the context it was written....Instead of trying to make out how you want it to. You'd save yourself a lot of writing that way fella ;-)

As per Tony....the condensed version....any manager would struggle here atm....for all the reasons given in various posts throughout the forum.

So if Cotterill stays the whole season, where do you think we will finish out of the following:

Champions

Play offs

Top half but not play offs

Bottom half but not relegated

Relegated

[KeepUpLino]

The question that has to be asked is who was responsible for the absolute debacle of the summer transfer window?

If we're offering £6-9m it would seem to me the funding is there, so why did we fail to strengthen properly?

Can we really not find the players with those resources available?

Yes Cotterill gets a lot of credit for last season, but not enough to pay for a relegation.  

I want to see us out of the relegation zone and to see several strong signings at the start of January, not be ******* around on 31st hoping for scraps.  And no, not Kermorgant FFS.

 

I totally agree, our summer business was nothing short of disgraceful and it's not a surprise to see us Rock bottom... I'm still fuming now!!!

 I would like to think that deals are already being lined up so we can move forward quickly and yes I agree please not Kermorgant!!

[spudski]

So if Cotterill stays the whole season, where do you think we will finish out of the following:

Champions

Play offs

Top half but not play offs

Bottom half but not relegated

Relegated

How the hell would I know....so many things can change between now and the end of the season. Injuries, suspensions, new players, luck....all have a bearing.

As it stands now....as I said twice in my previous posts....any manager would struggle.

Why do people just go fishing for fishing sake...**** knows why.

[Phileas Fogg]

So if Cotterill stays the whole season, where do you think we will finish out of the following:

Champions

Play offs

Top half but not play offs

Bottom half but not relegated

Relegated

Hmm, I'm probably slightly too optimistic about City in general (the reason I've lost lots of money from including us in accumulators over the years!) and before this season I predicted 8th.

After seeing the quality of some teams we've played, I thought Reading looked very strong and Burnley were very professional, I think that is definitely too high for us at the moment. Our squad just isn't big or deep enough in the correct areas.

If I was putting money on it, I would go for bottom half but not relegated if SC sees out the season. I think we'll click soon and results will start to come and we'll improve - hopefully starting today.

I would really like us to try another shape though, I think we've got the players for it and it was concerning watching how easily Reading picked us apart with a plan.

[Guest Redrobbin]

How the hell would I know....so many things can change between now and the end of the season. Injuries, suspensions, new players, luck....all have a bearing.

As it stands now....as I said twice in my previous posts....any manager would struggle.

Why do people just go fishing for fishing sake...**** knows why.

Not really fishing is it? 

Just a predictive question based on all factors you have mentioned. 

I would have replied between top half but not playoffs, and bottom half but not relighted. 

[ashton_fan]

Hmm, I'm probably slightly too optimistic about City in general (the reason I've lost lots of money from including us in accumulators over the years!) and before this season I predicted 8th.

After seeing the quality of some teams we've played, I thought Reading looked very strong and Burnley were very professional, I think that is definitely too high for us at the moment. Our squad just isn't big or deep enough in the correct areas.

If I was putting money on it, I would go for bottom half but not relegated if SC sees out the season. I think we'll click soon and results will start to come and we'll improve - hopefully starting today.

I would really like us to try another shape though, I think we've got the players for it and it was concerning watching how easily Reading picked us apart with a plan.

Looking at Karl Robinson's preview for today's game he rightly points out that there are two leagues in the Championship, the heavyweight big spenders and the middleweights. We have mostly played the heavyweights so far, it's how we do against the others (as in today's game) that will determine whether we stay in this league, there are plenty of other clubs struggling in the bottom 10.

As for Cotts he must be given more time after all the good work last season. If we're still bottom around Christmas time though I think the writing will be on the wall, although I can't think of any managers available who would want to come here who would be an improvement unless we took a punt on an up and coming manager like we did with McInnes.

[spudski]

Not really fishing is it? 

Just a predictive question based on all factors you have mentioned. 

I would have replied between top half but not playoffs, and bottom half but not relighted. 

Anything can happen fella between now and the end of the season.

From today...we may win handsomely....get some confidence and go on a roll.

We also may get thumped 1-4 and Joe get a season long injury....confidence drains more and panic sets in.

Anything can happen...

[Nibor]

last I saw we were not relegated and we're making enquiries regarding players to make us better  

Glad to see you out from under your I hate Cotterill rock though, this forum has largely missed you during your self imposed sebaticle! 

Last I saw we were unable to defend anything and have a paper thin squad.  I didn't say we were relegated but you'd be foolish not to be concerned, particularly after the cock up this summer. 

 

As for your sabbatical comment, I simply have less time these days and find it less interesting.  There isn't much worth reading  on the forum now as it's full of inane back biting and shit puns.