Jerseybean Posted September 30, 2016 Report Share Posted September 30, 2016 So although it's a marathon and not a sprint as we reach the end of September it's a chance to reflect on the season now we are ten league games in. Be pleased to see what others have to say; my ten point synopsis goes like this: 1) Decent start to the season, currently 6th and although we are frighteningly inconsistent, there are lots of positives. Things should perhaps have been even better if we consider the 'if only's' of football including Pato's 90th minute strike at Rotherham, if only it had gone in rather than hitting the post, Tomo's missed penalty and then conceding so late at Sheffield Wednesday, if only neither had occurred, etc 2) Remain in the EFL Cup, with a winnable home tie next 3) Squad seemingly gelling well and demonstrating good character/belief 4) LJ managing to rotate the squad effectively 5) Tammy is already a huge hero 6) Newcomers to BS3 are all looking promising 7) Good support home and away and the new stadium is bedding-in 8) Concerned about Korey's delayed return to action 9) Tomo's discipline needs to improve +++ 10) Still see us finishing in the middle third of the table, being realistic anything higher than 8th would be a bonus What would you add or disagree with? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Red Army 75 Posted September 30, 2016 Report Share Posted September 30, 2016 I would say we've come quite along way since SC left . Really enjoying watching city and the play offs would be fantastic although I would be happy with top 10 then build on that . No team have outplayed us and now teams are starting to fear us . Good size crowds . Chance of the quarterfinals. I am very much looking forward to what the future brings. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
redsquirrel Posted September 30, 2016 Report Share Posted September 30, 2016 i was only thinking yesterday that compared to last year,the start to this season has been flippin awesome. have to admit,mixed feelings when jk left but now i see why. far less offsides too. another big like from me this season is wilbs,still doing well not looking like an old man,oh yes, and bobby reid having a great start with joe bryan oozing class too. just luvin it Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nickolas Posted September 30, 2016 Report Share Posted September 30, 2016 My thoughts are that we can make a change to basically every position and not harm the quality ( bar Tammy ). What a great squad. We shouldnt get carried away but i think we may surprise everyone and coast into top 6 and flirt with top 2. Dont forget we technically have plenty of dough available for January to 'go for it' should we be in a decent position and SL wants to push for the prem. what with the ground and the squad im like a little kid getting excited every game to go and watch! Long may it continue. P.s - hopefully we can start pushing 22-23k regularly soon too. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
deadredfred Posted September 30, 2016 Report Share Posted September 30, 2016 23 minutes ago, Red Army 75 said: I would say we've come quite along way since SC left . Really enjoying watching city and the play offs would be fantastic although I would be happy with top 10 then build on that . No team have outplayed us and now teams are starting to fear us . Good size crowds . Chance of the quarterfinals. I am very much looking forward to what the future brings. Totally agree. We've come on leaps and bounds under LJ and Ashton. It's quite astounding really comparing where we were to how we've started this season. Total transformation in every facet. The stadium has gone a long way to helping, but I'm excited by the fact that we finally seem to have got it all together! We've got serious momentum and it's being noticed. The only thing missing for the long term is our own striker. But a strong season and that'll be so much easier. In the meantime, we've got the best young striker in the country banging them in and loving life. Good times all round Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Davefevs Posted September 30, 2016 Report Share Posted September 30, 2016 McCoulsky got 2 tonight Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alessandro Posted September 30, 2016 Report Share Posted September 30, 2016 For me, 10 games in and everything is moving in the direction to back up what LJ said in his last interview: "Premier league club in training" Many not be this year, or the next, but the foundations really look like they're being laid. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Garland-sweden Posted October 1, 2016 Report Share Posted October 1, 2016 So far so good. We have à good team and are in progress. Defence getting better and we have options. Top six not unrealistic. Long way tro go but its look promising. Coyr!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Son of Fred Posted October 1, 2016 Report Share Posted October 1, 2016 9 hours ago, Jerseybean said: So although it's a marathon and not a sprint as we reach the end of September it's a chance to reflect on the season now we are ten league games in. Be pleased to see what others have to say; my ten point synopsis goes like this: 1) Decent start to the season, currently 6th and although we are frighteningly inconsistent, there are lots of positives. Things should perhaps have been even better if we consider the 'if only's' of football including Pato's 90th minute strike at Rotherham, if only it had gone in rather than hitting the post, Tomo's missed penalty and then conceding so late at Sheffield Wednesday, if only neither had occurred, etc 2) Remain in the EFL Cup, with a winnable home tie next 3) Squad seemingly gelling well and demonstrating good character/belief 4) LJ managing to rotate the squad effectively 5) Tammy is already a huge hero 6) Newcomers to BS3 are all looking promising 7) Good support home and away and the new stadium is bedding-in 8) Concerned about Korey's delayed return to action 9) Tomo's discipline needs to improve +++ 10) Still see us finishing in the middle third of the table, being realistic anything higher than 8th would be a bonus What would you add or disagree with? Great start-were an exciting 'work in progress'...need to keep the ball better,and still one injury away from a genuine problem(Tammy)...re;injuries-what is going on now with Korey??..anyone know?...Tommo??...class,pity about him being so 'chopsy'..goes with the territory?.. Not so sure he can't get a grip, at least improve....no worry's about going down. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ScottishRed Posted October 1, 2016 Report Share Posted October 1, 2016 Been a great start and I agree it could have been even better. The feeling I get from reading interviews from staff and players is that they do believe the top 6 is possible and I agree it is. My concern, like many others, is scoring goals if Tammy goes off the boil, he is only 18!,or gets injured. Apart from that I think we are well covered all over the pitch, and as someone mentioned above there is in theory, money in the bank to strengthen in January, which probably will happen if we are still in with a chance of the play-offs. I doubt that we will go up but I think its important to get into the top 6, if possible, as it send out a message for potential transfer targets next summer and also should help ST sales next season too. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
reddogkev Posted October 1, 2016 Report Share Posted October 1, 2016 I feel confident that City can finish in the top 6, although a lot of this depends on Tammy staying fit and healthy, and in rich goal-scoring form. This city team is one that will continue to develop and grow as the season progresses, which should mean we finish even stronger than we started. The fact that we are doing so well without Korey's involvement is a good sign, because at some stage he is going to return to the fold 100% fit, which will feel like a new player. Players like O'Dowda will become increasingly more dangerous with improved Championship experience, and Freeman now looks like someone who is going to flourish and take the division by the scruff of the neck. Our squad is brimming with natural talent. Tis true, the season ahead is an exciting one. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wanderingred Posted October 1, 2016 Report Share Posted October 1, 2016 My biggest worry is that after our summer business and our start to the season, there seems to be an expectation that we are going to push for the top six which leads to a lot of pressure. Indeed when we failed to beat Derby and Rotherham, there were tantrums on this forum. Can we not just enjoy the fact that we are finally competitive in this division without having too much expectation because I dont believe our squad is the finished article yet. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Robbored Posted October 1, 2016 Report Share Posted October 1, 2016 Some very balanced views on this thread so far. No-one getting carried away or over optimistic. Personally I'm delighted with the first 10 games. As already said no team has outplayed us and we've caused other teams some serious problems. What really impressed me was the battling win on Tuesday night. The City fought for the entire 90mins against a really tough team. I left AG with that real "buzz" something that's been rare in recent times. For me that's a sign that City are currently in a good space. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
REDLEE Posted October 1, 2016 Report Share Posted October 1, 2016 Been pleasantly surprised so far but it's been nice to see what's happening around the club on and off the pitch. Especially bearing in mind that early last season we couldn't (or wouldn't) fill the bench! I think luck evens itself out over a season, for the Rotherham and Wednesday games there are Wigan and Burton late winners! Will be interesting to see come January if we are in a similar position with the Bolasie money ready to spend, we could really push on! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Reigate Red Posted October 1, 2016 Report Share Posted October 1, 2016 I hadn't realised the season was going so quickly - need to get to a few more games to watch the work in progress. It certainly has not been boring and from what (albeit limited) I have seen I like the way we approach the game. I also like LJ's willingness to make major changes during a game. It's also a good feeling to be on a bit of a cup run. All in all I think we are doing well of many fronts both on and off the pitch. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
A Horse With No Name Posted October 1, 2016 Report Share Posted October 1, 2016 The thing to possibly excite me is that in January we could have up to 23 million to spend, from the Kodjiaa and Bolasie deals. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ChippenhamRed Posted October 1, 2016 Report Share Posted October 1, 2016 I'm not sure I agree that we've been "frighteningly inconsistent". While I can't claim to have been to every game, my impression is that our performance levels - if not our results - have been fairly consistent. Yes, there have been ups and downs, but you would expect that. What I do know is, you can always rely on this team for effort. The fact that no team has beaten us by more than the odd goal suggests we are competitive in every game and our performance level is reasonably consistent. Not something you could say last season. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RedM Posted October 1, 2016 Report Share Posted October 1, 2016 Got to echo much of what has been already said on here. It's a nice feeling to believe we have gone into games on a much more equal footing than this time last season. No we can't financially match the Big Boys with their parachute payments, but we are having a really good go with ability and certainly holding our own regarding battling and working as a team. Im no longer looking for the 'easier' teams to play as on our day I believe we are capible of beating anyone. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jerseybean Posted October 1, 2016 Author Report Share Posted October 1, 2016 1 hour ago, Kim_il_sung said: My biggest worry is that after our summer business and our start to the season, there seems to be an expectation that we are going to push for the top six which leads to a lot of pressure. Indeed when we failed to beat Derby and Rotherham, there were tantrums on this forum. Can we not just enjoy the fact that we are finally competitive in this division without having too much expectation because I dont believe our squad is the finished article yet. Agree, think we will finish in the middle third of the table and we should be content with that, then look to improve still further next season Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
real_bristol Posted October 1, 2016 Report Share Posted October 1, 2016 Agree with all of the OPs points and top 8 would be great and would like to think we can achieve 10th, but if luck goes our way I'd be a little bit disappointed if playoffs were out of reach with 5 to go. im always interested to know how often people have seen us so for the avoidance of doubt I'm an ST holder. Missed all August matches. Thought we should have punished Derby, they were bad and Leeds game could have gone either way but I'll take dirty 1 nils for the rest of the season. As for today, I'd be disappointed not to win. Let's get behind them Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shamussy Posted October 1, 2016 Report Share Posted October 1, 2016 Early games tend to define most of the season. Start badly and is hard to escape relegation battle, start well and always have the chances to aim for top 6. I think expectations are positive. Say you're bottom 3 and home to mid - table leeds you accept draws as but when you are nearer top you really try to beat them. Today is a classic example vs Forest. In reality either could win but hopefully we'll be going all out for the win without so much worry of the consequences Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chairman Mao Posted October 1, 2016 Report Share Posted October 1, 2016 I would be happy with mid table and still think will finish in the 10th-15th range. Still, this start is a nice change, last time we didn't have a shocking first few months in the Championship was probably under GJ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
real_bristol Posted October 1, 2016 Report Share Posted October 1, 2016 11 minutes ago, shamussy said: Early games tend to define most of the season. Start badly and is hard to escape relegation battle, start well and always have the chances to aim for top 6. I think expectations are positive. Say you're bottom 3 and home to mid - table leeds you accept draws as but when you are nearer top you really try to beat them. Today is a classic example vs Forest. In reality either could win but hopefully we'll be going all out for the win without so much worry of the consequences This is true. Exactly why I kind of expect us to win today. In a "typical" City championship season, if there is one, I'd take the draw. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GrahamC Posted October 1, 2016 Report Share Posted October 1, 2016 1 hour ago, The Horse With No Name said: The thing to possibly excite me is that in January we could have up to 23 million to spend, from the Kodjiaa and Bolasie deals. No idea where you are getting that figure from. Angers had a very large sell on clause (30%) for the Kodjia move, the Bolasie deal netted us in the region of £4m plus we have spent a lot of money on bringing in a whole team of players in the summer. Moore and Engvall for instance, around £3m in total and yet for understandable reasons they have barely featured so far. If we spent over £5m in January I'd be amazed. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Talk Of The Town Posted October 1, 2016 Report Share Posted October 1, 2016 Played the 3 relegated teams and 2 sides that were in last seasons play offs. sitting in 6th position is an Ace start Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Drew Peacock Posted October 1, 2016 Report Share Posted October 1, 2016 25 minutes ago, GrahamC said: If we spent over £5m in January I'd be amazed. I think it depends who is available. If one of our main targets is, then I am sure the money will come from somewhere. But January seems to rarely have good permanent signings available. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Robbored Posted October 1, 2016 Report Share Posted October 1, 2016 19 minutes ago, Drew Peacock said: I think it depends who is available. If one of our main targets is, then I am sure the money will come from somewhere. But January seems to rarely have good permanent signings available. Lots of experienced managers don't like the January window largely because the prices are often inflated because some clubs are desperate to strengthen if they're struggling in the league. One recent City managers - I think it was Cotterill but I'm not sure - said that but also reckoned that there are fewer quality players are available. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Red Planet Posted October 1, 2016 Report Share Posted October 1, 2016 A major factor leading to where we are now has been splitting the coaching and the business side. Obviously LJ is involved in transfers but MA is doing all the negotiations with players and their clubs, leaving LJ to mainly focus on the first team coaching and the benefits of that arrangement are coming through very strongly now. As others have said, what a transformation from where we were this time last season. I share what seems to be a majority view on this thread that we can expect a top half of the table finish at least. LJ has really impressed me with his tactics, intelligence, likeable personality and the fact that the players obviously respect him. He is still very young but I can see him managing a PL club by the time he hits 40. Hopefully that club will be BCFC ! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Red Army 75 Posted October 1, 2016 Report Share Posted October 1, 2016 17 minutes ago, Drew Peacock said: I think it depends who is available. If one of our main targets is, then I am sure the money will come from somewhere. But January seems to rarely have good permanent signings available. Also if we carry on with this form . We will start looking a more attractive option. To players who maybe wouldn't consider us before. Also with Tammy and the nationwide publicity speaking highly about our club . I think we can do more good business in January Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
... Posted October 1, 2016 Report Share Posted October 1, 2016 Well. 11 games in and I would only be happier if Bob Taylor came back as physio, with a Buster Footman haircut. Uncle TFR Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Archived
This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.