Matchday Thread: Rams v Owls

[macstheman]

Agreed. We will fall short i think but anywhere top half is a great result this season.

Whilst I would go along with the suggestion that we will just fall short of the top six it just shows that if you hang on in there like we did last season when the dreaded drop was never far away then better things may lie ahead.

Not only us but Hull have also proved this! Fair dos to them, last season they only avoided relegation on goal difference but I think I'm right in saying that they've never been out of the top six all season.

The moral is just avoid that b****y trap door!

[ramAnag]

Shows how far we have progressed though, when we are moaning about the quality of a win, 12 months ago we were simply grateful for a win!!

Twelve months ago - to the day - we beat Blackburn at PP for a first win under JE and went home happy, but still with little realistic hope of avoiding relegation. That was the first of four straight victories and the rest is history as we narrowly escaped to fight another day in the Championship.
8/3/25…looking near certainties for a return to L1. 8/3/26…handily placed in 7th and contenders for the play offs.
That is the exact measure of how far we’ve come under Eustace in the last 12 months. Build on this season’s progress at a similar rate next season and who knows?

[Ram Pant]

Just imagine if we hadn't been hamstrung early doors through having players of our own still recovering from operations, incoming players also recovering from operations, incoming players out of favour at their parent club who came on loan not having had a pre season, Half the squad was either in recovery or playng catch up on fitness.

That dodgy start to the season would likely have been a decent one and we'd have a good chance to be in the top 6 now. From just avoiding relegation on the last day a year ago to "being" unlucky not to be top 6 today.

Downside is that that breeds huge expectation for next season...

[macstheman]

I think we'll miss out this season. The top six look pretty stable at present but of the current incumbents I think that Hull are the ones who may have a wobble and if they do I'd make Southampton as the most likely to cash in.

As for next season expectations will be inevitably high but we all know that in this league fortunes can change overnight. With eight places available next season I can see some owners splashing the cash in an attempt to feature at the top, however, from our point of view, I hope Mr Clowes is tempted and maintains his fiscal policy that's made us much healthier financially.

[macstheman]

I think we'll miss out this season. The top six look pretty stable at present but of the current incumbents I think that Hull are the ones who may have a wobble and if they do I'd make Southampton as the most likely to cash in.

As for next season expectations will be inevitably high but we all know that in this league fortunes can change overnight. With eight places available next season I can see some owners splashing the cash in an attempt to feature at the top, however, from our point of view, I hope Mr Clowes is tempted and maintains his fiscal policy that's made us much healthier financially.

CORRECTION,

That should read ISN'T TEMPTED!

[swaledale]

CORRECTION,

That should read ISN'T TEMPTED!

I think we can pretty much say that Clowes won't be tempted to overspend. He is not some "super fan" promising the world to supporters and splashing cash to gain thie rfavour. But very much one for the measured aproach, making decisions based on pragmatism and seeking value for players that are purchased, he wont put the club or his own position at risk.

Yes fans expectations will inevitably be higher next season, but its a fickle league the championship always springs a surprise or two.