who thinks it's gonna be another last day relegation fight?

[gjphilsaint]

I was hoping for the same but unforetunately cannot see it. We have some very skillful players who knock the ball around nicely and it's all very pleasing on the eye. BUT the two most important skills in football are: 1) Being able to put the ball in the back of the net when you are attacking and: 2) Being able to keep it out when you defend. Unforetunately we can do neither. To miss 2 penalties is pretty p!ss poor but to concede 3 goals against a team that didn't create a single chance from open play in the first half, is unforgiveable!

 

which is Saints in a nutshell

[gjphilsaint]

dramatic but I feel true but...... unless someone puts a halt to our constant managerial changes and current financial situation....... this club is dying...... administration.....then gone!

[NickG]

In my book it is.

 

Some Red Sea pedestrian curing lepers is nowt compared to a cloggy getting kids to play like a team.

 

rather than just adding cloggy insults -why explain which bit of my lengthy post is wrong - I think the facts suggest safety and have explained why.

 

Why do you think a new team, with players returning from injury, current form mid table -are such certainties to go down?

[Saint_clark]

I agree Delldays you don't know whether to laugh or cry and its not even half term yet

 

Is that supposed to be suggesting I am still at school and therefore have no idea what i'm talking about?

I can tell you i've left school, left college and have a job, thank you very much. I wasn't saying we would get promoted, i'm just saying that we are not "guaranteed relegation" by any stretch of the imagination. Hull fans were thinking similar things last season.

[Oz]

not me, we will be down by then!

[up and away]

Originally Posted by NickG

sorry to quote myself -but wanted points all together. I think we will be safe and have explained why. Why do the several posters who think we will be relegated before the end of the season (quite unusual) think that?

It sounds crass to say except the three goals etc but the defence urgently needs sorting -but even with that we are no where near relegation before end of season form

I admire your optimism, and I too would be optimistic if I felt that Lowe might change things, but his stubbornness will at least see him sticking to the current plan until end of the year. Unless things change I think we will be already relegated before the last day. Sure, there are 4 teams currently below us which suggests their form is worse than ours. But then look at our fixtures so far, and who we have beaten. My forecast is based on the supposition that we have not yet faced many good teams - we certainly still have to play Wolves, Sheff Utd, Reading twice. Who have our victories been against? Derby, had not won a game of a year, they have since and are now 10th in the table. Norwich, who thankfully are 1 place below us still and also deeply in trouble like ourselves. Doncaster, still finding their feet at this level, but I would suggest likely to turn it around once the threat of relegation becomes real. I know we still have to play Forest, but on the evidence of Saturday I think we would struggle. Watford were the worst side I have seen, they had a wobbly defence, and a suspect keeper, but we failed to pressurise them, and they clearly decided in the 2nd half to conduct a defensive training session in preference to increasing thier goal difference. To be given 2 penalties, and still not be able to take advantage, is a huge confidence and moral threat.

 

We have also won only 1 of 6 home games, if that is not relegation form I don't know what is. 2 big defeats on the bounce, and with tough games to come. I agree the form book shows us 20th, but you have to look further than that, is there a trend emerging? I guess we will not know until a couple more games, maybe the lads will shock us by getting a result tomorrow, but I won't hold my breath.

 

There is still time to change things, and of course it goes without saying I hope we do, but I walked out of SMS on Saturday feeling that I had seen the worst team ever and thoroughly dejected. To hope that the return of Euell will be our trump card is to be honest clutchin at straws. I hope I'm wrong and will be the first to pat you on the back (metaphorically) if you are proved right.

 

I am not sure how the season will end and can see both points of view. I said before the season started, when I assumed Pearson would still be here, that in reality we would be very lucky to escape relegation. Knowing what was coming and actually having to sit through it are two completely different things. I would be delighted just to scape past relegation this season, hopefully being stronger for the next season.

 

I don't feel we had much latitude in the direction we took under Lowe, because of the financial damage already done. The accounts should confirm that to the rest of the fans along with how far we have come to addressing our problems. Realistically things do not look bright unless we can get modest investment in, despite the recent assurances from Wilde.

 

But, if we can get through this season, what we have done will give us a real chance for the future.

[saintwarwick]

If we don't get relegated it will be a miracle.

 

A miracle it will be then.

[The one and only]

I'll happily take being in with a chance of staying up at the end of the season based on how we're currently doing, but I think we'll be in sh1t long before then.

[saints_is_the_south]

If Lallana is sold in January then no it won't go til the final day, we will be down well before that.

 

I think the only chance of us staying up is him staying. Also we don't have the advantage of being at home on the final day & our last game is against a direct relegation rival, could be a winner takes all.

[NickG]

http://www.4thegame.com/statistics/championship/tables/currentform.html

 

8 teams there must be worried as well then.

[Delmary]

4th from bottom

[alpine_saint]

A miracle it will be then.

 

Like your comfortable mid-table finish prediction for last season then ???

[thefuriousb]

If Lallana is sold in January then no it won't go til the final day, we will be down well before that.

 

I think the only chance of us staying up is him staying. Also we don't have the advantage of being at home on the final day & our last game is against a direct relegation rival, could be a winner takes all.

 

I think Kelvin would be the greater miss. Hopefully his mobile is again switched off right the way through the January transfer window.

 

Lallana or Drew may be the ones that secure us financially for another year. Whilst those still at the club on higher wages will see their contracts expire.

 

Getting through to next summer should see greater financial stability.

[thefuriousb]

But, if we can get through this season, what we have done will give us a real chance for the future.

 

Spot on. Which makes rallying round the team essential.

[NickG]

Doncaster 5/6

Nottm Forest 5/4

Barnsley 5/4

Blackpool 5/2

Southampton 11/4

Charlton 11/2

Watford 11/2

Plymouth 6/1

Sheff Wed 13/2

 

 

latest odds from Coral, those who are sure we will be relegated by Christmas ought to get odds for that you will make a fortune!

 

Latest current form

16 Southampton 6 2 2 2 5 7 -2 8 D W W L L D

17 Ipswich Town 6 1 4 1 8 6 2 7 D D W L D D

18 Coventry City 6 2 1 3 9 9 0 7 W D L W L L

19 Norwich City 6 2 1 3 7 7 0 7 W D L L L W

20 Queens Park Rangers 6 1 2 3 3 6 -3 5 L L D L W D

21 Charlton Athletic 6 1 1 4 3 8 -5 4 D L L W L L

22 Preston North End 6 1 0 5 5 12 -7 3 L L L L W L

23 Nottingham Forest 6 0 2 4 2 7 -5 2 D L L L L D

24 Doncaster Rovers 6 0 1 5 3 14 -11 1 L L L L D L

[NickG]

easier to read here

 

http://www.4thegame.com/statistics/championship/tables/currentform.html

[Mole]

I can't see us being in a relegation fight.

 

We'll go down without a wimper.

[sperm_john]

Not me, we are going to be fine

[londonsaint1604]

Probably too early to tell as there are still 34 games to play. The defence needs to improve though, and I guess last night was a start but again it sounds like Kelvin kept us in it.

 

Having said that I think it's very unlikely that we'll go down.

[Window Cleaner]

Doncaster 5/6

Nottm Forest 5/4

Barnsley 5/4

Blackpool 5/2

Southampton 11/4

Charlton 11/2

Watford 11/2

Plymouth 6/1

Sheff Wed 13/2

 

 

latest odds from Coral, those who are sure we will be relegated by Christmas ought to get odds for that you will make a fortune!

 

Latest current form

16 Southampton 6 2 2 2 5 7 -2 8 D W W L L D

17 Ipswich Town 6 1 4 1 8 6 2 7 D D W L D D

18 Coventry City 6 2 1 3 9 9 0 7 W D L W L L

19 Norwich City 6 2 1 3 7 7 0 7 W D L L L W

20 Queens Park Rangers 6 1 2 3 3 6 -3 5 L L D L W D

21 Charlton Athletic 6 1 1 4 3 8 -5 4 D L L W L L

22 Preston North End 6 1 0 5 5 12 -7 3 L L L L W L

23 Nottingham Forest 6 0 2 4 2 7 -5 2 D L L L L D

24 Doncaster Rovers 6 0 1 5 3 14 -11 1 L L L L D L

 

Strange how they love Blackpool isn't it.

They're doing quite well and are still 4th favourites for relegation.

If they're 5/2 to go down, a bet on them staying up must be worthwhile

[Mr X]

Not me, we are going to be fine

 

Are you ITK?

[sadoldgit]

Like your comfortable mid-table finish prediction for last season then ???

 

Which is where we were before the manager you constantly vilify left and we dropped like a stone.

 

And before you counter that we were already dropping we were still closer to the play offs than relagation zone at that point.

 

Even after losing three of our better players last year there was no reason why a mid table finish was not possible (or probable) until Hone made his ill-timed speech and the heart visibley went out of the season.

 

Go and check that date of his announcement and look at the performances before and after. When one of the head honchos announces to the world that any ambition for promotion is effectively over what do you expect to happen?

[alpine_saint]

Which is where we were before the manager you constantly vilify left and we dropped like a stone.

 

And before you counter that we were already dropping we were still closer to the play offs than relagation zone at that point.

 

Even after losing three of our better players last year there was no reason why a mid table finish was not possible (or probable) until Hone made his ill-timed speech and the heart visibley went out of the season.

 

Go and check that date of his announcement and look at the performances before and after. When one of the head honchos announces to the world that any ambition for promotion is effectively over what do you expect to happen?

 

I cant decide which is more ridiculous; your assertion that a visibly disinterested Burley that ignored our defence (despite having had £10M to spend over 18months) and led us to several 4-goal and 5-goal drubbings would have kept us mid-table just because we were there when he left, or your assertion that Hone is responsible for last season going tits-up despite ceasing to be an employee of the club in February with about 20 matches left to play........:rolleyes:

 

Never mind, only 4 more hours before you can respond...

[sadoldgit]

Read what I said. He made his announcement about the future of the club long before he left and that is when the damage was done.

 

As for ignoring the defence...where are the problems right now and why aren't you pouring the same level of scorn on JP? Oh yes, that's right, you have decided that he is a decent chap therefore above the famous Alpine scorn.

[alpine_saint]

Wow, he saved one up in case I stopped by....

[alpine_saint]

Read what I said. He made his announcement about the future of the club long before he left and that is when the damage was done.

 

As for ignoring the defence...where are the problems right now and why aren't you pouring the same level of scorn on JP? Oh yes, that's right, you have decided that he is a decent chap therefore above the famous Alpine scorn.

 

A little matter of having about £10M less to spend.

 

Or do you think money or defenders grow on trees ???

 

:rolleyes::rolleyes:

 

You can whine your response in 3 hours and 20minutes time, I'll stop by in the morning..

[NickG]

so chaps -we agreed -lower/midtable finish?

[alpine_saint]

If JP is allowed to play his best 11, I reckon comfortable mid-table.

[NickG]

good cos he is

[saintwarwick]

Like your comfortable mid-table finish prediction for last season then ???

 

As sog pointed out we were mid table before Burley left, 13th to be exact on 37 points, that was seven points from a playoff place and ten points from a relegation place so my prediction was on track considering we lost £20million worth of talent. Still don't let the facts get in the way of your argument.

[cambsaint]

Remove the word 'fight'

And you'll be right.

 

Sad but at this rate almost certainly true

[NickG]

rate -by that way we are doing?

[Totton Red]

As sog pointed out we were mid table before Burley left, 13th to be exact on 37 points, that was seven points from a playoff place and ten points from a relegation place so my prediction was on track considering we lost £20million worth of talent. Still don't let the facts get in the way of your argument.

 

I think that any supporter that attended all games realized that we were on the way down under Burley? Can you provide a correlation on the season that we were moving in the right direction?

[Wes Tender]

Amazed that Sad Old Git reckoned that a statement by the Club's Chief Executive saying that hopes of promotion were effectively at an end led to the decline in the team's performances from that date. I'd have thought that the statements from the manager would have had far more bearing on the team's performance myself. And what was Burley's stand on that? He lacked distinct ambition all the time he was here and in that last season the best that he ever hoped for was the play-offs.

 

Bizarre really that our decline was all to do with what Hone said and not because we had two further managerial changes and lost arguably our three best players. If what the chief executive says has such a bearing on our fortunes, time for Lowe to announce to the World that this season we are going up, eh?

[saintwarwick]

I think that any supporter that attended all games realized that we were on the way down under Burley? Can you provide a correlation on the season that we were moving in the right direction?

 

Did you not read the stats I posted or did they slip your mind when posting? Here is your correlation: L, L, W, W, L, D, L, W, L, W, W, L, W, L, D, L, W, L, W, D, W, D, L, D, D, L, W, D. Doesn't show we were moving in the right direction but also doesn't show we were on the way down. As I said I predicted mid table and nothing in the above results show we were on the way down under Burley and I was one of those supporters that attended most games.

[NickG]

Relegation is guaranteed by Christmas if things don't change fast. This is a different league to last year with a much clearer delineation between the good teams and the poor teams. The gaps are already beginning to open up and soon it'll take more than a couple of wins to move us to safety.

 

Relegated by Christmas, with us being crowned worst ever CCC side.

 

In my book it is.

 

Some Red Sea pedestrian curing lepers is nowt compared to a cloggy getting kids to play like a team.

 

http://www.4thegame.com/statistics/championship/tables/currentform.html

 

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_1/table/default.stm

 

just looking back over predictions, home form is still relegation form, however overall its looking bit better. Current form shows team below and around us are in worse form as well. Hopefully can start pulling away to lower/mid-table finish as my guess.

 

Certainly don't look at being left adrift.

 

Predictions? Will we pull clear or be down before Christmas?

[John B]

http://www.4thegame.com/statistics/championship/tables/currentform.html

 

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_1/table/default.stm

 

just looking back over predictions, home form is still relegation form, however overall its looking bit better. Current form shows team below and around us are in worse form as well. Hopefully can start pulling away to lower/mid-table finish as my guess.

 

Certainly don't look at being left adrift.

 

Predictions? Will we pull clear or be down before Christmas?

 

We just need to score some goals not only for points but also for confidence.

 

The two strikers we have loaned are not as good as the two defenders we have loaned.

 

But that cannot be changed before Christmas but I dont think we will be down at Christmas.

 

I feel JP and the team are working hard and improving hopefully we can keep a settled side .

 

If we have to lose players it will have an effect but lets see what happens

Edited 29 November, 2008 by John B

[Mr saint]

But that cannot be changed before Christmas but I dont think we will be down at Christmas

 

Well I think thats about as close to optimism we'll ever get on this board!

 

I rekon it'll be close but we'll survive with a couple of games to go. I really hope its not between us and forest on the last day. My heart wouldn't take it this time round!

[lordswoodsaints]

staying in this league will be regarded as a great result.

im afraid that one of the supposed big championship clubs will be relegated,i just dont think it will be us.

[Window Cleaner]

Nope, we'll finish lower mid table.Probably guaranteed to stay up after the

4th of April.

[rpb]

From the corresponding games last year (swapping Swansea for Leicester etc) we had 22 pts - so not a great deal of difference.

[ALWAYS_SFC]

Maybe not a last day job but a struggle nevertheless unless we find

a goalscorer or bring one back.

[OldNick]

Relegated by Christmas, with us being crowned worst ever CCC side.

Well lets put money on your prediction. Are you ready to put your money on that statement.

[CHAPEL END CHARLIE]

Well lets put money on your prediction. Are you ready to put your money on that statement.

 

 

Hyperbole hye-PER-buh-lee; "HYE-per-bowl" is a mispronunciation) comes from ancient Greek "ὑπερβολή" (meaning excess or exaggeration) and is a figure of speech in which statements are exaggerated. It may be used to evoke strong feelings or to create a strong impression, but is rarely meant to be taken literally.

Hyperbole is used to create emphasis. It is a literary device often used in poetry, and is frequently encountered in casual spee

 

HTH

[OldNick]

Hyperbole hye-PER-buh-lee; "HYE-per-bowl" is a mispronunciation) comes from ancient Greek "ὑπερβολή" (meaning excess or exaggeration) and is a figure of speech in which statements are exaggerated. It may be used to evoke strong feelings or to create a strong impression, but is rarely meant to be taken literally.

Hyperbole is used to create emphasis. It is a literary device often used in poetry, and is frequently encountered in casual spee

 

HTH

If you have read some of Winmills posts in the past you'd realise he was serious.

Even Happier to help

[CHAPEL END CHARLIE]

If you have read some of Winmills posts in the past you'd realise he was serious.

Even Happier to help

 

Well I'm sure he can speak for himself but I'm confident it was hyperbole as the fixture list shows there are 20+games (60 points available) left to play after the Christmas period making it a practical impossibility for any team to be relegated by the 25th of December .

[Windmill Arm 2]

Well lets put money on your prediction. Are you ready to put your money on that statement.

 

Nickh, dont start with the patronising tones, I made that statement in October, I agree we have improved and are by no means the worst CCC side AT THE MOMENT, but come January, we will be bum raped for players again, so with that in mind I stick by my prediction, WE WILL GO DOWN. :smt102

[NickG]

Hyperbole hye-PER-buh-lee; "HYE-per-bowl" is a mispronunciation) comes from ancient Greek "ὑπερβολή" (meaning excess or exaggeration) and is a figure of speech in which statements are exaggerated. It may be used to evoke strong feelings or to create a strong impression, but is rarely meant to be taken literally.

Hyperbole is used to create emphasis. It is a literary device often used in poetry, and is frequently encountered in casual spee

 

HTH

 

 

I didn't know that.