Which way will our Season go now and where will we finish?

Post by **Charnwood** » Mon Feb 23, 2015 9:25 pm

As far as I'm concerned tomorrow night's result could well be the one of the defining moments of the season and one that plays a significant factor in the outcome of our season.

If we win and stay in touch with the leading pack this could well be followed by one or even two additional rescources being brought in before the weekend. If the squad is strengthened this week it could just be the boost that everyone connected with the club needs and inspire the team to an unexpected win at Carrow Road on Sunday.

How good would that be.

Lose tomorrow, no signings, and lose again on Sunday.... how bad would that be....

In my book that would be season over, forget the play offs and another season of disappointment and memories of what might have been.

It all sounds rather dramatic doesn't it, but in reality that's exactly how finely balanced our season is at the moment and sooner rather than later we'll move in one direction or the other.

I just hope ME want's it as much as the rest of us cos he's the only one who has any real control over what happens in term's of helping our Mick to deliver.

The next few days will certainly be very interesting, as are your thoughts on which way you think it will go?

Post by **Bluemike** » Mon Feb 23, 2015 9:50 pm

I hate using the term must win but tomorrow probably is as the belief among the fans is bad enough as it is after one defeat, A win tomorrow will se us having picked up 9 points from the last 12 and as such is great form so why all the despondancy I really dont know.

Of course defeat tomorrow and this place will implode along with most ITFC chat forums etc, thats just the way it is. We are exactly where I hope we would be at this juncture, I never in my wildest dreams expected us to challenge for the top Two and yet we have, for me we have over achieved and are now victims of our own success as expectations rise to unrealistic proportions.

I also don't concur with those who believe we should have strengthened the team in January, for me not much is wrong, in fact much of our success this season is down to a smallish, close knit team who have bonded so well and who work so hard for each other, sometimes new blood can upset that harmony that exists within the dressing room, not to mention the fact that MM has repeatedly said he would only bring players in who are better than we already have and they just arent available on the budgets we have to work within. We have a strict wage struture in plkace and to upset that would be foolish and probably counter productive.

I selected the option 5th/6th and I will be over the moon with that, we would have confounded the critics by securing a play off spot should we manage it and if we do anything is possible, the underdog often wins the play offs and we would certainly be that. I still believe we are in the race for a top two spot, three points is nothing to make up over 14 games and it is still very much in our own hands, however we do have some tough games ahead which is why I have opted for the 5th/6th scenario. I know it is said that our fans are only interested in what Town do but other teams are having a wobble too so anything can still happen, loads more twists and turns to come.

hallamblue · Post by **hallamblue** » Mon Feb 23, 2015 9:57 pm

......its having the hope that kills !

arana peligrosa · Post by **arana peligrosa** » Mon Feb 23, 2015 10:10 pm

I went with fifth or sixth also but even then it's maybe being a little too hopeful. The way I see it, we have to realistically accept that an auto promotion is beyond our capabilities so that leaves the play-off zone as next best reward. Third or fourth place would appear a little too much but we can take the other two places if nothing else. I see the end of league table as such :

# 1 Derby County
# 2 Middlesbrough
# 3 Watford
# 4 Bournemouth
# 5 Norwich
# 6 Ipswich Town
# 7 Wolverhampton
# 8 Brentford

Some will be upset with seeing what is in fifth place but with any level of animosity apart, they have done very well recently and the new manager has made a big difference. Obviously hope they miss out altogether but sorry to say, they should be one of the play-off contenders by end of season.

This is all speculation of course as we don't know what will occur in the months ahead but given the recent state of play and indeed the direction our season has taken since new year it would appear a good enough prophecy.

Post by **marko69** » Mon Feb 23, 2015 10:45 pm

bluemike wrote:I hate using the term must win but tomorrow probably is as the belief among the fans is bad enough as it is after one defeat, A win tomorrow will se us having picked up 9 points from the last 12 and as such is great form so why all the despondancy I really dont know. Of course defeat tomorrow and this place will implode along with most ITFC chat forums etc, thats just the way it is. We are exactly where I hope we would be at this juncture, I never in my wildest dreams expected us to challenge for the top Two and yet we have, for me we have over achieved and are now victims of our own success as expectations rise to unrealistic proportions.

I also don't concur with those who believe we should have strengthened the team in January, for me not much is wrong, in fact much of our success this season is down to a smallish, close knit team who have bonded so well and who work so hard for each other, sometimes new blood can upset that harmony that exists within the dressing room, not to mention the fact that MM has repeatedly said he would only bring players in who are better than we already have and they just arent available on the budgets we have to work within. We have a strict wage struture in plkace and to upset that would be foolish and probably counter productive.

I selected the option 5th/6th and I will be over the moon with that, we would have confounded the critics by securing a play off spot should we manage it and if we do anything is possible, the underdog often wins the play offs and we would certainly be that. I still believe we are in the race for a top two spot, three points is nothing to make up over 14 games and it is still very much in our own hands, however we do have some tough games ahead which is why I have opted for the 5th/6th scenario. I know it is said that our fans are only interested in what Town do but other teams are having a wobble too so anything can still happen, loads more twists and turns to come.

I think, as a fan from afar, I can only make assumptions in answering the bold part. This season, you have visually witnessed Town playing attractive and creative football (some of your own reports are testimony to this)....., but recently, they've been playing unattractive, and not as creative football, bordering sh*t to some fans. As I said, its is mainly assumption on my part because I do not attend......, but can only assume that this is where the despondency is coming from. The stuff on the eye has started sucking!

Voted 5th or 6th.

Shed on tour · Post by **Shed on tour** » Mon Feb 23, 2015 10:48 pm

Said earlier in the season if we were offered 6th place at that time I would take it there and then and nothing has changed my mind.

Imo 6th place would still be a helluva achievement this season especially with the size of squad we have and the amount of money spent compared to other clubs. I was talking to a Town fan the other day and they said to me "I hate the playoffs and don't want to be in them". My answer was "not as much as I have hated the last 10 years of being nowhere near the prospect of promotion"

So I will take the playoffs whatever they may bring and will go for my 6th place finish.

Post by **Bluemike** » Mon Feb 23, 2015 11:59 pm

marko69 wrote:
bluemike wrote:I hate using the term must win but tomorrow probably is as the belief among the fans is bad enough as it is after one defeat, A win tomorrow will se us having picked up 9 points from the last 12 and as such is great form so why all the despondancy I really dont know. Of course defeat tomorrow and this place will implode along with most ITFC chat forums etc, thats just the way it is. We are exactly where I hope we would be at this juncture, I never in my wildest dreams expected us to challenge for the top Two and yet we have, for me we have over achieved and are now victims of our own success as expectations rise to unrealistic proportions.

I also don't concur with those who believe we should have strengthened the team in January, for me not much is wrong, in fact much of our success this season is down to a smallish, close knit team who have bonded so well and who work so hard for each other, sometimes new blood can upset that harmony that exists within the dressing room, not to mention the fact that MM has repeatedly said he would only bring players in who are better than we already have and they just arent available on the budgets we have to work within. We have a strict wage struture in plkace and to upset that would be foolish and probably counter productive.

I selected the option 5th/6th and I will be over the moon with that, we would have confounded the critics by securing a play off spot should we manage it and if we do anything is possible, the underdog often wins the play offs and we would certainly be that. I still believe we are in the race for a top two spot, three points is nothing to make up over 14 games and it is still very much in our own hands, however we do have some tough games ahead which is why I have opted for the 5th/6th scenario. I know it is said that our fans are only interested in what Town do but other teams are having a wobble too so anything can still happen, loads more twists and turns to come.
I think, as a fan from afar, I can only make assumptions in answering the bold part. This season, you have visually witnessed Town playing attractive and creative football (some of your own reports are testimony to this)....., but recently, they've been playing unattractive, and not as creative football, bordering sh*t to some fans. As I said, its is mainly assumption on my part because I do not attend......, but can only assume that this is where the despondency is coming from. The stuff on the eye has started sucking!

Voted 5th or 6th.

I certainly havent seen any performances bordering on s**t, Rotherham was bad but even that couldnt be described so negatively. I do however attend a fair few games where the support is bordering on s**t, mainly at home I have to say. Just my opinion of course.

JonnoTown · Post by **JonnoTown** » Tue Feb 24, 2015 12:23 am

A win tomorrow won't be defining, but a loss probably will be for the auto spots.

I remember the season with Joe Royal when we were top and had 2 home games against QPR and Watford in a week and lost them both. We all know what that led to...

I thought the target before Reading should be 6 points over the following 3 games and we always do it the hard way so who knows.

As we should have learned again this season, every championship game should be played on merit and any team can beat anyone. Who knows what town team will turn up, but I'm positive that we're in a fantastic position at the business end of the season and we'll be there or there abouts.

We have some top teams to play and they will be the games that decide our fate. The 6 pointers.

I'm going for a Tommy Smith brace tomorrow, if he plays.

Up the Town!

Post by **Charnwood** » Tue Feb 24, 2015 12:26 am

bluemike wrote:
marko69 wrote:
bluemike wrote:I hate using the term must win but tomorrow probably is as the belief among the fans is bad enough as it is after one defeat, A win tomorrow will se us having picked up 9 points from the last 12 and as such is great form so why all the despondancy I really dont know. Of course defeat tomorrow and this place will implode along with most ITFC chat forums etc, thats just the way it is. We are exactly where I hope we would be at this juncture, I never in my wildest dreams expected us to challenge for the top Two and yet we have, for me we have over achieved and are now victims of our own success as expectations rise to unrealistic proportions.

I also don't concur with those who believe we should have strengthened the team in January, for me not much is wrong, in fact much of our success this season is down to a smallish, close knit team who have bonded so well and who work so hard for each other, sometimes new blood can upset that harmony that exists within the dressing room, not to mention the fact that MM has repeatedly said he would only bring players in who are better than we already have and they just arent available on the budgets we have to work within. We have a strict wage struture in plkace and to upset that would be foolish and probably counter productive.

I selected the option 5th/6th and I will be over the moon with that, we would have confounded the critics by securing a play off spot should we manage it and if we do anything is possible, the underdog often wins the play offs and we would certainly be that. I still believe we are in the race for a top two spot, three points is nothing to make up over 14 games and it is still very much in our own hands, however we do have some tough games ahead which is why I have opted for the 5th/6th scenario. I know it is said that our fans are only interested in what Town do but other teams are having a wobble too so anything can still happen, loads more twists and turns to come.
I think, as a fan from afar, I can only make assumptions in answering the bold part. This season, you have visually witnessed Town playing attractive and creative football (some of your own reports are testimony to this)....., but recently, they've been playing unattractive, and not as creative football, bordering sh*t to some fans. As I said, its is mainly assumption on my part because I do not attend......, but can only assume that this is where the despondency is coming from. The stuff on the eye has started sucking!

Voted 5th or 6th.
I certainly havent seen any performances bordering on s**t, Rotherham was bad but even that couldnt be described so negatively. I do however attend a fair few games where the support is bordering on s**t, mainly at home I have to say. Just my opinion of course.

It's been a long time since Town enjoyed fantastic support at Portman Road and I think it will take an incredible uplift in fortunes for it to get back to the levels enjoyed in The Robson Years.
But to be fair to the fans the standard of football is so far removed from what fans enjoyed in that era that it has to be expected to some degree. Whilst Portman Road is quiet the attendences arn't too bad considering how poorly we've played over recent seasons and I think it takes quite a lot to make Suffolk folk excited.
I'm sure it will get better but it may take time and a little encouragement from those who enjoy being vocal. I'd love to see Portman Road rocking again and I'm sure the players would even more so.

Post by **Earl Blue** » Tue Feb 24, 2015 11:13 am

My opinion is that if we lose tomorrow (god forbid) and against the enemy of
Sunday then our season is finished because I would not seriously expect the
squad to be bolstered after 2 more losses..

If we win both of these match's I would expect a finish of 3rd or 4th, otherwise
I will cling onto 6th..

My fears despite the ever positive and commendable Bluemikes comments, are that
if this season ends without being in the Play-Offs fans will be blaming ME for this
for which of course there is no way of ever knowing, whatever was done, could
have made a difference. I think it will rip the opinions apart..

but Keep the faith right up till the end of the road..

The Odious Mr Rossi · Post by **The Odious Mr Rossi** » Tue Feb 24, 2015 1:57 pm

I'm selecting 5th or 6th. Admittedly much better than I was hoping for at the start of the season, but things change and for me, given our position at the turn of the year 6th place will be extremely disappointing especially if we do not go on to win the play-offs.
Like Earl says, nobody will know if investing in new players in January would have made any difference, but I firmly believe that there will be more than enough doubts in the minds of the majority of supporters.
Of course, so much about what will happen is pure conjecture - nobody knows what results we or other teams will have between now and the end of the season. Who know what personnel MM will field in our games, or what formation will be used. I'm just grateful that we are still in the mix, but worried that teams who were 9 or 10 points behind us a few games ago are catching us fast - that does not in any way inspire a lot of confidence.

Dubai Blue · Post by **Dubai Blue** » Tue Feb 24, 2015 4:14 pm

If we draw tonight that will be 10 points from the last 5 games. As we all know, that is generally reckoned to be the form that leads to promotion. And that is a bad run

So definitely not time to panic yet.

It's about time Norwich had a setback too

Voted 3rd or 4th by the way. Unlike some I do believe we have quality and endurance in the squad. And I think MM is the man to rotate them enough to keep them up for the fight right to the end. Also like the sound of this Knockaert fella. Will give our opposition something to think about to counter the idea that we have been 'sussed'.

COYB!

Jamma123 · Post by **Jamma123** » Tue Feb 24, 2015 4:41 pm

As has already been touched upon, I think all of us would have been happy to even be in a position to have this conversation before the season started. Realistically, we're probably not going to have the consistency or strength in depth to secure a top 2 spot, as reflected in the poll. But it isn't as if any of the other sides in contention are storming away with it.

Tonight's game is not quite 'win or bust' but I would suggest that if we were to get 6 points over the coming few days, it would give us the confidence to go on and mount a serious challenge for automatic promotion. With Norwich, Brentford, Middlesbrough and Watford all to come next month, March is likely to determine just where we finish up.

I have gone for 3rd place (quite possibly on goal difference) and from then on in, it really is anyone's game. I seem to remember it turning out OK for us when we finished 3rd in 1999/00...!

JayITFC · Post by **JayITFC** » Tue Feb 24, 2015 4:51 pm

Still think it will be Ipswich Vs Scum Play off final

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