TheNewOrleansHammer
17 May 2005, 11:23 AM
We have all made our opinions known on the possible take-over if we stay down debate, and our willingness to hope for it but still support the team through the play-offs. I had another thought in the sleeplessness that was last night.
The quality of the opposition, next season, in the two different leagues.
Firstly, if we somehow win the next two games (I'm setting myself up to not be too disapointed) and are playing in the Prem. next season how would we fair and who would be our likely relegation battlers? Logic would suggest... Sunderland and Wigan, this seasons Championship was quite weak with lots of teams pushing for play-off placings and the top team (Sunderland) only winning promotion with four games to go.
West Brom are unlikely to improve much and Robson is not a great manager especially in the transfer market, credit to him for keeping them up this year, though.
Portsmouth have lost their best players already in Yukubu and Berger and will stuggle.
Fulham, I expect the same as above.
Charlton, Blackburn and Everton are all wild cards they could finish anywhere in the bottom 15, with Everton suffering like we did because of early season Euro. action.
As well as us, I seriouly expect 6/7 teams to be in trouble next year compared to the four this.
Secondly, if we stay down, with or without a take-over, who would be our promotion rivals?
I don't think any of the relegated teams will be picked apart like WHU and Leeds were. With Ashton, Johnson, Crouch and Niemi the obvious exceptions.
Norwich, Southampton and Crystal Palace will all challenge and will have money to 'improve' or should I say bring in other players?
Derby/Preston/Ipswich (pick two) will be strong again, maybe stronger.
Wolves and Reading have money and will spend it. Wolves I expect to be a serious threat with Hoddle more than capable at this level, remember him getting Swindon in the Prem!
Leeds are rebuilding and in Bates have a man on a mission, they will probably be the strongest of all.
Sheff. U will also be knocking on the door.
Thats ten teams, including us, in what will be a much stronger league than this season. Obviously investment and managerial changes will happen in the summer and some of these teams will be stronger or weaker than now. I just see us (at this point) as having a better chance of survival than promotion.
BROWN, GET OUTTA HERE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
UP THE HAMMERS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The quality of the opposition, next season, in the two different leagues.
Firstly, if we somehow win the next two games (I'm setting myself up to not be too disapointed) and are playing in the Prem. next season how would we fair and who would be our likely relegation battlers? Logic would suggest... Sunderland and Wigan, this seasons Championship was quite weak with lots of teams pushing for play-off placings and the top team (Sunderland) only winning promotion with four games to go.
West Brom are unlikely to improve much and Robson is not a great manager especially in the transfer market, credit to him for keeping them up this year, though.
Portsmouth have lost their best players already in Yukubu and Berger and will stuggle.
Fulham, I expect the same as above.
Charlton, Blackburn and Everton are all wild cards they could finish anywhere in the bottom 15, with Everton suffering like we did because of early season Euro. action.
As well as us, I seriouly expect 6/7 teams to be in trouble next year compared to the four this.
Secondly, if we stay down, with or without a take-over, who would be our promotion rivals?
I don't think any of the relegated teams will be picked apart like WHU and Leeds were. With Ashton, Johnson, Crouch and Niemi the obvious exceptions.
Norwich, Southampton and Crystal Palace will all challenge and will have money to 'improve' or should I say bring in other players?
Derby/Preston/Ipswich (pick two) will be strong again, maybe stronger.
Wolves and Reading have money and will spend it. Wolves I expect to be a serious threat with Hoddle more than capable at this level, remember him getting Swindon in the Prem!
Leeds are rebuilding and in Bates have a man on a mission, they will probably be the strongest of all.
Sheff. U will also be knocking on the door.
Thats ten teams, including us, in what will be a much stronger league than this season. Obviously investment and managerial changes will happen in the summer and some of these teams will be stronger or weaker than now. I just see us (at this point) as having a better chance of survival than promotion.
BROWN, GET OUTTA HERE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
UP THE HAMMERS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!