| Season preview part two - the strugglers on 22:24 - Aug 1 with 1629 views | BlameMcLintock |
So a dinner with 'Arry and Jaap Stam is out of the question then, Northernr? Even your dish of choice?
Love these articles! |  | |  |
| Season preview part two - the strugglers on 09:38 - Aug 2 with 1338 views | Mytch_QPR |
Thanks, as usual, Clive - although you did make me spill my coffee, and that was only as far as the Luhukay school gates comment. |  |
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| Season preview part two - the strugglers on 10:08 - Aug 2 with 1311 views | CliveWilsonSaid |
| Season preview part two - the strugglers on 09:38 - Aug 2 by Mytch_QPR |
Thanks, as usual, Clive - although you did make me spill my coffee, and that was only as far as the Luhukay school gates comment. |
“Like rats, you’re never more than ten feet away from a Chelsea loanee”.
Even if it’s not a completely original joke. Still the funniest thing I’ve read today... Thanks Northernr. |  |
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| Season preview part two - the strugglers on 20:40 - Aug 2 with 989 views | enfieldargh |
So where do we fit in with that lot????????? |  |
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| Season preview part two - the strugglers on 09:33 - Aug 3 with 788 views | derbyhoop |
With the exception of criminally unheralded Preston and last year's surprise package in Millwall, the strugglers seems to be characterised by those with no money (Burton last year, Rotherham and Bolton this year) or the grossly financially mismanaged (Birmingham, Sheffied Wednesday, Hull). Historically, we would have easily fitted into the latter category. Difficult to argue with any of the assessments, although, as always, a club's own fans seem far more optimistic than neutral observers.
As to us, here's my attempt to be realistic:-
A side that conceded 70 goals in the previous season and then releases 3 senior defenders and sells one of the best goalkeepers in the division would seem set for defensive struggles. When one of the automatic first choices remaining is ruled out for 3 months and the only signing is a centre back who has never played in the Championship, the omens do not look good. Relying on Lynch and Baptiste is akin to a suicide note. Unless McLaren can coach a more solid defensive unit out of what's left it could be a season of struggle. The return of Grant Hall, if he can stay fit, would be a major boost but you still feel further defensive reinforcements are required. On one of the lowest budgets in the division that is some challenge.
What does give hope is the emergence of so many talented youngsters in Smyth, Manning, Osayi Samuel and, especially Ebere Eze. We could be in for some exciting times going forward, which hasn't been the case for the last 2-3 seasons. However, one famous pundit once said "you won't win anything with kids". Much mocked since, the most talented kids to emerge for generations was also matched by experienced professionals around them. Whether that young, vibrant attacking threat can compensate for defensive frailties remains to be seen. At this stage, there seems to be at least 5 teams considerably worse off than us. If the youngsters perform as we hope, we're likely to surprise plenty of the more fancied teams , although a lower mid-table spot seems more likely. |  |
| Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry and narrow-mindedness, and many of our people need it sorely on these accounts. Broad, wholesome, charitable views of men and things cannot be acquired by vegetating in one little corner of the Earth all one’s lifetime. (Mark Twain)
Find me on twitter @derbyhoop |
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