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Post by offertonhatter on Feb 8, 2014 20:51:40 GMT
As of today we seem to be on a roll. But what will be the final position come the end of the season? We are currently 14 points adrift of a play-off position, and apart from Alty, we have games in hand over all the other teams. We have 16 games left this season, with a potential 48 points up for grabs. I cannot see us getting top spot as that trumped up financial plaything called North Ferriby have games in hand over Hednesford. So, can we get a playoff spot or have we left it too late? We are on a roll and Lordy has got the team playing as a TEAM, so it is a distinct possibility. Fingers crossed  |
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Post by sagesmith on Feb 8, 2014 20:57:10 GMT
Think it'll be too late for this season. But, if Lordy can keep the backbone of this squad together over the summer I see no reason that we shouldn't be challenging for top spot next term.
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Post by marketharborough on Feb 8, 2014 21:15:01 GMT
My heart says it would be amazing, especially with the run we are having Offy - my head says we will fall short, but I think Sage is right, we keep the nucleus of this team, with a years experience, and perhaps a few additions, then next time out I think we will be right up there. But this league is damn hard to get out of with only one auto spot and one play off berth.
On another note - good to see you posting back on here - are you beginning to believe again in the club?
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Post by gazz on Feb 8, 2014 21:37:08 GMT
I really won't be surprised if - on current form - we pinch that final play-off place, but it will take a monumental effort, and we'd have one hell of a mountain to climb upon getting there if we want to go up! I agree with sagey, the main focus obviously has to be on taking each game as it comes and winning as many of them as we can, but ensuring that we keep the nucleus of this side has to be equally as important, otherwise if we fail to go up (which is most likely) we'll have to start building again next season.
One word is key in getting teams promoted: momentum. There has to be continuity with both the manager and the squad that finishes this season.
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Post by marketharborough on Feb 8, 2014 21:59:19 GMT
We do have an outside chance as we have to play all of the top 7 at least once, win all of those and then we can dream, but I'll be happy with a continued run of good results to the end of the season and all the players wanting to be at EP next term to carry on building with a certain Mr Lord in charge!
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Post by gazz on Feb 8, 2014 22:00:36 GMT
We do have an outside chance as we have to play all of the top 7 at least once, win all of those and then we can dream, but I'll be happy with a continued run of good results to the end of the season and all the players wanting to be at EP next term to carry on building with a certain Mr Lord in charge! this ^^ |
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Post by jacksdad on Feb 8, 2014 22:26:14 GMT
Hopefully Alty will get a right hammering
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Post by jacksdad on Feb 8, 2014 22:28:02 GMT
( to put us in play off place). ,, I'd put a bet on fax after watching then tues night at the shay ( to make play offs )
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Post by another_ruined_saturday on Feb 8, 2014 22:48:04 GMT
One word is key in getting teams promoted: momentum. There has to be continuity with both the manager and the squad that finishes this season. and that^^ we've not had it for seasons on end. they are looking like a unit now, whether they actually play well or just grind it out. please let us keep as many of them as possible, lost a couple of time-wasters and add a couple of premium AL choices and we have a great chance of being a top 5 side next season. this season? possible, but very much an outside chance. i think it's too late, but it will be a great achievement if we manage to seriously challenge for a play off spot even if we don't make it, given how poor we were earlier on. |
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Post by Epworth Hatter OLD account on Feb 9, 2014 8:03:37 GMT
I'm just happy to be talking about the play offs! It's nice to be looking up instead of down. Could you have envisaged this thread in November/December?
The way we are playing, and assuming everyone stays fit, we could go unbeaten to the end of the season. It might not be enough to get us into the play offs, but it will give us confidence going into next season.
The it's over to McKn*ght to earn his money and keep the team together and bring stability off the pitch. Doh!
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Post by sirroger on Feb 9, 2014 10:20:16 GMT
I think our chances will look a lot clearer after the next three games, where we have two "six pointers" against teams above us (Telford & Solihull) and a tricky game at Bradford on Monday. Our goal difference is improving all the time, although it's still inferior to the majority of the teams above us and that goal difference may prove vital IF we are there or thereabouts mid April.
It's clear to see from here on CH, that there's new found optimism, confirmed as such by the title of this particular thread. Lordy, his staff and playing squad are performing minor miracles at the moment, having to battle not only on the pitch, but also to keep it going against all the s**** that's going on off it. Despite this, IMO 5th place is a distinct possibility, something I thought I would never have considered a few weeks ago. A relegation battle was more the case and the fear of yet another drop.
It's one game at a time, keep the form going, the players fit and who knows, maybe miracles do happen.
Come on County!
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Post by hatter_in_macc on Feb 9, 2014 13:52:09 GMT
In spite of my renowned Liggins-esque optimism, I fear that the play-offs may be beyond us this term. Our home form of late has been superb - albeit, by and large, against teams below us in the table. All of the remaining fixtures at EP will see County host top-ten sides, with the exception of Guiseley, who are just outside and with games in hand over everybody else. Each one of these will be tough assignments.
Moreover, County have not, on the whole, been travelling well (although last time out and about, the effort at Boston was colossal). Of our sixteen remaining matches, ten are away - and, if we are to stand a chance of sneaking fifth place, it will require most, if not all, of the performances on our travels to be at least up there with the one that we saw at York Street. And around half of our hosts will, judged by current placings, be of a similar standard to, if not better than, Boston.
I will be delighted if I am proved wrong, and shall continue to enjoy our good, and increasingly confident, run of form as long as it continues, but think that the season will end a tad too soon for County this time around.
Next term, though, just watch us go...!
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Post by stuinedgeley on Feb 9, 2014 14:28:26 GMT
promotion or indeed the chance of this season is unlikely.
we are finally coming together as a squad but are not ready to play in the conference just yet.
As we have seen other clubs can pick off players for relatively low fees ( 45k I believe for turner - hopefully with a sell on clause).
That said some players have really improved and brought themselves up to the standard which was already being exhibited by others.
It is my feeling that if we by some chance did go up we would come directly back down again.
The squad would need to be bigger and the club would have to look at going full time with a view to the same for the players.
Conference football is a respectable standard these days not just those who buy their way out but for those who play on modest financial budgets are also assembling teams capable of cup runs and top 10 finishes quite often so at the moment we are not ready to make that financial commitment.
However should investment arrive soon then the club can bring in a few more players to make a good strong push next season.
promotion this season would be a mistake - relegation would be a certainty - the squad is talented enough but not big enough to cope with the step up.
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Post by gazz on Feb 9, 2014 14:38:56 GMT
That's a very good assessment that, stu. I can't argue with that.
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Post by stuinedgeley on Feb 9, 2014 14:42:02 GMT
ty ty am here all week or until the bailiffs find me lol
anyone else think mp mark hunter is out of touch? moaning about 5p rise on a cup of tea in parliament when somerset is in a mess needing millions to fix it?
typical liberal "tea and biscuits party" moaning about the price of the tea lol
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