Who is for the Drop?

First topic message reminder :

I've probably just given Blackburn the kiss of death by suggesting on their thread that they'll avoid the drop.

My teams for the drop are the three new boys. I think inexperience will ultimately count against them. QPR's recent poor results are not far off becoming a freefall. Despite very respectable starts, I don't see Norwich or Swansea scoring enough and believe their commendable work rates may lead to them both running out of gas around Easter.

All carefully worked out and most likely entirely wrong. What do others think?

should be around 5 points to make defo
Also only 4 points behind liverpool now, europe here we come

kwinigolfer wrote:guildford,
I hope MOTD still uses the Willie Carr / Ernie (his brilliant future is someway behind him now) Hunt show.
An old friend of mine coached in the Swindon youth organization when Bert Head was manager - always said Ernie Hunt was the most talented young player he'd ever seen. And Summerbee, Woodruff, Trolloppe, Rogers, maybe even Rod Thomas all went through his hands also.

Kwini - thought you and a few others would like to be reminded of the first ever MOTD Goal of the Season. From the 1970-71 season. Coventry's Ernie Hunt scoring against Everton following Willie Carr's 'donkey kick'.

Just think, Kwini, some of the younger posters here will never have seen this goal before. Sadly, MOTD stopped showing it in their opening credits several years back.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_FxSKczJprI

I saw a lot of Hunt playing for Coventry. I agree with your old coaching pal - an extremely talented player. Surprisingly hard running and working as well for someone with his 'jack the lad' image. Coventry would never have survived their opening seasons in the original Division One (the top tier of English football) without Hunt's goals, ability and determination. As a very young lad, I was told that his real first name was Roger but that he chose to be called 'Ernie' when at Everton so as not to be confused with Liverpool's Roger Hunt. In my cynical middle age I wondered if that might have been an urban myth. I'm pleased Wikipedia confirm it to be the case.

I heard of Hunt a few years ago having his own window cleaning business. Understand he's now involved on the Midlands football talk circuit. Sure he could tell a few stories.

Willie Carr was a decent midfielder although never seemed to quite take the game by the scruff of the neck as his early skills appeared to promise. Injuries didn't help. Apparently, he's still in the Midlands, working these days as a rep for an engineering firm. This goal means he should never be short of an icebreaker with clients.

guildford,
Thing of beauty! Forty years ago, difficult to believe.
Always liked Willie Carr too, maybe never quite fulfilled the promise he came up with, but did a good job for Wolves as well as Cov.

Think Ernie Hunt perhaps enjoyed a few too many to ever really hit the heights, but a brilliant striker of the ball, as our "younger posters" can now see for themselves.

Kwini - yes, Ernie always looked as if he liked a beer. Still always gave it everything on the pitch though.

The Coventry keeper Bill Glazier was also said to enjoy an ale. Apparently his dog was called Pint!

Pint?!!

With many thanks to Willie Carr and Ernie Hunt for their guest appearances, let us now return to the main topic.

Good wins (aren't they all?! ) yesterday for Blackburn and Wigan. QPR and Bolton will be reflecting bitterly on what might have been.

Just 2 points at the moment separate the bottom five. An away win this afternoon for West Brom at Wolves would certainly leave it looking very like three out of those five for the drop ....

I still fancy West Brom to drop as an outside chance, although not if they win today

Gaffer - West Brom look safe on today's form. Not at all so for Wolves, eh Pack?

Get in there Albion!

I'm so embarrassed by what I've just watched. I hope each and every Wolves player is too. Pathetic.

If they want to play like that then we may as well turn that nice new stand into flats, cos its the only way we're going to get people into it if they have to watch crap like that.

Must say I am pleased Wolves lost today.

They play a brand of football that should not be seen in the top league in England.

Wolves were abysmal. McCarthy clearly isn't thinking straight if he thinks Foley, Ward and Berra are premier league defenders.

Can't see them staying up really.

johnson2 wrote:Must say I am pleased Wolves lost today.

They play a brand of football that should not be seen in the top league in England.

Way to kick a guy when he's down! I'd like to know what our "brand" of football is, and exactly how much of it you've seen.

We were absolutely abysmal today, and the football we played was not worthy of the football league never mind the premier league, but our "brand" in general? Nah don't buy that, there's nothing wrong with that. Today was not representative of my club.

I still think it is three from Wolves, Wigan, Blackburn and Bolton. I think QPR will pull away from the bottom. The gap to the rest is now significant - 7 points plus one point extra equivalent for goal difference - Aston Villa 28, WBA on 29, three teams on 30, then we have QPR/Bburn/Wolves on 21, Bolton on 20 and Wigan on 19.

I think out of Wolves, Wigan, Blackburn and Bolton, Blackburn should potentially pull through with the out and out goalscorer Yakubu, but I am not entirely convinced Steve Kean has sufficient managerial skills to dig them out.

It is very "exciting" but not for the fans of those teams.

Three of the bottom five appear to have very difficult away games today -

* Bolton at Chelsea - surely AVB can't fail to deliver 3 points for his Russian paymaster?

* Wolves at Newcastle - can Terry Connor show he is the right man for the job that nobody else wanted following Big Mick's sacking?

* Blackburn at Man City - if Steve Kean can get a second Premier League victory at Manchester this season (Rovers won at Old Trafford on New Year's Eve), he just could get Manager of the Season rather than burnt at the stake!

Very difficult to see any of these away sides picking up a single point today.

The two sides in the bottom five playing at home have a much better chance of making some headway -

* QPR v Fulham - how will Hughes and Zamora fare against their former club?

* Wigan v Aston Villa - a home win could still drag Villa into the mire and see McCleish take down two Midlands cubs in as many seasons.

I'll leave other teams to try for trophies. This is the business end where the real excitement is!

If McCleish does take Villa down, he'll have gone from hero to zero back to hero in the eyes of Birmingham fans.

Maybe that was the plan all along...

Well Wolves and QPR are already down 1-0.
Papiss Cisse and Pavel Pobrgnyek (can't spell that)

villa wont go down.

Well now Wolves 2-0 down at Newcastle
QPR down to 10 men at home again.
Not looking good for them two

im suprised at how bad wolves have done this season to be honest.

They've got all the players to stay up but there just missing something

a proper manager

cricketfan90 wrote:a proper manager

So glad Norwich aren't being discussed on this thread anymore

they're safe and have been for a long time.

ONE PAUL LAMBERT THERE'S ONLY ONE PAUL LAMBERT

TC - the cat that got the cream (that reference is for for older posters! ).

Otherwise, a poor day for the bottom clubs. Worst of all for QPR who lost at home to Fulham. Just watched MOTD and seen them stupidly go down once more to ten men - Diatek was a red card waiting to happen, should have been subbed midway through the first half. Hughes then got stroppy with Jol at the final whistle. Hughes has a complete lack of nous and class.

I was very wrong with my pre-season predictions of Norwich and Swansea for the drop but I reckon I'll get one out of three right with QPR ....

Pogrebnyak now has 2 goals in 2 games for Fulham since his transfer, Fulham just keep finding talent lately Bryan Ruiz, Dembele, Pogreb. Mark Hughes what a tool...

Good win for Albion yesterday, one more win and we'll be safe I think.

Mat - sure you're right there. Much as I would like Villa and McCleish to be sucked in, the current bottom five now seem to be fighting for two 'get out of jail' cards.

Saw highlights of Albion's win over Sunderland on MOTD. I'm not normally very taken with Foster but thought he had a good game, setting up several attacks with quick and effective distribution.

guildfordbat wrote:Mat - sure you're right there. Much as I would like Villa and McCleish to be sucked in, the current bottom five now seem to be fighting for two 'get out of jail' cards.

Saw highlights of Albion's win over Sunderland on MOTD. I'm not normally very taken with Foster but thought he had a good game, setting up several attacks with quick and effective distribution.

Not sure about Villa, with Keane now back in the states and Bent injured, they could get sucked in but they'll just about pull through I would think.

Wasn't too keen when we signed Foster, but he's brilliant! His distribution yesterday was fantastic, especially for our 2nd goal. Been a hallmark of our style this year really, especially away from home I'd say a fair percentage of our chances are initially started by his quick throws etc.

What you think of Norwich today Guildford

guildfordbat wrote: Otherwise, a poor day for the bottom clubs. Worst of all for QPR who lost at home to Fulham. Just watched MOTD and seen them stupidly go down once more to ten men - Diatek was a red card waiting to happen, should have been subbed midway through the first half. Hughes then got stroppy with Jol at the final whistle. Hughes has a complete lack of nous and class.

Agree - it was a particularly poor performance from QPR. Their psychology doesn't seem right at the moment. I have a feeling they have a fairly tough run in at the end of the season - so they certainly don't want to be losing at home to teams in bottom half of table.

ollyrules wrote:What you think of Norwich today Guildford

Olly - desperately unlucky by all accounts not to get a point off a team who will certainly be in the top two come the end of the season.

I understand it was another fine goal from Holt - I like him a lot, plays with his heart on his sleeve but with skill as well. Fantastic goal he scored earlier in the season (against Everton?) when he received the ball on the edge of the six yard box with his back to goal and defenders all round him but still turned to net off the inside of the post.

Even though Norwich ended up with a loss today, they have for a long time shown that my prediction of relegation (originally made in July to be fair and so as to wriggle for an excuse ) was ridiculous. They are too good for the drop and there are definitely quite a few teams far worse.

guildfordbat wrote:

ollyrules wrote:What you think of Norwich today Guildford

Olly - desperately unlucky by all accounts not to get a point off a team who will certainly be in the top two come the end of the season.

I understand it was another fine goal from Holt - I like him a lot, plays with his heart on his sleeve but with skill as well. Fantastic goal he scored earlier in the season (against Everton?) when he received the ball on the edge of the six yard box with his back to goal and defenders all round him but still turned to net off the inside of the post.

Even though Norwich ended up with a loss today, they have for a long time shown that my prediction of relegation (originally made in July to be fair and so as to wriggle for an excuse ) was ridiculous. They are too good for the drop and there are definitely quite a few teams far worse.

Yeah it was against Everton Gulidford. His goal today was better though. Turned Evans I think and curled it left foot into the top corner. Definately one to see on MOTD 2

ollyrules wrote:

Yeah it was against Everton Gulidford. His goal today was better though. Turned Evans I think and curled it left foot into the top corner. Definately one to see on MOTD 2

Olly - just watched it. Cracking goal. Had about everything. Good first touch, turn and shot. Above all, great awareness.

Only one doubt about Holt but perhaps big enough to prevent him kicking on further. He looks like he lacks pace - is that right?

guildfordbat wrote:

ollyrules wrote:

Yeah it was against Everton Gulidford. His goal today was better though. Turned Evans I think and curled it left foot into the top corner. Definately one to see on MOTD 2

Olly - just watched it. Cracking goal. Had about everything. Good first touch, turn and shot. Above all, great awareness.

Only one doubt about Holt but perhaps big enough to prevent him kicking on further. He looks like he lacks pace - is that right?

He does lack pace but he makes up for it as he links up with the wingers and midfielders very well. His positional play is very good and he runs all day, never gives up on a lost cause.

ollyrules wrote:

He does lack pace but he makes up for it as he links up with the wingers and midfielders very well. His positional play is very good and he runs all day, never gives up on a lost cause.

Cheers, Olly. That's exactly my perception, based on seeing Holt on tv and match reports.

Despite all his plus points, I'll be surprised if any England manger picks him given the lack of pace. That said, I hope for your sake, Norwich have got him on a long term contract.

Very good weekend for Wolves.
Now to get a point at Fulham, then beat Venky's at Molyneux. Crucial point of the season.

If any other team is to join the current bottom five in a relegation scrap, Ason Villa would seem to be a good shout.

Where are any more goals to come from for the Villa? Keane has returned to the States and now news that Bent is out for the rest of the season. Not encouraging ....

Not looking to good for us indeed guildfort.

We have a promising youngster in Andreas Weimann. now is the time to play him.

I'm going to Ewood Park saturday, massive game now.
Gabby has to play up front now with Weimann.
Dear god no Heskey.
The Fonz hasnt cut it in the prem.

After Rovers we have Fulham at home, the next six games read
Bolton H
Arsenal A
Chelsea H
Liverpool A
Stoke H
Man Utd A

Rocky road ahead, but like last season we were down there, and came through, this season will be the same, christ I hope so anyway.

Blackburn
Wigan
Bolton

westisbest wrote:Not looking to good for us indeed guildfort.

We have a promising youngster in Andreas Weimann. now is the time to play him.

I'm going to Ewood Park saturday, massive game now.
Gabby has to play up front now with Weimann.
Dear god no Heskey.
The Fonz hasnt cut it in the prem.

After Rovers we have Fulham at home, the next six games read
Bolton H
Arsenal A
Chelsea H
Liverpool A
Stoke H
Man Utd A

Rocky road ahead, but like last season we were down there, and came through, this season will be the same, christ I hope so anyway.

Westy - you must be mighty pleased Villa are 8 points off the bottom three clubs. Can't see you getting too much out of the five games after Bolton. Guess you'll be looking for a minimum of 4 points from Blackburn and Bolton.

Think Villa probably have enough points in the bank given there are five teams a fair way below them. However, I understand you being nervous.

Try and enjoy the visit to Ewood Park. I've never been there but really want to one day - my great uncle played for Blackburn in the late 1920s / early '30s. Cheers, Guildford.

Wigan the biggest losers today - sounds as tho their home defeat against Swansea was completed in a more or less empty stadium. Bolton lost away to Man City - so it was highly improbable they were going to get anything out of that; probably relieved they didn't get a mauling.

QPR and Blackburn both had home draws - which probably counts as par in the position they are in. Non playing Wolves will probably regard today's results as OK providing they take a least a point off Fulham tomorrow. But if they lose they are likely to sink below Blackburn on goal difference and will see it as a poor weekend.

westbrom beat chelsea

cricketfan90 wrote:westbrom beat chelsea

Can't see Chelsea getting relegated...

i know lol, but i was very shocked!

Feels wrong to say it, but we are safe now.

Only 4 points off the scousers as well!

Have West Brom ever looked like they were in trouble?

Good manager you have - deserve to be where you are.

Biggest club in the west Midlands

Adam D wrote:Have West Brom ever looked like they were in trouble?

Good manager you have - deserve to be where you are.

Biggest club in the west Midlands

Not really ever looked like we are in big trouble, but always have to have something to worry about!

Hodgson is different class tactically. If I wasn't an Albion fan and thus desperate to keep him, I'd much rather have him as England manager than Redknapp.