Top 6

[Copps is Magic]

Posted in lucky pint but worth posting on its own.

We've played all of the top 6 away already. Our run in for the season should technically be easier than the first half. We're averaging 1.7 points per game over the last 10 games which would equal 68 at the end of the season so we need a slight upturn in form but given the slightly easier games that is possible.

[les@donr]

We are too inconsistent at the moment for a Top 6 finish, recruit well in January and go on a good run, we might be in a chance of a top 6 finish. Also depends on teams above us going on a bad run, some will, but not all.

[Dutch Uncle]

Posted in lucky pint but worth posting on its own.

We've played all of the top 6 away already. Our run in for the season should technically be easier than the first half. We're averaging 1.7 points per game over the last 10 games which would equal 68 at the end of the season so we need a slight upturn in form but given the slightly easier games that is possible.

Downside of that is we have to play all of the top 6 at home - where we are beginning to look a little vulnerable. Basically we have to play against everyone except Oldham.

IMHO the transfer window will determine what are chances are, and give clues as to whether we are interested in seriously mounting a challenge this year, or looking more to next year

[Copps is Magic]

We are too inconsistent at the moment for a Top 6 finish

I don't think so Les. Over the last 10 games we're averaging 1.7 points per game. If we'd have done that over an entire season we'd comfortable be in the play-offs. We are consistent enough for a top 6 finish it is just that our bad start hampered us so we need slightly more than that.

[i_ateallthepies]

On 14th November after 17 games we were 16th in the table, the last five games has seen us reach 15th.  That means we have to be better than at least nine teams currently higher in the table than us to reach the playoffs.

I would certainly expect some of those to fall behind us but not all of them.


Added to that, a number of those above us have one or more games in hand.

[godlike1]

I think we have left ourselves too much to do and I just don't think the team is good enough to compete if I'm honest. It is lacking a special bit of quality about it I feel that could help bring the other players on that extra level needed

[RedJ]

On 14th November after 17 games we were 16th in the table, the last five games has seen us reach 15th.  That means we have to be better than at least nine teams currently higher in the table than us to reach the playoffs.

I would certainly expect some of those to fall behind us but not all of them.


Added to that, a number of those above us have one or more games in hand.

Games in hand though don't equate to points on the board.


I think we'll just miss out personally, but you never know.

[Padge_DRFC]

One run of 5 wins anywhere will put us in the play offs huge ask though.

[drfchound]

In reality we are becoming consistent, results wise anyway.
Only two defeats in the last ten league and cup games.
If DF can sort out our defensive frailities then we have a good chance of getting into the top six.

[dickos1]

We haven't left ourselves too much to do, we're 6 points off with 22 games to go,
We might not make it but that won't be the reason why

[Sammy Chung was King]

The players we have at the minute wouldn't be able to maintain a run like that, because the bench options aren't good enough. For me 2 strikers, 1 midfielder, and 1 centre half added to keeping our loan players and signing Stewart permanent.

[PDX_Rover]

66 to play for. We've got as much chance as any other team around us of making the top six. Vital January window for us.

[les@donr]

The players we have at the minute wouldn't be able to maintain a run like that, because the bench options aren't good enough. For me 2 strikers, 1 midfielder, and 1 centre half added to keeping our loan players and signing Stewart permanent.

Sammy are you prepared to name names on the Transfer window thread?

[Sammy Chung was King]

So many of the guys mentioned will go out, three to four, then it will be a young striker on loan fiiting the Keshi bill, probably Jannai Gordon, then Stewart i think he will sign permanent, Grant seems to be extending as does Mattioni.
It wouldn't surprise me to see Spurr or Husband come in on loan, it also wouldn't surprise me for him to go in for Mackail-Smith as a cheap signing, for back-up and the experience he has, many say he's gone as a player but Ferguson got the best from him.

In Jannai Gordon, Mackail-Smith, Spurr or Husband, Grant, Mattioni, Stewart
out Chaplow, Wellens, Main, Forrester, N'Guessan
I think he might hold onto Keegan for now.

[RedJ]

We have no chance of getting Husband and Mackail-Smith is well past it so you may as well stick me on the bench.

[1879Rovers]

Three of our next four at home are Gillingham, Walsall and Sheff Utd. Let us see where we are after those games.

[DonnyBazR0ver]

We need to win at least 2 of those and pick up points on the road. There's always a team that comes with a late run. Why not us?

[The Red Baron]

Three of our next four at home are Gillingham, Walsall and Sheff Utd. Let us see where we are after those games.

If we win two out of those three I might start to believe!

[Chris Black come back]

Think we will finish top half but not trouble play off spots I am afraid.

Interestingly though we are now closer in points to play offs than relegation spots for first time in ages.

[drfchound]

On Dec 29th 2014 we were in 14th place with 30 points from 22 games and got into the top six by the end of February.
We are currently 15th with 31 points from 24 games played.
Given that everyone sees DF as a much better manager than PD why shouldn't we get into a similar position this time around and stay up there instead of fading away as we did last season????

[IDM]

One game at a time folks.. Anything could happen!

[Sammy Chung was King]

We will need a few draws here and there instead of losing games when we don't play well.
 Though it's better to win two and lose one, if the team can just get the extra point out of three games. Seven points instead of six out of three games it could make all the difference.
We have picked up a couple of nice draws at Coventry and Burton, if we can't beat the top half teams, don't lose the games, and try to beat all the bottom half sides you face.

[dickos1]

20 points from 12 games under ferguson, this is just about play off form over a season, but because we're starting from a bad position we need a slight improvement on that
Not massive though

[Superspy]

One of the interesting points for me is that about a month ago we were 10 points away from the top 6, now we're 6 points away. Things are tightening up in the middle of the table so it wouldn't take many wins for things to start looking very rosy, anything could happen.

[bobjimwilly]

One of the interesting points for me is that about a month ago we were 10 points away from the top 6, now we're 6 points away. Things are tightening up in the middle of the table so it wouldn't take many wins for things to start looking very rosy, anything could happen.

and if we continue our form of beating those above us it will narrow the gap further

[Campsall rover]

We have not beaten anyone above us yet!
That will change on Sat. I predict 

[dickos1]

Barnsley, Chesterfield, Shrewsbury were above us when we beat them

[Chris Black come back]

Fair point. They are all shit though.

The two draws away at Coventry and Burton show more what we are capable of achieving under Ferguson.