To maybe settle some nerves...

[fbm]

For those too young to remember...

1971/2 - 4 games to go, we sit in second place, 6 points clear of the 5th placed team (it was 4 up in those days. Hmm... reminds me of an old Joan Collins joke, but never mind). We lose 1 and draw 3 of our final 4 games. Result - promoted as runners up.

1977/8 - 4 games to go, we sit in second place, 6 points clear of the 5th placed team. We win 3 and lose 1 of our last 4 games. Result - promoted as runners up.

1980/1 - 4 games to go, we are top and 12 points clear of 5th place and with a goal difference of 40 more than them so we are already up really. However, we have just lost 1-0 at Stockport and drawn at home 0-0 with Lincoln. However we win 3 and draw 1 of our last 4 (incidentally, 3 of which were away from home. Spooky, eh?). Result - promoted as champions.

1986/7 - 4 games to go, we are 3rd and 4 points clear of Wolves (yes, Wolves) in 4th (it's only 3 up by now). We draw 2 and win 2 of our last 4 (again, 3 of those are away). Result - Promoted in 3rd place and still 4 points clear of Wolves.

1989/90 - 4 games to go, we are just one point clear of 4th and just 5 points clear of 8th (i.e. outside the play-offs) and they have a game in hand. We lose the next two but win the last two. Result - promoted in 3rd place 1 point clear of 4th.

1990/91 - 4 games to go, we are top and 3 points clear of 2nd placed Grimsby BUT with 2 games in hand. Cambridge are in 3rd, 3 points behind and with 4 to play also. We need 4 points for promotion. A midweek game follows against Cambridge which will practically give us the title. We draw 0-0 at home. Then follows THAT game at Bury when Benjy scored THAT goal and we are promoted. Our last two games are at home against Orient and Brentford respectively. We only need to win one to win the league. We draw against Orient and lose to Brentford. Result - promoted as Runeers up to Cambridge.


So, there you have it. We have been in this position before, and it is as much about the other teams as it is about us. They will be nervous too and will also falter. My view is that 6 points will take us up, with possibly only 4 needed if 3 of them come against Yeovil and the other 1 comes tomorrow.

This is what it's about people. Not whether Gower is crap, Barrett should be skipper or Gray gets panicky. It's about 3 points, by fair means or foul, anything goes at this stage and we'll take whatever we can get. The performances won't be scintillating; they will be bitty, nervous and error prone. But we are away from home for 3 of the 4 games and therefore without the pressures that a full Roots Hall complete with whingers piles on. We could have it almost sewn up by the weekend.

For those of you who are following a promotion campaign for the first time... ENJOY! It doesn't happen often enough...

 

[Nick Prawnby]

Top man.

The memories come seeping back....

My boy is 13 and like many at the Hall, has only ever seen us shyte. He was only a few months old when we went top v Newcastle.
Yet he's keen as mustard and the young un's are getting well excited, as they should.
Us err, more mature chaps have that natural reticence that comes from being disappointed so many times.
And you're right in that it comes down to who has the bottle to grind out results over the next few games, not what colour someones boots are.
We CAN do it!

 

[Guest]

Thanks for that. as said before brings the memories flooding back, especially wolves. That haome game against them was amazing (atmosphere).

This is my kids first season as season ticket holders, so they are very excited. please let yeovil be the game that gets us promoted.

 

[Guest]

That home game v Wolves was very eventful in Priory Park after the game - thankfully being young I wasnt allowed to go the game (due to Wolves' reputation) and hence was safe at home............

 

[sufcintheprem]

My first season of regularly attending RH was in the second division relegation season.

Haven't had the best time of it really and this is the first taste of success!

That said, I saw us hammer Shaka Hislop's Reading in one of my infrequent visits in my youth!

 

[Wessex Blue]

Quote[/b] (Rayleigh_Blue @ April 19 2005,09:21)]That home game v Wolves was very eventful in Priory Park after the game - thankfully being young I wasnt allowed to go the game (due to Wolves' reputation) and hence was safe at home............

It was very eventful before the match down the High Street and outside the Dickens (O' Neills now I think). I was inside the pub when the windows came in, I've never been so scared in my life.

 

[Hawkwell Blue]

Quote[/b] (fbm @ April 19 2005,01:04)]For those too young to remember...

1971/2 - 4 games to go, we sit in second place, 6 points clear of the 5th placed team (it was 4 up in those days.  Hmm... reminds me of an old Joan Collins joke, but never mind).  We lose 1 and draw 3 of our final 4 games.  Result - promoted as runners up.

1977/8 - 4 games to go, we sit in second place, 6 points clear of the 5th placed team.  We win 3 and lose 1 of our last 4 games.  Result - promoted as runners up.

1980/1 - 4 games to go, we are top and 12 points clear of 5th place and with a goal difference of 40 more than them so we are already up really.  However, we have just lost 1-0 at Stockport and drawn at home 0-0 with Lincoln.  However we win 3 and draw 1 of our last 4 (incidentally, 3 of which were away from home.  Spooky, eh?).  Result - promoted as champions.

1986/7 - 4 games to go, we are 3rd and 4 points clear of Wolves (yes, Wolves) in 4th (it's only 3 up by now).  We draw 2 and win 2 of our last 4 (again, 3 of those are away).  Result - Promoted in 3rd place and still 4 points clear of Wolves.

1989/90 - 4 games to go, we are just one point clear of 4th and just 5 points clear of 8th (i.e. outside the play-offs) and they have a game in hand.  We lose the next two but win the last two.  Result - promoted in 3rd place 1 point clear of 4th.

1990/91 - 4 games to go, we are top and 3 points clear of 2nd placed Grimsby BUT with 2 games in hand.  Cambridge are in 3rd, 3 points behind and with 4 to play also.  We need 4 points for promotion.  A midweek game follows against Cambridge which will practically give us the title.  We draw 0-0 at home.  Then follows THAT game at Bury when Benjy scored THAT goal and we are promoted.  Our last two games are at home against Orient and Brentford respectively.  We only need to win one to win the league.  We draw against Orient and lose to Brentford.  Result - promoted as Runeers up to Cambridge.


So, there you have it. We have been in this position before, and it is as much about the other teams as it is about us.  They will be nervous too and will also falter.  My view is that 6 points will take us up, with possibly only 4 needed if 3 of them come against Yeovil and the other 1 comes tomorrow.

This is what it's about people.  Not whether Gower is crap, Barrett should be skipper or Gray gets panicky.  It's about 3 points, by fair means or foul, anything goes at this stage and we'll take whatever we can get.  The performances won't be scintillating; they will be bitty, nervous and error prone.  But we are away from home for 3 of the 4 games and therefore without the pressures that a full Roots Hall complete with whingers piles on.  We could have it almost sewn up by the weekend.

For those of you who are following a promotion campaign for the first time... ENJOY!  It doesn't happen often enough...

Hasn't worked, still nervous! Also most of the seasons mentioned we were in a stronger position (even if we were to win tonight) than we are now.

 

[BrettieAngell]

Top post!

The Wolves game at home was my second or third game, I just remember running through the car park at the end of the game with my dad and younger brothers (one of whom was 4 years-old at the time) it was crazy!

I was at Peterbrough when we went straight back up!

And of course I'm never gonna forget Bury as long as I live!

UP THE BLUES!!

 

[Hong Kong Blue]

Cheer FBM very interesting.

Am I right in thinking that the first three promotions you mention were under 2 points for a win? That changes the equation.

In the interest of balance could you also put up some examples of when we missed out on promotion?

In anycase the only parallel we should be looking at is 1980-81 as we should be looking at winning the title. Aim for the title and if we just miss out we can console ourselves with promotion. This squad is good enough to win the title and so we should be approaching tonight looking to win, not draw.

 

[Technician]

For possibly the first time this season, I have had a few doubts creeping into my mind that we will actually gain promotion this season. There's been a lot of hard work (on/off the pitch) this season, we're lying in third place, we have so much at stake and we've faultered in our last two games.

It's amazing that only 10 days ago, we were top of the league and still talking about the LDV Trophy. I think we can still make the auto's and need to gain the initiative tonight with a decent result.

If we fail to do that, we'll have it all to do and it will be a tall order!

 

[Hong Kong Blue]

Quote[/b] (Technician @ April 19 2005,11:45)]For possibly the first time this season, I have had a few doubts creeping into my mind that we will actually gain promotion this season. There's been a lot of hard work (on/off the pitch) this season, we're lying in third place, we have so much at stake and we've faultered in our last two games.

It's amazing that only 10 days ago, we were top of the league and still talking about the LDV Trophy. I think we can still make the auto's and need to gain the initiative tonight with a decent result.

If we fail to do that, we'll have it all to do and it will be a tall order!

Wow, you must have had great faith in the team in August when we were bottom.

Also the aim should be the title which - if we can get over our little stumble - is still ours for the taking.

 

[sufcintheprem]

Funny isn't it, we've still only lost twice in normal time all year but somehow it feels like we're going to lose everything. Was it just me or did anyone else feel we'd beat Orient and then this game wouldn't matter so much?

That said, we played some decent football in Cardiff and should probably have scored and played a lot of good football against Orient but didn't take our chances. Although we've lost twice, it's not like we've been playing badly, something that all our rivals (with the exception possibly of Macc) seem to have been having.

 

[Technician]

Quote[/b] (Hong Kong Blue @ April 19 2005,11:48)]

Quote[/b] (Technician @ April 19 2005,11:45)]For possibly the first time this season, I have had a few doubts creeping into my mind that we will actually gain promotion this season. There's been a lot of hard work (on/off the pitch) this season, we're lying in third place, we have so much at stake and we've faultered in our last two games.

It's amazing that only 10 days ago, we were top of the league and still talking about the LDV Trophy. I think we can still make the auto's and need to gain the initiative tonight with a decent result.

If we fail to do that, we'll have it all to do and it will be a tall order!

Wow, you must have had great faith in the team in August when we were bottom.

Also the aim should be the title which - if we can get over our little stumble - is still ours for the taking.

I predicted we'd make a play-off spot back in July, when everyone else was complaining about our slow defence and how we couldn't hit a barn door in our first five or six games.

I think it is safe to say we are definitely assured of a playoff spot!

I will be more confident about where we are likely to finish at the final whistle tonight.

 

[Matt the Shrimp]

Top post, fbm, as always. Can't help the fact that I'm still cacking myself...

Is it just me that thinks tonight is make or break? If we win tonight, we'll win the league. If we lose tonight, it looks like the playoffs...

Which means it'll probably be a draw, and therefore lots more chewing of nails. Oh, we never make it easy for ourselves, do we?!

 

[sufcintheprem]

Quote[/b] (Matt the Shrimp @ April 19 2005,12:11)]Is it just me that thinks tonight is make or break? If we win tonight, we'll win the league. If we lose tonight, it looks like the playoffs...

Which means it'll probably be a draw, and therefore lots more chewing of nails.

Almost exactly what I said the other day. Although mine's

Win: Win the league
Draw: Probably automatics
Lose: Probably playoffs.

Really is funny how we'd have taken any of them at the start of the year though.

 

[blueritethru]

Time to chill with a large brandy and a prozac i feel

 

[BoyWonder2]

Quote[/b] (Matt the Shrimp @ April 19 2005,12:11)]Is it just me that thinks tonight is make or break?  If we win tonight, we'll win the league.  If we lose tonight, it looks like the playoffs...

Which means it'll probably be a draw, and therefore lots more chewing of nails.  Oh, we never make it easy for ourselves, do we?!

I'm with you on this Matt, IF we go top tonight, we won't come off top spot in my eyes. This game could, arguably, be bigger than the Yeovil game.

It really is "squeaky bum time"

 

[Rusty Lee]

Quote[/b] (BoyWonder2 @ April 19 2005,12:50)]

Quote[/b] (Matt the Shrimp @ April 19 2005,12:11)]Is it just me that thinks tonight is make or break?  If we win tonight, we'll win the league.  If we lose tonight, it looks like the playoffs...

Which means it'll probably be a draw, and therefore lots more chewing of nails.  Oh, we never make it easy for ourselves, do we?!

I'm with you on this Matt, IF we go top tonight, we won't come off top spot in my eyes. This game could, arguably, be bigger than the Yeovil game.

It really is "squeaky bum time"  

In footballing terms its our biggest game of the season.

Thinking of watching the Bolton game while listerning to SUFC, but like rubbing your head and patting ur stomach

 

[fbm]

Quote[/b] (Hong Kong Blue @ April 19 2005,10:32)]Cheer FBM very interesting.

Am I right in thinking that the first three promotions you mention were under 2 points for a win? That changes the equation.

In the interest of balance could you also put up some examples of when we missed out on promotion?

Yes, there were only 2 points for a win which alters the position slightly.

Now, when have we been there and "blown it".

Well, I can't find too many instances actually. However, the year after we won the title (1981/2) we did pretty well in Div 3. We had just gone on a straight 4 game winning run to take us to 5th, 3 points off the automatic promotion places. 3 of our last 4 were away (gulp - wish I hadn't started this).

We drew the next 2 and lost the next 2 to finish 7th (before the play offs) and this was the first season of 3 points for a win.

Before that you have to go back to 1966/7, 1967/8 and 1968/9 when we finished 6th, 6th and 7th respectively BUT we were always outside the automatic promotion places.

In 1955/6 we were 5th with 4 to play BUT only one team went up. We won 1, drew 1 and lost 2 but still finished 3rd.

In 1949/50 we were second with4 to go but again only one team went up and they were 5 points clear. We lost 1 and drew 3 and ended up 3rd.


Now, consider this.

Our main promotion rivals are:

Yeovil -

They are at home to Wycombe on Saturday. Wycombe have one of the best away records in the league and are in with a chance of the playoffs. That will not be easy. Then they travel to the Hall in what will be a cauldron atmosphere before finally having a very difficult game at home to Lincoln.

My prediction - 3 draws - 3 points.

Swansea -

They have on paper the easiest run in. However, away to Bristol Rovers this week, which will not be easy as Rovers home form is good and the Swans don't travel well. Plus there is a bit of local rivalry. A draw I reckon. They should win the next home game against Shrewsbury and also away at Bury so can expect a further 7 points I reckon.

Scunthorpe -

Tough local derby this week away at Grimsby, followed by a home game against draw specialists Bristol rovers and away at the ploghed field of Shrewsbury, which will cramp Scunnys style. I think a loss, win and draw in that order to give them 4 points.

Lincoln -

Toughest run in but the momentum is with them. Should beat the ever worsening Cobblers this weekend, and then follows a potential toughie against Darlo before the away game at Yeovil. 2 wins and a draw to give them 7 points I think.


Macclesfield -

I think they have been punching above their weight all season. Tonight is a massive game for them and will almost certainly be their biggest crowd (or at least one of). They will be feeling the pressure and we will win it I think.
Then they have Mansfield at home, Cheltenham away (both draws) and Rushden at home (won't be easy, especially if Rushden need to win to survive) but lets give them that one. 5 more points for them.

Now us.

I have already said we'll win tonight and draw against Yeovil. That's 4 points. Oxford away? We should win, but let's say we draw. We never win at Grimsby so we'll lose that one. 5 more points for us then.

That (in my view) realistic viewpoint puts us level on points with Yeovil and Scunny in joint second. So it's all down to goal difference.

If we win against Oxford we take the title.

We are still in my view in a better position than most others. I definitely wouldn't want to be Yeovil or Lincoln.

It's gonna be close. But we should do it.

 

[Angell Delight]

Quote[/b] (Matt the Shrimp @ April 19 2005,12:11)]Is it just me that thinks tonight is make or break?  If we win tonight, we'll win the league.  If we lose tonight, it looks like the playoffs...

Neither of these statements are true for me, if we win tonight we give ourselves a good chance of winning the division but I wouldn't say we'll definitely win the title as Scunny/Swansea are on pretty decent form too and have easier run-ins IMHO. Oxford will be a very tough game this weekend and make no mistake about it. On the other hand if we lose tonight I'd still be confident of sealing a top 3 place come May 7th, probably at Yeovil's expense as if their form doesn't pick up they are the most likely to have to suffer the play-offs. One thing I would say is that if we are top going into the last day at Grimsby I am extremely confident that we will see it through and win the division.

As for the promotion memories I will NEVER forget our promotion seasons of 1989/90 and 1990/1 - I was only 9 and 10 at the time but I remember them vividly. For those who haven't experienced a promotion with Blues before enjoy it, its something you'll never forget. Anyone remember the open-top bus parade through Southend after our 2nd promotion? I still have the photos of a young "Angell Delight" meeting the likes of Spinner, Eagle, Tilly, Chrissy Powell and Big Brett

And I have the same feeling I had last time, Tilly is doing just as fine a job as Webby himself and IMO it may not be quite so long again before we have another promotion to celebrate.....