EFL to end season this week - City likely to be promoted (4 Viewers)

[Specs WT-R75]

Actually our away form pre-Christmas makes no sense when compared to our form.since then. 7 wins and a draw in the last 8 away games. if we had won 3 or 4 of the away games pre-Christmas, the other league 1 teams would need a telescope to see us.

We did not have much luck for the first 'half' season of our away games. Bolton, Oxford, Peterborough all games we could easily have won. I think it was just a mental block and once we beat Wycombe that was the monkey off our backs - we really didn't look back.

 

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[Gibbo]

The vote is on the 8th, assuming the league voted to play on all players and staff would need to be tested before returning to training, this would take a few days, let's say 4 days which gets us to the 12th, we haven't played since March so would need several weeks training minimum, lets say a month as that is what Robins stated a few weeks back but you think 5 days would suffice, it would realistically take until near the end of August to play out the season, that is before you address the very different financial positions of the PL and league one, don't see it happening I'm afraid.

My problem with it is that it would be an absolute lottery with about as much connection to the season so far as ppg. In fact ppg would have a closer connection. Previous form would be out of the window. Clubs with nothing to play for would be just trying to avoid injury. Players who are out of contract may not be playing, so the sides could bear little resemblance to the last game played. They would be unfit and team ethic much weaker. It would be a one off mini league. Sods law would be that Posh lose form the most and miss out....

 

[DannyThomas_1981]

Actually our away form pre-Christmas makes no sense when compared to our form.since then. 7 wins and a draw in the last 8 away games. if we had won 3 or 4 of the away games pre-Christmas, the other league 1 teams would need a telescope to see us.

It was the switch to 5-3-1-1(and from memory that happened during half time in one game) that really accelerated this season.

The building blocks were already in place with fantastic recruitment: Marosi, Dabo, Rose, McFadzean, Godden, the emergence of McCallum and the brilliant loan signings in Walsh and O'Hare.

Combine that with top class coaching that gave the team a real possession football identity and it was a winning formula.

I haven't looked at the possession stats but in my view we reached peaked form in January and February, we seemed to be playing teams off the park week after week. In the last 4 weeks of the season we then found a way to win without hitting some of the heights we'd found earlier - always a sign of a good team to battle it out in the key matches and walk away with a result.

Something we don't talk about enough is how good our defence has been. Goals against must be the lowest in the League and on this platform we've built the success we've had. My favourite season in 40 years for all kinds of reasons, it's been a joy to watch our style of play and the way this team has developed.

 

[Specs WT-R75]

It was the switch to 5-3-1-1(and from memory that happened during half time in one game) that really accelerated this season.

The building blocks were already in place with fantastic recruitment: Marosi, Dabo, Rose, McFadzean, Godden, the emergence of McCallum and the brilliant loan signings in Walsh and O'Hare.

Combine that with top class coaching that gave the team a real possession football identity and it was a winning formula.

I haven't looked at the possession stats but in my view we reached peaked form in January and February, we seemed to be playing teams off the park week after week. In the last 4 weeks of the season we then found a way to win without hitting some of the heights we'd found earlier - always a sign of a good team to battle it out in the key matches and walk away with a result.

Something we don't talk about enough is how good our defence has been. Goals against must be the lowest in the League and on this platform we've built the success we've had. My favourite season in 40 years for all kinds of reasons, it's been a joy to watch our style of play and the way this team has developed.

I think the switch was during the Blackpool game where we went 2 down...I agree with you that this season had been the most enjoyable of my time supporting the club - even more enjoyable than the year we only lost 1 game at home in the prem (96/7 I think).

 

[steve cooper]

Interesting report from BBC.
EFL: Leagues One and Two play-offs to be before Championship play-offs

 

[Malaka]

my bet was cov to be promoted

 

[Liquid Gold]

It was the switch to 5-3-1-1(and from memory that happened during half time in one game) that really accelerated this season.

The building blocks were already in place with fantastic recruitment: Marosi, Dabo, Rose, McFadzean, Godden, the emergence of McCallum and the brilliant loan signings in Walsh and O'Hare.

Combine that with top class coaching that gave the team a real possession football identity and it was a winning formula.

I haven't looked at the possession stats but in my view we reached peaked form in January and February, we seemed to be playing teams off the park week after week. In the last 4 weeks of the season we then found a way to win without hitting some of the heights we'd found earlier - always a sign of a good team to battle it out in the key matches and walk away with a result.

Something we don't talk about enough is how good our defence has been. Goals against must be the lowest in the League and on this platform we've built the success we've had. My favourite season in 40 years for all kinds of reasons, it's been a joy to watch our style of play and the way this team has developed.

We've been in incredible for sine December and you may be right that our play wasn't as slick in the last few games but that has something to do with the opposition. Going into these games a lot of us were talking about just trying to remain in contention. We played Pompey, Rotherham, Sunderland and Ipswich in a 6 game period won 3 and drew one. The other games were away at lower sides where we usually struggle and we won them at a canter.

This is the best Coventry City team, relative to opposition, that I've ever seen. I'm just disappointed we won't get the opportunity to have that final game when we win the league, get on the pitch with the players and give them the adulation they deserve. Some of them will never play for us again and they deserve that moment.

 

[ccfcway]

This is the best Coventry City team, relative to opposition, that I've ever seen. I'm just disappointed we won't get the opportunity to have that final game when we win the league, get on the pitch with the players and give them the adulation they deserve. Some of them will never play for us again and they deserve that moment.

agreed, its a shame, but not the end of the world. Celebrating in front of max 10k cov fans at St Andrews isn't what they deserve either.

onwards and upwards.

 

[Ring Of Steel]

I think the switch was during the Blackpool game where we went 2 down...I agree with you that this season had been the most enjoyable of my time supporting the club - even more enjoyable than the year we only lost 1 game at home in the prem (96/7 I think).

I don’t think it was 96/97, that season was a disaster. Without looking it up I guess you mean the following year when we only lost two at home (albeit to Villa and Leicester), I don’t think we’ve ever had a year in the top flight where we only lost one game

 

[skybluebeast]

Why does the ceo think city players are coming back 8/6?

No idea, for a party to celebrate winning the league or maybe covering all bases and having the lads in the right mind set in preparation for the league re starting. All I know is from what I was told Dave Boddy is expecting the players to be back in on 08/06.

 

[robbiekeane]

We've been in incredible for sine December and you may be right that our play wasn't as slick in the last few games but that has something to do with the opposition. Going into these games a lot of us were talking about just trying to remain in contention. We played Pompey, Rotherham, Sunderland and Ipswich in a 6 game period won 3 and drew one. The other games were away at lower sides where we usually struggle and we won them at a canter.

This is the best Coventry City team, relative to opposition, that I've ever seen. I'm just disappointed we won't get the opportunity to have that final game when we win the league, get on the pitch with the players and give them the adulation they deserve. Some of them will never play for us again and they deserve that moment.

I have to say I’m disappointed I won’t get that feeling. But I guess we all had it for the league two playoff final so we at least have that. And we were on the journey. Just a shame this is the best season I’ve ever had as a coventry city fan and it was the same year I moved abroad!

 

[Johhny Blue]

It was the switch to 5-3-1-1(and from memory that happened during half time in one game) that really accelerated this season.

The building blocks were already in place with fantastic recruitment: Marosi, Dabo, Rose, McFadzean, Godden, the emergence of McCallum and the brilliant loan signings in Walsh and O'Hare.

Combine that with top class coaching that gave the team a real possession football identity and it was a winning formula.

I haven't looked at the possession stats but in my view we reached peaked form in January and February, we seemed to be playing teams off the park week after week. In the last 4 weeks of the season we then found a way to win without hitting some of the heights we'd found earlier - always a sign of a good team to battle it out in the key matches and walk away with a result.

Something we don't talk about enough is how good our defence has been. Goals against must be the lowest in the League and on this platform we've built the success we've had. My favourite season in 40 years for all kinds of reasons, it's been a joy to watch our style of play and the way this team has developed.

You forgot Kastaneer

 

[skyblueusername]

You forgot Kastaneer

He does deserve some credit, probably kept a lot of the 'Just Eat' establishments in employment the last few weeks.

 

[better days]

Maybe I’m getting confused and misunderstanding what you are all taking about however, I’m sure Robins said they can’t force players to train whilst on furlough. Although, if non compulsory sessions were put on, it would surely take a brave player to not turn up.

HMRC have indicated that players can train while furloughed but not in organised groups

 

[tisza]

HMRC have indicated that players can train while furloughed but not in organised groups

That makes more sense. So bringing them back in would restart the wage responsibility.

 

[better days]

That makes more sense. So bringing them back in would restart the wage responsibility.

That's my understanding

 

[Sky Blue Pete]

We've been in incredible for sine December and you may be right that our play wasn't as slick in the last few games but that has something to do with the opposition. Going into these games a lot of us were talking about just trying to remain in contention. We played Pompey, Rotherham, Sunderland and Ipswich in a 6 game period won 3 and drew one. The other games were away at lower sides where we usually struggle and we won them at a canter.

This is the best Coventry City team, relative to opposition, that I've ever seen. I'm just disappointed we won't get the opportunity to have that final game when we win the league, get on the pitch with the players and give them the adulation they deserve. Some of them will never play for us again and they deserve that moment.

Really good shout that. I do wonder whether that emotional connection may be highlighted after what’s gone on with covid. Fully expect some celebration once we are out again with players returning to something if they’ve moved on. Quite emotional about not seeing Ohare and Walsh play for us again. I’m still gobsmacked at ohares injury and his python like ability to get up and carry on in the game

 

[Sky Blue Pete]

No idea, for a party to celebrate winning the league or maybe covering all bases and having the lads in the right mind set in preparation for the league re starting. All I know is from what I was told Dave Boddy is expecting the players to be back in on 08/06.

Ah ta that’s interesting that he’s told you but not one of the first team squad.

 

[skybluebeast]

Ah ta that’s interesting that he’s told you but not one of the first team squad.

See you are your usual cynical self. Forgot no one else could make a comment other than the most informed fan on here. You been standing on the corner of memorial park again waiting for Max to come round.
Also at no point did I say he told me.

 

[HuckerbyDublinWhelan]

Ah ta that’s interesting that he’s told you but not one of the first team squad.

To be honest I’d be surprised if they weren’t expected in training. If they vote to continue the season then they’d need some sort of pre-season before playing.

 

[MatthewWallis]

My Cov mug just shattered, hopefully it’s not a bad sign of things to come!

 

[Colin Steins Smile]

It’s a sign that the sky blues have shattered the premise that the teams with the largest budgets get promoted

 

[Deleted member 4439]

My Cov mug just shattered, hopefully it’s not a bad sign of things to come!

Don't worry, it's just a sign that we're about to break out from the lower leagues.

 

[Sky Blue Pete]

See you are your usual cynical self. Forgot no one else could make a comment other than the most informed fan on here. You been standing on the corner of memorial park again waiting for Max to come round.
Also at no point did I say he told me.

No not at all just interested in accurate information, was trying to understand the position

 

[Magwitch]

To be honest I’d be surprised if they weren’t expected in training. If they vote to continue the season then they’d need some sort of pre-season before playing.

Been training for a while.

 

[HuckerbyDublinWhelan]

Been training for a while.

Didn’t think they were group training

 

[better days]

Didn’t think they were group training

No firm date for return yet
Probably no decision until the outcome of the vote is known
Players training individually as allowed under furlough

 

[HuckerbyDublinWhelan]

Interesting report from BBC.
EFL: Leagues One and Two play-offs to be before Championship play-offs

Done some calculations, if we have 4 weeks training which is roughly getting the premier league training time, that will bring us to July 6th.

I’ve read they want lg1 & 2 done by July 31st, that gives us 25 days to fit 10 league games in with a further 3 if we cock up the league - not happening

 

[steve cooper]

Done some calculations, if we have 4 weeks training which is roughly getting the premier league training time, that will bring us to July 6th.

I’ve read they want lg1 & 2 done by July 31st, that gives us 25 days to fit 10 league games in with a further 3 if we cock up the league - not happening

There are a number of reasons why the season can't continue, IMO. Not least because I don't think the EFL will want to be in a situation where 12 teams effectively bankrupt the other 11 (or whatever the numbers turn out to be, in the event of a vote for continuation). That's why we haven't had a vote yet, I think. The EFL, I'm sure, have been stalling until there is a solution accceptable to a sizeable majority of clubs, which I think, can only be to end with PPG. Imagine nearly half the league fielding kids to make up their team after letting their out of contract players leave. This would skew up results big time and possibly lead to further problems where clubs now say their promotion / relegation chances were damaged by other teams.
I read that the EFL are possibly considering Tranmere's suggested option, this may be because they think there could be a consensus somewhere within that which will carry a sizeable or acceptable majority. It seemed like a stupid suggestion, but we'll see next Monday (hopefully).

 

[Philosorapter]

On a side note.

Does promotion mean we enter the FA Cup third round again?

 

[SlowerThanPlatt]

On a side note.

Does promotion mean we enter the FA Cup third round again?

Yes but the League Cup still first round

 

[Philosorapter]

Yes but the League Cup still first round

More chance of a decent draw. I can live with that.

 

[Magwitch]

On a side note.

Does promotion mean we enter the FA Cup third round again?

Yep, bet we get someone like Carlisle away.

 

[Tommo1993]

Whatever Charlton, Luton and Barnsley did - don’t do that.

 

[AFCCOVENTRY]

Whatever Charlton, Luton and Barnsley did - don’t do that.

It’s called money. The jump from L1 to Champ competing against clubs who’ve had access to bigger funds over the years in the Champ and ex Premier is big. But I believe we have a canny old recruiting department these days and that will be key to survival in the first year back.