Predictions
So 4 days to go until the start of another campaign. I suppose that as a resident of Blogsville that means I am duty bound to stick my neck out and say what I think is going to happen. As I was right about being patient over the transfers (whaddya mean you didn’t read it? – Probably because Ron didn’t give it front page billing, unlike the tanned Italian quote), these will probably be wrong. Hey ho.
I get the feeling we are still a year away from getting into the Premiership, despite the bookies’ tag. Most of our inwards transfers are young and talented, but inexperienced. There is greater talent in the squad, but I don’t see us firing until Buzz and Vine get back, and I suspect at least one, if not two of the loanees will go tits up (Ben Sahar anyone? We will be in the playoff mix, but that’s it – no automatic promotion for us, but at least a promotion. Don’t know whether that will be enough to save Dowie’s job though. My prediction – top 10 finish and a new manager this time next year.
So who do I think is going up? Birmingham would be my favourites. They have retained much of the squad that was unlucky to go down last year, but bought in some good (Championship) quality to add to that, plus they have the money to spend in January if things start going awry. Joining them in the direct route will be Palarse. As much as you hate him, you cant deny that Colin can manage a team. They were unlucky last year in the playoffs, they wont make that mistake again. Just missing out on promotion will be Charlton, Sheffield Utd Ipswich and Derby.
Going down is a little easier to predict in my opinion: Plymouth, Blackpool and Barnsley. It is with regret I say Plymouth, as fellows of the class of 2003/4, but they have sold their best striker, midfielder and lost their keeper to stupidity and not replaced any of them. Blackpool have also lost their best players and replaced them with Zesh and Nardiello – nuff said, whilst Barsley rode the shirt tales of their FA Cup adventure to safety, but without that, they are still a weak team, whilst those coming up appear much stronger.
Our player of the year will be Rowan Vine – his movement was outstanding, and he will be a key figure on his return, and there will be one more big signing in January –but I don’t know who.
So Mystic Meg impression over. Lets see just how bad I really am in May…
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