As we are heading into the final 8 games of the season I thought I'd compare this season to our past few at this level.
We currently have 47 points.
Last season we finished 18th with 53 points so we need 7 to top that from 8 games. Can we manage that?
The season before (part Ramsey/part Hasselbaink) we ended up 12th with 60 points - we'd need 13 points from 8 games to match that. Possible but unlikely?
In our play-off promotion season 13/14 we ended up 4th with 80 points. It looks like we will end this campaign in the mid 50 point range, so the question is how do we find the extra 20/25 points needed to turn this team into one that can challenge at the sharp end of the table?
Next season is our last year with any parachute payments so may be our best/last chance to make a move for some time. Are we just a decent striker away from being a team able to finish in the top 6?
Are we destined for a number of years now in limbo at this level?
Its the striker problem. We need to keep the core of the team together for next season but can see a few leaving us too, Luongo is going to be sold and we may lose a couple of freebies. We need someone to finish of the chances that we can create. We have never replaced Charlie Austin and the trouble is that we simply don't have the money to do so anymore.
I have faith in the direction the club is going which will hopefully mean surviving on limited budget and selling players to generate income to buy others, but for the next few season we are going to be a mid table club. We will be paying the price for the mistakes of the past fora few years yet, just hope the youth development continues to find and create good players.
Luongo is too classy for us and will probably go We just need that striker who is clinical at our level There must be someone out there I'm available but not midweek or Sundays
Luongo is too classy for us and will probably go We just need that striker who is clinical at our level There must be someone out there I'm available but not midweek or Sundays
Luongo was man of the match for Australia last night. I sense like those above that if he has a good world cup he'll be chased and will move on. He would certainly be able to make the step up with a team like Brighton or Bournemouth. I imagine the clubs that go up will show interest too.
As we are heading into the final 8 games of the season I thought I'd compare this season to our past few at this level. We currently have 47 points.
Last season we finished 18th with 53 points so we need 7 to top that from 8 games. Can we manage that?
The season before (part Ramsey/part Hasselbaink) we ended up 12th with 60 points - we'd need 13 points from 8 games to match that. Possible but unlikely?
In our play-off promotion season 13/14 we ended up 4th with 80 points. It looks like we will end this campaign in the mid 50 point range, so the question is how do we find the extra 20/25 points needed to turn this team into one that can challenge at the sharp end of the table?
Next season is our last year with any parachute payments so may be our best/last chance to make a move for some time. Are we just a decent striker away from being a team able to finish in the top 6?
Are we destined for a number of years now in limbo at this level?
These are all interesting questions you raise northwesthoop below the points comparison, but let's deal with this season's projected tally first. We should bear in mind that we will be playing sides that are pushing for top places or to avoid relegation. Those factors will make it difficult for a 'comfortable' side on 47 points to make a strong finish; but I believe 55 points will be achieved. So that would have us under-achieving in terms of Chris Ramsay's tenure, but better than last season (just). I wanted us to finish 12th or better and i think that is a lost cause!
Onto your query about the future. surrey chad is right that we need a striker but cannot afford to buy an accomplished one. That means we are going to struggle again next season and, as I cannot see an easy way out, have to rely upon discovering another 'Charlie Austin'. Perhaps we have one already in the developing Smyth or Eze. Hope so!