We are in an eight game mini-League of eight teams (Millwall to Sheffield Wednesday - on the assumption Rotherham are down). We are currently third in that League with two teams to go down. We have the best GD (by five) and a two point (or three point advantage with GD) over the bottom two. Like all but one of the others we also play two of the seven other teams. Most ony have one game v the top four - Blackburn have four of their eight.
In the Adams relegation season of 2018-2019 at the 38 game stage we were 15th with 45 points, three points clear of the relegation zone and with a better GD of 6. I only reflect upon those facts because the trauma of the post-Blackpool collapse still haunts me to this day. What haunts me even more is that under Ian Foster we are in severe danger of following the same free fall collapse at the business end of the season.
In James Stables and Alberto Lauciello superlative statistical analysis of 'Fozball' the statistical truth is beyond alarming. For a data driven club there is no sugar coating the reality, not least the recent calamitous home performances. The statistical truth is that we are sleepwalking in the footsteps of the Adams collapse in confidence in the team and management that defined perhaps the most inexcusable relegation of modern times. This time we have the facts to support the argument.
Returning to the eight game mini-League Championship, survival is perfectly doable. As ever at the top and bottom of Leagues where tensions and desire dictate outcomes rather than form, it is all to play for as the comfort zone of the 50 point target or nine points from the eight games is the achievable target.
All this means the silence from Home Park during the International break has been slightly mystifying. Hopefully, today that will be addressed in advance of the two Easter games. The Adams relegation collapse was accelerated by a lack of unity that became unbearably toxic at Accrington. We must learn lessons from that relegation. We are well placed in the mini-League to survive. What is missing is 'we are all in this together', 'we need you' and we will 'fight, fight fight' to secure our Championship status. For me, that comes from Joe Edwards as club and team captain. We need to believe. We have come so far and we are up against it. Time for us all to stand up and be counted and that should start today.
In the Adams relegation season of 2018-2019 at the 38 game stage we were 15th with 45 points, three points clear of the relegation zone and with a better GD of 6. I only reflect upon those facts because the trauma of the post-Blackpool collapse still haunts me to this day. What haunts me even more is that under Ian Foster we are in severe danger of following the same free fall collapse at the business end of the season.
In James Stables and Alberto Lauciello superlative statistical analysis of 'Fozball' the statistical truth is beyond alarming. For a data driven club there is no sugar coating the reality, not least the recent calamitous home performances. The statistical truth is that we are sleepwalking in the footsteps of the Adams collapse in confidence in the team and management that defined perhaps the most inexcusable relegation of modern times. This time we have the facts to support the argument.
Returning to the eight game mini-League Championship, survival is perfectly doable. As ever at the top and bottom of Leagues where tensions and desire dictate outcomes rather than form, it is all to play for as the comfort zone of the 50 point target or nine points from the eight games is the achievable target.
All this means the silence from Home Park during the International break has been slightly mystifying. Hopefully, today that will be addressed in advance of the two Easter games. The Adams relegation collapse was accelerated by a lack of unity that became unbearably toxic at Accrington. We must learn lessons from that relegation. We are well placed in the mini-League to survive. What is missing is 'we are all in this together', 'we need you' and we will 'fight, fight fight' to secure our Championship status. For me, that comes from Joe Edwards as club and team captain. We need to believe. We have come so far and we are up against it. Time for us all to stand up and be counted and that should start today.
