Those devoted to these columns may recall that within an Article called “Not just concentrating on ourselves" I invited speculation on the above.
Although participation was confined to a select group, success was evenly spread. Unfortunately, none of saw anything but the crown for our team.
The number of points required for promotion was the first question and PDXMickyB was on the spot with 78.
As for the number of points Rovers would get, Nookie and I said 85; others were more optimistic.
As for the other promotees only BVZ got all 3.
I cannot help noting that neither of the real gambling men, Hound and Lanza, were nervous about their money in March when the contest was floated. At that point we had 72, Plymouth had 68, and Portsmouth 59.
So, whilst we were not overly ambitious about the Rovers we rather underestimated the rest, Portsmouth in particular. If it could not be us, I’d rather it be them than any of the others.
When around 10 months from now we are leading League 1 expecting to secure that Championship, we can do this again!
Results of Promotion Prediction
posted on 15/5/17
Hmmm, i had forgotten about that Don.
To comment, for me, i was not underestimating the quality of the other two sides, more that i was probably over estimating the ability of DF to get us over the title winning line.
Never in a month of Sundays did i think we would suffer the end of season collapse that the Rovers have made a habit of.
It would be interesting to see where we all think Rovers will finish next season but to wait until players have come and gone before predicting.
Maybe just before the new season kicks off would be a good time to do it.
I actually have a back to back promotion bet which i took out before Christmas, going up via the play offs is included for next season.
Will i collect on it?
posted on 15/5/17
Just heard on the grapevine that DF is interested in signing Alistair Brownlee............in case he needs help getting over the finishing line next season.
posted on 15/5/17
Hope you collect hound.
Being realistic b 4 we get to know who is joining our elite club I hope it is a season where we are looking at a play off place rather than fearing relegation.
We have to start with a clean sheet in our heads rather consider our "normal"end os season debacle.
posted on 15/5/17
I just hope he sorts out the defence. Some of the games we lost due to pathetic defending was nothing short of scandalous.
posted on 15/5/17
3rd place must have deeply disappointed DF when his first championship was there for the taking and surely the players feel that they let him down. Letting down the boss who has brought the best out of you for the previous 8 months must make them feel far worse than we feel. They have to face him every day.
It will not have done a great deal for their morale either, adding to his problems. So he has the task too to pull them around from that.
He may not have said in so many words, but he was right to show those who coasted through the last few games "the door" because he needs a good deal more energy in some positions. For example, when Alfie May came on as a sub he chased and harried, but sadly I saw little of this from most of the other substitutes in those final dozen games. The collapse at the end probably revealed crucial information about the true character of some of those who he may have been unsure of.
So we have to face the fact that whilst losing in the play-offs is worse, this is not the best spring-board for 2017/18.
Am I being over-pessimistic?
posted on 15/5/17
No Don you're not
I also hope my gutt feeling re Alfie May is wrong.
Maybe a different style to accommodate him?
I do hope I am wrong
posted on 16/5/17
Could be a blessing in disguise. After the collapse at the end of the season and Fergie not winning his first trophy, he may well bring in 2/3 (extra) more players. Especially after he put his trust in some of them and they let him down. Big style.
posted on 13/9/17
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