Championship - 22-23

[Mercer]

No worries for me - we are going up through the play-offs.

I fear no other team.

In the main since the World Cup, we've shown we can mix it with 'the best of the rest'.

No doubt about it, JDT has learnt from some earlier season 'woes'.  We don't p1ss about with the ball at the back as much and our play is more varied as evidenced by some of our direct attacks.

Signs are that BBD is 'coming back', Dack has to come back whilst JRC, Carter, Szmodics and Dolan have made big steps forward in their performances.  Thomas whilst not setting the league alight has given us a different dimension.

The Cup quarter was a sickener and it's taken some getting over, however, in my mind, barring a spate of bad injuries, we are a certainty to go up.  You can get Rovers at 11/1 to be promoted and they are generous odds - good money to be made!

 

Edited March 20, 2023 by Mercer

[Guest]

Not being funny Merce, but I think it would be an absolute catastrophe for Rovers to be promoted this season, from a footballing perspective. It might carry a sweetener in terms of the financial rewards, but it would be unlikely to be an extended stay at the pinnacle, and there is something very disheartening about trudging back up Livesey Branch Rd week in week out with the guts torn out of you...

Not saying it won't happen, mind - look how teams like Brighton, Brentford and Wolves have consolidated their positions recently, but I do feel it would be more likely to end in a death spiral more akin to Forest for us.. Having said that, there were plenty (including me) who expected Rovers to have dropped away to mid table obscurity by this stage, given our inability to sign new blood in recent windows. So anything is possible.. 11 to 1 odds eh...?

I'll be happy if we can extend the season in some meaningful way via the playoffs, but I'm not quite ready to bet the farm on promotion to the killing fields. Good luck with your bet!

COYB!

[wilsdenrover]

1 hour ago, Mercer said:

No worries for me - we are going up through the play-offs.

I fear no other team.

In the main since the World Cup, we've shown we can mix it with 'the best of the rest'.

No doubt about it, JDT has learnt from some earlier season 'woes'.  We don't p1ss about with the ball at the back as much and our play is more varied as evidenced by some of our direct attacks.

Signs are that BBD is 'coming back', Dack has to come back whilst JRC, Carter, Szmodics and Dolan have made big steps forward in their performances.  Thomas whilst not setting the league alight has given us a different dimension.

The Cup quarter was a sickener and it's taken some getting over, however, in my mind, barring a spate of bad injuries, we are a certainty to go up.  You can get Rovers at 11/1 to be promoted and they are generous odds - good money to be made!

 

I hope you’ve not jinxed us!

[Hasta]

In order to thank their travelling support, Norwich players are subsiding their fans match tickets for Ewood on Good Friday. Away tickets between £1 to £10.

I sense they see this as a key game.

https://www.canaries.co.uk/content/blackburn-rovers-tickets-on-sale-at-subsidised-rate

[Mercer]

1 hour ago, Shirley Crabtree Wrestler said:

Not being funny Merce, but I think it would be an absolute catastrophe for Rovers to be promoted this season, from a footballing perspective. It might carry a sweetener in terms of the financial rewards, but it would be unlikely to be an extended stay at the pinnacle, and there is something very disheartening about trudging back up Livesey Branch Rd week in week out with the guts torn out of you...

Not saying it won't happen, mind - look how teams like Brighton, Brentford and Wolves have consolidated their positions recently, but I do feel it would be more likely to end in a death spiral more akin to Forest for us.. Having said that, there were plenty (including me) who expected Rovers to have dropped away to mid table obscurity by this stage, given our inability to sign new blood in recent windows. So anything is possible.. 11 to 1 odds eh...?

I'll be happy if we can extend the season in some meaningful way via the playoffs, but I'm not quite ready to bet the farm on promotion to the killing fields. Good luck with your bet!

COYB!

Any team promoted is going to find it difficult as Burnley's Cup thrashing at City showed - and Burnley are miles ahead of any other Championship club.

We might well find life very tough in the PL and come straight back down, however, the chance to sort out the club's finances would be immense and parachute payments would give us a great chance to bounce straight back.

What is the alternative?  You can't plan to go up next season or the season after as it might not happen!

Grab it by the b@lls and see where it takes us.

46 minutes ago, wilsdenrover said:

I hope you’ve not jinxed us!

Too much 'can't do', 'can't be arsed' has plagued us and held us back.  We need huge doses of positivity and a CAN DO attitude.

[Ossydave]

45 minutes ago, Hasta said:

In order to thank their travelling support, Norwich players are subsiding their fans match tickets for Ewood on Good Friday. Away tickets between £1 to £10.

I sense they see this as a key game.

https://www.canaries.co.uk/content/blackburn-rovers-tickets-on-sale-at-subsidised-rate

Should be 4k Canaries there then, would be nice to hit the dizzy heights of a 20k crowd again 😏

[philipl]

1 hour ago, Shirley Crabtree Wrestler said:

Not being funny Merce, but I think it would be an absolute catastrophe for Rovers to be promoted this season, from a footballing perspective. It might carry a sweetener in terms of the financial rewards, but it would be unlikely to be an extended stay at the pinnacle, and there is something very disheartening about trudging back up Livesey Branch Rd week in week out with the guts torn out of you...

Not saying it won't happen, mind - look how teams like Brighton, Brentford and Wolves have consolidated their positions recently, but I do feel it would be more likely to end in a death spiral more akin to Forest for us.. Having said that, there were plenty (including me) who expected Rovers to have dropped away to mid table obscurity by this stage, given our inability to sign new blood in recent windows. So anything is possible.. 11 to 1 odds eh...?

I'll be happy if we can extend the season in some meaningful way via the playoffs, but I'm not quite ready to bet the farm on promotion to the killing fields. Good luck with your bet!

COYB!

Totally disagree, sorry.

Clubs going up without parachute payments have a good track record of staying up if the owners are willing to put a good chunk of the Premier League dosh into player recruitment and the player recruitment team and football management are up to scratch.

 

[DeeCee]

8 minutes ago, philipl said:

Totally disagree, sorry.

Clubs going up without parachute payments have a good track record of staying up if the owners are willing to put a good chunk of the Premier League dosh into player recruitment and the player recruitment team and football management are up to scratch.

 

"Cough"

[jim mk2]

2 hours ago, Shirley Crabtree Wrestler said:

Not being funny Merce, but I think it would be an absolute catastrophe for Rovers to be promoted this season, from a footballing perspective. It might carry a sweetener in terms of the financial rewards, but it would be unlikely to be an extended stay at the pinnacle, and there is something very disheartening about trudging back up Livesey Branch Rd week in week out with the guts torn out of you...

Not saying it won't happen, mind - look how teams like Brighton, Brentford and Wolves have consolidated their positions recently, but I do feel it would be more likely to end in a death spiral more akin to Forest for us.. Having said that, there were plenty (including me) who expected Rovers to have dropped away to mid table obscurity by this stage, given our inability to sign new blood in recent windows. So anything is possible.. 11 to 1 odds eh...?

I'll be happy if we can extend the season in some meaningful way via the playoffs, but I'm not quite ready to bet the farm on promotion to the killing fields. Good luck with your bet!

COYB!

 

We can't keep waiting until we're "ready" for the PL. If the chance is there, you have to go for it and see what happens. 

Yes, it will be tough and we'll struggle but top-class sport is hard. A West Brom-supporting friend prefers to be at the top of the Championship instead of labouring in the PL basement because he likes seeing his team win more often

Is that what it's really all about? 

[Mike E]

1 hour ago, Hasta said:

In order to thank their travelling support, Norwich players are subsiding their fans match tickets for Ewood on Good Friday. Away tickets between £1 to £10.

I sense they see this as a key game.

https://www.canaries.co.uk/content/blackburn-rovers-tickets-on-sale-at-subsidised-rate

Sounds 'cheep'...

[roversfan99]

It can never be a "catastrophe" to get promoted at any point. Any promoted side will be up against the odds to stay up regardless of when that is. Promotion will allow us to strengthen so worst case scenario, we come back down with a stronger team compared to now. It breaks that psychological barrier, it improves our ability to attract players and staff, it will likely give us a big chance to expand our regular going fan base. We no longer would be a side that has been in the wilderness for over a decade. Tens of millions of pounds will also be generated, but the benefits go beyond that.

In the grand scheme of things, whether it is this season, next season or the season after, the calibre of our team is unlikely to be much different relative to the Premier League.

[BRFC4EVA]

Has anyone had a little peak at the next round of fixtures straight after the international week? What a stonking round.

Small matter of Pne vs Blackpool, Cardiff v Swansea and Luton vs Watford.

Then to add to that Sheff U are at Norwich and millwall play WBA! 

Only really ourselves and Boro who play against teams outside of the promotion dogfight! They all can't win, so if we win we could be well clear of the chasing pack!

Edited March 20, 2023 by BRFC4EVA

[rigger]

9 minutes ago, Mike E said:

Sounds 'cheep'...

It's a feather in their cap.

[booth]

3 hours ago, Shirley Crabtree Wrestler said:

Not being funny Merce, but I think it would be an absolute catastrophe for Rovers to be promoted this season, from a footballing perspective. It might carry a sweetener in terms of the financial rewards, but it would be unlikely to be an extended stay at the pinnacle, and there is something very disheartening about trudging back up Livesey Branch Rd week in week out with the guts torn out of you...

Not saying it won't happen, mind - look how teams like Brighton, Brentford and Wolves have consolidated their positions recently, but I do feel it would be more likely to end in a death spiral more akin to Forest for us.. Having said that, there were plenty (including me) who expected Rovers to have dropped away to mid table obscurity by this stage, given our inability to sign new blood in recent windows. So anything is possible.. 11 to 1 odds eh...?

I'll be happy if we can extend the season in some meaningful way via the playoffs, but I'm not quite ready to bet the farm on promotion to the killing fields. Good luck with your bet!

COYB!

What's the club debt stand at, 160m?

I'd take a bad season in the PL to set the club up financially for the foreseeable.

[longsiders1882]

2 hours ago, Mercer said:

You can't plan to go up next season or the season after as it might not happen!

Here in peace. All things are possible, but happen less and less.

Edited March 20, 2023 by longsiders1882

[Mattyblue]

That’s nice for you.

[den]

4 hours ago, Mercer said:

No worries for me - we are going up through the play-offs.

I fear no other team.

In the main since the World Cup, we've shown we can mix it with 'the best of the rest'.

No doubt about it, JDT has learnt from some earlier season 'woes'.  We don't p1ss about with the ball at the back as much and our play is more varied as evidenced by some of our direct attacks.

Signs are that BBD is 'coming back', Dack has to come back whilst JRC, Carter, Szmodics and Dolan have made big steps forward in their performances.  Thomas whilst not setting the league alight has given us a different dimension.

The Cup quarter was a sickener and it's taken some getting over, however, in my mind, barring a spate of bad injuries, we are a certainty to go up.  You can get Rovers at 11/1 to be promoted and they are generous odds - good money to be made!

 

I don’t see any place for Dack in this side, playing this way Mercer.

[AllRoverAsia]

Wow, that was a close call. I thought I was in Dingle land.

[wilsdenrover]

18 minutes ago, den said:

I don’t see any place for Dack in this side, playing this way Mercer.

Not even from the bench?

[den]

28 minutes ago, wilsdenrover said:

Not even from the bench?

I just mean currently in the starting 11. Dack would not be quick enough for the way we’re currently playing.

[Exiled_Rover]

3 hours ago, BRFC4EVA said:

Has anyone had a little peak at the next round of fixtures straight after the international week? What a stonking round.

Small matter of Pne vs Blackpool, Cardiff v Swansea and Luton vs Watford.

Then to add to that Sheff U are at Norwich and millwall play WBA! 

Only really ourselves and Boro who play against teams outside of the promotion dogfight! They all can't win, so if we win we could be well clear of the chasing pack!

If we beat Birmingham we give ourselves a 7 point gap to 7th - that's massive psychologically. 

[Exiled_Rover]

2 hours ago, booth said:

What's the club debt stand at, 160m?

I'd take a bad season in the PL to set the club up financially for the foreseeable.

Imagine if we were promoted via the Playoffs and they sold us to competent owners... the stuff dreams are made of. 

[R0verb0y]

6 hours ago, Shirley Crabtree Wrestler said:

Not being funny Merce, but I think it would be an absolute catastrophe for Rovers to be promoted this season, from a footballing perspective. It might carry a sweetener in terms of the financial rewards, but it would be unlikely to be an extended stay at the pinnacle, and there is something very disheartening about trudging back up Livesey Branch Rd week in week out with the guts torn out of you...

Not saying it won't happen, mind - look how teams like Brighton, Brentford and Wolves have consolidated their positions recently, but I do feel it would be more likely to end in a death spiral more akin to Forest for us.. Having said that, there were plenty (including me) who expected Rovers to have dropped away to mid table obscurity by this stage, given our inability to sign new blood in recent windows. So anything is possible.. 11 to 1 odds eh...?

I'll be happy if we can extend the season in some meaningful way via the playoffs, but I'm not quite ready to bet the farm on promotion to the killing fields. Good luck with your bet!

COYB!

Yes, I know - and get - what you're saying @Shirley Crabtree Wrestlerand , if we were to go up this season, I think we'd do extremely well not to come straight back down.

However, and fwiw, I don't think it would be a total disaster to come back down after a season, so long as we spent wisely - a bit like that club the far side of Accrington, which was founded in the year we competed in our first FA Cup Final.

It took Dyche at least three seasons from their promotion to the Premier League to establish a presence therein. If Gregg and JDT can attract players of sufficient quality in the years to come, who's to say that Lancashire's Most Historic Football Club couldn't return to our rightful home on the basis of their work augmenting the Brockhall production line?

Edited March 21, 2023 by R0verb0y

[Ossydave]

It wouldn't be a disaster at all to go up even for a season, ultimately all it boils down to is money and we could do with some. You can absolutely guarantee season ticket sales would shoot up regardless, there'd then be the challenge of keeping them all if we went down of course but as we saw on Sunday, there's a nicer vibe amongst supporters to say 12 months ago. If we fail with promotion this season I think we'll have come pretty close and the obvious move then is to offer a free season ticket in the PL to existing ST holders should we fare better next season. I think Burnley did similar a few seasons ago?

[arbitro]

6 hours ago, Exiled_Rover said:

Imagine if we were promoted via the Playoffs and they sold us to competent owners... the stuff dreams are made of. 

U-fucking-topia.