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The EFL Thread

Thing is, he's a promotion manager. Modern day Neil Warnock. Has any of his teams survived in the Prem yet? Correct me if I'm wrong, of course. But how many times do we see teams playing great footy in the Championship, come up, try and play the same way and get absolutely spanked? Especially in the last two seasons given that nobody has stayed up. A totally different approach is required and I don't think it's the worst idea in the world to bring in a different manager.
To be fair, Norwich are a small club and we’re always going to struggle. Happy to be corrected, but I doubt they spent anything like the sort of money needed to stay up.

Leeds are a different kettle of fish. Wealthy owners who I expect to spend big. Farke deserves a decent shot with the right tools.

But either way, the timing is appalling, I’m guessing Leeds fans are fuming.
 
Thing is, he's a promotion manager. Modern day Neil Warnock. Has any of his teams survived in the Prem yet? Correct me if I'm wrong, of course. But how many times do we see teams playing great footy in the Championship, come up, try and play the same way and get absolutely spanked? Especially in the last two seasons given that nobody has stayed up. A totally different approach is required and I don't think it's the worst idea in the world to bring in a different manager.

This.

I'm surprised they kept him after last season when they had a poor start, got themselves in A1 position before bottling both automatic promotion and also the play offs. They had a much better team than Leicester or Ipswich and finished below them both.

This season they're head and shoulders the strongest side in the league and could end up missing out on the title. Leeds have some seriously wealthy backers now and they will spend a lot of money. I think it makes sense for both parties.

The same question needs to be asked of Scott Parker, who got two other teams promoted before looking hopeless and getting sacked. The difference is Burnley are a much smaller club and will hope he bores a load of 1-0's to keep them up. If he gets a tricky set of fixtures he could be gone before the clocks go back 👀
 
This.

I'm surprised they kept him after last season when they had a poor start, got themselves in A1 position before bottling both automatic promotion and also the play offs. They had a much better team than Leicester or Ipswich and finished below them both.

This season they're head and shoulders the strongest side in the league and could end up missing out on the title. Leeds have some seriously wealthy backers now and they will spend a lot of money. I think it makes sense for both parties.

The same question needs to be asked of Scott Parker, who got two other teams promoted before looking hopeless and getting sacked. The difference is Burnley are a much smaller club and will hope he bores a load of 1-0's to keep them up. If he gets a tricky set of fixtures he could be gone before the clocks go back 👀
Nah, Parker is going to Spurs. 🤣
 
Thing is, he's a promotion manager. Modern day Neil Warnock. Has any of his teams survived in the Prem yet? Correct me if I'm wrong, of course. But how many times do we see teams playing great footy in the Championship, come up, try and play the same way and get absolutely spanked? Especially in the last two seasons given that nobody has stayed up. A totally different approach is required and I don't think it's the worst idea in the world to bring in a different manager.

He's only managed another English side which he got promoted twice to the Premier League. Granted they were relegated and then sacked in the 2nd year but I don't think he had much money thrown at him which obviously is what's needed if you want to stay in the league.

Leeds were in free fall after Bielsa. I think he's earned the right to give it a go. It wouldn't surprise me if they went for a big name due to the type of owners they are but he surely deserves a decent pot to spend on player's to try keep them up? They play decent premiership style football so may have a chance. They'll need a good summer, definitely another keeper but it would be good to see how they cope with him in charge.
 
I think Leeds will need to buy and I am still concerned that next season will still be tough with their ability to bottle things. Burnley will go back down as they are weak in depth and I don't rate Parker as a PL manager.
 
I think Leeds will need to buy and I am still concerned that next season will still be tough with their ability to bottle things. Burnley will go back down as they are weak in depth and I don't rate Parker as a PL manager.

Leeds will need at least 4-5 key players. Piroe is way too slow to play up front on his own in that league IMO. Their defence and keeper will also need big upgrades.
 
Good luck to Reading today. One of only two teams we didn't beat this season.(The other one was Northampton who, like Reading, we drew with twice)

Hope Reading make the play-offs for their fans. Having been through a very similar situation with my Club I know how much some good news on the pitch can mean.
 
Good luck to Reading today. One of only two teams we didn't beat this season.(The other one was Northampton who, like Reading, we drew with twice)

Hope Reading make the play-offs for their fans. Having been through a very similar situation with my Club I know how much some good news on the pitch can mean.
Looks like it has been made easier for the EFL to chuck them out
 
We fell short with a terrible performance but the lack of quality cost us. Well beaten at home by two mid table teams in the last few weeks and we miss out on the play offs by 3 points.

A bit gutted as 75 points would usually be enough but we've thrown away so many silly points we don't deserve it. The reality is we've got 5-6 Championship level players and the rest are League Two level or academy players.

The most important thing is the sale has gone through and we've got a new owner who will invest wisely and rebuild us. For the first time in 6 years we'll have no transfer embargo. Big summer ahead and a title challenge has to be the goal. I know today was a big game but it was great to see the stadium sold out for the first time in 2 years.
 
O.M.G!!! What a day. It looked like it wasn't going to happen but to get a goal with 30 seconds to go but absolutely madness. Atmosphere was unreal all day. Players were hammered last night but well deserved.

Really pleased for you, especially with it being 40 years since that horrific fire. Always had a soft spot for Bradford after the two FA Cup games in 2015.

Looking forward to coming up next season to tick a new ground off!
 
Good luck to Reading today. One of only two teams we didn't beat this season.(The other one was Northampton who, like Reading, we drew with twice)

Hope Reading make the play-offs for their fans. Having been through a very similar situation with my Club I know how much some good news on the pitch can mean.

Appreciate your comments, true football fan. At least we did our bit to try and hold onto the EFL record!
 
That's where my team have genuinely impressed me.

Three weeks ago we lost the Vertu Trophy Final and as we had secured the League title the day before that I wondered if our performance that day was indicative of them being on the beach.

Since that weekend we have played six more league games including four away and have won five , drawn one.

Seems I need not have been concerned about them developing a big time Charlie attitude.

Great to read the news yesterday about your takeover being sorted, must be a massive relief after everything else.

Good luck next season.
 
That's where my team have genuinely impressed me.

Three weeks ago we lost the Vertu Trophy Final and as we had secured the League title the day before that I wondered if our performance that day was indicative of them being on the beach.

Since that weekend we have played six more league games including four away and have won five , drawn one.

Seems I need not have been concerned about them developing a big time Charlie attitude.

Great to read the news yesterday about your takeover being sorted, must be a massive relief after everything else.

Good luck next season.

I think once you had the league sussed and a settled team, you've been on another level. Losing to Peterborough also probably hurt and gave you the fire to carry on winning games.

I did have concerns about such an inexperienced manager and the problems of fitting together so many expensive players but he's done a great job. All it would've taken was a slow start and the pressure would've been immense.

It'll be interesting to see what your recruitment is like this summer. Looking the low points total for the play offs this season in the Championship, you've got a great chance of making the top 6.

I've no idea if he's available but I'd love Alife May at Reading next season.
 
Ultimately a shame for Reading to have that performance in front of a big crowd but at least the future is beginning to become clearer. Will you be allowed a free reign in the transfer window or is there still an embargo
 
Ultimately a shame for Reading to have that performance in front of a big crowd but at least the future is beginning to become clearer. Will you be allowed a free reign in the transfer window or is there still an embargo

It was a real shame and I think announcing the takeover before the game was a mistake as the focus shifted. That said it was a great day overall and fair play to Orient who won the last 6.

We've just released the accounts for last season so the ban should be lifted. I don't expect us to flash the cash as we've got a great scouting network and there's a lot of very good free transfers about. If we could make a couple of key signings for a few million on top I'd be pleased. The main thing is to build the club back up properly and not rush it with huge risks.

One of the positives of Yongge stepping back is the club has essentially been run by proper football people for the past 2 years below the CEO level and a lot of rebuilding has taken place organically because we had no choice. Our window in 2023 saved the club as we made 6 free transfers and every one has been a huge success.

Sam Smith - Scored plenty of goals and was sold for £2m in January
Harvey Knibbs - Averages 20 goals/assists combined and worth £2-3m
Tyler Bindon - Amazing talent and too good for us. Already sold to Forest in January for £500k as he was out of contract this summer
Lewis Wing - By far the best central midfielder we've had since Sidwell and amazing he's not playing at a higher level
Charlie Savage - Fantastic player who hasn't moaned or showed any ego. Great engine, box to box and great left foot
Joel Pereira - Ex Man Utd and never really settled anywhere but he's been unbelievable since coming in last season

Last summer we were under really tight restrictions and couldn't even sign anyone, it was loan signings once someone was sold basically. If we can recruit in a similar way, we'll do alright.
 
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