I'd rather be asked this question after the transfer window closes, as we don't have all the data, but based on the squad we currently have I went for 7 to 12th. I think 5th to 10th is a more accurate range though. With two or three more good signings, good luck with injuries and suspensions, and a fair wind I think we might sneak into 5th or 6th place. I don't see us winning the play-offs though and automatic promotion does look out of reach. I don't think finishing just outside the play-offs would be such a bad season either, as long as it is a season where we play a coherent style, show some consistency, and signs of building momentum as the season goes on. I can stomach not getting promoted if it looks like we are laying down strong foundations for a proper pop at it next season.
If it's another season of just bumbling around in mid-season with up and down results then that'll be harder to take
I like that we have strong wing backs! Luton had their worldie seasons under NJ when they had James Justin and Jack Stacey. I honestly think the athleticism in the wing backs will propel us!
How can you question where the goals are going to come from when you have Leaburn, Ahadme, Godden, Aneke and Kanu? All got goals in them!
7-12. This squad isn’t good enough at the moment and I still think selling Alfie May was an awful decision and I’m not sure I quite buy that he wasn’t forced out by Jones and Scott.
There's a lot of strong teams in the division this year. We'll fall short, I think. Hopefully though it'll be a bit better than the last few seasons and we'll be a bit more competitive.
I’ve gone 7th to 12th, although we’ll have a better idea at the end of the month when the squad has been finalised. I feel we need a bit more attacking quality in midfield in order to pry open deep-lying teams and I’ve also got doubts about our ability to control games in midfield, as playing a direct, long ball game will not always cut it.
Hopefully we’ll make a couple of high quality additions and unload a few players who are clearly surplus to requirements. When we kicked off at Sunderland five years ago, the squad was a little threadbare but the loan signings of Cullen and Krystian Bielik changed everything.
We do now have a proper manager and decent looking cover across the squad for what will be a gruelling season. We are reasonably well stocked up front, although a lot will depend on the fitness and form of Miles Leaburn and whether Matt Godden can replicate his League 1 scoring feats of the past. I’m also looking forward to seeing what Campbell and the new lad, Dixon can do, as the latter is (subject to work permit) eased into the first team squad.
Although I think we're a couple of quality players short, I also think having a clear system and being well-drilled gets you a long way in this league. Look at the success of Steve Evans at this level. On this front, we're much better off than we've been for a long time. Avoiding injuries is also key, and we seem to bein a better place in that regard too. At the very least, we should see a significant improvement on previous seasons.
Okay I know this is just a bit of fun, but let's be honest, no one anywhere in the country has a clue, do they?
I mean look at the table: apart from Mansfield already champions and poor old Barnsley doomed to relegation, there's not much evidence yet to back up your opinions.
The transfer window is still open and clubs are still building their squads.
But I did hear that NJ was ecstatic that we're unbeaten so far this season
The main recruitment has been much earlier this year and it feels like we have a reasonable squad.
I am particularly impressed with the addition of Greg Doherty.
I compare this to Bowyer's promotion season. We started the season not filling a bench but within a month added Bielik , Cullen and Steer who all made a significant contribution. Even Jamie Ward had his moments but proved injury prone. I would suggest all of those would have passed Nathan's quality test.
Therefore , I would like a couple of quality additions in the last few weeks especially a quality keeper who could give us the boost we need.
Theres a lot of glass half full on here. I understand that feeling but we haven't kicked off the season yet, at least wait until 7.30 Saturday evening before writing another season off.
I think you mean glass half empty?
I did but as per normal my brain and fingers work independently from each other.
Anyway we are 1/46 into the season, unbeaten and no goals against. We are pissing this league.
I’ve gone top two as there isn’t an option for outright league winners
I like jones and I like the look of what we’re doing, I do think we need additions but I’m confident they will come but also, what’s the point of being a football supporter if you can’t have a bit of blind optimism in your team
Close of transfer window and my choice of 13-20 looks about wright, lack of any one who can control midfield and creativity, we sign a striker for a supposed million pounds and he looks next to useless, does he know what a goal. is. Still relying on defenders from last season as well.
Close of transfer window and my choice of 13-20 looks about wright, lack of any one who can control midfield and creativity, we sign a striker for a supposed million pounds and he looks next to useless, does he know what a goal. is. Still relying on defenders from last season as well.
Not sure how you've come to that conclusion already given we've won 3 out of 4, along with 3 clean sheets for a defence with some of last season's players...
I’m sticking with 7th - 12th I opted for originally.
At that time we had seven new signings and I thought we needed at least another 3 quality signings who would be in the first eleven the majority of the games. Whilst winning the first 3 games was encouraging, there are some obvious short comings and I don’t think the subsequent signings of Dixon and Campbell will address those.
I’m sticking with 7th - 12th I opted for originally.
At that time we had seven new signings and I thought we needed at least another 3 quality signings who would be in the first eleven the majority of the games. Whilst winning the first 3 games was encouraging, there are some obvious short comings and I don’t think the subsequent signings of Dixon and Campbell will address those.
Just my opinion.
Mine too, I have seen nothing to suggest we will be strong promotion contenders, still have zero creativity in midfield and a powder puff forward line.
Comments
If it's another season of just bumbling around in mid-season with up and down results then that'll be harder to take
I mean look at the table: apart from Mansfield already champions and poor old Barnsley doomed to relegation, there's not much evidence yet to back up your opinions.
The transfer window is still open and clubs are still building their squads.
But I did hear that NJ was ecstatic that we're unbeaten so far this season
The main recruitment has been much earlier this year and it feels like we have a reasonable squad.
I am particularly impressed with the addition of Greg Doherty.
I compare this to Bowyer's promotion season. We started the season not filling a bench but within a month added Bielik , Cullen and Steer who all made a significant contribution. Even Jamie Ward had his moments but proved injury prone. I would suggest all of those would have passed Nathan's quality test.
Therefore , I would like a couple of quality additions in the last few weeks especially a quality keeper who could give us the boost we need.
I like jones and I like the look of what we’re doing, I do think we need additions but I’m confident they will come but also, what’s the point of being a football supporter if you can’t have a bit of blind optimism in your team
is.
Still relying on defenders from last season as well.
7th to 12th for me 👍🏻