29 Dec 2007

[BillyStubbsTears]

Ten years ago last night. I was thinking about this on the way home last night

We’d just won three on the bounce over Xmas. Three comfortable, dominating wins. We were on the brink of the best few years in half a century.

A few days before that, I’d been ranting that O’Driscoll had to go. We’d had a shocking start to the season. 11 points from the first ten games, following on from a very poor end to the previous season. Form had picked up over October and November, but the performances were often turgid and devoid of anything resembling structure. And the Yeovil shambles just seemed like an inevitable capitulation.

I’d been convinced that the manager was a charlatan. Amply supported by the Board, he’d put together an expensive squad that was playing as far less than the sum of its parts. I was certain that we were going nowhere with him in charge.

Thank goodness the Board don’t listen to internet gobshites, eh?

And who knows. Maybe history does repeat.

[Bentley Bullet]

........I didn't like to say, like.










 

[Colemans Left Hook]

And earlier that season we had Luton Town v Doncaster Rovers 6th October 2007 (just checked my facts)

that was the last chance saloon match for SOD lose that and he got the sack Rovers took the lead and they got a debatable goal for a 1-1 draw and the rest is history --

[BillyStubbsTears]

BB

Aye. If the club listened to internet gobshites, we’d have dropped Marquis weeks ago.

[Bentley Bullet]

BST

Maybe the club did listen and it was the internet gobshites that caused the improvement in his performances.

[anne honemous]

In the first part of that 2007-08 season we went from one extreme to another, though not in the space of 90 minutes as the team have done this season.

We had some dreadful performances - Plymouth away in the Carling Cup is one which sticks in my mind as we looked so weak, yet four days later we went all the way down to Swansea (who won the league at a canter) and beat them 2-1 - playing some of the best football that we had done in years at that point.

Yet before that Swansea game, we'd been winless in the league thoughout August.

We also played Huddersfield (whatever happened to them?) off the park on Sky Sports, had a cracker of a 4-2 win over Leyton Orient, but capitulated in a couple of other games - Yeovil, as mentioned, and Southend away wasn't very pretty either.

Just goes to show what we know!

[GazLaz]

Fans want to see change/improvement instantly don’t they when in reality it takes time.

I speak to a lot of big hitters from the football betting syndicates, stats/expected goals etc, and they all told me our stats were far superior to our league position and at the same level we had to move up the league. Just shows you not to judge football on results.

[Prez]

The Yeovil was dreadful. I wanted him to go. He was persisting with Mark Wilson in midfield finally dropped him and Green come in for a run in the team.

We never looked back after that.

[since-1969]

BB

Aye. If the club listened to internet gobshites, we’d have dropped Marquis weeks ago.

has he scored yet ?

[besty]

Managers are never given time nowadays,look at Lee Johnson at Bristol City he lost 8 on trot last year and fans wanted rid,sent hate mail etc now look at them,give em time!!!

[BillyStubbsTears]

Fans want to see change/improvement instantly don’t they when in reality it takes time.

I speak to a lot of big hitters from the football betting syndicates, stats/expected goals etc, and they all told me our stats were far superior to our league position and at the same level we had to move up the league. Just shows you not to judge football on results.

Gaz

Interesting. That was the feeling that I’d had for much of the Autumn. That we were more than holding our own in most matches, but a little luck, a little lapse in concentration was costing us dearly.

It tends to even out over a season. On another night, Rochdale might have scored 3 or 4 against us. Or May’s shot would have hit the defender and ballooned over the bar.

From what I’ve seen this year, I’d say that 10th place is a fair reflection of what we are. This side should not be remotely close to being in a relegation scrap. But it’s a bit off being top end contenders.

I’d have taken that back in August.

[BillyStubbsTears]

BB

Aye. If the club listened to internet gobshites, we’d have dropped Marquis weeks ago.

has he scored yet ?

No. Shite isn’t he?

[GazLaz]

Fans want to see change/improvement instantly don’t they when in reality it takes time.

I speak to a lot of big hitters from the football betting syndicates, stats/expected goals etc, and they all told me our stats were far superior to our league position and at the same level we had to move up the league. Just shows you not to judge football on results.

Gaz

Interesting. That was the feeling that I’d had for much of the Autumn. That we were more than holding our own in most matches, but a little luck, a little lapse in concentration was costing us dearly.

It tends to even out over a season. On another night, Rochdale might have scored 3 or 4 against us. Or May’s shot would have hit the defender and ballooned over the bar.

From what I’ve seen this year, I’d say that 10th place is a fair reflection of what we are. This side should not be remotely close to being in a relegation scrap. But it’s a bit off being top end contenders.

I’d have taken that back in August.

Same. It was moments in games where it was going wrong as opposed to it being a full reflection of the games.

[IDM]

BB

Aye. If the club listened to internet gobshites, we’d have dropped Marquis weeks ago.

has he scored yet ?

It's a team game don't forget, this "proper" grown men's football.. 

[IDM]

In the first part of that 2007-08 season we went from one extreme to another, though not in the space of 90 minutes as the team have done this season.

We had some dreadful performances - Plymouth away in the Carling Cup is one which sticks in my mind as we looked so weak, yet four days later we went all the way down to Swansea (who won the league at a canter) and beat them 2-1 - playing some of the best football that we had done in years at that point.

Yet before that Swansea game, we'd been winless in the league thoughout August.

We also played Huddersfield (whatever happened to them?) off the park on Sky Sports, had a cracker of a 4-2 win over Leyton Orient, but capitulated in a couple of other games - Yeovil, as mentioned, and Southend away wasn't very pretty either.

Just goes to show what we know!

With 2 worldies from Wellens, at our end, if I remember..  Shame we had just lost away at Hartlepool..  Racked up a few miles that season!

[Campsall rover]

And in that 2007/08 promotion season we beat Northampton Town on Boxing Day. Is it an omen. Who knows. Unlikely but not impossible.
Seasons with 7/8 are significant or at least the last 2 are.
1997/98 and 2007/08  Both will live long in the memory, one very sad and one very happy. 2017/18 ???

[anne honemous]

In the first part of that 2007-08 season we went from one extreme to another, though not in the space of 90 minutes as the team have done this season.

We had some dreadful performances - Plymouth away in the Carling Cup is one which sticks in my mind as we looked so weak, yet four days later we went all the way down to Swansea (who won the league at a canter) and beat them 2-1 - playing some of the best football that we had done in years at that point.

Yet before that Swansea game, we'd been winless in the league thoughout August.

We also played Huddersfield (whatever happened to them?) off the park on Sky Sports, had a cracker of a 4-2 win over Leyton Orient, but capitulated in a couple of other games - Yeovil, as mentioned, and Southend away wasn't very pretty either.

Just goes to show what we know!

With 2 worldies from Wellens, at our end, if I remember..  Shame we had just lost away at Hartlepool..  Racked up a few miles that season!

Playing in the blue and white hoops, if I remember right.

Another collapse I'd forgot that occurred around the same time - losing 2-0 (and capitulating) in a night game at Northampton.

Compare that to the superb wins and great performances later on in the season at Millwall, Leeds, Tranmere, etc.

[Bentley Bullet]

And in that 2007/08 promotion season we beat Northampton Town on Boxing Day. Is it an omen. Who knows. Unlikely but not impossible.
Seasons with 7/8 are significant or at least the last 2 are.
1997/98 and 2007/08  Both will live long in the memory, one very sad and one very happy. 2017/18 ???

We beat Northampton 1-0 In 1983 and were promoted that season. The game was also played on December 26th! Mmmm!

[DonnyBazR0ver]

Lump on!

[Campsall rover]

And in that 2007/08 promotion season we beat Northampton Town on Boxing Day. Is it an omen. Who knows. Unlikely but not impossible.
Seasons with 7/8 are significant or at least the last 2 are.
1997/98 and 2007/08  Both will live long in the memory, one very sad and one very happy. 2017/18 ???

We beat Northampton 1-0 In 1983 and were promoted that season. The game was also played on December 26th! Mmmm!

I don’t remember that one in 1983.
Its nailed on then, another trip to Wembley. Who do you fancy beating in the final?
Got to be another local club so it’s either Scunthorpe or Bradford.

[RedJ]

Won't happen. But I'd like to beat Rotherham at Wembley.

[Campsall rover]

Won't happen. But I'd like to beat Rotherham at Wembley.

Rotherham won’t finish in top six so that’s why I didn’t mention them. But yes I agree with you RedJ
Love to beat them at Wembley.

[pib]

Can't see history repeating. Getting a bit ahead of ourselves there.

No reason why we still can't have a decent season though.

[1879Rovers]

I remember the turn in our form in 2007/08 coincided with Paul Green becoming a regular starter having been used as a substitute after struggling to find his form.

[Dutch Uncle]

And in that 2007/08 promotion season we beat Northampton Town on Boxing Day. Is it an omen. Who knows. Unlikely but not impossible.
Seasons with 7/8 are significant or at least the last 2 are.
1997/98 and 2007/08  Both will live long in the memory, one very sad and one very happy. 2017/18 ???

We were relegated in 1947-48, 1957-58 and 1987-88 

[Campsall rover]

Can't see history repeating. Getting a bit ahead of ourselves there.

No reason why we still can't have a decent season though.

I agree I know I am getting ahead of myself. But being positive is important. If the Manager, coach and players believe they can make a challenge for the play offs then it can be achieved.
One game at a time of course and we have some tough fixtures coming up, Shrewsbury and Scunthorpe both away in the space of 4 days. Any points gained in those two matches are a bonus.
We need to make the Keepmoat a fortress for the rest of the season.
Two quality additions to the squad in midfield and up front and who knows what can be achieved.

[Campsall rover]

And in that 2007/08 promotion season we beat Northampton Town on Boxing Day. Is it an omen. Who knows. Unlikely but not impossible.
Seasons with 7/8 are significant or at least the last 2 are.
1997/98 and 2007/08  Both will live long in the memory, one very sad and one very happy. 2017/18 ???

We were relegated in 1947-48, 1957-58 and 1987-88 

You could have kept those stats to yourself.
I did say 7/8 was significant. So we have turned the corner in 2007/08 so it will be a promotion year this season.

[Campsall rover]

Only the top 4 have conceded more goals than us this season.
So we all know where we need to improve.

[Dutch Uncle]

And in that 2007/08 promotion season we beat Northampton Town on Boxing Day. Is it an omen. Who knows. Unlikely but not impossible.
Seasons with 7/8 are significant or at least the last 2 are.
1997/98 and 2007/08  Both will live long in the memory, one very sad and one very happy. 2017/18 ???

We were relegated in 1947-48, 1957-58 and 1987-88 

You could have kept those stats to yourself.
I did say 7/8 was significant. So we have turned the corner in 2007/08 so it will be a promotion year this season.

I don’t go too much for omens. A friend of mine had his wedding reception in a marquee, and part of it blew down in a strong gust of wind. He asked me if it was an omen, but I said it was just a poor tent.

[dickos1]

Only the top 4 have conceded more goals than us this season.
So we all know where we need to improve.

Do you mean less mate?

Frostys dad suggested results are the only thing that matters in football.
On the face of it that's correct but if you're consistently playing well and not getting he results you know that at some point this will change.
The first season in the championship being a prime example