So what about Rotherham?

[selby]

  That game last night was a massive visual turn around in the prospects of the two clubs, Rotherham are a shadow of the team they were at this juncture last season,nowhere near as powerful or fast as they were last season, and we are a different kettle of fish altogether, more savvy, athletic, skillful, and unrecognisable in the striker department, who actually move and make runs, and win the odd ariel battle.
  It will not be easy, but I think we have the makings of a good side who are capable of scoring goals and will do alright, a top half team who could well push for promotion.
  Rotherham I can only see struggling at the bottom end of the Championship, the interest only being will they retain their manager this time out, and who would be willing to pick up the reigns if he did go.
  If they do go down again it will be a lot harder to resurrect another promotion push for them the next time in Division1.
   

[Grumps]

  That game last night was a massive visual turn around in the prospects of the two clubs, Rotherham are a shadow of the team they were at this juncture last season,nowhere near as powerful or fast as they were last season, and we are a different kettle of fish altogether, more savvy, athletic, skillful, and unrecognisable in the striker department, who actually move and make runs, and win the odd ariel battle.
  It will not be easy, but I think we have the makings of a good side who are capable of scoring goals and will do alright, a top half team who could well push for promotion.
  Rotherham I can only see struggling at the bottom end of the Championship, the interest only being will they retain their manager this time out, and who would be willing to pick up the reigns if he did go.
  If they do go down again it will be a lot harder to resurrect another promotion push for them the next time in Division1.
 

Crikey Selby, all that from a pre season friendly, played for 75 mins (watch never stopped throughout including drink breaks and injuries) and in record breaking heat.  Not to mention with Donny fielding 3 (was it 4?) Trialists and the Millers missing Eaves, Ferguson, Bramall, McCart and Warne stating that the club will bring in 4, probably 5 new additions before the window closes 31 Aug.

You've got one heck of an insightful brain buddy.  Either that, or you've just written what you WANT to happen.   

Ps, it is still July and you've already got us down as playing each other again next season!  You may be surprised how this season pans out.  Who knows.  Certainly not me. 

Pps, as lethargic as we were last night, we didnt lose.  And, like you, havent all pre season.

[Barmby Rover]

Fair enough comment, pre season friendlies tell you nothing about the season, vey often what happens is what the team coaches agree to let happen in the game.

[selby]

  Grumps, I wouldn't be surprised if they get relegated with near the lowest number of points accumulated in a championship season.
  The standard of play in the Championship is above what it was the last time you played at that level just the other season, and your side is not as good as that side was, you cannot compete at that level with the other clubs financially, and your best players have left the club to carry on a career in division 1 where they are comfortable at that level. 
  Last season we were completely out played and embarrassed at the gulf between the two teams and the players that have departed your club mean it is no longer the same team, last night we looked sharper and more skillful for long periods of the game, and also matched your physicality, plus your game plan seems to be exactly the same, with lesser players in vital positions now they have gone.
  What did you see, or hope to see that I didn't, as for us meeting again next season promotion for us is the more outside chance than your relegation I will admit that, but on that showing you are in for a long hard season.
  That's what I think, after watching the game last night, whats your real thoughts? not what you are hoping for.

[jmt23]

Its not about the results, its about performance - we are as short as you Grumps, with both signings and injuries.

Listen to your managers interview, he is as down as you will find a manager in pre season, there is no glimmer of light in the picture he paints. You are way off any form, you looked mid table league 1 standard. Last season you were very good and I would have thought had more than a good chance of survival in the level above.

Warne is only hopeful of two players before the season starts, and if you have long term injuries like we had/have, I think you will be in for a very miserable season, albeit at a much higher level than us.

Good luck for the season ahead.

[DonnyBazR0ver]

But hey, they got there and deserve the right to compete. Better to have low expectations and surprise people.

That's exactly what we did and they might make it stick this time. Of course you need a bit of luck, particularly with injuries.

[Colemans Left Hook]

you will all be pleased to know (perhaps not ) that i have with the above match imminent finally

crossed the "t"'s and dotted the "i"'s on the will Rotherham  implode thread

Naturally i have no idea about Saturdays (i meant the Rotherham match  )match after both teams have made "Clapham Junction" style changes

but their  "land of the giants theme"  as in tall stories  remains   

https://www.drfc-vsc.co.uk/index.php?topic=284248.0

[selby]

  They will not get goals like their first one last night in the championship, in fact they like us when we got up are more than likely to be treated rather shoddily when it comes to getting decisions against the bigger clubs in that division.

[Campsall rover]

Dickos wasn’t comparing to last season I was comparing to the better sides we’ve had. But without good fullbacks we will not see the best from this side.
We also need to ensure we sign the Trialists that have played Maxwell Hurst and Tomlin as they have contributed to the good preseason.
Before we all get carried away Bradford our first game beat Sunderland last night 2. 0

That means very little.
So if we lose to Bradford in the 1st game does that mean we are not good enough to get promotion?
There will be another 45 games to play. It’s how many points we get over 46 games that counts.
Bradford will be strong this season and I will not be concerned if we get beaten. If we lose by 3 or more then that won’t be great obviously.
Any way having said that there is absolutely no reason why we can’t go there and win.   

[Colemans Left Hook]

  They will not get goals like their first one last night in the championship, in fact they like us when we got up are more than likely to be treated rather shoddily when it comes to getting decisions against the bigger clubs in that division.

Selby i wondered what you were on about when i read your post i didn't even realise the match had been played 

[jmt23]

Was their second off side?

[steve@dcfd]

Mitchell was held arms round him then shoved to the floor leaving the goal scorer with free header. Ref and linesman did nothing

Looking at the video the centre forward in the middle looks to be off side but hard to tell with camera on centre line

[DonnyBazR0ver]

Mitchell was held arms round him then shoved to the floor leaving the goal scorer with free header. Ref and linesman did nothing

Looking at the video the centre forward in the middle looks to be off side but hard to tell with camera on centre line

Yep, just seen it. Had he blocked using shoulder then debatable but to forceably restrain the keeper with your hands is against the rules.

Couple of well worked and well taken goals there and should have been more really judging by that.

[colincramb]

  They will not get goals like their first one last night in the championship, in fact they like us when we got up are more than likely to be treated rather shoddily when it comes to getting decisions against the bigger clubs in that division.

Not sure how you’ve come to so many conclusions about a team through just one, half baked friendly. They very much well might go down, but each season they’ve been up there, which is a lot more than us in recent seasons I might add, they’ve fought valiantly.

Bit of a daft assessment of them really, given the gulf that now exists between us and them

[Grumps]

  Grumps, I wouldn't be surprised if they get relegated with near the lowest number of points accumulated in a championship season.
  The standard of play in the Championship is above what it was the last time you played at that level just the other season, and your side is not as good as that side was, you cannot compete at that level with the other clubs financially, and your best players have left the club to carry on a career in division 1 where they are comfortable at that level. 
  Last season we were completely out played and embarrassed at the gulf between the two teams and the players that have departed your club mean it is no longer the same team, last night we looked sharper and more skillful for long periods of the game, and also matched your physicality, plus your game plan seems to be exactly the same, with lesser players in vital positions now they have gone.
  What did you see, or hope to see that I didn't, as for us meeting again next season promotion for us is the more outside chance than your relegation I will admit that, but on that showing you are in for a long hard season.
  That's what I think, after watching the game last night, whats your real thoughts? not what you are hoping for.

Having witnessed the lowest ever Championship points total (yes we hold that accolade - thanks Alan Stubbs) I can guarantee you that this squad, and this manager and coaching unit, are light years ahead of that one, so I'd be gob smacked if that were to happen (touch wood).

Our biggest strength is far and away the midfield:  Dan Barlaser, Ben Wiles, Ollie Rathbone, Jamie Lindsay, Chieo Ogbene and Shane Ferguson are ridiculously good footballers.  The fact that wasn't evident last night in a pre season friendly doesn't alter that fact.  You cannot seriously believe that Ogbene plays like that week in, week out?  Rathbone looked ill (he may actually be), but Wiles and Barlaser were just coasting through the game and looked for all the world like they didn't want to get injured.  Only Jamie Lindsay put a shift in.  In fact I think the game changed significantly when he and Washington (who, whilst not being an out and out goal scorer is a very good player).

The biggest issue last night was that Georgie Kelly was asked, in the absence of any alternative, to "lead the line".  Despite his physical appearance this is absolutely the last thing he is capable of doing.  He's a goal poacher (he scored) who comes alive in the box.  Outside the box and in general play he's way off it.  He'll openly admit that.  If you'll forgive a Millers comparison he's much more Adam Le Fondre than he is Alan Lee.  Despite having the physical attributes of Lee.

As stated, look how different it looked when Washington (half the size of Kelly) came on and suddenly the ball was sticking up top.
Tom Eaves will be the focal point, with Washington, Kelly plus A N Other playing off him.

I remember years ago we gave Everton the run around in a pre season fixture at Millmoor.  It was before the Premier League, so in those days the top flight clubs would send their first team squad.  We gave them a footballing lesson.  I was as giddy as a kipper for the up coming season.  We got relegated!

It's absolute folly to make predictions based upon a pre season friendly.  Sheff Utd lost last night to League 2 opposition and I'll be amazed if they don't make the play offs.

I've no axe to grind with Donny.  None at all beyond that of being a local rival.  I worked there for a couple of years in the mid 90s (Colonnades, Duke Street).  I made many great friends (still remain friends).  But, as a result of that job I became aware that some Donny fans absolutely despise us (I never knew that before, and it really isn't reciprocated - all our hate is towards SWFC).  Even some lads who became genuine friends would/do tell me that they hate the club I support.

So, let's see what the respective squads are on 1st September and take it from there.  Better still let's hope we meet in the FA Cup 3rd round and then we can have a proper match :-)

My gut feeling, and obviously my hope, is that we won't be playing each other in 23/24.  I'd have no issue with Donny going up, but it's time we made a fist of establishing in the Champ.  We shall see.

[scawsby steve]

  Grumps, I wouldn't be surprised if they get relegated with near the lowest number of points accumulated in a championship season.
  The standard of play in the Championship is above what it was the last time you played at that level just the other season, and your side is not as good as that side was, you cannot compete at that level with the other clubs financially, and your best players have left the club to carry on a career in division 1 where they are comfortable at that level. 
  Last season we were completely out played and embarrassed at the gulf between the two teams and the players that have departed your club mean it is no longer the same team, last night we looked sharper and more skillful for long periods of the game, and also matched your physicality, plus your game plan seems to be exactly the same, with lesser players in vital positions now they have gone.
  What did you see, or hope to see that I didn't, as for us meeting again next season promotion for us is the more outside chance than your relegation I will admit that, but on that showing you are in for a long hard season.
  That's what I think, after watching the game last night, whats your real thoughts? not what you are hoping for.

Having witnessed the lowest ever Championship points total (yes we hold that accolade - thanks Alan Stubbs) I can guarantee you that this squad, and this manager and coaching unit, are light years ahead of that one, so I'd be gob smacked if that were to happen (touch wood).

Our biggest strength is far and away the midfield:  Dan Barlaser, Ben Wiles, Ollie Rathbone, Jamie Lindsay, Chieo Ogbene and Shane Ferguson are ridiculously good footballers.  The fact that wasn't evident last night in a pre season friendly doesn't alter that fact.  You cannot seriously believe that Ogbene plays like that week in, week out?  Rathbone looked ill (he may actually be), but Wiles and Barlaser were just coasting through the game and looked for all the world like they didn't want to get injured.  Only Jamie Lindsay put a shift in.  In fact I think the game changed significantly when he and Washington (who, whilst not being an out and out goal scorer is a very good player).

The biggest issue last night was that Georgie Kelly was asked, in the absence of any alternative, to "lead the line".  Despite his physical appearance this is absolutely the last thing he is capable of doing.  He's a goal poacher (he scored) who comes alive in the box.  Outside the box and in general play he's way off it.  He'll openly admit that.  If you'll forgive a Millers comparison he's much more Adam Le Fondre than he is Alan Lee.  Despite having the physical attributes of Lee.

As stated, look how different it looked when Washington (half the size of Kelly) came on and suddenly the ball was sticking up top.
Tom Eaves will be the focal point, with Washington, Kelly plus A N Other playing off him.

I remember years ago we gave Everton the run around in a pre season fixture at Millmoor.  It was before the Premier League, so in those days the top flight clubs would send their first team squad.  We gave them a footballing lesson.  I was as giddy as a kipper for the up coming season.  We got relegated!

It's absolute folly to make predictions based upon a pre season friendly.  Sheff Utd lost last night to League 2 opposition and I'll be amazed if they don't make the play offs.

I've no axe to grind with Donny.  None at all beyond that of being a local rival.  I worked there for a couple of years in the mid 90s (Colonnades, Duke Street).  I made many great friends (still remain friends).  But, as a result of that job I became aware that some Donny fans absolutely despise us (I never knew that before, and it really isn't reciprocated - all our hate is towards SWFC).  Even some lads who became genuine friends would/do tell me that they hate the club I support.

So, let's see what the respective squads are on 1st September and take it from there.  Better still let's hope we meet in the FA Cup 3rd round and then we can have a proper match :-)

My gut feeling, and obviously my hope, is that we won't be playing each other in 23/24.  I'd have no issue with Donny going up, but it's time we made a fist of establishing in the Champ.  We shall see.

Very fair and well written post, Grumps.

Good luck for next season.

[scawsby steve]

Any idea who the ref is? Looks to have FIFA and Premier League badges on his shirt but been no better than the usual dross we get served up week after week.

Andy Madley

Sure it wasn’t him Dutch.

Are you thinking of his brother, Bobby Madley, Camps? He's refereed us before.

[Grumps]

  Grumps, I wouldn't be surprised if they get relegated with near the lowest number of points accumulated in a championship season.
  The standard of play in the Championship is above what it was the last time you played at that level just the other season, and your side is not as good as that side was, you cannot compete at that level with the other clubs financially, and your best players have left the club to carry on a career in division 1 where they are comfortable at that level. 
  Last season we were completely out played and embarrassed at the gulf between the two teams and the players that have departed your club mean it is no longer the same team, last night we looked sharper and more skillful for long periods of the game, and also matched your physicality, plus your game plan seems to be exactly the same, with lesser players in vital positions now they have gone.
  What did you see, or hope to see that I didn't, as for us meeting again next season promotion for us is the more outside chance than your relegation I will admit that, but on that showing you are in for a long hard season.
  That's what I think, after watching the game last night, whats your real thoughts? not what you are hoping for.

Having witnessed the lowest ever Championship points total (yes we hold that accolade - thanks Alan Stubbs) I can guarantee you that this squad, and this manager and coaching unit, are light years ahead of that one, so I'd be gob smacked if that were to happen (touch wood).

Our biggest strength is far and away the midfield:  Dan Barlaser, Ben Wiles, Ollie Rathbone, Jamie Lindsay, Chieo Ogbene and Shane Ferguson are ridiculously good footballers.  The fact that wasn't evident last night in a pre season friendly doesn't alter that fact.  You cannot seriously believe that Ogbene plays like that week in, week out?  Rathbone looked ill (he may actually be), but Wiles and Barlaser were just coasting through the game and looked for all the world like they didn't want to get injured.  Only Jamie Lindsay put a shift in.  In fact I think the game changed significantly when he and Washington (who, whilst not being an out and out goal scorer is a very good player).

The biggest issue last night was that Georgie Kelly was asked, in the absence of any alternative, to "lead the line".  Despite his physical appearance this is absolutely the last thing he is capable of doing.  He's a goal poacher (he scored) who comes alive in the box.  Outside the box and in general play he's way off it.  He'll openly admit that.  If you'll forgive a Millers comparison he's much more Adam Le Fondre than he is Alan Lee.  Despite having the physical attributes of Lee.

As stated, look how different it looked when Washington (half the size of Kelly) came on and suddenly the ball was sticking up top.
Tom Eaves will be the focal point, with Washington, Kelly plus A N Other playing off him.

I remember years ago we gave Everton the run around in a pre season fixture at Millmoor.  It was before the Premier League, so in those days the top flight clubs would send their first team squad.  We gave them a footballing lesson.  I was as giddy as a kipper for the up coming season.  We got relegated!

It's absolute folly to make predictions based upon a pre season friendly.  Sheff Utd lost last night to League 2 opposition and I'll be amazed if they don't make the play offs.

I've no axe to grind with Donny.  None at all beyond that of being a local rival.  I worked there for a couple of years in the mid 90s (Colonnades, Duke Street).  I made many great friends (still remain friends).  But, as a result of that job I became aware that some Donny fans absolutely despise us (I never knew that before, and it really isn't reciprocated - all our hate is towards SWFC).  Even some lads who became genuine friends would/do tell me that they hate the club I support.

So, let's see what the respective squads are on 1st September and take it from there.  Better still let's hope we meet in the FA Cup 3rd round and then we can have a proper match :-)

My gut feeling, and obviously my hope, is that we won't be playing each other in 23/24.  I'd have no issue with Donny going up, but it's time we made a fist of establishing in the Champ.  We shall see.

Very fair and well written post, Grumps.

Good luck for next season.

Very kind of you Steve.  Thank you, and likewise mate.   

[Bezza]

Rotherham will be the favourites for relegation,but good luck to them , nothing is decided in pre season friendlies.