Can we do it?

[Alan Southstand]

Definately I would bring Craig back into midfield, at the expense of Broadbent, just for his better passing and vision. Other than that, maybe Ironside back on the bench, as Biamou hasn’t done anything wrong. Then it’s a real toss up between Biggins and Westbrook (assuming he’s over his illness).

The bench should be real strong one on Saturday.

[Dabbermoo]

With Biggins form over the last 4-6 games I'd leave him as a starter, get a few good goals in front against FGR then give Westbrooke a 30 min run out to ease him back in for the run in of a game Saturday then Tuesday rotation that will pretty much see out the rest of the season.

[drfchound]

With Biggins form over the last 4-6 games I'd leave him as a starter, get a few good goals in front against FGR then give Westbrooke a 30 min run out to ease him back in for the run in of a game Saturday then Tuesday rotation that will pretty much see out the rest of the season.

Yep, easy as that.
(Where is that emoji).

[GazLaz]

I think there's some reality checks needed here.

If we make the playoffs, we'll have had to win something like 42 points from the last 17 games.

That's equivalent to 113 points over a full season.

It's better than even Penney's juggernaut of a team managed in the best spell of form I have ever seen from a Rovers side in Autumn 2003.

We have improved a lot, but we are a long way off being that good.

We have improved but not been to the level of a top 6 team. Yes we have had the points haul of a top team but the performances haven’t matched. We will start levelling out in the coming weeks.

[belton rover]

I think there's some reality checks needed here.

If we make the playoffs, we'll have had to win something like 42 points from the last 17 games.

That's equivalent to 113 points over a full season.

It's better than even Penney's juggernaut of a team managed in the best spell of form I have ever seen from a Rovers side in Autumn 2003.

We have improved a lot, but we are a long way off being that good.

That might all be true, but reality checks are for data analysts, not football fans.
I just want to enjoy the ride until it throws me off.

[adamtherover]

What did the table look like after the boxing day fixtures compared to today?

14 PTS behind notts county I believe..

[Dabbermoo]

With Biggins form over the last 4-6 games I'd leave him as a starter, get a few good goals in front against FGR then give Westbrooke a 30 min run out to ease him back in for the run in of a game Saturday then Tuesday rotation that will pretty much see out the rest of the season.

Yep, easy as that.
(Where is that emoji).

Why can't it be that easy? FGR are where they are for a reason, Rovers are on a great run of form and confidence should be flowing, we are at home with hopefully a good crowd to back the boys on the pitch. Or should we be glass half empty and just write this season off as done and dusted.

[drfchound]

With Biggins form over the last 4-6 games I'd leave him as a starter, get a few good goals in front against FGR then give Westbrooke a 30 min run out to ease him back in for the run in of a game Saturday then Tuesday rotation that will pretty much see out the rest of the season.

Yep, easy as that.
(Where is that emoji).

Why can't it be that easy? FGR are where they are for a reason, Rovers are on a great run of form and confidence should be flowing, we are at home with hopefully a good crowd to back the boys on the pitch. Or should we be glass half empty and just write this season off as done and dusted.

I’m not suggesting we should write off the season.
I was just commenting on the part of your post that mentioned getting a few good goals ahead  against FGR.
It is never as easy as that but if it does happen I will be delighted.
There are no easy games and it shouldn’t be overlooked that FGR are in a decent run of form themselves.

[Ye-Aul-Tavern]

No chance.

I might be a little more inclined to believe if there wasn't so many teams ahead of us. Even if we win all of the rest of our games, there are loads of teams around mid table who would only need (and will get) a few wins to stay ahead of us.

[Filo]

To answer my own Question, 15 points behind Notts County

[Cramby10]

I think there's some reality checks needed here.

If we make the playoffs, we'll have had to win something like 42 points from the last 17 games.

That's equivalent to 113 points over a full season.

It's better than even Penney's juggernaut of a team managed in the best spell of form I have ever seen from a Rovers side in Autumn 2003.

We have improved a lot, but we are a long way off being that good.

is that the same juggernaut of a side that you said would easily get beat by Schofields hapless mob last season? You’re funny.

[ravenrover]

We write FGR off at our peril, I don't think they will come to the Eco to roll over. Sadly I'm in Devon for this one so good luck.

[GazLaz]

We write FGR off at our peril, I don't think they will come to the Eco to roll over. Sadly I'm in Devon for this one so good luck.

They are the type of low possession team we struggle against. I don’t think we will win.

[Colin C No.3]

What I find galling is that despite losing only one of our last nine league games we’ve only moved up two places from 20th to 18th & after tonight’s result if we win on Saturday, which I am absolutely confident we will do, we will still remain in 18th spot!

However, I believe we can & will get at least a point at Crawley then after that we can really start to ‘eat into’ those places above.

[DonnyBazR0ver]

What I find galling is that despite losing only one of our last nine league games we’ve only moved up two places from 20th to 18th & after tonight’s result if we win on Saturday, which I am absolutely confident we will do, we will still remain in 18th spot!

However, I believe we can & will get at least a point at Crawley then after that we can really start to ‘eat into’ those places above.

We'll sneak round the back while nobody's looking. Ssshhhh!

[drfcsteve]

If nothing else, it’s given us some excitement for the end of the season. I thought we’d end up having nothing to play for.

[Chris Black come back]

Am I right in that Close, Taylor, Lawlor and Miller are all definitely out for rest of season? Question mark over Faulkner.

[Campsall rover]

Am I right in that Close, Taylor, Lawlor and Miller are all definitely out for rest of season? Question mark over Faulkner.

Thought Taylor was almost ready for another comeback. GM said as much a couple of weeks ago.
The others are I think not going to be seen again this season.

[pib]

Definitely right on Close, Lawlor, Miller. Miller is out until the middle of next season. Wouldn't be surprised if we've seen the last of Close in a Rovers shirt, and I don't think Lawlor will be first choice next season, even if fit.

[BillyStubbsTears]

I think there's some reality checks needed here.

If we make the playoffs, we'll have had to win something like 42 points from the last 17 games.

That's equivalent to 113 points over a full season.

It's better than even Penney's juggernaut of a team managed in the best spell of form I have ever seen from a Rovers side in Autumn 2003.

We have improved a lot, but we are a long way off being that good.

is that the same juggernaut of a side that you said would easily get beat by Schofields hapless mob last season? You’re funny.

Context.

They were all conquering against the sides they played against.

They wouldn't touch the ball against a moderate Div 4 side of today. Football really does improve that much over 20 years.

[Cramby10]

I think there's some reality checks needed here.

If we make the playoffs, we'll have had to win something like 42 points from the last 17 games.

That's equivalent to 113 points over a full season.

It's better than even Penney's juggernaut of a team managed in the best spell of form I have ever seen from a Rovers side in Autumn 2003.

We have improved a lot, but we are a long way off being that good.

is that the same juggernaut of a side that you said would easily get beat by Schofields hapless mob last season? You’re funny.

Context.

They were all conquering against the sides they played against.

They wouldn't touch the ball against a moderate Div 4 side of today. Football really does improve that much over 20 years.

ye righto.

[Bentley Bullet]

As it stands now with 9 games to go I predict we'll finish 12th with 64 points.

[Barmby Rover]

With a win against Colchester in our game in hand we are 5 points from being in the top half, aim at that and with our terrible start it is quite an achievement.

[Colemans Left Hook]

250/1 bet 365 or 100/1 sky (if you have a free bet coming)

[Colin C No.3]

I think there's some reality checks needed here.

If we make the playoffs, we'll have had to win something like 42 points from the last 17 games.

That's equivalent to 113 points over a full season.

It's better than even Penney's juggernaut of a team managed in the best spell of form I have ever seen from a Rovers side in Autumn 2003.

We have improved a lot, but we are a long way off being that good.

is that the same juggernaut of a side that you said would easily get beat by Schofields hapless mob last season? You’re funny.

Context.

They were all conquering against the sides they played against.

They wouldn't touch the ball against a moderate Div 4 side of today. Football really does improve that much over 20 years.

I think we’ve trodden this path before?

I take it that you’re saying a Brian Stock, Richie Wellens, Matt Mills, Paul Heffernan, James Coppinger, James O’Connor, Neil Sullivan from the SOD era wouldn’t be considered by Grant McCaan as part of his squad today to get promoted out of this division next season?

[BillyStubbsTears]

Colin C.

I'm sure it makes sense in your head why you are drawing that conclusion, but....nope, I haven't got a Scooby.

[Colin C No.3]

Colin C.

I'm sure it makes sense in your head why you are drawing that conclusion, but....nope, I haven't got a Scooby.

Fair enough.

Misunderstood your comparison between Penney’s side that stormed this division & were promoted as Champions & how they ‘may or may not’ perform in this division ‘currently’.

That clearly is not what you were alluding to.

I must learn how to time my tackles better.

[normal rules]

What I find galling is that despite losing only one of our last nine league games we’ve only moved up two places from 20th to 18th & after tonight’s result if we win on Saturday, which I am absolutely confident we will do, we will still remain in 18th spot!

However, I believe we can & will get at least a point at Crawley then after that we can really start to ‘eat into’ those places above.

The first half season gave rovers a mountain to climb points wise

[BillyStubbsTears]

Colin C.

I'm sure it makes sense in your head why you are drawing that conclusion, but....nope, I haven't got a Scooby.

Fair enough.

Misunderstood your comparison between Penney’s side that stormed this division & were promoted as Champions & how they ‘may or may not’ perform in this division ‘currently’.

That clearly is not what you were alluding to.

I must learn how to time my tackles better.

I was talking about a side in Tier 4 20 years ago.

You are talking about the better players from a side that held its own in the Championship 5-6 years later.

[danumdon]

Doesn't cost anything to dream big.

The fact that we now resemble a footballing side again is enough for me and the promise that this upturn brings to hit next season running.

GM still has it, we just need to capitalise on it.