English League Championship et alia 2013/14

[OwlsFan]

Terrible sporting weekend. Rovers get stuffed by St. Pat's. I lose a cup semi-final in the cricket and a league game the next day. Dublin lose to Cork in the hurling. And of course Sheffield Wednesday lose both their opening games in the Championship. Next stop Elland Road. AT least Doncaster, Millwall and Barnsley are also without points and they will haunt the lower regions for most of the season I suspect. Blackburn may continue to struggle. Forest continued their good run from last season with a slimmo Andy Reid still pulling the strings.

[Lionel Ritchie]

Looking forward to Saturdays game immensely Owlsfan. I anxiously scratch my chin watching Leeds defend and they sorely need to land a quality center half. But at least it now appears teams have to score twice against Leeds to be sure of at least a point rather than the mere once we've become accustomed to.

[OwlsFan]

On-loan Manchester United midfielder Jesse Lingard scored four goals on his debut for Birmingham - against Sheffield Wednesday. Birmingham, a club in decline (14k at the game) and they get a loanee who does that. I hate players on loan who do that and then disappear. Bolton propping up the table. Another recent Premiership side. Thank heavens for Barnsley and Yeovil (Paddy Madden aside). Lionel, I don't think Leeds will do it this year either.

[OwlsFan]

In the morning, Barnsley vs Sheff Wed and then that evening Barca vs Real Madrid. Apparently the same sport but other than the ball being round (although the two goals weren't bad) there wasn't any other similarity. Even McPhail couldn't pass the ball. Interesting though to see Bale being substituted - is he going to be a flop I wonder?

Anyway 12 without a win. Milan Mandaric, who used to sack managers for fun, is now the most patient chairman in the world.

[OwlsFan]

One win in 16 games. Sack the manager and then beat the leading team. Two other teams in botton three also win and one also without a manager. This manager thing is overrated ;) It's a funny old game.

Hats off to Sky's presentation last night. A reporter at each of the Championship games and within 20 seconds of a goal, they show it on the screen. Best of the night by Andy Reid for Forest against Millwall.

[OwlsFan]

I know no one is interested but I am still going to say it because it sounds so good: Sheffield Wednesday 6 Leeds United 0.

[Lionel Ritchie]

To the victor the spoils Owlsfan.

I don't blame the players. You can no more blame a player for not being good enough than you can blame a cat for not being a dog.

I don't even blame the manager. McDermott is a decent man doing his best I don't doubt. But a very familiar pattern is emerging that has been there with at least the last half dozen managers. A board lunging from one game-changing takeover to the next insisting they're backing the manager to the hilt and giving him whatever resources he needs followed by bargain bucket purchases of other clubs cast offs. Some lad from Brighton & HA, I don't give a toss who, is choosing to sign for Burnley rather than Leeds United today. Burnley like. That's where we're at.

Leeds only business this season is now ensuring we retain that championship berth.

[Charlie Darwin]

Burnley are second in the league, to be fair. A lot of players would want to sign for them. There is something rotten at Leeds though. They spent £1 million on a player for the first time in years recently. Even allowing for the legacy of the Risdale era, that's madness for a club who feel they belong in the Premier League.

[DeLorean]

Found this a good read in advance of Saturday's Championship Playoff final between Derby and QPR. (http://www.fansnetwork.co.uk/football/queensparkrangers/news/35102)

[Stuttgart88]

If McClaren wins this game I hope he celebrates by bringing an expanded brolly onto the pitch, even if it's sunny.

[OwlsFan]

Found this a good read in advance of Saturday's Championship Playoff final between Derby and QPR. (http://www.fansnetwork.co.uk/football/queensparkrangers/news/35102)

He's obviously not a fan of Phil Brown :)

"Following Phil Brown into a football club is akin to following a sweaty, twenty stone man into the toilets at a downmarket Indian restaurant late at night – whatever you do in there, it can’t possibly make the situation any worse".

I didn't realise our own David Kelly had been Davies assistant at Derby.

[OwlsFan]

Just watched the play-off game between Swindon and Sheff United. Final aggregate score 7-6 for Swindon. Hugely enjoyable stuff but I suspect that the other Sky football viewers were watching an irrelevant Arsenal v Swansea game.

[KK77]

Yes mad to think some people would pick one game of football over another. Mad stuff.

[OwlsFan]

Yes mad to think some people would pick one game of football over another. Mad stuff.

The point was not that they chose to watch another game, which actually meant nothing other than to the fans of both teams, but that they missed out on one of the all time classics in so doing. The Blades were twice 3 goals down in the tie (even 4 at one stage) and the commentators, as they do, wrote them off on each occasion and then they score two goals in the last few minutes and up goes the board for injury time: 7 minutes !! They even score an equaliser but it ruled out for a push. Mad stuff to use your own phrase :)- Will we see something similar in Munich tonight?

[KK77]

The point was not that they chose to watch another game, which actually meant nothing other than to the fans of both teams, but that they missed out on one of the all time classics in so doing. The Blades were twice 3 goals down in the tie (even 4 at one stage) and the commentators, as they do, wrote them off on each occasion and then they score two goals in the last few minutes and up goes the board for injury time: 7 minutes !! They even score an equaliser but it ruled out for a push. Mad stuff to use your own phrase :)- Will we see something similar in Munich tonight?

Apologies I thought you said the other sky viewers were watching the irrelevant Arsenal v Swansea match not that it was irrelevant. As regards tonight we will just have to wait and see because it's a funny old game!

[OwlsFan]

September 1964 was the last time Sheffield Wednesday beat Wolves at Hillsboro until yesterday (around 20 games). Amazing run. Must be one of the longest hoodoos for teams that played each other fairly regularly. However, I remember the Spurs one at Liverpool went on for over 70 games but at least that the away side failing to win. Wednesday's hoodoo was unable to win at home !

[TheBoss]

September 1964 was the last time Sheffield Wednesday beat Wolves at Hillsboro until yesterday (around 20 games). Amazing run. Must be one of the longest hoodoos for teams that played each other fairly regularly. However, I remember the Spurs one at Liverpool went on for over 70 games but at least that the away side failing to win. Wednesday's hoodoo was unable to win at home !

Only yesterday in the French League, Bordeaux at home to Marseille. Ended 1-1 which means that Marseille still have not won in Bordeaux since 1978. Must be something like 35-38 games, crazy considering how good Marseille teams have been in that time.

[OwlsFan]

Sheffield Wednesday boss Carlos Carvalhal on the FA Cup game against Fulham.

"It was a typical cup game. We knew we had to decide it in 90 minutes, we were aware of taking more risks in the last 20 minutes and we had to treat the game like a final. The strategy today was to give Fulham the ball."

I have heard it all now !!

[OwlsFan]

How to get sacked: get your team promoted. Steve Cotterill now sacked by Briston City despite winning League One and Johnstone Paints Trophy. http://www.bbc.com/sport/0/football/35319397

Not sure what some of the owners of these clubs expect

[DeLorean]

September 1964 was the last time Sheffield Wednesday beat Wolves at Hillsboro until yesterday (around 20 games). Amazing run. Must be one of the longest hoodoos for teams that played each other fairly regularly. However, I remember the Spurs one at Liverpool went on for over 70 games but at least that the away side failing to win. Wednesday's hoodoo was unable to win at home !


Only yesterday in the French League, Bordeaux at home to Marseille. Ended 1-1 which means that Marseille still have not won in Bordeaux since 1978. Must be something like 35-38 games, crazy considering how good Marseille teams have been in that time.

Maybe not quite on the same level as your examples but I see on SSN that West Ham haven't won at Carrow Road since 1973, 16 attempts - 7 draws and 9 defeats. Also, there has been a 90th minute goal in the last four league meetings between the sides.

[TheOneWhoKnocks]

Aitor Karanka pulls a George Costanza.

http://www.theguardian.com/football/2016/mar/12/aitor-karanka-middlesbrough-future-doubt

• Spaniard left training ground early on Friday after row at team meeting

• Karanka turned away from training by Boro executives on Saturday

[OwlsFan]

Yeah, what's that all about I wonder?

[OwlsFan]

Of little interest to the great unwashed I know, but the shoot out for the top two automatic places is a cliff hanger:

................P W..D..L.Fr..Ag.Diff. PTS
1 Burnley..44 24 15 5 68 35 +33...87
2 M'Boro...44 26 09 9 60 28 +32...87
3 Brighton.44 24 15.5 70 40 +30...87

Not a huge amount even in the goal difference. If I wanted to avoid one of those in a play off, I'd say Burnley.

[thischarmingman]

And also, Sheffield Wednesday (6th) play Cardiff (7th) on Saturday!

Looks like all the drama will be happening in the Championship once Leicester wrap up the title next week.

[DeLorean]

Yeah although it's provided the worst relegation battle in history I would think, done and dusted with weeks remaining.

I agree with OF with regards Burnley being the team to avoid, they're on an incredible run. I can't belive Brighton have lasted the pace to be honest but it's stronger they seem to be getting. Middlesbrough seem to have more trouble beating the smaller teams that their fellow contenders.

[OwlsFan]

Next season is going to be a mini Premier League in the Championship with 3 out of Hull, Brighton, Derby and Wednesday (albeit 16 years ago), and Villa, Newcastle, Norwich, Forest, Leeds, QPR, Ipswich, Birmingham, Cardiff, Wolves and Fulham. Now is the season to get out (through the top drawer).

[pineapple stu]

Good times to be a Burton fan in fairness.

Burton hung on for promotion in the last match of the season - drew away to relegated Doncaster while Walsall were racking up the goals away to Port Vale; had Burton lost, they'd have come third.

Similar story in the Third Division, where Accrington Stanley were third all the way on the final day, but were only drawing - and then Bristol Rovers scored in injury time to take promotion instead.

But could yet still have Accrington Stanley v Bolton and Charlton in the Second Division next season.

[DeLorean]

Accrington Stanley

Who're they?

:o

[OwlsFan]

Division One this year had Sheffield United, Blackpool and Coventry, all with Premiership pedigree while Division Two has Portsmouth.

Nice article (well for me anyway): http://www.football365.com/news/confessing-a-weakness-for-wednesday

[BonnieShels]

Who're they?

:o

Exactly

[OwlsFan]

So, I am off to Wembley on Saturday. Was there in 1993 when one Andy Linigan went in to Arsenal folklore (to be honest they probably don't remember it but I do) and 1991 when Razor missed the opportunity to send us to the Euros with Jack's team at its height of its powers. I'll be interested to see what sort of stadium it is now.

[geysir]

If Wednesday do get promoted I guess it means this thread goes dormant for a season.

[Stuttgart88]

So, I am off to Wembley on Saturday. Was there in 1993 when one Andy Linigan went in to Arsenal folklore (to be honest they probably don't remember it but I do) and 1991 when Razor missed the opportunity to send us to the Euros with Jack's team at its height of its powers. I'll be interested to see what sort of stadium it is now.Vastly different, very impressive. I remember Andy Linighan, don't worry! So will Chris Woods.

[DeLorean]

I only saw that goal the other day actually, Woods was more culpable than I remember. I was disgusted at the time so I can only imagine the heartbreak for OwlsFan and co.

[Stuttgart88]

Was that Dave O'Leary's last game for Arsenal?

Woods got what he deserved after getting away with a blatant penalty concession in Poland in 1991, putting us out at England's expense :)

[DeLorean]

Yeah I'm sure it was. I was only twelve but remember both finals fairly well, and the semi finals actually which were also live on RTÉ, the two big derbies.

I can't remember the non penalty concession quite as well, but remember England getting every break possible in that campaign, even being outplayed by Turkey at times during their two 1-0 wins against them. Think Dennis Wise scored one of the ugliest goals ever in Turkey. Did it even hit his hand or something?

[OwlsFan]

Was that Dave O'Leary's last game for Arsenal?

Think he came on late in the game for Wright of all people. Pity it wasn't for Linighan as I don't think Dave was a great striker. As I say, he wasn't a great striker. Whether it was his last game, I have no idea. Wonder what O'Leary is up to now. Occasional pundit but haven't seen him for a while. What do all these hundreds of ex-professional footballers do when their career is over and no one wants to employ them. Mid to late 30s with nothing to do except spend the vast fortune they've earned. Tough life.

[OwlsFan]

Just posting this so I don't have to look at the Grealish thread as top of World Football. Think this may be the first time two players who played in the same season for Sheffield Wednesday appear in an Irish squad. My only doubt is Tony Galvin and Chris Morris - not sure if they both played for Ireland while also at the same time playing the Owls. DeLorean will no doubt have chapter and verse :)

[DeLorean]

You overestimate me big time :D

[DeLorean]

Do you approve of Wednesday's new crest (http://www.skysports.com/football/news/11095/10519433/new-season-new-badges-we-take-a-look-at-club-crests-which-have-changed-for-201617) OwlsFan?

[OwlsFan]

Do you approve of Wednesday's new crest (http://www.skysports.com/football/news/11095/10519433/new-season-new-badges-we-take-a-look-at-club-crests-which-have-changed-for-201617) OwlsFan?


Not so much worried about the crest, as it is not unlike the one they had in the 1966 Final, but the new strip irks me. What is a football club after all but the name and the colours (not the plc or foreign owner or whoever behind the scenes). The latest is almost pure blue with token white stripes (sort of Ipswich). It's a bit like Celtic or Rovers playing in all green with tiny white hoops. Don't like it but I suspect they'll go back to the more distinctive stripes when Newcastle run away with the league.

2444

[BonnieShels]

Always liked SW crest, like Derby and Forests they are kinda untouchable unless they go absolutely stellar. And in fairness I think the new one is brilliant. Love when teams go back to the past and draw inspiration.

I do think Forest's is untouchable. It's perfect. Though I wouldn't have the stars on it for balance.

[DeLorean]

If Shelbourne had won two European Cups I bet you'd like the stars to rub your rivals noses in it. :)

[BonnieShels]

Defo. But they look better on top of the crest.

I'm happy enough with the one star we have over ours as it is. :)

[OwlsFan]

Always liked SW crest, like Derby and Forests they are kinda untouchable unless they go absolutely stellar. And in fairness I think the new one is brilliant. Love when teams go back to the past and draw inspiration.

I do think Forest's is untouchable. It's perfect. Though I wouldn't have the stars on it for balance.

What's with the castles for Shels ?

[BonnieShels]

What's with the castles for Shels ?

Eh... Dublin! Same as Bohs.

[pineapple stu]

And UCD.

[BonnieShels]

And UCD.

As *******ised as they are. Horrific what they did to the college logo and ergo, your badge.

[pineapple stu]

Yup.

The old (proper) crest is still used for ceremonial purposes, curiously, including on degrees. And on UCD keyrings in the club shop. :)

[BonnieShels]

Yup.

The old (proper) crest is still used for ceremonial purposes, curiously, including on degrees. And on UCD keyrings in the club shop. :)

Oh aye yeah I know. Thankfully. Lob that onto a "retro jersey" and you're sorted.