A simple discussion of a performance against Sunderland that was inverse in quality of that of the referee. We’re not in the business of criticising refs, because it lessens the impact of our critique when you get one that actually did perform quite poorly. We also look at our record during the thirds of the season, as we approach the final one, and compare our progress to where we were this time last campaign.
Yeah two defeats in a week makes it hard to be upbeat. We tried, but … meh. Sucks the life out of you, doesn’t it? Well, it does if you attended either of last week’s defeats. It seems many decided against doing so, and did those people miss much anything?! Still, good news about the Chocolate Oranges.
Sam Cosgrove … no pressure. But yes, this week we have two frustrating draws to discuss, and a difficult week ahead to look forward to. Why couldn’t we end our search for a win with two favourable home fixtures? It wasn’t down to lack of effort, chips, half-time chocolate, or semi-naked football staff. Well, not as far as we could tell.
Okay, despite the title, we are optimistic on the show this week. No wins in eight, one goal in seven – scored by a player who has now left – and inching closer to a place in the bottom four. BUT … performances suggest better things to come, especially with home games against teams in the bottom third of the division. Reasons to be cheerful, so don’t you dare be sour …
Well, that wasn’t great. An FA Cup exit followed by a defeat in franchise-land, where dreams go to die, has got everyone a little on edge. But don’t worry – Nick and Stu are here to offer some much-needed perspective … although it can’t always be sunshine, lollipops, and whatever else that song was going on about.
Nick and Stu kick-off 2022 on the podcast with a gentle talk through all the important stories surrounding the first-team. We consider what are transfer window options are before reviewing the Oxford defeat, the situation in League One, and our FA Cup trip to Boreham Wood. We also ask whether postponing fixtures for international call-ups is really necessary …
Mark Robinson joins us for a feature-length interview, discussing the season so far, and his thoughts on the processes he has put in place for the squad. We also touch on January recruitment, Luke McCormick, and Countdown.
A slightly longer edition this week, as we discuss our return home. We review the draws with Bolton and Gillingham, and give our first impressions of Plough Lane with fans; from there, we have all the usual features, and some classic Stuisms.
As the League One season entered the home straight, Jim Potter wondered whether data averages could predict the division’s final outcome – at the bottom end, at least. Had we followed Jim’s analysis, would we have saved ourselves the stress and anxiety that comes with hoping we’d keep our heads above water? The results paint an interesting picture …
We’ve all heard the adage that ‘past performance is no guarantee of future performance’. However, over time, trends do emerge which allow one a greater degree of confidence in looking towards the future.
Of course, you cannot mitigate for unexpected, unnatural events like this recent pandemic which curtailed last season. But – as we reach the crunch part of the season (roughly five games to go, I’d always said, based on a casual observation over the years) – teams currently in the bottom four of League One will not, generally, achieve more than a point per game on average during the final run in.
Is that true?
Lockdown has been challenging for everyone, especially watching Wimbledon from afar – at our new ground – and logging on to iFollow in the hope that your connection is strong enough to cope. Of course, sometimes we probably hope it isn’t so that we don’t have to sit on the edge of our seats hoping for a goal.
I don’t normally do blogs as my written English isn’t always great as the school teachers and journalists will vouch for on our WhatsApp group. I will apologise in advance for any dodgy grammar, yet this is me and why I love doing live podcasts as anything can be said and it’s out there for everyone to enjoy.
Following our goalless draw on Saturday at Bristol Rovers, I didn’t have long to wait until the next game. Thirteen games left before the Wigan game and four of those at home against teams around us. This was the chance to complete a league double after our 3-2 win at Wigan in February which was Robbo’s first game as Head Coach. We have further opportunities of league doubles against Rochdale, Swindon and Fleetwood. We still haven’t played Ipswich yet, so that is also a possibility. Interestingly, League One leaders Hull are the only team to have done the double over us this season.