English (and other British lower league) Football Discussion

The official CHAMPIONSHIP Thread

818 replies · 169,879 views
01 Dec 20:09 · edited 09 Sep 05:22
Turfmoore wrote:
slacKers 63 wrote:
Hi Guys

Long time no speak, I watched the Wolves vs Birmingham game on sopcast Saturday night, it was a corker especially the last 10 mins, complete end to end stuff.

Have to say that after watching the highlights of all championship games this year, its a 3 horse race for the 2 automatic spots. I think injuries could decide it myself. All 3 clubs I think will invest heavily in the jan transfer window, so no one has the advantage there.
 
Wolves/Brum/Reading I assume?
 
I'd of course like to think that one other horse could get in amongst it.  Burnley would need to overcome its traditional mid-winter slump syndrome.  A problem that I understand is not foreign to Wolves.  No sign of the fat lady just yet!
 


Yea Wolves/Brum/Reading 

I agree about the slump and the fat lady, we've blown it twice in the past, when in a comfortable position in the automatic places, wasn't mid winter though, it was at the business end of the season  and went down to the last match on both occasions.

Of course in particular the 2001/01 season finale still makes me turn green after been overhauled by Sandwell Town in the last 10 mins of the regular season Was one of my worst experiences standing in the Terraces at Sheff Wed, hearing the news coming over the radio.


Are you downloading ITV's The Championship (1 hour of highlights every week)?


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01 Dec 21:58 · edited 09 Sep 05:22
slacKers 63 wrote:
Turfmoore wrote:
slacKers 63 wrote:
Hi Guys

Long time no speak, I watched the Wolves vs Birmingham game on sopcast Saturday night, it was a corker especially the last 10 mins, complete end to end stuff.

Have to say that after watching the highlights of all championship games this year, its a 3 horse race for the 2 automatic spots. I think injuries could decide it myself. All 3 clubs I think will invest heavily in the jan transfer window, so no one has the advantage there.
 
Wolves/Brum/Reading I assume?
 
I'd of course like to think that one other horse could get in amongst it.  Burnley would need to overcome its traditional mid-winter slump syndrome.  A problem that I understand is not foreign to Wolves.  No sign of the fat lady just yet!
 


Yea Wolves/Brum/Reading 

I agree about the slump and the fat lady, we've blown it twice in the past, when in a comfortable position in the automatic places, wasn't mid winter though, it was at the business end of the season  and went down to the last match on both occasions.

Of course in particular the 2001/01 season finale still makes me turn green after been overhauled by Sandwell Town in the last 10 mins of the regular season Was one of my worst experiences standing in the Terraces at Sheff Wed, hearing the news coming over the radio.


Are you downloading ITV's The Championship (1 hour of highlights every week)?


 
No, Link please (probably could find it without too much bother - but good reference for others on this thread).
 
Burnley fans always complain that they get mistreated by ITV - minimal highlights, no positive comment etc, so maybe your highlight watching is not giving you the full picture you think it is!

I know, I know, its serious!

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01 Dec 22:53 · edited 09 Sep 05:22
Here you go

http://www.mininova.org/tor/2052005

you'll need to download a torrent application like vuze (loads out there), the guy is really good, he uploads it a hour after the broadcast on ITV.

They are pretty unbiased on the programme and have  shown extended highlights of a couple of Burnley games already, they spread it round pretty good. I suspect the Burnley fans are a bit paranoid

PS.

The main presenter (Matt Smith) has eaten a bit too much vintage cheddar though for my liking but its all about seeing the games.








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12 Dec 00:16 · edited 09 Sep 05:22
slacKers 63 wrote:
Here you go

http://www.mininova.org/tor/2052005

you'll need to download a torrent application like vuze (loads out there), the guy is really good, he uploads it a hour after the broadcast on ITV.

They are pretty unbiased on the programme and have  shown extended highlights of a couple of Burnley games already, they spread it round pretty good. I suspect the Burnley fans are a bit paranoid

PS.

The main presenter (Matt Smith) has eaten a bit too much vintage cheddar though for my liking but its all about seeing the games.



 
Thanks slacker,
Linked to this site and downloaded the last couple of weeks.  Excellent viewing and recommended for other followers of the Championship ...  especially last week's as one can see the mighty Burnley blunt the Blades (now there's a novel headline idea )
 
Cheers
TM

I know, I know, its serious!

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16 Mar 08:38 · edited 09 Sep 05:22
Meanwhile back in the REAL league ....
 
Wolves & Brum consolidating their 1 & 2 positions over the weekend after some shaky spells in recent months.
 
Reading, who looked all set to pick up an auto promotion spot have got the jitters.  What's happening Reading fans out there?
 
Burnley back in play-off mix after thumping Forest 5-0.   (Whats the time? 5 past Forest ... ) I'm happy.
 
But some other teams supported by Feverites having an indifferent time of it of late.  LG, what the hell has gone wrong with QPR?  HN, Ipswich seems to manage sublime follow by ridiculous at will and without warning.  WTF?  I'm hoping for ridiculous this mid-week!
 
I'd be keen to hear other Championship followers' (I know you're out there) picks for up & down?  I'll plump for:
Up - 1&2 Wolves & Reading (I feel that Reading could either go up automatically or miss out on play-offs altogether);  P/Os Burnley (winner - no bias), Brum, Preston, Cardiff.
Down - Charlton, Saints, Naaarrrch (who all entered the Chmpshp from the Premier League!).
 
There you have it.
 
 
 
 
 

I know, I know, its serious!

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16 Mar 20:28 · edited 09 Sep 05:22
Re :ITV's " The championship" 
If i downloaded this once a week and put it on the big screen on a saturday afternoon, do you think many people would come into the Backbencher to watch it.?
UberGunner2009-03-17 09:29:15
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16 Mar 21:34 · edited 09 Sep 05:22
Id say it would interest a few people, I mean it covers 72 sides highlights.
Its a pretty well presented show and i download it quite a bit (You guys use the West Brom fan too?) even though i dont follow a team in England outside the Prem.

Deffo give it a try
cam-bwfc2009-03-17 10:35:51
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16 Mar 22:14 · edited 09 Sep 05:22
I'm sticking to my prediction of any 2 of  Wolves, Blues and Reading, going up I think it may go down to the wire though, as all look fragile at the moment.

Wolves have the best run in and the points on the board......

Saturday, 21 March 2009
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Wolverhampton v Doncaster,


Blues Run in

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Reading v Birmingham, 15:00

Reading run in....

The Coca-Cola Football League Championship
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Coventry v Reading, 15:00
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Derby v Reading, 19:45
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Norwich v Reading, 15:00
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16 Mar 22:51 · edited 09 Sep 05:22
Turfmoore wrote:
Meanwhile back in the REAL league ....
 
  P/Os Burnley (winner - no bias), Brum, Preston, Cardiff.



Hard to call out of those 3 - i don't think Brum or Wolves (if they end up in the playoffs) will win them - It'd be between Reading,  Burnley and Cardiff - and i wouldn't like to call who would win out of those

Reading could have a advantage as Coppel is a master at playoffs and Burnley and Cardiff have played god knows how many games (must be knackered by now)?


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17 Mar 05:20 · edited 09 Sep 05:22
We've blown our Arse this season, 6 games without a goal is our problem. Buzsaky, Vine, Rowlands are out with long term injuries and they are the kingpins in our squad.
Proud to have attended the first 175 Consecutive "Home" Wellington Phoenix "A League" Games !!

The Ruf, The Ruf, The Ruf is on Fire!!

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17 Mar 08:35 · edited 09 Sep 05:22
slacKers 63 wrote:

Turfmoore wrote:
Meanwhile back in the REAL�league ....
�
� P/Os Burnley (winner - no bias), Brum, Preston, Cardiff.


Hard to call out of those 3 - i don't think Brum or Wolves (if they end up in the playoffs) will win them - It'd be between Reading,� Burnley and Cardiff - and i wouldn't like to call who would win out of those Reading could have a advantage as Coppel is a master at playoffs and Burnley and Cardiff have played god knows how many games (must be knackered by now)?


Knackered? No way! Like their fans, Burnley will just get better as they get more experienced .
Reading, I fear. Should be the best in the league if they put their mind to it. That's why I hope they go up automatically.

I know, I know, its serious!

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17 Mar 08:43 · edited 09 Sep 05:22
UberGunner wrote:
Re :ITV's " The championship"�

If i downloaded this once a week and put it on the big screen on a saturday afternoon, do you think many people would come into the Backbencher to watch it.?


Hard call. I would try and support it, but to be honest, I'm not a Saturday afternoon in the pub type of person. Worth a crack, I would try to get along and there are a few die hard Championship supporters amongst us (but do you want all those Spurs fans in your bar next year? ). Could be a cult event.

And, get Arshavin's goal in your signature area quick smart! Goals against the Barstewards (B Rovers), I find much easier on the eye.

I know, I know, its serious!

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17 Mar 23:30 · edited 09 Sep 05:22
hopefully we have turned the corner with the win over Doncaster today, but a I am worried about Brum now....
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18 Mar 00:10 · edited 09 Sep 05:22
Reading13 wrote:
hopefully we have turned the corner with the win over Doncaster today, but a I am worried about Brum now....


I think it'll be up and down for all 3 teams for the last 7/8 games.

I have to say the Reading vs Brum match at the end of the season could be the game of the season - with everything riding on it

assuming the mighty Wolves can hold firm at the top hehehehe
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18 Mar 03:24 · edited 09 Sep 05:22
We have 4 hoome and 3 away left ourselves.
Proud to have attended the first 175 Consecutive "Home" Wellington Phoenix "A League" Games !!

The Ruf, The Ruf, The Ruf is on Fire!!

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18 Mar 04:22 · edited 09 Sep 05:22
Turfmoore, Going back, Just seen the Clarets goals against Forest. Some impressive strikes there you'd have to agree!

Quality finish from Rodriguez!

Also notable to see that Dos Santos popped up with his first Championship goal this morning, Nou Camp to Portman Road he just cant score at the Lane huh!
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18 Mar 04:26 · edited 09 Sep 05:22
HN will be pleased with a point.
Proud to have attended the first 175 Consecutive "Home" Wellington Phoenix "A League" Games !!

The Ruf, The Ruf, The Ruf is on Fire!!

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19 Mar 08:19 · edited 09 Sep 05:22
I took the opportunity to pick up a Charlton third strip on Trademe last week knowing there would not be much competition given their future looks certain.Got it for a song.

Southampton look to have fallen apart as well and will no doubt join them. And just to arouse Hard News I'm picking Norwich for the drop as well.

I bet Chris Iwelumo can't believe his luck now after being forced out of Charlton and landing on his feet at Wolves who look odds on for promotion.


I'm picking Birmingham to pip Reading. A win against Norwich will be like a whiff of gas in a mine shaft for the canaries. They also play Charlton who could start fielding their youngsters to keep down appearance fees from players they'll ditch next season - a win here seems likely. They also have Plymouth and Watford where they should pick up points.

 
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19 Mar 08:27 · edited 09 Sep 05:22
Lonegunmen wrote:
We have 4 hoome and 3 away left ourselves.
 
That's fairly interesting.

I know, I know, its serious!

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19 Mar 08:34 · edited 09 Sep 05:22
cam-bwfc wrote:
Turfmoore, Going back, Just seen the Clarets goals against Forest. Some impressive strikes there you'd have to agree!

Quality finish from Rodriguez!

Also notable to see that Dos Santos popped up with his first Championship goal this morning, Nou Camp to Portman Road he just cant score at the Lane huh!
 
We love Jay-Rod.  Local lad, just 19 and he's already scored goals against the likes of Fulham, Spurs and Forest.  Seems to have that composure in front of goal.  Interestingly, yet to start for the 1st team, but has made 26 appearances as sub!  He'll prove himself soon.  It's tough up north.
 

I know, I know, its serious!

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19 Mar 08:45 · edited 09 Sep 05:22
Lonegunmen wrote:
HN will be pleased with a point.
 
Actually from all reports, a cracking game, where two attacking minded teams went hammer and tong and it could have gone either way.  Match stats had Ipswich & Burnley with 10 & 11 shots ON target respectively.  Highlight though was an Ipswich player being carried off in injury time (ironic) by a tractor!  True. 
 
Home in a tractor, you're going home in a tractor.

I know, I know, its serious!

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19 Mar 08:56 · edited 09 Sep 05:22
Argentine winger Civelli, only been here for a month and just starting to look the business but he's now gone for the season.

How's my driving? - Whine here

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19 Mar 10:26 · edited 09 Sep 05:22
Yes serious and sad - and don't get me wrong, the 'highlight' was the use of a tractor, not the injury. Nice touch.

I know, I know, its serious!

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19 Mar 13:46 · edited 09 Sep 05:22
It has been a closish Championship this season. Ok the top two have a lead but there's not much between the next 6 and look at us, we're 9  points from playoffs or 9 points from relegation.
Proud to have attended the first 175 Consecutive "Home" Wellington Phoenix "A League" Games !!

The Ruf, The Ruf, The Ruf is on Fire!!

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22 Mar 03:49 · edited 09 Sep 05:22

11 games in the championship last night - just 12 goals and with five 0-0 draws 

Gettin pretty serious at this end of the season...
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22 Mar 20:57 · edited 09 Sep 05:22
can't complain we won 0-1 and are now 9 point's clear of Reading - and Cardiff lost last  night :)

Only 6 games left, I am getting confident.........




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23 Mar 18:19 · edited 09 Sep 05:22
paulm wrote:

11 games in the championship last night - just 12 goals and with five 0-0 draws 

Gettin pretty serious at this end of the season...
 
Indeed.  Pleased to see Burnley climb above the mire and secure 3 points.  Looking good for the playoffs and even harbouring thoughts of sneaking into 2nd (although would probably have to win at least 5 out of 6 to do that).
 
LG, QPR have been doing a fine job knocking back contenders in the past week (whilst probably leaving it a tad late to make it themselves). Ta.
Turfmoore2009-03-24 07:20:03

I know, I know, its serious!

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23 Mar 19:56 · edited 09 Sep 05:22
One of our last games is Burnley, sorry to say but we desperately need the points.
Proud to have attended the first 175 Consecutive "Home" Wellington Phoenix "A League" Games !!

The Ruf, The Ruf, The Ruf is on Fire!!

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23 Mar 20:30 · edited 09 Sep 05:22
Turfmoore wrote:
paulm wrote:

11 games in the championship last night - just 12 goals and with five 0-0 draws 

Gettin pretty serious at this end of the season...
 
Indeed.  Pleased to see Burnley climb above the mire and secure 3 points.  Looking good for the playoffs and even harbouring thoughts of sneaking into 2nd (although would probably have to win at least 5 out of 6 to do that).
 
LG, QPR have been doing a fine job knocking back contenders in the past week (whilst probably leaving it a tad late to make it themselves). Ta.


Turfmoore, I think you'll be struggling for 2nd, the outside bet would be the Blades for me, they have better goal difference (worth a point on its own) than  Brum, a point more than you and a game in hand, plus they are in good form going into the last 6 and have some quality in depth.

We just got Marlon Harewood on loan for the last 6 games, a nice move by mad mick
slacKers 632009-03-24 09:30:58
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24 Mar 07:11 · edited 09 Sep 05:22
slacKers 63 wrote:
Turfmoore wrote:
paulm wrote:

11 games in the championship last night - just 12 goals and with five 0-0 draws 

Gettin pretty serious at this end of the season...
 
Indeed.  Pleased to see Burnley climb above the mire and secure 3 points.  Looking good for the playoffs and even harbouring thoughts of sneaking into 2nd (although would probably have to win at least 5 out of 6 to do that).
 
LG, QPR have been doing a fine job knocking back contenders in the past week (whilst probably leaving it a tad late to make it themselves). Ta.


Turfmoore, I think you'll be struggling for 2nd, the outside bet would be the Blades for me, they have better goal difference (worth a point on its own) than  Brum, a point more than you and a game in hand, plus they are in good form going into the last 6 and have some quality in depth.

We just got Marlon Harewood on loan for the last 6 games, a nice move by mad mick
 
I can see where you're coming from re the Blades.  They are real 'either-way' potential in that they play several top teams away in the run in - In fact I had predicted (see above somehwere) that they would miss out altogther because they had/have Cardiff, Burnley & Reading away in their late games + some other tricky jobs.  Well they negotiated that first hurdle (aided by a couple of red cards), so they could sneak into 2nd should they continue their good form.
 
On the form side of things, Sheff Utd, Wolves and wait for it, Burnley, have been the form teams for March - not sure how they work out manager of the month, but Wolves and Burnley got 13 points from their 5 games, while Sheff Utd got 14 from 6. But does one want the Manager-of-the-month curse?
 
Quite happy that the unfashionable Clarets, with its squad of about 12.5 players, is keeping under the radar (league-wise) and the "they'll be buggered after all the cup ties etc" comments keep rolling in.  That said, 2nd is hugely unlikely, and we would be rapt just to make the playoffs truth be known.
 
Question is, does one buy a $1899 return ticket to London for Wembley, as one can right now, in anticipation?

I know, I know, its serious!

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24 Mar 07:27 · edited 09 Sep 05:22
Lonegunmen wrote:
One of our last games is Burnley, sorry to say but we desperately need the points.
 
Yes, aware of that.  Game after next actually.  But, surely with QPR also having trips to Preston and Wolves, you will realise the task is beyond you. So why not just roll over and give us the points.  Please.

I know, I know, its serious!

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24 Mar 09:10 · edited 09 Sep 05:22
nah preston will fall and maybe a draw at Wolves as they lose momentum. Perhaps even three
Proud to have attended the first 175 Consecutive "Home" Wellington Phoenix "A League" Games !!

The Ruf, The Ruf, The Ruf is on Fire!!

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21 Apr 03:07 · edited 09 Sep 05:22
good win today Turfmoore, Burnley are looking in tidy shape going into the play-offs, looks like Reading have shot their bolt, could be your boys vs Cardiff in the playoffs and they seem to be up and down. So you have a real good shot at promotion (i'm supporting Burnley in the playoffs, as i can't stand any of the others).

 i'm still celebrating our promotion hehehe but am gutted that I am going back to Wolverhampton on May 5th - talk about about bad timing!

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21 Apr 06:09 · edited 09 Sep 05:22
Very happy with this morning's result (and slightly late for work). You were right about Sheff Utd being a chance to sneak into second, and I was well wrong about Reading (in fact they need to be careful to not fall out of the play-offs altogether). I think the top two and playoff spots are pretty well sorted now actually.

Mind you, Burnley has achieved the unlikely a few times already this season. Hopefully dramatically missing out on a play-off spot will not be our final party piece this season.

I know, I know, its serious!

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21 Apr 09:22 · edited 09 Sep 05:22
Go Burnley!! I hope you win the last promotion spot, Ironic if Sheffield United go up instead of Birmingham, as the three teams that got relegated in 1975/76 were Burnley, Sheffield United and Wolves. Lonegunmen2009-04-21 21:22:42
Proud to have attended the first 175 Consecutive "Home" Wellington Phoenix "A League" Games !!

The Ruf, The Ruf, The Ruf is on Fire!!

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21 Apr 09:56 · edited 09 Sep 05:22
Just found this, interesting to see the positions of some teams, such as the bottom 4 of div 1 are fighting for the top 3 places for promotion this season too!. Note York, Workington, Southport & Newport County are no longer League sides. York having the biggest fall from grace.
 
Proud to have attended the first 175 Consecutive "Home" Wellington Phoenix "A League" Games !!

The Ruf, The Ruf, The Ruf is on Fire!!

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21 Apr 10:09 · edited 09 Sep 05:22
Why do you insist on reminding me of 75/76! I was at University at the time and so confident that Burnley would do well, that I etched "BFC 76" into desks all over Canterbury University. Ended up as tombstones rather than messages of triumph!

It's been 30+ long years since, all the way to the bottom and back again ... almost.

This, I find far more interesting!

I know, I know, its serious!

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21 Apr 10:13 · edited 09 Sep 05:22
Luton from there to non league.
Proud to have attended the first 175 Consecutive "Home" Wellington Phoenix "A League" Games !!

The Ruf, The Ruf, The Ruf is on Fire!!

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21 Apr 21:23 · edited 09 Sep 05:22
are those $1899 tickets still available TurfMoore, if so I'd consider getting one for Burnely's visit to Wembley?


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21 Apr 21:28 · edited 09 Sep 05:22
Lonegunmen wrote:
Luton from there to non league.


I feel really sorry for Luton, considering Leicester and West Ham (allegedly) got away with blue murder for infringements of league rules.


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