Football

[DannyMich2018]

Another disappointing game yesterday for my team Leicester City. Losing against Everton is poor. We have 4 games left now so hoping can get at least 9 points..... One is Chelsea but our next two are bottom place Norwich and bottom but one Watford (both now relegated). Can we get a win? We're 14th in table now.

 

[Old Yard Dog]

One solution could be to split the 6th tier into three instead of two, so you have National League North; Midlands; and South. Each with say 16-18 teams. 4 teams relegated from National League, with the champions of the three regional leagues being promoted. Each league then also has a play-off in the same format as now. The winners of each regional play-off then enter a "round robin" mini tournament at a neutral venue, with the best performing team taking the final promotion spot.

Probably daft, but I'm just spit-balling here

In other words, go back to the system that existed up till 2004 when the Conference was fed by the Northern Premier, Southern and Isthmian Leagues.

The geographical spread of National League North is going to get worse not better in coming seasons now there are four step-7 leagues feeding NLN and NLS, three of which are based in the south and midlands.

The old system was better but, unfortunately, struggling Conference clubs like Nuneaton Borough wanted stronger step-6 leagues and campaigned successfully for the introduction of the new NLN/NLS tier.

We have ended up with a pyramid where there is only one automatic promotion place in each league meaning there are large backlogs of clubs vying for the few available promotion spots. And genuine non-league clubs find many of these spots are taken by phoenix clubs working their way back up the pyramid like AFC Bury, Macclesfield and Scarborough.

 

[61653 HTAFC]

We have ended up with a pyramid where there is only one automatic promotion place in each league meaning there are large backlogs of clubs vying for the few available promotion spots. And genuine non-league clubs find many of these spots are taken by phoenix clubs working their way back up the pyramid like AFC Bury, Macclesfield and Scarborough.

The existence of the pyramid system is one of the things the Football Association got right, eventually. The idea that clubs can climb the pyramid, and the examples of clubs doing so (Wigan Athletic, Wycombe Wanderers, both iterations of Wimbledon) is a great advert for the lower leagues in general... even if the successes are few and far between.

I can see the frustration if a phoenix club is dropped into your club's league, as all of a sudden there's a club with four-figure attendances (and thus bigger budgets despite the fact they've had to re-form) to upset the apple-cart. The alternative though would be for all phoenix clubs to start as low as the district leagues, but those literal pub teams would be utterly overwhelmed by a former 5th- tier club suddenly rocking up.

 

[adrock1976]

The existence of the pyramid system is one of the things the Football Association got right, eventually. The idea that clubs can climb the pyramid, and the examples of clubs doing so (Wigan Athletic, Wycombe Wanderers, both iterations of Wimbledon) is a great advert for the lower leagues in general... even if the successes are few and far between.

I can see the frustration if a phoenix club is dropped into your club's league, as all of a sudden there's a club with four-figure attendances (and thus bigger budgets despite the fact they've had to re-form) to upset the apple-cart. The alternative though would be for all phoenix clubs to start as low as the district leagues, but those literal pub teams would be utterly overwhelmed by a former 5th- tier club suddenly rocking up.

Perhaps more for @Old Yard Dog as they know more about footballing history in Bradford than I do, but where would a team be placed that has changed code?

As Bradford City started out as a rugby side, they changed code (and shape of the ball) to become an association football side years ago. Had this happened today, where would they be placed in the pyramid, as they would be a brand new team and not a phoenix club?

 

[Mcr Warrior]

As Bradford City started out as a rugby side, they changed code (and shape of the ball) to become an association football side years ago. Had this happened today, where would they be placed in the pyramid, as they would be a brand new team and not a phoenix club?

Can't imagine it being any higher than Northern Counties East, Division One, if that.

 

[Xenophon PCDGS]

In recent times, the media kept putting forward the "quadruple" for Liverpool, but surely that would have to mean that Manchester City would have to start dropping points and Liverpool winning the remainder of their league matches. I wonder which were the matches that the media expected Manchester City to lose points in?

Tonight, Stockport County face Torquay United in a match that could see them heading the National League.

 

[Markdvdman]

Stockport and Wrexham vying for the title although Stockport will be favourites. Wrexham are getting 10k a game crazy in that league!

I am a Liverpool fan and the media keep banging on it puts untold pressure on the team no doubt! As for Man City strong favourites although Wolves and West Ham away COULD be tricky but all about managing the games!

 

[SuspectUsual]

Wrexham are getting 10k a game crazy in that league!

They’re also paying insane wages bankrolled by their American sugardaddies. A bit like Salford a few years ago. The sooner financial fair play comes to non-league football the better

 

[Loppylugs]

Stockport got their win tonight, just need a point now at home to Halifax on Sunday. Wrexham face a toughie at Dagenham & Redbridge.

 

[Peregrine 4903]

De Bruyne is a an unbelieavable footballer. He is utterly ridiculous.

 

[Cowley]

I am a Liverpool fan and the media keep banging on it puts untold pressure on the team no doubt! As for Man City strong favourites although Wolves and West Ham away COULD be tricky but all about managing the games!

I don’t see City dropping any points now. If anything they seem to have gone up a gear in the last few league games.
It’s a bit tricky for Liverpool because they have to push them all the way and keep winning somehow, but losing their goal difference cushion over the last few games is the equivalent of another point being dropped in a way.

 

[AlterEgo]

De Bruyne is a an unbelieavable footballer. He is utterly ridiculous.

He still hasn’t taken a massive game by the scruff of the neck though. I’d have liked to see him against Real but he sadly didn’t play.

 

[61653 HTAFC]

I don’t see City dropping any points now. If anything they seem to have gone up a gear in the last few league games.
It’s a bit tricky for Liverpool because they have to push them all the way and keep winning somehow, but losing their goal difference cushion over the last few games is the equivalent of another point being dropped in a way.

With Haaland joining in the summer, it's looking more and more likely that Manchester City will be joining the exclusive "Three in a row" club by this time next year.

Huddersfield still did it first though. I guess we've still got that!

 

[Cowley]

With Haaland joining in the summer, it's looking more and more likely that Manchester City will be joining the exclusive "Three in a row" club by this time next year.

Huddersfield still did it first though. I guess we've still got that!

You did well getting Huddersfield into that reply.

 

[Iskra]

Leeds 0 Chelsea 3

Leeds up a creek without a paddle. Imagine sacking one of your all time great managers to bring in a PR savvy charlatan. At least with Bielsa we’d have scored a few, played entertaining football and have a manager capable of getting us back up from the Championship fairly quickly. Under Marsch our players can hardly string a pass together and there is no discernible plan on the pitch. Whatever division we end up in, he needs to be dismissed by the end of the season, we’re hopeless under him.

 

[roversfan2001]

Leeds 0 Chelsea 3

Leeds up a creek without a paddle. Imagine sacking one of your all time great managers to bring in a PR savvy charlatan. At least with Bielsa we’d have scored a few, played entertaining football and have a manager capable of getting us back up from the Championship fairly quickly. Under Marsch our players can hardly string a pass together and there is no discernible plan on the pitch. Whatever division we end up in, he needs to be dismissed by the end of the season, we’re hopeless under him.

Leeds being hopeless also has the unfortunate side effect of that lot up the M65 scraping safety by the skin of their teeth once again.

 

[Xenophon PCDGS]

Leeds being hopeless also has the unfortunate side effect of that lot up the M65 scraping safety by the skin of their teeth once again.

Have Leeds a propensity for conceding many goals over a season or is it just a recent occurrence?

 

[SuspectUsual]

Leeds 0 Chelsea 3

Leeds up a creek without a paddle. Imagine sacking one of your all time great managers to bring in a PR savvy charlatan. At least with Bielsa we’d have scored a few, played entertaining football and have a manager capable of getting us back up from the Championship fairly quickly. Under Marsch our players can hardly string a pass together and there is no discernible plan on the pitch. Whatever division we end up in, he needs to be dismissed by the end of the season, we’re hopeless under him.

I had a bet last summer with one of my kids that Leeds would “do a Sheffield United” this season, once other teams found them out. Looks like I’m going to win my bet

 

[61653 HTAFC]

I had a bet last summer with one of my kids that Leeds would “do a Sheffield United” this season, once other teams found them out. Looks like I’m going to win my bet

Good old "Second Season Syndrome"... I'd thought Leeds (and Sheff U before them) might have been able to avoid that one. Leeds still might avoid it of course, but it does seem that that particular affliction seems to have an anti-Yorkshire bias!

 

[Iskra]

Leeds being hopeless also has the unfortunate side effect of that lot up the M65 scraping safety by the skin of their teeth once again.

Tell me about it, my dad supports them!

Have Leeds a propensity for conceding many goals over a season or is it just a recent occurrence?

Under Bielsa we conceded a fair few in the PL, but we tended to score quite a few too so did okay. The issue this season is we've tried to play a season with only one decent striker at the club, who has been injured so we have been toothless. As well as not having decent enough cover in defence. Having a small squad is really not a great idea in the PL, it was reckless to attempt it in the first place and even more so to not rectify the mistake in January.

I had a bet last summer with one of my kids that Leeds would “do a Sheffield United” this season, once other teams found them out. Looks like I’m going to win my bet

As soon as I saw the fixture list come out last summer I knew we were in trouble, as I just couldn't see where we were going to pick up enough points. Although, I do feel the comparison to Sheffield United (and others *ahem* @61653 HTAFC ) is a tad unfair as our points total is at least vaguely respectable

However, it is important to retain a bit of perspective. Even if we get relegated this season, we are still in a lot better condition as a club than we have been for the majority of the last two decades!

 

[Xenophon PCDGS]

Boston 1 Gloucester 1. Disappointing 94th minute equaliser, meaning playoffs are now out of our hands.

When we met on that train where I disembarked at Wigan North Western, I was not aware you followed Boston United. Anyway, tonights result should cheer you up.

Kidderminster Harriers 1 ... Boston United 2

 

[150249]

Very impressive win for Tottenham in the North London Derby. As a Tottenham fan myself, I choose to believe that Holding was sent out to kill Son

 

[youngiecj]

When we met on that train where I disembarked at Wigan North Western, I was not aware you followed Boston United. Anyway, tonights result should cheer you up.

Kidderminster Harriers 1 ... Boston United 2

Yes an excellent result. AFC Fylde on Sunday. A very tough ask.

 

[Xenophon PCDGS]

Second leg still to come next Saturday, but quite a mountain for 'The Blue Brazil' to overcome.

Cowdenbeath and Bonnyrigg Rose are 0-0 at half-time in the second-leg of the play-off final.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Full- time score:-

Cowdenbeath 0 ... Bonnyrigg Rose 1

Bonnyrigg Rose win 4-0 on aggregate and are promoted to Scottish League 2.

 

[Phil56]

Good atmosphere as Liverpool win the FA cup. But, a shame that the special train from Liverpool to Wembley (returning to Chester 1Z87), left on time and wasn't delayed, meaning fans had the choice of missing extra time/penalties and the trophy or missing the train home. I suspect it'll be heading home half empty. I presume it couldn't be delayed due to possessions etc late Sat evening (which is presumably why it returns to Chester and not Liverpool).

 

[Drogba11CFC]

At least I only have to get a bus home and I'm almost there (2 local cup finals at Winchester's ground). Plus I'll make it home before the government finds out that I didn't stay at the club to watch Liverpool lift the trophy.

 

[Loppylugs]

Good atmosphere as Liverpool win the FA cup. But, a shame that the special train from Liverpool to Wembley (returning to Chester 1Z87), left on time and wasn't delayed, meaning fans had the choice of missing extra time/penalties and the trophy or missing the train home. I suspect it'll be heading home half empty. I presume it couldn't be delayed due to possessions etc late Sat evening (which is presumably why it returns to Chester and not Liverpool).

The normal FA cock-up. Whatever happened to the traditional 3pm kick-off ? All done for TV I suppose.

 

[AlterEgo]

The normal FA cock-up. Whatever happened to the traditional 3pm kick-off ? All done for TV I suppose.

I quite agree. 3pm was an ideal time. Bright sunshine and the Coldstream Guards, all over by 5pm, unless there was a replay!

 

[Mcr Warrior]

I quite agree. 3pm was an ideal time. Bright sunshine and the Coldstream Guards, all over by 5pm, unless there was a replay!

Don't think there's been an FA Cup Final replay since 1993. They were abolished in c. 1999 and the first FA Cup Final decided by kicks from the penalty mark was in 2005.

 

[Xenophon PCDGS]

Stockport and Wrexham vying for the title although Stockport will be favourites. Wrexham are getting 10k a game crazy in that league!

Results of final league games of the season

Stockport County 2 ... FC Halifax Town 0

Dagenham & Redbridge 3 ... Wrexham 0

Stockport County are champions and will play in League 2 next season.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 15 May 2022 ==

Yes an excellent result. AFC Fylde on Sunday. A very tough ask.

AFC Fylde 0 ... Boston United 2

Elliott scores twice for Boston in the last 10 minutes, the last one being a penalty.