Comparison with 2001

[Jim D]

I was clearing some stuff and found a Sports Argus from October 2001. It was for the Huddersfield match – which was our 13th league match. So I thought I’d compare our position then and now.

Comparing points, we had 25 (third place) then and 27 now – however then we’d played 6 home games and 7 away. Our next league match was Oldham at home (a 3-0 win) so, if we draw with Bournemouth, we’ll have identical points after 14 games.

In terms of goals scored and conceded, we’re doing much better this year (24-10 against 18-11). Leon has scored 2 more league goals than BZ had by then. Our results this year have also been much better – 6 wins by 2 goals or more against only 1 last time.

Looking at the teams we’ve played and their league positions, we’ve played more teams in the top half of the table this time – whereas last time it was mainly teams at the bottom. Also, many of the teams we’ve played recently have gone on to get decent results next time (Blackpool drew away to Colchester and Grimsby took Sheff W to penalties in the LDV).

The only conclusion I can draw from this comparison is that we are certainly no worse than in our championship season – and there are very good grounds to state that we’ve improved (or the others have got worse). If so, then our 2001/2 total of 90 points would seem to be well within reach – provided we don’t suffer from injuries to key players or have to sell. I’m not sure if 90 points will win the title this season, but it should certainly be good enough for second.

 

[Froggy]

God you must have been bored!!
Quite interesting to compare though.

 

[Bono]

Glad I've got LIVE:TV

 

[Hilton]

We're gonna win the league!

 

[Lord Bracknell]

I always measure things against a notional target of 2 points a game (same as 3 points from every home game, plus 1 point from every away game). Across the season, that usually delivers automatic promotion - although most promoted sides will drop a few home points and pick up a few extra points away.

Teams that start the season well have a habit of tailing off as the season progresses, to be replaced by teams whose form improves.

Looking at the leaders in the other divisions, and comparing our 27 points from 13 games with their form, we are playing at about the level of a team that would be fourth in the Premiership, third in the 1st Division and the second in Division 3.

A promising start, but too early to start making any assumptions about automatic promotion.

Another 20 points (from 33 matches) will stave off relegation, though. We should be alright as long as we can get better results than Leicester City or Wolves in the Premiership, Wimbledon in Division One, Wycombe or Chesterfield in Division Two, and Carlisle in the Third Division.

If we can play as well for the rest of the season as the mighty Leyton Orient have done so far, we should finish about 13th in the Division. Play better and we should see the playoffs.

 

[Gwylan]

I always measure things against a notional target of 2 points a game (same as 3 points from every home game, plus 1 point from every away game). Across the season, that usually delivers automatic promotion.

Usually? Are there any stattos out there who can give an instance where a team has got 92 points and not got automatic relegation. If there was one, they'd have been very unlucky.

It is a fascinating comparison. One point that was overlooked is that this was exactly the time that Adams left, so there really are strong parallels between then and now.

 

[bhaexpress]

This season we're not really a one man team. We've a more experienced and rounded squad. Additionally I don't think the league is as competative as two years ago, apart from Sheffield Wednesday there's no 'big' teams to speak of.

Yes, a third championship in three years is a distinct possibility.

 

[Yorkie]

When Coppout left I said immediately it was like deja vue.

Not only is it October but we were in a good position in the Second division, Bob Booker is in temporary charge again.

For obvious reasons I remember the Huddersfield game very well.

Brighton always seem to play better and get better results after Christmas than they do before it. That has applied over many many years.

 

[Beach Hut]

Interesting Jim D - don't forget your anorak when you leave for Bournemouth

 

[Tom Hark Preston Park]

The main difference is the standard of play is much worse than it was in 2001 - and that includes the Albion's standard of play

 

[Gary Nelson]

I also think we can produce more goals from more areas this year. Previously, everything went through BZ and whenever he didnt play, it was automatically a case amongst the fans that we wouldnt get anything out of the game. Remembe why the Colchester game meant so much? I wouldnt be suprised if the players thought that too. This year we have more experience and probably a better all round team. I do think that we will finish in the top 3 or 4. My only worry is that I havnt seen us play that well this season, possibly aside from QPR. At Rushden we did enough, but you cant look at them in the same bracket as your Bradordds, Coventrys and Prestons. I have no doubt the team is good enough to go up this year, my only concern is that we are doing just enough to get through every game.

 

[rool]

We have to be a better team, even if we had the same players, as the basis of our squad have now had the experience of playing at a higher standard and by the end of that season were pretty much up to that standard.

Re your point GN, I think most of us felt we didn't play that well for large parts of the season last time in Div 2, but we kept getting the results.

I still think we can get this championship this season and make it 3 out of 4. Has any other team done that before?

 

[Gary Nelson]

We have to be a better team, even if we had the same players, as the basis of our squad have now had the experience of playing at a higher standard and by the end of that season were pretty much up to that standard.

Re your point GN, I think most of us felt we didn't play that well for large parts of the season last time in Div 2, but we kept getting the results.

I still think we can get this championship this season and make it 3 out of 4. Has any other team done that before?

I actually thought it was last time due to the fact we were playing better teams

 

[rool]

Your probably right but during Taylors time we would often get the lead and then go into our shell. It was very frustrating, from a fans point of view, and sometimes backfired. we were always happy once we got the result but never got the football we desired.

We also had a different mentality then, coming up from the third after so many years, we automatically thought most of the teams were better. Now it's a bit the other way round.

Anyway as long as we are there or there abouts at the end of the season.

 

[Kenhead]

it will be a tighter divsion this season than before!! but i think our short stay in divsion one has helped us to become a better team!