Championship 23/24

If it had been that in 1971 we’d have gone up but then it was just the top 2.

And what did they do in 1973? They changed it to top 3

 

So Oxford in the Championship next season despite finishing 10 points below Bolton who will remain in League 1.
Farcical.

 

And Murphy scored twice. Out to prove himself next season?

 

He’s out of contract I think so expect there’ll be some interest from other clubs

 

Back to this "playoff " business discussed earlier - just an opinion.

The playoff system is a contentious issue but it's here to stay, and it's not all to do with the financial aspects of stringing the season out. Apart from the principles on the rights and wrongs of the team finishing 3rd having to prove itself again, the playoffs extend the interest of clubs and their supporters.

Excluding those who are just trying to stay out of the bottom 3, the season would be over before Easter for at least a dozen other clubs. Having the prospect of finishing in 5th or 6th to get a shot at the big time sustains interest for many supporters, sometimes until the last fixture.

If there were no Championship playoffs this season, it would have been left for the top 4 to battle it out for the last month. As it's worked out, either Leeds or Soton will make it, but Brom and Norwich might has well have gone on holiday with the rest of us. Coventry and Hull certainly deserved a chance for their performances through the season.

The playoffs are massive for the supporters of those involved and long may they continue - as I said, just an opinion..

 

Yep, pretty much echoes my sentiments from a few posts back - though I must admit, this year's Championship play-off final is a horrid one from my perspective....

Can't stick 'massive' Leeds and their arrogant fans... Can't stick Southampton's arrogant manager....

Having either back in the top flight is going to be like trying to decide whether you'd rather have someone kick you in the knackers every week for 10 months or have someone poke your eyes out with a blunt stick so you don't have to witness the spectacle of seeing either of the arrogant swine enjoying themselves.....

Had to laugh at Leeds fans partaking in a spot of self congratulatory back-slapping across social media for the atmosphere they created against Norwich at Elland Road... I couldn't help but congratulate them on how far they've come since their darker days from a decade or so ago when their so called 'massive' club had been deserted by their 'enormous' following with gates plunging to below 20k and an atmosphere akin to a vaguely excitable day out to a morgue....

Big club my backside

 

Excellent post Sparkey with strong points eloquently made. I don't agree with you For me, it's either a league competition or it isn't. Forty six games is a long season for a club to get themselves into a strong third place only for it to mean nothing as a result of a three game knock out competition. As I suggested before, I'd be ok with playoffs when it's close among the chasing pack.
Like you, just my opinion and preference.

 

I agree that it extends the season for many teams. I remember a few seasons ago that with 4 games to go there were only about 4 teams with nothing to play for.
Keeps crowds up, keeps the teas and pies flowing, keeps the players fighting for points.
The latter keeps a level playing field and stops teams rolling over which may advantage teams at the top or bottom.

 

That last sentence of your is an excellent point.

 

Absolutely get the financial benefits and the creation of the level playing field at the end of the season. However, I can't get past what is in my eyes an injustice, for the potential of a team being rewarded for not being good enough over the prescribed length of the main competition. It's especially injust given the rewards for promotion these days.

 

I have my moments.

 

It's even worse in English rugby. Win the league at a canter, then you have to play in a knock out tournament with the other 3 of the top 4 to see if you're champions.
Team that finishes 4th could pick up the silverware.

 

I concur but as OS points out it’s not going to be changed and it does I suppose make sense to keep the season going for some clubs.

(I don’t know if there’s a survey of what position in the league the eventual play off winners came?)

One could have a not dissimilar debate on sports kicks deciding who wins first round league cup ties all the way up to as big as the World Cup final.

Back in the day it was rare for cup finals going to penalties. Prior to a few replays in 1970 and in the early 80’s and extra time in 1971 the FA cup final was done and dusted in 90 minutes. Nowadays shoot outs are commonplace.

They tried silver goal and golden goal which at least meant the winner scored an actual goal not the detestable lottery of penalties.

 

After extra time, keepers not allowed outside the 6 yard box.
Every 5 mins, both sides take a player off.
Plenty of space for a fresh substitute to make a name for himself.

 

After extra time there's no referee!

 

Might as well not be there half the time.

 

BTW, a jck free thread. Wonderful.

 

That’s tempting fate

 

I know but still holding good nearly 4 hours later.