" Ambition is just to stay in the Championship " Says

Why my ambition this season is just for Cardiff City to stay in the Championship and keep Neil Warnock on


By Nathan Blake

Thursday 17th November 2016

Right now, my only ambition is for Cardiff City to stay in the Championship, and for Neil Warnock to stay as the Cardiff City manager.

When the new regime came in I think some fans, particularly because they did so well in the first three games, were expecting us to kick on to the play-offs.

I just think we have to keep our feet on the ground and let the new team settle properly.

What Warnock did at Rotherham United last season was absolutely remarkable and perhaps people just expected a complete repeat of that. This is a completely different kettle of fish, however, different squad, different imbalances in that squad, and it will take time to sort that out.



Huddersfield have been a bit hit and miss lately, but that's going to be a very difficult game, and then you've got Villa and Brighton after that. Every game is difficult. The fans need to be prepared, to get down in numbers and with their best Welsh voices because it'll be tough. You don't quite know what you'll get with Huddersfield, Brighton are on fire, Villa are on a roll.

It's just about staying up and keeping your fingers crossed that the manager stays, and build from there. It's so difficult to build when you're fighting fires, so it's just about survival first and foremost. If you can have that remarkable turnaround and go on and win 12 out of 16 or something like that, then you can look at it again.

With that in mind, it was really encouraging that they were able to stay in the game for so long against Newcastle United.

You look at what they've got there, good players, confidence, a fantastic manager, a full stadium behind them. You look at where the were before Rafa Benitez took over, they were all over the place. When you've got 50,000, as we know from when we've had 25,000 at Cardiff, it can drive you on. Remember when Man City came to Cardiff in the Premier League? When the fans drive the team forward you can achieve things out of the ordinary.

Warnock will need time to built a fortress like that at Cardiff again.



Warnock is playing Noone into confidence, you can see that from where he was when the manager came in to where he is now.

You can physically see it, which takes some doing to turn it around like that. Credit to Nooney as well because as a player you can't be in form all the time. You just need your manager to back you and give you that confidence.

Now, although he's not quite beating loads of people or getting loads of crosses in, his body language looks good, everything about him suggests he knows where he was and where he's trying to get to, rather than just going through the motions and accepting being in bad form.

I still think he could go outside more, I still think he can be a little too predictable. Once someone's got your ticket you've got to change it.



There's not many defenders that can handle Nooney on his day. That game up at Wolves last season, he was just unplayable. Even if he could get to one level below that he's very dangerous.

Add to that his work-rate, which is massive for his manager and his team. The manager has to rely and trust you, otherwise you just won't play. Players have to be accountable and take responsibility and Nooney will give you that as a bare minimum.

Cardiff haven't been fit enough and it's good to see Warnock start there

I think their fitness levels have improved. The last year or two, they've been fit enough to survive in the Championship but nowhere near fit enough to win it. That's my true opinion and I know because I've won five promotions. You need so many things to go up, at the very least goals throughout your team, 80 plus over a season. But you need fitness and so that's a good place to start. They'll be better for it.

A full pre-season would be massive for Warnock. I'm told by one or two sources that pre-season, and it may have been partly because of the Euros, wasn't as intense as it maybe should have been. In my opinion there's a bit too much sports science these days. Nobody knows that they need better than the players themselves.

Great read really enjoyed your encouraging slant, with regard to the importance of pre season, this in my opinion is where Trollope failed as he was with Wales for so long, the club suffered, I have read a lot about Noone being one of the players to be off loaded, he has interested Norwich, for a while, if he does go he will be missed, as I believe he could push on given the right blend in front of him. We are all aware that the striker situation is the most urgent area of need, so someone who blends with Lambert is crucial, so an experienced striker is a very urgent need, and its time to give Rhys Healey a chance as back up, to the two, perhaps from the bench initially, if we don't give him a go, we might as well let him go, which would sadden me, as I have a great desire to develop and introduce our own young players, nevertheless, looking with anticipation to the future.

Trollope is the reason we are where we are, he's a nice guy but not management material, he was way out of his depth and was caught wanting far too many times.

We have stability under Neil, a true manager

Trollope is the reason we are where we are, he's a nice guy but not management material, he was way out of his depth and was caught wanting far too many times.

We have stability under Neil, a true manager

Well, I think it goes just a tad deeper than blaming Trollope.

Trollope is the reason we are where we are, he's a nice guy but not management material, he was way out of his depth and was caught wanting far too many times.

We have stability under Neil, a true manager

Well, I think it goes just a tad deeper than blaming Trollope.

Me too. I thought we may be higher than we are at this stage of the season, and I predicted we would end up just below mid table based on our squad rather than our manager. Trollope has played a part in where we are right now, but he is not the sole reason we are struggling. Despite claims on here that we would be top two or play offs at least, I never for one minute believed our team would be anywhere near good enough this season to remotely threaten the top six. Be interesting to see what our team looks like after the next transfer window closes.

Trollope is the reason we are where we are, he's a nice guy but not management material, he was way out of his depth and was caught wanting far too many times.

We have stability under Neil, a true manager

Well, I think it goes just a tad deeper than blaming Trollope.

Me too. I thought we may be higher than we are at this stage of the season, and I predicted we would end up just below mid table based on our squad rather than our manager. Trollope has played a part in where we are right now, but he is not the sole reason we are struggling. Despite claims on here that we would be top two or play offs at least, I never for one minute believed our team would be anywhere near good enough this season to remotely threaten the top six. Be interesting to see what our team looks like after the next transfer window closes.

Agree with you both, Steve and nubbsy

This is why Blake went on to have a mediocre career. To stay in the Division is not ambition, it's not even realism, its defeatism.

It should be every player and manager's aim to finish as high up the table as possible, ultimately winning the league or gaining promotion.

We are not a Wigan or a Rotherham we are talking about a side that finished 8th in what I believe (Newcastle aside) was a stronger league last term.

The core of that team that finished 8th is still there. We have already made some decent signings and Warnock will have the transfer window to do some business.

We are 11 points of a play off spot are only 16 games into the season.

There are 30 games, 90 points left to play for.


We should be aiming for the Play Offs absolutely no doubt about it, this defeatist attitude needs outing.

This is why Blake went on to have a mediocre career. To stay in the Division is not ambition, it's not even realism, its defeatism.

It should be every player and manager's aim to finish as high up the table as possible, ultimately winning the league or gaining promotion.

We are not a Wigan or a Rotherham we are talking about a side that finished 8th in what I believe (Newcastle aside) was a stronger league last term.

The core of that team that finished 8th is still there. We have already made some decent signings and Warnock will have the transfer window to do some business.

We are 11 points of a play off spot are only 16 games into the season.

There are 30 games, 90 points left to play for.


We should be aiming for the Play Offs absolutely no doubt about it, this defeatist attitude needs outing.

I think Blake's "mediocre" career was probable far better than any other forum member. I imagine with his first hand experience of playing at the highest level, he knows a thing or two about football, even if not everyone agrees with his views. I don't think he is being defeatist at all. He knows who the players are that the club can call on, and knows the strengths of other teams in this division. I think he is being perfectly realistic, and if he had agreed with members of this forum who would have you believe that an automatic promotion place was a realistic target this season, he would be looking a complete idiot now, especially as we may well occupy one of the relegation places as we go into the new year.

This is why Blake went on to have a mediocre career. To stay in the Division is not ambition, it's not even realism, its defeatism.

It should be every player and manager's aim to finish as high up the table as possible, ultimately winning the league or gaining promotion.

We are not a Wigan or a Rotherham we are talking about a side that finished 8th in what I believe (Newcastle aside) was a stronger league last term.

The core of that team that finished 8th is still there. We have already made some decent signings and Warnock will have the transfer window to do some business.

We are 11 points of a play off spot are only 16 games into the season.

There are 30 games, 90 points left to play for.


We should be aiming for the Play Offs absolutely no doubt about it, this defeatist attitude needs outing.

I think Blake's "mediocre" career was probable far better than any other forum member. I imagine with his first hand experience of playing at the highest level, he knows a thing or two about football, even if not everyone agrees with his views. I don't think he is being defeatist at all. He knows who the players are that the club can call on, and knows the strengths of other teams in this division. I think he is being perfectly realistic, and if he had agreed with members of this forum who would have you believe that an automatic promotion place was a realistic target this season, he would be looking a complete idiot now, especially as we may well occupy one of the relegation places as we go into the new year.

There you go again 'we may well occupy one of the relegation places as we go into the new year'.

If that is not a defeatist attitude then I don't know what is, you are of course entitled to your opinion, as is Blake and as am I, we will have to agree to disagree

As for my comment about Blake's mediocre career, well yeah obviously he has probably had a better career than most Forum Members that's why he is a former player and we are fans. That doesn't mean his opinion is more valid than anyone elses though

This is why Blake went on to have a mediocre career. To stay in the Division is not ambition, it's not even realism, its defeatism.

It should be every player and manager's aim to finish as high up the table as possible, ultimately winning the league or gaining promotion.

We are not a Wigan or a Rotherham we are talking about a side that finished 8th in what I believe (Newcastle aside) was a stronger league last term.

The core of that team that finished 8th is still there. We have already made some decent signings and Warnock will have the transfer window to do some business.

We are 11 points of a play off spot are only 16 games into the season.

There are 30 games, 90 points left to play for.


We should be aiming for the Play Offs absolutely no doubt about it, this defeatist attitude needs outing.

I think Blake's "mediocre" career was probable far better than any other forum member. I imagine with his first hand experience of playing at the highest level, he knows a thing or two about football, even if not everyone agrees with his views. I don't think he is being defeatist at all. He knows who the players are that the club can call on, and knows the strengths of other teams in this division. I think he is being perfectly realistic, and if he had agreed with members of this forum who would have you believe that an automatic promotion place was a realistic target this season, he would be looking a complete idiot now, especially as we may well occupy one of the relegation places as we go into the new year.

There you go again 'we may well occupy one of the relegation places as we go into the new year'.

If that is not a defeatist attitude then I don't know what is, you are of course entitled to your opinion, as is Blake and as am I, we will have to agree to disagree

As for my comment about Blake's mediocre career, well yeah obviously he has probably had a better career than most Forum Members that's why he is a former player and we are fans. That doesn't mean his opinion is more valid than anyone elses though

I agree with Steve on this and don't think it's defeatist as such, more assessing the situation and being realistic.
Of course Blakes opinion is no more valid than anyone else's but he's probably forgotten more that you, I or anyone else on here knows about getting promotion, etc, etc.

I, personally, think with a couple of signings in January we can climb up the table and finish mid table or thereabouts.

Talk of the play-offs as a few on here believe we will do, in my opinion, is not being positive but being un-realistic this season.

This is why Blake went on to have a mediocre career. To stay in the Division is not ambition, it's not even realism, its defeatism.

It should be every player and manager's aim to finish as high up the table as possible, ultimately winning the league or gaining promotion.

We are not a Wigan or a Rotherham we are talking about a side that finished 8th in what I believe (Newcastle aside) was a stronger league last term.

The core of that team that finished 8th is still there. We have already made some decent signings and Warnock will have the transfer window to do some business.

We are 11 points of a play off spot are only 16 games into the season.

There are 30 games, 90 points left to play for.


We should be aiming for the Play Offs absolutely no doubt about it, this defeatist attitude needs outing.

I think Blake's "mediocre" career was probable far better than any other forum member. I imagine with his first hand experience of playing at the highest level, he knows a thing or two about football, even if not everyone agrees with his views. I don't think he is being defeatist at all. He knows who the players are that the club can call on, and knows the strengths of other teams in this division. I think he is being perfectly realistic, and if he had agreed with members of this forum who would have you believe that an automatic promotion place was a realistic target this season, he would be looking a complete idiot now, especially as we may well occupy one of the relegation places as we go into the new year.

There you go again 'we may well occupy one of the relegation places as we go into the new year'.

If that is not a defeatist attitude then I don't know what is, you are of course entitled to your opinion, as is Blake and as am I, we will have to agree to disagree

As for my comment about Blake's mediocre career, well yeah obviously he has probably had a better career than most Forum Members that's why he is a former player and we are fans. That doesn't mean his opinion is more valid than anyone elses though

I agree with Steve on this and don't think it's defeatist as such, more assessing the situation and being realistic.
Of course Blakes opinion is no more valid than anyone else's but he's probably forgotten more that you, I or anyone else on here knows about getting promotion, etc, etc.

I, personally, think with a couple of signings in January we can climb up the table and finish mid table or thereabouts.

Talk of the play-offs as a few on here believe we will do, in my opinion, is not being positive but being un-realistic this season.

How is it unrealistic mate? Unrealistic is for Eastleigh to win the FA Cup.

Why is everybody so down and defeatist about our Club, its coming at exactly the wrong time, a time when we should have optimism. There are 90 Point's left to play for and a transfer window coming up in January.

We are only 11 points offf, If we can get to within 6 point's of the Play Offs by January and then strengthen why can't we do it?, what's unrealistic about it?

Even is we don't do it, should we still not be aiming for it? shouldn't every single player, Warnock and the fans not be aiming to finish as high in the league as possible, creating a positive vibe, getting fans back on board.

Saying things like 'My ambition is to stay in the league' and 'we could well be in the bottom 3 come January' is negative and defeatist, dress it up any way you want.

This is why Blake went on to have a mediocre career. To stay in the Division is not ambition, it's not even realism, its defeatism.

It should be every player and manager's aim to finish as high up the table as possible, ultimately winning the league or gaining promotion.

We are not a Wigan or a Rotherham we are talking about a side that finished 8th in what I believe (Newcastle aside) was a stronger league last term.

The core of that team that finished 8th is still there. We have already made some decent signings and Warnock will have the transfer window to do some business.

We are 11 points of a play off spot are only 16 games into the season.

There are 30 games, 90 points left to play for.


We should be aiming for the Play Offs absolutely no doubt about it, this defeatist attitude needs outing.

I think Blake's "mediocre" career was probable far better than any other forum member. I imagine with his first hand experience of playing at the highest level, he knows a thing or two about football, even if not everyone agrees with his views. I don't think he is being defeatist at all. He knows who the players are that the club can call on, and knows the strengths of other teams in this division. I think he is being perfectly realistic, and if he had agreed with members of this forum who would have you believe that an automatic promotion place was a realistic target this season, he would be looking a complete idiot now, especially as we may well occupy one of the relegation places as we go into the new year.

There you go again 'we may well occupy one of the relegation places as we go into the new year'.

If that is not a defeatist attitude then I don't know what is, you are of course entitled to your opinion, as is Blake and as am I, we will have to agree to disagree

As for my comment about Blake's mediocre career, well yeah obviously he has probably had a better career than most Forum Members that's why he is a former player and we are fans. That doesn't mean his opinion is more valid than anyone elses though

I agree with Steve on this and don't think it's defeatist as such, more assessing the situation and being realistic.
Of course Blakes opinion is no more valid than anyone else's but he's probably forgotten more that you, I or anyone else on here knows about getting promotion, etc, etc.

I, personally, think with a couple of signings in January we can climb up the table and finish mid table or thereabouts.

Talk of the play-offs as a few on here believe we will do, in my opinion, is not being positive but being un-realistic this season.

While I don't see the squad as it stands being anywhere near the play offs, I don't think we will be in relegation trouble either as the season progresses. I am guessing that the current squad will be a bit different when the transfer window closes, and obviously opinions will change then depending on which players are shipped out, and who their replacements are. I have said all along that I don't think the players who are here right now will threaten the top six, but things could be completely different in January, depending on which players (if any) Warnock is able to bring in.

This is why Blake went on to have a mediocre career. To stay in the Division is not ambition, it's not even realism, its defeatism.

It should be every player and manager's aim to finish as high up the table as possible, ultimately winning the league or gaining promotion.

We are not a Wigan or a Rotherham we are talking about a side that finished 8th in what I believe (Newcastle aside) was a stronger league last term.

The core of that team that finished 8th is still there. We have already made some decent signings and Warnock will have the transfer window to do some business.

We are 11 points of a play off spot are only 16 games into the season.

There are 30 games, 90 points left to play for.


We should be aiming for the Play Offs absolutely no doubt about it, this defeatist attitude needs outing.

I think Blake's "mediocre" career was probable far better than any other forum member. I imagine with his first hand experience of playing at the highest level, he knows a thing or two about football, even if not everyone agrees with his views. I don't think he is being defeatist at all. He knows who the players are that the club can call on, and knows the strengths of other teams in this division. I think he is being perfectly realistic, and if he had agreed with members of this forum who would have you believe that an automatic promotion place was a realistic target this season, he would be looking a complete idiot now, especially as we may well occupy one of the relegation places as we go into the new year.

There you go again 'we may well occupy one of the relegation places as we go into the new year'.

If that is not a defeatist attitude then I don't know what is, you are of course entitled to your opinion, as is Blake and as am I, we will have to agree to disagree

As for my comment about Blake's mediocre career, well yeah obviously he has probably had a better career than most Forum Members that's why he is a former player and we are fans. That doesn't mean his opinion is more valid than anyone elses though

I agree with Steve on this and don't think it's defeatist as such, more assessing the situation and being realistic.
Of course Blakes opinion is no more valid than anyone else's but he's probably forgotten more that you, I or anyone else on here knows about getting promotion, etc, etc.

I, personally, think with a couple of signings in January we can climb up the table and finish mid table or thereabouts.

Talk of the play-offs as a few on here believe we will do, in my opinion, is not being positive but being un-realistic this season.

How is it unrealistic mate? Unrealistic is for Eastleigh to win the FA Cup.

Why is everybody so down and defeatist about our Club, its coming at exactly the wrong time, a time when we should have optimism. There are 90 Point's left to play for and a transfer window coming up in January.

We are only 11 points offf, If we can get to within 6 point's of the Play Offs by January and then strengthen why can't we do it?, what's unrealistic about it?

Even is we don't do it, should we still not be aiming for it? shouldn't every single player, Warnock and the fans not be aiming to finish as high in the league as possible, creating a positive vibe, getting fans back on board.

Saying things like 'My ambition is to stay in the league' and 'we could well be in the bottom 3 come January' is negative and defeatist, dress it up any way you want.

Are you forgetting the strength of the league this year? And the fact that teams above us will pick up points. We gained 7 points in 3 games not long ago and just edged out of the religation zone. It would literally take a small miracle to reach the play off and whilst doable it is extremely unlikely.

This is why Blake went on to have a mediocre career. To stay in the Division is not ambition, it's not even realism, its defeatism.

It should be every player and manager's aim to finish as high up the table as possible, ultimately winning the league or gaining promotion.

We are not a Wigan or a Rotherham we are talking about a side that finished 8th in what I believe (Newcastle aside) was a stronger league last term.

The core of that team that finished 8th is still there. We have already made some decent signings and Warnock will have the transfer window to do some business.

We are 11 points of a play off spot are only 16 games into the season.

There are 30 games, 90 points left to play for.


We should be aiming for the Play Offs absolutely no doubt about it, this defeatist attitude needs outing.

I think Blake's "mediocre" career was probable far better than any other forum member. I imagine with his first hand experience of playing at the highest level, he knows a thing or two about football, even if not everyone agrees with his views. I don't think he is being defeatist at all. He knows who the players are that the club can call on, and knows the strengths of other teams in this division. I think he is being perfectly realistic, and if he had agreed with members of this forum who would have you believe that an automatic promotion place was a realistic target this season, he would be looking a complete idiot now, especially as we may well occupy one of the relegation places as we go into the new year.

There you go again 'we may well occupy one of the relegation places as we go into the new year'.

If that is not a defeatist attitude then I don't know what is, you are of course entitled to your opinion, as is Blake and as am I, we will have to agree to disagree

As for my comment about Blake's mediocre career, well yeah obviously he has probably had a better career than most Forum Members that's why he is a former player and we are fans. That doesn't mean his opinion is more valid than anyone elses though

I agree with Steve on this and don't think it's defeatist as such, more assessing the situation and being realistic.
Of course Blakes opinion is no more valid than anyone else's but he's probably forgotten more that you, I or anyone else on here knows about getting promotion, etc, etc.

I, personally, think with a couple of signings in January we can climb up the table and finish mid table or thereabouts.

Talk of the play-offs as a few on here believe we will do, in my opinion, is not being positive but being un-realistic this season.

How is it unrealistic mate? Unrealistic is for Eastleigh to win the FA Cup.

Why is everybody so down and defeatist about our Club, its coming at exactly the wrong time, a time when we should have optimism. There are 90 Point's left to play for and a transfer window coming up in January.

We are only 11 points offf, If we can get to within 6 point's of the Play Offs by January and then strengthen why can't we do it?, what's unrealistic about it?

Even is we don't do it, should we still not be aiming for it? shouldn't every single player, Warnock and the fans not be aiming to finish as high in the league as possible, creating a positive vibe, getting fans back on board.

Saying things like 'My ambition is to stay in the league' and 'we could well be in the bottom 3 come January' is negative and defeatist, dress it up any way you want.

Are you forgetting the strength of the league this year? And the fact that teams above us will pick up points. We gained 7 points in 3 games not long ago and just edged out of the religation zone. It would literally take a small miracle to reach the play off and whilst doable it is extremely unlikely.

Not at all. on the contrary I don't believe (Newcastle aside) that the League is that strong at all, certainly not on the level it was last year that's for sure.

Of course team's above will pick up points, the same as many won't and will fall away as the toll of the season progresses.

I am not saying we will make the Play Offs but I think the Team and Manager with the Supporters behind them could give it a damn good go.

I am obviously a glass half full person as I find it astonishing that people have given up the season by November 17th.

This is why Blake went on to have a mediocre career. To stay in the Division is not ambition, it's not even realism, its defeatism.

It should be every player and manager's aim to finish as high up the table as possible, ultimately winning the league or gaining promotion.

We are not a Wigan or a Rotherham we are talking about a side that finished 8th in what I believe (Newcastle aside) was a stronger league last term.

The core of that team that finished 8th is still there. We have already made some decent signings and Warnock will have the transfer window to do some business.

We are 11 points of a play off spot are only 16 games into the season.

There are 30 games, 90 points left to play for.


We should be aiming for the Play Offs absolutely no doubt about it, this defeatist attitude needs outing.

I think Blake's "mediocre" career was probable far better than any other forum member. I imagine with his first hand experience of playing at the highest level, he knows a thing or two about football, even if not everyone agrees with his views. I don't think he is being defeatist at all. He knows who the players are that the club can call on, and knows the strengths of other teams in this division. I think he is being perfectly realistic, and if he had agreed with members of this forum who would have you believe that an automatic promotion place was a realistic target this season, he would be looking a complete idiot now, especially as we may well occupy one of the relegation places as we go into the new year.

There you go again 'we may well occupy one of the relegation places as we go into the new year'.

If that is not a defeatist attitude then I don't know what is, you are of course entitled to your opinion, as is Blake and as am I, we will have to agree to disagree

As for my comment about Blake's mediocre career, well yeah obviously he has probably had a better career than most Forum Members that's why he is a former player and we are fans. That doesn't mean his opinion is more valid than anyone elses though

I agree with Steve on this and don't think it's defeatist as such, more assessing the situation and being realistic.
Of course Blakes opinion is no more valid than anyone else's but he's probably forgotten more that you, I or anyone else on here knows about getting promotion, etc, etc.

I, personally, think with a couple of signings in January we can climb up the table and finish mid table or thereabouts.

Talk of the play-offs as a few on here believe we will do, in my opinion, is not being positive but being un-realistic this season.

How is it unrealistic mate? Unrealistic is for Eastleigh to win the FA Cup.

Why is everybody so down and defeatist about our Club, its coming at exactly the wrong time, a time when we should have optimism. There are 90 Point's left to play for and a transfer window coming up in January.

We are only 11 points offf, If we can get to within 6 point's of the Play Offs by January and then strengthen why can't we do it?, what's unrealistic about it?

Even is we don't do it, should we still not be aiming for it? shouldn't every single player, Warnock and the fans not be aiming to finish as high in the league as possible, creating a positive vibe, getting fans back on board.

Saying things like 'My ambition is to stay in the league' and 'we could well be in the bottom 3 come January' is negative and defeatist, dress it up any way you want.

Are you forgetting the strength of the league this year? And the fact that teams above us will pick up points. We gained 7 points in 3 games not long ago and just edged out of the religation zone. It would literally take a small miracle to reach the play off and whilst doable it is extremely unlikely.

Not at all. on the contrary I don't believe (Newcastle aside) that the League is that strong at all, certainly not on the level it was last year that's for sure.

Of course team's above will pick up points, the same as many won't and will fall away as the toll of the season progresses.

I am not saying we will make the Play Offs but I think the Team and Manager with the Supporters behind them could give it a damn good go.

I am obviously a glass half full person as I find it astonishing that people have given up the season by November 17th.

I never gave up the season on Nov 17th, I had given up this season at the begining of August when I looked at our squad for this season. However, I never expected us to be as low as we are. Up to now, the results have been far worse than I expected. Plenty of opportunity to go up the table, and on the plus side, we are not going to get much lower in this division.

i cant help but feel, regardless of how bad Trollope was, tan watched wales this summer and said, to him I want more wales players and I want the wales way, hence john coming back and us getting jazz

This is why Blake went on to have a mediocre career. To stay in the Division is not ambition, it's not even realism, its defeatism.

It should be every player and manager's aim to finish as high up the table as possible, ultimately winning the league or gaining promotion.

We are not a Wigan or a Rotherham we are talking about a side that finished 8th in what I believe (Newcastle aside) was a stronger league last term.

The core of that team that finished 8th is still there. We have already made some decent signings and Warnock will have the transfer window to do some business.

We are 11 points of a play off spot are only 16 games into the season.

There are 30 games, 90 points left to play for.


We should be aiming for the Play Offs absolutely no doubt about it, this defeatist attitude needs outing.

I think Blake's "mediocre" career was probable far better than any other forum member. I imagine with his first hand experience of playing at the highest level, he knows a thing or two about football, even if not everyone agrees with his views. I don't think he is being defeatist at all. He knows who the players are that the club can call on, and knows the strengths of other teams in this division. I think he is being perfectly realistic, and if he had agreed with members of this forum who would have you believe that an automatic promotion place was a realistic target this season, he would be looking a complete idiot now, especially as we may well occupy one of the relegation places as we go into the new year.

There you go again 'we may well occupy one of the relegation places as we go into the new year'.

If that is not a defeatist attitude then I don't know what is, you are of course entitled to your opinion, as is Blake and as am I, we will have to agree to disagree

As for my comment about Blake's mediocre career, well yeah obviously he has probably had a better career than most Forum Members that's why he is a former player and we are fans. That doesn't mean his opinion is more valid than anyone elses though

I agree with Steve on this and don't think it's defeatist as such, more assessing the situation and being realistic.
Of course Blakes opinion is no more valid than anyone else's but he's probably forgotten more that you, I or anyone else on here knows about getting promotion, etc, etc.

I, personally, think with a couple of signings in January we can climb up the table and finish mid table or thereabouts.

Talk of the play-offs as a few on here believe we will do, in my opinion, is not being positive but being un-realistic this season.

How is it unrealistic mate? Unrealistic is for Eastleigh to win the FA Cup.

Why is everybody so down and defeatist about our Club, its coming at exactly the wrong time, a time when we should have optimism. There are 90 Point's left to play for and a transfer window coming up in January.

We are only 11 points offf, If we can get to within 6 point's of the Play Offs by January and then strengthen why can't we do it?, what's unrealistic about it?

Even is we don't do it, should we still not be aiming for it? shouldn't every single player, Warnock and the fans not be aiming to finish as high in the league as possible, creating a positive vibe, getting fans back on board.

Saying things like 'My ambition is to stay in the league' and 'we could well be in the bottom 3 come January' is negative and defeatist, dress it up any way you want.

Are you forgetting the strength of the league this year? And the fact that teams above us will pick up points. We gained 7 points in 3 games not long ago and just edged out of the religation zone. It would literally take a small miracle to reach the play off and whilst doable it is extremely unlikely.

Not at all. on the contrary I don't believe (Newcastle aside) that the League is that strong at all, certainly not on the level it was last year that's for sure.

Of course team's above will pick up points, the same as many won't and will fall away as the toll of the season progresses.

I am not saying we will make the Play Offs but I think the Team and Manager with the Supporters behind them could give it a damn good go.

I am obviously a glass half full person as I find it astonishing that people have given up the season by November 17th.

I never gave up the season on Nov 17th, I had given up this season at the begining of August when I looked at our squad for this season. However, I never expected us to be as low as we are. Up to now, the results have been far worse than I expected. Plenty of opportunity to go up the table, and on the plus side, we are not going to get much lower in this division.

This is why Blake went on to have a mediocre career. To stay in the Division is not ambition, it's not even realism, its defeatism.

It should be every player and manager's aim to finish as high up the table as possible, ultimately winning the league or gaining promotion.

We are not a Wigan or a Rotherham we are talking about a side that finished 8th in what I believe (Newcastle aside) was a stronger league last term.

The core of that team that finished 8th is still there. We have already made some decent signings and Warnock will have the transfer window to do some business.

We are 11 points of a play off spot are only 16 games into the season.

There are 30 games, 90 points left to play for.


We should be aiming for the Play Offs absolutely no doubt about it, this defeatist attitude needs outing.

I think Blake's "mediocre" career was probable far better than any other forum member. I imagine with his first hand experience of playing at the highest level, he knows a thing or two about football, even if not everyone agrees with his views. I don't think he is being defeatist at all. He knows who the players are that the club can call on, and knows the strengths of other teams in this division. I think he is being perfectly realistic, and if he had agreed with members of this forum who would have you believe that an automatic promotion place was a realistic target this season, he would be looking a complete idiot now, especially as we may well occupy one of the relegation places as we go into the new year.

There you go again 'we may well occupy one of the relegation places as we go into the new year'.

If that is not a defeatist attitude then I don't know what is, you are of course entitled to your opinion, as is Blake and as am I, we will have to agree to disagree

As for my comment about Blake's mediocre career, well yeah obviously he has probably had a better career than most Forum Members that's why he is a former player and we are fans. That doesn't mean his opinion is more valid than anyone elses though

I agree with Steve on this and don't think it's defeatist as such, more assessing the situation and being realistic.
Of course Blakes opinion is no more valid than anyone else's but he's probably forgotten more that you, I or anyone else on here knows about getting promotion, etc, etc.

I, personally, think with a couple of signings in January we can climb up the table and finish mid table or thereabouts.

Talk of the play-offs as a few on here believe we will do, in my opinion, is not being positive but being un-realistic this season.

How is it unrealistic mate? Unrealistic is for Eastleigh to win the FA Cup.

Why is everybody so down and defeatist about our Club, its coming at exactly the wrong time, a time when we should have optimism. There are 90 Point's left to play for and a transfer window coming up in January.

We are only 11 points offf, If we can get to within 6 point's of the Play Offs by January and then strengthen why can't we do it?, what's unrealistic about it?

Even is we don't do it, should we still not be aiming for it? shouldn't every single player, Warnock and the fans not be aiming to finish as high in the league as possible, creating a positive vibe, getting fans back on board.

Saying things like 'My ambition is to stay in the league' and 'we could well be in the bottom 3 come January' is negative and defeatist, dress it up any way you want.

Are you forgetting the strength of the league this year? And the fact that teams above us will pick up points. We gained 7 points in 3 games not long ago and just edged out of the religation zone. It would literally take a small miracle to reach the play off and whilst doable it is extremely unlikely.

Not at all. on the contrary I don't believe (Newcastle aside) that the League is that strong at all, certainly not on the level it was last year that's for sure.

Of course team's above will pick up points, the same as many won't and will fall away as the toll of the season progresses.

I am not saying we will make the Play Offs but I think the Team and Manager with the Supporters behind them could give it a damn good go.

I am obviously a glass half full person as I find it astonishing that people have given up the season by November 17th.

I think despite current results were on an upward curve, the club has made huge strides in the way it's run and the board have learnt harsh lessons and with a manager like warnock we can push on.

But I'm just looking at teams that are above us and I can't see us making up 11 points without a small miracle. Even if we win our next 3 matches we probably wouldn't even break into the top 15 because teams above us would have to drop so many points and our next set of fixtures are very tough. I think the best we can hope for is some decent signings in Jan, a decent end to the season and hopefully a chance to see some youth come through when we've avoided relegation.

Lads here are two example's of team's who have completely changed their league position within 10 games.

Leeds Utd.

Week 6: Position 22nd
Week 16: Position 6th

(10 Game Results) Won 7, Lost 2, Drew 1

Preston North End.

Week 6: Position 23rd
Week 16: Position 11th (3 points of the play offs)

(10 Game Results) Won 6, Lost 2, Drew 2


Both those teams have turned their season around within the space of 10 games. We have 30. I don't believe that either of those teams have a better squad, better manager, better anything realy than us so if they can do it in 10 we can certainly do it with 30 games left.

I think Sol Bamba has a taken a more realistic view than some of the fans on here. The following is taken from another thread.

Bamba said: “The second half against Newcastle was very good, and we showed we can compete with any team in the league. First and foremost we need to get some results and pull away to safety, but some of the boys here have played in the Premier League and they know it’s the place to be, so that’s the long-term target.”

I don't believe many of our players seriously expect to be playing Premier League football(not with Cardiff anyway) next season. Has to be our long term target, but I guess that is the long term target for numerous other clubs as well. Hopefully, Warnock will give us a bit of an edge.

I think Sol Bamba has a taken a more realistic view than some of the fans on here. The following is taken from another thread.

Bamba said: “The second half against Newcastle was very good, and we showed we can compete with any team in the league. First and foremost we need to get some results and pull away to safety, but some of the boys here have played in the Premier League and they know it’s the place to be, so that’s the long-term target.”

I don't believe many of our players seriously expect to be playing Premier League football(not with Cardiff anyway) next season. Has to be our long term target, but I guess that is the long term target for numerous other clubs as well. Hopefully, Warnock will give us a bit of an edge.

Steve, only time will tell mate but the two teams mentioned above have shown what a decent ten game run can do.

Whether we do it or not is another thing but with 30 games left I just dont understand why some people think its so unrealistic. I can only assume they don't understand the meaning of the word.

Nobody is expecting things to change over night but as I have said many times, theres 30 games left, stay within a achievable points gap, stengthen in January and who knows what could happen.

There is nothing unrealistic about it.

I think Sol Bamba has a taken a more realistic view than some of the fans on here. The following is taken from another thread.

Bamba said: “The second half against Newcastle was very good, and we showed we can compete with any team in the league. First and foremost we need to get some results and pull away to safety, but some of the boys here have played in the Premier League and they know it’s the place to be, so that’s the long-term target.”

I don't believe many of our players seriously expect to be playing Premier League football(not with Cardiff anyway) next season. Has to be our long term target, but I guess that is the long term target for numerous other clubs as well. Hopefully, Warnock will give us a bit of an edge.

Steve, if those are the comments of Bamba then I for one am dissapointed.

Each to their own but I dont particularly want to here players being so defeatist, and the 'not with Cardiff anyway' line shows a conplete lack of focus and conmitment for me.

I think Sol Bamba has a taken a more realistic view than some of the fans on here. The following is taken from another thread.

Bamba said: “The second half against Newcastle was very good, and we showed we can compete with any team in the league. First and foremost we need to get some results and pull away to safety, but some of the boys here have played in the Premier League and they know it’s the place to be, so that’s the long-term target.”

I don't believe many of our players seriously expect to be playing Premier League football(not with Cardiff anyway) next season. Has to be our long term target, but I guess that is the long term target for numerous other clubs as well. Hopefully, Warnock will give us a bit of an edge.

Steve, if those are the comments of Bamba then I for one am dissapointed.

Each to their own but I dont particularly want to here players being so defeatist, and the 'not with Cardiff anyway' line shows a conplete lack of focus and conmitment for me.

Sorry RV. I have confused things here. Only the middle paragraph was taken from the other thread. The first and last paragraph are mine, that statement is my personal view. Apologies for any confusion, I don't think any of our players would come out with that sort of talk.

I think Sol Bamba has a taken a more realistic view than some of the fans on here. The following is taken from another thread.

Bamba said: “The second half against Newcastle was very good, and we showed we can compete with any team in the league. First and foremost we need to get some results and pull away to safety, but some of the boys here have played in the Premier League and they know it’s the place to be, so that’s the long-term target.”

I don't believe many of our players seriously expect to be playing Premier League football(not with Cardiff anyway) next season. Has to be our long term target, but I guess that is the long term target for numerous other clubs as well. Hopefully, Warnock will give us a bit of an edge.

Steve, if those are the comments of Bamba then I for one am dissapointed.

Each to their own but I dont particularly want to here players being so defeatist, and the 'not with Cardiff anyway' line shows a conplete lack of focus and conmitment for me.

Sorry RV. I have confused things here. Only the middle paragraph was taken from the other thread. The first and last paragraph are mine, that statement is my personal view. Apologies for any confusion, I don't think any of our players would come out with that sort of talk.

Only the sentences in inverted commas are from Sol Bamba. Apologies for the confusion.