On more than one occasion last season David Sullivan described the prospect of life outside the Premier League as “Armageddon”. Well if this is the end of the world as we know it, I for one feel fine.
It would take a heart of stone to listen to Sam “I turn dreams into reality” Allardyce over the last few days and not feel some sense of optimism about the new season. The rule of “under promise, over deliver” is not one Big Sam is familiar with, declaring instead that he will be sacked unless he gains promotion at the first attempt. Given the unpredictability of the Championship, that is quite a statement.
West Ham fans are not stupid (well, some of them are) and are unlikely to get on his back just because we are not top of the league after ten games. The positive feeling emanating from the big man should carry us through the early stages of the season, even when the inevitable defeat to Doncaster does happen.
However, expectations have now been set and failure to gain promotion with the likes of Nolan, Parker and Green on board, could lead to Allardyce’s preseason hyperbole eventually coming back to haunt him. A second season outside the Premier League is unlikely to commence with the same excited anticipation.
So on the subject of making proud preseason assumptions that do not materialise, here are Love In The Time Of Collison’s top ten predictions for the 2011/12 season.
1. One-nil to the cockney boys
Indications from the preseason friendlies are that Hammers’ fans will not be suffering from the neck ache that Allardyce’s critics would have you believe. That said, even if the football is entertaining enough, it’s likely that performances will be efficient and clinical. Why waste energy sticking four goals past Peterborough when three days later you have to do it all over again against Ipswich. At the time of writing we are 7/1 to beat Cardiff 1-0. That may just be a good bet and a familiar scoreline.
2. Player of the year: Matt Taylor
The signing of Kevin Nolan was such a coup that any subsequent arrivals will inevitably pale into insignificance. We have been so spoilt that Messi could be snapped up tomorrow and fans would shrug and say ‘he’s a bit greedy though, isn’t he’. As a result, Taylor’s signing has been met with minimal excitement, with some even exasperated at the arrival of another ex-Bolton player. Known mainly for some spectacular long-range goals, Taylor is actually a real all-rounder who mixes high work-rate with natural ability. In the Premier League he is a handful. In the Championship he will be unstoppable.
3. Millwall hoodoo to be broken
Don’t know why, just got a feeling. Maybe Sam being an ex-player or something.
4. Big Sam to re-write I’m Forever Blowing Bubbles
I picture Sam reading the lyrics to himself with disdain ... “And like my dreams, they fade and die? Fade and die? We’ll be having none of that, you underachieving cockneys. I turn dreams into reality, me. And like my dreams, they come to life … - that’s more like it. Fortune’s always hiding? We’ll be having no hiding here, soft lad. No, no. Fortune’s round the corner. That’s where fortune is. Pretty bubbles in the air? Bubbles? Pretty? Footballs are what go in the air, not bubbles.”
5. A few surprises in the Championship
Given the history of this division, this is about as outlandish a prediction as guessing that Joey Barton is about to tweet some self-serving drivel. So to add some substance to my prediction, I would argue that Leeds and Ipswich - destined to finish outside the play-offs according to the bookies - are good value at odds of about 5/1 and 4/1 respectively for promotion. At the other end of the table I fear for Derby even with the added investment over the summer, and odds of 6/1 for relegation look attractive. Peterborough will definitely go down but the odds reflect that, so probably not worth a flutter.
6. The kids to make little impact
A lot has been made of Allardyce’s willingness to give youth a chance in the close-season friendlies, but the decision to allow Jordan Spence to leave on a year-long loan to Bristol City may be more telling. Given the net outflow of players this summer, the likes of Sears, Hines, Stanislas and Nouble are likely to be called upon when injuries arise, but whether they are considered first choices is doubtful.
7. Scott Parker to be gone by end of August; Greeno gone in January
Just a hunch. If I’m wrong, I’ll be happy.
8. Starting XI for last game vs Hull to have at least five changes from opening game vs Cardiff
Of the outfield players that lined up against Sunderland for the final game of last season, James Tomkins was the only survivor from the opener against Aston Villa. Admittedly, Allardyce differs from Avram Grant in that he understands things like tactics, and may therefore settle on his best XI a little more quickly. But with comings and goings still likely in August and again in January, don’t expect a settled side any time soon.
9. Sam Brown’s ‘I Feel Good’ to kick in when we score at Upton Park
Now that really would make me give up my season ticket. Or maybe Sam will look for something that he can - to use his word - “modify” for the East End. Then again, perhaps he’ll just appreciate being at a club where the fans do not need an atmosphere to be artificially created for them.
10. Some good awaydays
Our last tenure in the Championship gave me the opportunity to visit many grounds for the first time, including Pride Park, Elland Road and Valley Parade. With those stadiums now ticked off the list, new grounds present themselves, including the shiny new Brighton ground. The trip there on 22 October, comes four days after Southampton entertain us. If ever there were a time for taking an all-week sickie, this might just be it. Home games are likely to be tarred by continued London Underground closures. Here’s hoping that this season, the long walk from Canning Town will be worth the effort.
Come. On. You. Irons.
No comments:
Post a Comment