|
Post by mangogas15 on Apr 22, 2021 21:09:55 GMT
Thought I would get in there early.
Time to focus on this wonderful division again.
It's normally time for me to turn off EFL on Quest, but now my interest is back here again.
My first season as a ST holder with Rovers was 2011/12, the Buckle season, in the family stand. Big expectations on bouncing straight back.
How wrong can you be.
There will be plenty to talk about from this division again from August onwards, so let's start now and hit the ground running.
|
|
|
Post by mangogas15 on Apr 23, 2021 7:06:27 GMT
Preview League Two 24th April 2021.
Port Vale v Bradford Bradford are 13th and 8 points behind the play off places with 4 games left. They can gatecrash them but is seems unlikely. Darrell's Vale are 14th with 3 games left and are already on the proverbial beach, but this is golden time for DC, getting to know his players and who he can retain for next season.
Oldham v Grimsby Oldham in 15th, nothing to play for, Grimsby are bottom with 4 games left, 9 points from safety, they look doomed. Rollin Menayese played for them last week in the 3-0 home defeat to Morecambe. James Hanson and Lanell John-Lewis also played. Oldham are managed by Keith Curle. Grimsby by Paul Hurst.
Salford v Mansfield The Class of 92 United have had a great season winning the cup. They have lost 1 of their last 6, are currently 9th, 3 points behind 7th. Mansfield got away with their stealing of Coughlan in the end, but not with him in charge. They are 18th and cannot go down. 1 defeat in the last 6 for them too. Ryan Sweeney and captain Ollie Clarke both played last time out. Gary Bowyer is manager of Salford, Ian Henderson scored for them last week, Nigel Clough manages Mansfield.
Scunthorpe v Walsall Scunthorpe were battling for promotion to the Championship regularly in recent years. Where did it all go wrong for them. They are 20th but are unlikely to be caught. Walsall the same in 19th. No win in 6 for Scunthorpe, Walsall have lost their last 2. Neil Cox manages Scunthorpe. Brian Dutton manages Walsall, James Clarke was captain last week.
Southend v Orient Southend will likely go down this weekend if not the next. They are managed by Phil Brown, Louis Walsh played for them last week.. Jobi McAnuff is player manager of Orient. I met a fan of theirs on holiday and tried to make him feel better about their relegation to the conference by saying how Rovers came back. I am glad I was right.
Carlisle v Harrogate Carlisle are 11th, 5 points behind 7th with 4 games left. It seems unlikely but still possible they can get in the playoffs. Harrogate will not go down, but really need to consolidate again next season. They are currently 17th on 53 points. Carlisle are managed by Chris Beech, Harrogate by Simon Weaver. Jon Stead played for them last week.
Cambridge v Stevenage Cambridge are 1st, 5 points above 4th place with 3 games left, they should win promotion at least. Stevenage are 16th on 53 points and have done very well to stay up again. Hiram Boateng played for Cambridge last week. Mark Bonner is their manager. Alex Revell manages Stevenage. Joe Martin and Chris Lines started for them last week.
Tranmere v Barrow Tranmere will probably make the play offs, no more no less. Barrow could be safe this weekend. Keith Hill is in charge at Tranmere, Otis Kahn, David Nugent and Jay Spearing were in the squad last week. Luke James plays for Barrow, he has 3 goals in 34 games. They are managed by Rob Kelly.
Crawley v Forest Green I have looked at Crawley's results more than any other L2 team this season due to the ex-Gas connection. They are currently 12th with nothing to play for. Tony Craig, Sam Matthews and Tom Nichols played last week. Nichols was sent off, John Yem is their manager. Craig has played 29 games Matthews 21 (1 goal), Nichols 28 (11 goals). Could have done with them. Forest Green simply won't go away will they. They have a draw and a win from their last 2 after 4 defeats in a row. Jimmy Ball is their manager. They are 6th with a decent chance of making the playoffs. Think where they were 10 years ago. They finished 20th in div 5, the year before had only stayed up because of Salisbury being demoted.
Morecambe v Bolton Game of the weekend in England possibly. Bolton 3rd on 73, Morecambe 4th on 72, 54 miles apart. 10 years ago Morecambe were in L2, finished 20th, Bolton finished 14th.....in the Premier League. They were also FA Cup semi-finalists. It was their 12th consecutive season in the Prem. Morecambe are managed by Derek Adams, Stephen Hendrie plays for them. They have won their last 3. Bolton are managed by Ian Evatt, Eion Doyle plays for them.
Cheltenham v Colchester Cheltenham seem to have been up there all season, I know that much they are 2nd. Liam Sercombe commutes from Lyde Green to play for them. Michael Duff is their manager. Colchester have won their last 2, Hayden Mullins is their manager. They beat Southend last week to edge nearer to safety. They are 21st on 47 points.
Exeter v Newport Oops, 8th v 7th. Another big one. Newport are 3 points ahead and in the box seat of 7th place. They must start fulfilling their potential under Michael Flynn. Joe Ledley, Dom Telford and Nicky Maynard were on the bench last week. Matt Taylor is manager of Exeter. Tom Parkes was on the bench last week.
Thanks for reading. Let's see how this weekend pans out. I definitely learned something.
|
|
eppinggas
Administrator
Ian Alexander
Don't care
Joined: June 2014
Posts: 8,053
|
Post by eppinggas on Apr 23, 2021 9:08:11 GMT
Stevenage, Morecambe, Crawley. Jesus. Relegation really begins to bite. I have to admire your enthusiasm for this division...
|
|
|
Post by mangogas15 on Apr 23, 2021 9:34:22 GMT
Stevenage, Morecambe, Crawley. Jesus. Relegation really begins to bite. I have to admire your enthusiasm for this division... After the weekend, the ESL and then Tuesday I feel much more affinity with L2 than the Prem and I even boycotted watching Liverpool on Monday.
|
|
irishrover
Global Moderator
Joined: June 2014
Posts: 3,372
|
Post by irishrover on Apr 23, 2021 10:44:56 GMT
Stevenage, Morecambe, Crawley. Jesus. Relegation really begins to bite. I have to admire your enthusiasm for this division... I'm more of a Tranmere, Barrow, Oldham, Port Vale kind of guy.
|
|
|
Post by mangogas15 on Apr 23, 2021 13:53:30 GMT
Stevenage, Morecambe, Crawley. Jesus. Relegation really begins to bite. I have to admire your enthusiasm for this division... I'm more of a Tranmere, Barrow, Oldham, Port Vale kind of guy. Oldham v Grimsby was old div 2 when I was a kid
|
|
warehamgas
Predictions League
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 3,390
|
Post by warehamgas on Apr 23, 2021 20:36:54 GMT
It’s a horrible division and I hate it. But I’d better change my attitude otherwise I’ll be accused of not respecting it. And to rub it in Cheltenham and FGR could get promotion and be above us. One plus might be a visit to Torquay again if they come up. UTG!
ps. Great idea btw mango even if I do hate this league.
|
|
|
Post by mangogas15 on Apr 23, 2021 21:11:45 GMT
It’s a horrible division and I hate it. But I’d better change my attitude otherwise I’ll be accused of not respecting it. And to rub it in Cheltenham and FGR could get promotion and be above us. One plus might be a visit to Torquay again if they come up. UTG! ps. Great idea btw mango even if I do hate this league. 👍 thanks. I listened to the GasCast Podcast today, L2 is no foregone conclusion for us. You underestimate it at your peril.
|
|
|
Post by mangogas15 on Apr 26, 2021 20:23:45 GMT
Review 24/04/21
Cheltenham The ability to win a game 1-0 when the pressure is on, a mean defence is where it all starts from. 82 minutes and they're top because of results elsewhere. And who can deny them that. Have you seen Ben Tozers throw ins?
Cambridge A little bit arrogant and got what they deserved. Steve came and got all 3 pts. Cambridge manager talking a bit like John Coleman as though they have already done the hard bit, no, the hard bit is winning the last game. It's 19 years since they were last in L1.
Bolton Didn't spin out of the league altogether and are obviously in a false division, but B***** could do worse than follow their lead next season. 1-0 with a little helo from Morecambe on their big day, self destruct. To be fair Bolton feels right.
Morecambe Unlucky but going to have to settle for the play offs i reckon. The sending off didnt help.
Tranmere Nugent 1-0 67 mins, what you need at this time of the season. Quite a few of these teams have better squads than Rovers, let's hope it's not 23 of them..
Forest Green 0-0 and a case of the jitters, one v one and hit the side nettinf first half, how costly could that be. But let's face it, they're not going away are they.
Newport Another nervy one, I can see them missing out.
Salford An eventful game. Salford very good at home, just hitting form at the right time? Could gatecrash.
Exeter Don't quite have what it takes, I may be wrong. Another nervy 0-0. 10 teams out of 24 didn't score this weekend. Rovers should feel at home.
Carlisle Scraped a draw in the end. Made 3 subs at half time.
Orient You are allowed to beat Southend you know. A case of nothing to play for I think.
Port Vale 6 clean sheets in a row i heard, DC working miracles. Well earned win.
Crawley On the beach. Matthews hit the bar, Nichols suspended.
Bradford Rovers have a poor record against them. They haven't set the league alighy recently. Lower mid table at best.
Stevenage What a win. Believe in yourselves, you are allowed to compete. Great win at Cambridge.
Oldham Nondescript. Becoming another Bury, Rochdale type, no threat of promotion again and hopefully not next season. Were in the first Premier league.
Harrogate What a season. Caused Carlisle plenty of problems Saturday and nearly snuck a win.
Mansfield Too high in the league for me after they sent us down and nicked our manager. Sorry.
Walsall Nothing season again, will be in L2 for a while yet, unless they go the other way..
Colchester Lost to Cheltenham which is no disgrace.
Scunthorpe Poor, still looking over their shoulders on 47 pts. Who went down with 50 again??
Barrow No Tom Davies. Could slip out. Newly promoted teams have a habit of losing loads in a row to get caught in the fight, whichever league they're in.
Southend I fear it's too little too late. Great scenes though. Real passion to win.
Grimsby Good goal to win. Oldham want shooting though. Doomed i reckon.
Get used to this Rollin Menayese nearly got sent off by mistake.
|
|
eppinggas
Administrator
Ian Alexander
Don't care
Joined: June 2014
Posts: 8,053
|
Post by eppinggas on Apr 28, 2021 15:55:44 GMT
Given the lack of physicality in the current squad, I think 'doing a Stockport' is far more likely than 'doing a Coventry'. Fun fact. Stockport were also formed in 1883. The thought that B***** might bring in a whole new team fills me with absolute dread.
|
|
|
Post by mangogas15 on Apr 28, 2021 16:00:13 GMT
Given the lack of physicality in the current squad, I think 'doing a Stockport' is far more likely than 'doing a Coventry'. Fun fact. Stockport were also formed in 1883. The thought that B***** might bring in a whole new team fills me with absolute dread. If rag bag swindon can do it so can we. Some L2 squads are better than ours as mentioned
|
|
eppinggas
Administrator
Ian Alexander
Don't care
Joined: June 2014
Posts: 8,053
|
Post by eppinggas on Apr 29, 2021 8:22:49 GMT
Given the lack of physicality in the current squad, I think 'doing a Stockport' is far more likely than 'doing a Coventry'. Fun fact. Stockport were also formed in 1883. The thought that B***** might bring in a whole new team fills me with absolute dread. If rag bag swindon can do it so can we. Some L2 squads are better than ours as mentioned I have serious concerns about who would actually 'want' to come here if Mr B***** is in charge. Both seasons after relegations to tier 4 we struggled. Some Gasheads have a (laughable) "Big Club" mentality who expect some kind of God given right to bounce straight back up. 2001-2002 finished 23rd. Only escaped a consecutive relegation as only 1 went down that season (the last time that happened, take a bow, Halifax). 2011-2012 finished 13th. 2012-2013 finished 14th. 2013-2014 relegated. I am accused by some of being a miserable cynic at times. But I fear that we have far greater chance of repeating the 2001-2002 season than many believe. We need stability. A steady hand. We have installed an unstable volatile character as our manager. If he's still in charge in August, I dread to think where we will be by Christmas. Edit: just c&p most of this on to the main Guzzler. History should teach us lessons!
|
|
warehamgas
Predictions League
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 3,390
|
Post by warehamgas on Apr 29, 2021 20:41:40 GMT
If rag bag swindon can do it so can we. Some L2 squads are better than ours as mentioned I have serious concerns about who would actually 'want' to come here if Mr B***** is in charge. Both seasons after relegations to tier 4 we struggled. Some Gasheads have a (laughable) "Big Club" mentality who expect some kind of God given right to bounce straight back up. 2001-2002 finished 23rd. Only escaped a consecutive relegation as only 1 went down that season (the last time that happened, take a bow, Halifax). 2011-2012 finished 13th. 2012-2013 finished 14th. 2013-2014 relegated. I am accused by some of being a miserable cynic at times. But I fear that we have far greater chance of repeating the 2001-2002 season than many believe. We need stability. A steady hand. We have installed an unstable volatile character as our manager. If he's still in charge in August, I dread to think where we will be by Christmas. Edit: just c&p most of this on to the main Guzzler. History should teach us lessons! Well thanks for that epping, that will have cheered everyone up! I thought we’d left those days behind us but I fear your realism is closer to the truth than my optimism. ☹️ UTG!
|
|
|
Post by mangogas15 on Apr 29, 2021 22:11:31 GMT
I have serious concerns about who would actually 'want' to come here if Mr B***** is in charge. Both seasons after relegations to tier 4 we struggled. Some Gasheads have a (laughable) "Big Club" mentality who expect some kind of God given right to bounce straight back up. 2001-2002 finished 23rd. Only escaped a consecutive relegation as only 1 went down that season (the last time that happened, take a bow, Halifax). 2011-2012 finished 13th. 2012-2013 finished 14th. 2013-2014 relegated. I am accused by some of being a miserable cynic at times. But I fear that we have far greater chance of repeating the 2001-2002 season than many believe. We need stability. A steady hand. We have installed an unstable volatile character as our manager. If he's still in charge in August, I dread to think where we will be by Christmas. Edit: just c&p most of this on to the main Guzzler. History should teach us lessons! Well thanks for that epping, that will have cheered everyone up! I thought we’d left those days behind us but I fear your realism is closer to the truth than my optimism. ☹️ UTG! I'll be happy once we hit 51 points
|
|
|
Post by mangogas15 on Apr 30, 2021 6:30:04 GMT
Preview - weekend 1st May.
Game of the weekend should be Barrow v Southend. But it is all done and dusted between these 2 with 2 games to spare.
Luke James didn't score for Barrow last week. Tom Davies didn't play.
They won 2-0 at FGR on Tuesday and sealed their survival.
So Bolton v Exeter looks like a big game, a likely home win, which will confirm Wanderers' promotion.
The Rovers derby of Forest Green v Tranmere is a bit nothing because of FGR losing in the week.
Cambridge play tonight up 'Arrogate. A point will be enough for them to be promoted.
Salford seem to be in form and I wouldn't write them off to go up via the play offs.
|
|
warehamgas
Predictions League
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 3,390
|
Post by warehamgas on Apr 30, 2021 8:46:13 GMT
Salford being in a higher league. Possibly Tranmere and FGR. Quite a change around this season. Just goes to show, one bad season and everything changes. UTG!
|
|
|
Post by mangogas15 on Jul 29, 2021 14:44:28 GMT
Managed by Nigel Clough
Finished a poor 16th last season but do not be deceived.
Won 5 in a row at one stage under Clough, then lost only 2 of the last 12 games, admittedly drawing 6 of those and winning 4 of the last 5.
I am expecting Rovers to lose, especially if we do not sign a striker by then.
They only won 6 home games last season, but beat Cov 1-0 this week.
Menayese has gone on loan, Ollie Clarke played 33 times last season, Ryan Sweeney 36.
|
|
|
Post by mangogas15 on Jul 29, 2021 20:21:50 GMT
We did the double over them in the return to L2 season 2015/16.
Head to head Rovers 22 wins Mansfield 16 Drawn 13
They have won 1 in the last 11 and they forgot their kit for that one....
|
|
|
Post by mangogas15 on Jul 30, 2021 5:51:49 GMT
Did you know that Nigel Clough played over 200 games for Burton at the end of his career in the non league, most of these at centre back.
|
|
|
Post by mangogas15 on Jul 30, 2021 6:42:29 GMT
According to one website, Salford are favourites to win L2 this season, followed by Bristol Rovers and Mansfield
|
|