04 May 2024 21:29:24
Let me start by saying, I am more than grateful that we now have a second chance - however - I am strongly against a league system that is the envy of the world and awards consistency being decided by an "on the day" knockout game. It's just not right.
What if the 6th team, many points behind the third, turn up at Wembley and win by a lucky deflection after defending for 90mins. It's just not right.
04 May 2024 22:00:49
I concur Leo, but it's been the way it is, and has been for years, so I guess we can't moan because it don't suit our situation. MOT.
04 May 2024 22:28:29
It does though keep interest in Champo till game 46.
04 May 2024 22:31:17
OP predicting a Baggies Leeds final
That now means Norwich vs Saints final a sure thing.
04 May 2024 22:34:28
I have never liked the system it's all about money, 3 down 2 up and a play off and it gets worse as you go down the leagues. My opinion bottom 4 and top 4 in all leagues.
04 May 2024 22:35:44
Leo, If it's just not right than get automatic promotion. Just saying. We finished 17 points ahead of Norwich which showed we were the better team this season. No reason why we shouldn't beat them in playoffs. IMO. BUT, football is not played on paper.
04 May 2024 23:15:13
Did you think the same in 1987?
05 May 2024 07:40:26
I think the best compromise would be 3 up and 3 down, and then 4-7 play-off to meet 4th bottom in EPL. EPL would never vote for it.
Alternatively, 3rd in EFL is placed in the playoff final and 4-7 playoff to meet them. There has to be some “benefit” to being 3rd over 6th.
05 May 2024 07:48:39
Spot on Ani, and I agree totally Leodis.
05 May 2024 08:45:47
How many years have you had to practice being a d. head, Porgie. Congrats, you nailed it. Straight 3 up 3 down for me and no parachute payments.
05 May 2024 09:24:09
It's a, bad system if you finish 3rd, great if you finish 6th, as we did in 87 when we knocked Oldham out although we finished well behind them.
05 May 2024 09:39:00
Similar to Bundesliga/ Bundesliga II system is that Ani. Works well.
05 May 2024 10:27:32
Ani the advantage of 3rd is playing at home first against the 6th team. It doesn't always work like that but that's the advantage.
The playoffs are not perfect but they keep even mid table teams playing till the end of the season. Look at Doncaster they were sitting about 20th then went on a massive run and finished 5th. Would they have put that run together without the playoffs to aim for?
05 May 2024 12:01:03
Well lads that was a lot to ponder.
Dougie sorry no, since the dawn of time it has been straight up and down. This play off business is only (in football terms) new.
Bermu my whole point is that every team gets 9ish months to show there worth and the cream will inevitably rise to the top. They must be rewarded, not potentially snatched from their grasp by a stroke of bad timed, bad luck.
Ben W playing at home is not always an advantage.
No lads there is only one overiding reason for the Play Offs - MONEY!
05 May 2024 12:43:20
Leo yes it is about money its an entertainment industry and the TV rights need to sold.
The TV people are going to pay more if they can show more teams and games during the season.
They will be paying less if half the league is on the beach from march.
We all remember the almost friendlies we would watch at the end of the season because neither team had anywhere to go.
Plus it's a chance for the lesser teams and players to get to Wembley.
05 May 2024 20:11:36
I think the playoffs are fantastic. Not so much when we are in them as we tend to lose but top notch entertainment. Beats the hell out of the FA Cup final.