Right then - where will we end up?

[ferrarilover]

Agree Camb, our squad is not really smaller than it was last year, but I feel it is deeper, with the likes of LRT proving himself to be an 'understudy' of equal standing to Nico.

Last year the first XI (say, as many as 13 players) were excellent and, at the very end of the season, may even have been marginally (VERY marginally) stronger than the equivalent we have today. However, what we now have is, effectively, two starting class players in every position, which we definitely did not have last year.

Its definitely a case of quality over quantity, as opposed to the approach taken up the M5 by a certain PB, who appears to have signed every player in the Football League.

Matt.

[cambgull]

Agree Camb, our squad is not really smaller than it was last year, but I feel it is deeper, with the likes of LRT proving himself to be an 'understudy' of equal standing to Nico.

Last year the first XI (say, as many as 13 players) were excellent and, at the very end of the season, may even have been marginally (VERY marginally) stronger than the equivalent we have today. However, what we now have is, effectively, two starting class players in every position, which we definitely did not have last year.

Its definitely a case of quality over quantity, as opposed to the approach taken up the M5 by a certain PB, who appears to have signed every player in the Football League.

Matt.

Totally agree. I suppose we probably have to thank Buckle for bringing in players like Lathrope, LRT etc who will hopefully go on to be big players for the club.

[highweekgull]

I think some of the new boys will be strong Crawley (grrrr) and Swindon to be sure but not sure about the Cornish blokes or Wimbledon.

Also some of the "bigger" clubs (Cobblers, Bradford, Port Vale) who failed to achieve last time might find it even harder this time but the odd one might bounce back.

I truly believe if we keep continuity at the back (with a much better keeper) and the wingers perform and the strikers take their chances, we could/should make play offs again.

Si

Ps have we ever been Champions of any league?

[ferrarilover]

I think some of the new boys will be strong Crawley (grrrr) and Swindon to be sure but not sure about the Cornish blokes or Wimbledon.

Also some of the "bigger" clubs (Cobblers, Bradford, Port Vale) who failed to achieve last time might find it even harder this time but the odd one might bounce back.

I truly believe if we keep continuity at the back (with a much better keeper) and the wingers perform and the strikers take their chances, we could/should make play offs again.

Si

Ps have we ever been Champions of any league?

Laugh like a drain if it's this lot.

I think it must be something in the Northants water. I've spend over an hour this morning trying to get evidence from a prosecution file in a case being dealt with by CPS Northants, none of them have a clue what's going on, idiots, to a man.

Matt.

[stefano]

I think some of the new boys will be strong Crawley (grrrr) and Swindon to be sure but not sure about the Cornish blokes or Wimbledon.

Also some of the "bigger" clubs (Cobblers, Bradford, Port Vale) who failed to achieve last time might find it even harder this time but the odd one might bounce back.

I truly believe if we keep continuity at the back (with a much better keeper) and the wingers perform and the strikers take their chances, we could/should make play offs again.

Si

Ps have we ever been Champions of any league?

Yes 1926/27 the year before entering the Football League we won the Southern League Western Section (Bristol Rovers finished 5th). We have also in the early 1900's topped the Torquay and District League and (as Torquay Town) the Plymouth and District League. Not forgetting our reserves of course who have won the Western League and last season won their league whatever it was called. Our highest position since entering the Football League was 2nd in Division 3 (south) in 1956/57 to Ipswich Town who 5 years later were champions of the First Divison (now Premiership) under manager Alf Ramsey.

[ferrarilover]

I imagine this is what it is like to discuss the merits of the V12 with Enzo Ferrari (not NOW, obviously).

Stefano, your encyclopaedic knowledge knows no bounds, if I had a sister, I'd let you marry her.

Matt.