[Webby]

Can’t see anything other than Brentford taking Fulham to bits in final

[gavinrussell]

Play off final should be a really good game..

[gazberg]

Initially i too thought Brentford would take them apart but now i'm not so sure. Too close to call. Should be a good watch.

[zippyandbungle]

Can’t see anything other than Brentford taking Fulham to bits in final

Every time they have had a bit of pressure they have choked
Went in to yesterday’s game behind and that helped them...
Fulham win this

[wbako]

Can’t see anything other than Brentford taking Fulham to bits in final

If Brentford play to their best, they'll slice and dice Fulham. Big IF, though.

[WBArgo]

Don't think so. 
The Brentford take on player statistics is far deeper and smarter.  Its attitude to physical fitness far more comprehensive (cf sleep coaches) and alignment of recruitment to tactics more coherent than many teams I can think of.

We'll see on Tuesday evening, I guess.

I think this is a narrative pushed by the media to generate a story whereas in reality all teams these days are using statistics and data to monitor players, player behaviour etc. I'm sure they were new at this a few years back in the Championship but it's not exactly new or unknown anymore. Ashworth was doing this with us years ago, he didn't just randomly find gems such as Olsson, Dorrans, Mulumbu, Yacob etc from thin air - it was scouting mixed in with science.

It just so happens that Brentford are the trendy club for this right now. During the Ashworth/Clarke era at our peak so were we. And then I seem to remember Swansea were praised for being different during their high. More recently Bournemouth were 'different' as they had a young, attacking manager with an unusual philosophy to most newly promoted teams. Watford were similar too with the Pozzo model of scouting and unusual hiring/firing which seemed to work in terms of promotion etc. Before Brentford most recently it was Brighton too with Tony Bloom who uses his own advanced maths formulas to find players etc...

My point is, Brentford are just the 'in' team right now with regards to their philosophy. However, there's been many before and will be many after. At best they'll have a few seasons in the Premier League, probably 5 or so then get relegated like everyone else and the media will be bored of them as they aren't such a novelty any more. However to claim they've somehow re-invented the wheel is wrong in my opinion.

[TheJacko2000]

Come on the Cottagers. Do it for George!! 

[garry]

I'm surprised to see that Brentford are strong favourites to beat Fulham in the final.

[Standaman]

I not surprised that Brentford are favourites but to me it looks like a pretty even match up, although throughout the season there is something about Fulham that does not quite look right. There is an inescapable sense that they should be better than they are all the parts are there but somehow it just has never really flowed.

I think it boils down to an over reliance on Mitrovic for goals if you stop him you stop Fulham. Brentford have two very good Centre Backs in Pinnock and Janssen who will probably be able to cope with Mitrovic reasonably well.

[tommcneill]

Im rooting for Brentford, id love to see them get a place in the Prem, new ground, a great footballing model and they've been the best side ive seen this season.

As someone alluded to above, Fulham look like they should be better than they are currently showing, just doesnt look right to me, whereas Brentford look slick, sharp and full of imagination.

[Albionic]

Im rooting for Brentford, id love to see them get a place in the Prem, new ground, a great footballing model and they've been the best side ive seen this season.

As someone alluded to above, Fulham look like they should be better than they are currently showing, just doesnt look right to me, whereas Brentford look slick, sharp and full of imagination.

The highlighted bit is exactly why I don't want them promoted. we will need as many poor sides as possible in the mix

[gazberg]

Sheff Wednesday hit with 12 point deduction for next season

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/football/2020/07/31/sheffield-wednesday-handed-12-point-deduction-beginning-next/

Craps going to hit the fan now as they would be on 44 pts and relegated this season if applied now.

[LiamTheBaggie]

They were charged in November and it should have applied for this season.

On a personal level, I’m happy it hasn’t, but they will be absolutely stuffed next season.

Chansiri gambled and lost.

[gazberg]

They were charged in November and it should have applied for this season.

On a personal level, I’m happy it hasn’t, but they will be absolutely stuffed next season.

Chansiri gambled and lost.

Affinity for them? As you say on a personal level.

[AlbionFan]

Aitor Karanka appointed Birmingham City Head Coach

[zippyandbungle]

Aitor Karanka appointed Birmingham City Head Coach

He’s been there 20 minutes, they have retired the bench 😂😂

[LiamTheBaggie]

Affinity for them? As you say on a personal level.

Some of my best mates are from Sheffield and I’ve been a regular at Hillsborough over the years (in our PL days and fixtures didn’t clash). Likewise my mates up there have came and watched us down the years.

When I had my darkest spell following the passing of my Nan, I had a number of Wednesdayites who reached out to me, purchased my train and match tickets and took me to several pubs across the town. I was introduced as a Megson lover and never brought a pint all day.

There was no need for them to reach out, but they did. One particular supporter, often derided, goes by the name of Tango. His response, from a relative stranger, was the type of support I never had from family and friends.

I’ll be forever grateful. From there, iit clicked & prior to meeting the love of my life, I spent a few years with a Wednesdayite.

They are like us in many ways. Honest, hard working, loyal supporters let down by a failure in ownership.

My second paragraph could be extended upon (I was dating a blade which was the connection) at the time, but it’s something I shall cherish going forwards.

They will need at least 60 points next season, it’s not happening.

[zippyandbungle]

Some of my best mates are from Sheffield and I’ve been a regular at Hillsborough over the years (in our PL days and fixtures didn’t clash). Likewise my mates up there have came and watched us down the years.

When I had my darkest spell following the passing of my Nan, I had a number of Wednesdayites who reached out to me, purchased my train and match tickets and took me to several pubs across the town. I was introduced as a Megson lover and never brought a pint all day.

There was no need for them to reach out, but they did. One particular supporter, often derided, goes by the name of Tango. His response, from a relative stranger, was the type of support I never had from family and friends.

I’ll be forever grateful. They are like us in many ways. Honest, hard working, loyal supporters let down by a failure in ownership.

My second paragraph could be extended upon (I was dating a blade which was the connection) at the time, but it’s something I shall cherish going forwards.

They will need at least 60 points next season, it’s not happening.

Fantastic musings...
Some great people walk this earth .

[gazberg]

Thanks for the candid response Liam. I was just being a bit curious didn't realise what I'd opened up for you. Fair play then, fans seem like a sound bunch.

[costa blanca baggie]

Sheff Wednesday hit with 12 point deduction for next season

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/football/2020/07/31/sheffield-wednesday-handed-12-point-deduction-beginning-next/

Craps going to hit the fan now as they would be on 44 pts and relegated this season if applied now.

I can’t read the whole article. Is this to do with selling the stadium?  Is this a similar situation that Derby might get punished for? If so, have the vile missed out being punished ?

[gazberg]

Something along those lines I believe. Dubious bookwork regarding the sustainability rules. I believe Villa and zderby were due to be looked into also but probably got away with it now.

[SmethDan]

Some of my best mates are from Sheffield and I’ve been a regular at Hillsborough over the years (in our PL days and fixtures didn’t clash). Likewise my mates up there have came and watched us down the years.

When I had my darkest spell following the passing of my Nan, I had a number of Wednesdayites who reached out to me, purchased my train and match tickets and took me to several pubs across the town. I was introduced as a Megson lover and never brought a pint all day.

There was no need for them to reach out, but they did. One particular supporter, often derided, goes by the name of Tango. His response, from a relative stranger, was the type of support I never had from family and friends.

I’ll be forever grateful. From there, iit clicked & prior to meeting the love of my life, I spent a few years with a Wednesdayite.

They are like us in many ways. Honest, hard working, loyal supporters let down by a failure in ownership.

My second paragraph could be extended upon (I was dating a blade which was the connection) at the time, but it’s something I shall cherish going forwards.

They will need at least 60 points next season, it’s not happening.

Genuinely sorry to read what you went through following the loss of your nan Liam. I've  been through a lot myself and in truth I probably should have sought alternative means of support.

Shagging a blade by way of cure never occurred to me though and it sounds a little painful, especially as nature's own banjo string is still in situ but each to their own. Dipping your todger in a can of Tango for sterilsation seems a little strange but I hope it worked out well for you.

My dyslexia's playing me up something awful at the moment but for future reference I'd be a willing sound board over a couple of beers if you need a chat. What could possibly go wrong ? If nothing else it would save you from mutilating your nethers with a blade and a can when you've got Rachel waiting at home .

Take care 'little owl' .

[wbarenno]

Something along those lines I believe. Dubious bookwork regarding the sustainability rules. I believe Villa and zderby were due to be looked into also but probably got away with it now.

Aren’t derby under investigation as well though

[zippyandbungle]

Aren’t derby under investigation as well though

The rules are very clear and consistent
Each team gets investigated exactly the same (if it suits).
Each punishment is equal and over the same timescale (sometimes)
And Derby haven’t done anything wrong ever (whilst 5hey have Rooney )

[don1thedon]

Paul Cook resigns as Wigan Athletic manager.
Ex Dingle I know but did a great job there, what a mess Wigan are in!