Realistic ambitions for a season in the championship?

[AwayClaret]

Odds will change again if we get Kompany over the line

[Gp8419]

Was optimistic with kompany and rumours of mee signing on. I would say we have the best centre half’s and full backs in championship. But what keeps doing my head in is these new owners there seems to be too much silence and no dialogue. They seem to be completely wiping out staff Behind the scenes.I think there going to put there eggs in one basket and go for bouncing straight back up and gambling on it. I really do fear for us if we don’t go straight up it could be s**y or bust imo

[Smile]

Was optimistic with kompany and rumours of mee signing on. I would say we have the best centre half’s and full backs in championship. But what keeps doing my head in is these new owners there seems to be too much silence and no dialogue. They seem to be completely wiping out staff Behind the scenes.I think there going to put there eggs in one basket and go for bouncing straight back up and gambling on it. I really do fear for us if we don’t go straight up it could be s**y or bust imo

I can understand where you're coming from and feel the same at times.

But there's one thing - what are the 2 masked signs in "s**y or bust imo"

[Vino blanco]

We will need a completely new midfield. Brownhill might just a about hold a position down with better players round him. Cork is unfortunately too old and too slow now, Westwood simply not good enough, Stephens worse than Westwood, Lennon been past it since Dyche signed him.

[Pearcey]

Not sure how we can be 5th favourites. As it’s stands we have a much better side than Norwich and Watford. If we’re not challenging for the title then something has gone very wrong.

[Smile]

We will need a completely new midfield. Brownhill might just a about hold a position down with better players round him. Cork is unfortunately too old and too slow now, Westwood simply not good enough, Stephens worse than Westwood, Lennon been past it since Dyche signed him.

Don't be so daft. We really really won't need a new midfield.

You can't have seen anything of the Championship in the last few seasons.

[Vino blanco]

Our midfield is the main reason we got relegated and our current players will not be good enough for the Championship.

[Smile]

Our midfield is the main reason we got relegated and our current players will not be good enough for the Championship.

Like I say. You've not seen anything of the Championship.
You're guessing, you must be. Anybody who has seen enough of the Championship knows that's simply not the case. Even the most pessimistic fans know that's not the case.

[Vino blanco]

I have watched a lot of Championship games on the box this season and last and I have seen teams who play better football through the midfield than we have for the last two seasons. Midfield is our weak spot and has been since the days of the likes of Barton and Defour. Our hoofball style with Westwood, Brownhill etc has been awful to watch. Check out the players’ ratings on the UTC match rating figures and you will see who the Clarets fans on here rate the worst. If you are happy to watch the same midfield in the Championship, then fair enough, I know I wouldn’t be happy to watch them next season.

[jrgbfc]

Don't be so daft. We really really won't need a new midfield.

You can't have seen anything of the Championship in the last few seasons.

I know we need to worry about the upcoming season first and foremost, but we don't really want to be trying to replace virtually our entire midfield if we get promoted.

[NewClaret]

Not sure how we can be 5th favourites. As it’s stands we have a much better side than Norwich and Watford. If we’re not challenging for the title then something has gone very wrong.

For whatever reason, I thought last year we looked more of an “established” PL side than any beforehand, even when we finished much higher.

We didn’t get badly beaten in any games and although we relied on Pope in a few to keep the score respectable, had we turned a couple of draws to wins, we wouldn’t be having this discussion as we’d still be a PL club.

We were massively superior to Norwich & Watford who are placed as favourites, which is odd, although this is likely because we have better players who are expected to move on whereas they don’t/have less.

Our biggest issue is going to be player turnover and transitioning successfully to a new tactics. In this respect I think Pace needs to be very clear to Kompany that he wants a gradual transition & expects him to work with the existing formation/system/players in the early period and adapt slowly over time.

If some common sense is applied in that respect, we should have the strongest defence in the league, be setting clean sheet records and be fighting for automatic promotion.

[NewClaret]

I know we need to worry about the upcoming season first and foremost, but we don't really want to be trying to replace virtually our entire midfield if we get promoted.

Like you say, let’s worry about going up first.

I’d go for Wallace and Twine to freshen things up and add goals to the midfield relatively cheaply/low risk this year, then tackle it if we go up.

[Smile]

I have watched a lot of Championship games on the box this season and last and I have seen teams who play better football through the midfield than we have for the last two seasons. Midfield is our weak spot and has been since the days of the likes of Barton and Defour. Our hoofball style with Westwood, Brownhill etc has been awful to watch. Check out the players’ ratings on the UTC match rating figures and you will see who the Clarets fans on here rate the worst. If you are happy to watch the same midfield in the Championship, then fair enough, I know I wouldn’t be happy to watch them next season.

Not sure where to start with that.

All I can say is you either don't watch Championship football or you don't know much about football. It's probably both, but we're on the same side and both want what's best for Burnley, so let's see how things pan out.

[AwayClaret]

Our midfield is the main reason we got relegated and our current players will not be good enough for the Championship.

jeez this is when I know that fans are the reason they are fans

[jurek]

If we can hold onto Collins, Mee, Taylor, Roberts and one or two others
then we have the foundations of a decent defence/team.
And if Kompany can add three or four younger others - be it in midfield and/or upfront
and they have the talent and potential to develop and grow then we should be in with a chance.

Whether it materialises into a challenge for automatic promotion is the leading question.

It is a possibility at present rather than a probability.

That's as realistic as I can go.
We'll have a better idea around Xmas time.

[Vino blanco]

jeez this is when I know that fans are the reason they are fans

I said on here before last season started that if Westwood, Cork, Stephens and Brownhill were our central midfield players we would more than likely get relegated. I stand by what I said, and for me the main reason we got relegated was that our midfield had no idea about ball retention and no creativity. It needed an upgrade then and it needs one now. If we start with a back four of Roberts, Collins, Mee and Taylor, then we will have one of the best back fours in the Championship, whilst if we have Wout, Cornet, Vydra and Jayrod up front we will be fine. I repeat however we will need a new midfield with new ideas and style of play.

[JarrowClaret]

Am I being optimistic if I think we will go unbeaten all season?

[Smile]

Am I being optimistic if I think we will go unbeaten all season?

Don't ask Vino Blanco.

[BurnleyFC]

I’m also not as confident as some in our midfield for next season.

[Vino blanco]

Am I being optimistic if I think we will go unbeaten all season?

With a total upgrade in midfield, yes we have chance.

[BurnleyFC]

Am I being optimistic if I think we will go unbeaten all season?

Optimistic - no.

Deluded - yes.

[JarrowClaret]

With a total upgrade in midfield, yes we have chance.

Midfield does need some improvements I agree but Brownhill was 1 of the best midfielders in the Championship when we signed him. you don’t see it that is fine but there is a decent footballer in there and if we keep him he will be excellent next season. There is a chance that he will get bought by a mid table Prem team though because he is definitely better than some on here give him credit for.

[Vino blanco]

Midfield does need some improvements I agree but Brownhill was 1 of the best midfielders in the Championship when we signed him. you don’t see it that is fine but there is a decent footballer in there and if we keep him he will be excellent next season. There is a chance that he will get bought by a mid table Prem team though because he is definitely better than some on here give him credit for.

I stated in my first post that Brownhill was the one midfielder we have who, with better players round him, would be fine in the Championship.

[JarrowClaret]

Optimistic - no.

Deluded - yes.

Ha ha delusion is such a pleasurable experience, I am happy to be it. It is an opinion nothing more nothing less I could be wrong and am prepared to be let see

[JarrowClaret]

I stated in my first post that Brownhill was the one midfielder we have who, with better players round him, would be fine in the Championship.

I think he will be more than fine I think he will be 1 of the better midfielders in the league

[Quickenthetempo]

The midfield is good enough for the championship no doubt.
But it's probably not good enough to play really nice football and create lots of chances.

It would be better to get the new players in ready for the Premier league if we can.

[Vino blanco]

I hope you’re right. I would be delighted to see him have a great season.

[Elizabeth]

Unless a decent striker comes in I couldn't be more ambitious than mid table . If Kompany is not up to the job a lower half position may even beckon.
I fear our days as a PL side are over.

[Smile]

Unless a decent striker comes in I couldn't be more ambitious than mid table . If Kompany is not up to the job a lower half position may even beckon.
I fear our days as a PL side are over.

Don't stop there.

We could lose our defence and be relegated.

[Elizabeth]

Don't stop there.

We could lose our defence and be relegated.

Very smart

[boatshed bill]

Unless a decent striker comes in I couldn't be more ambitious than mid table . If Kompany is not up to the job a lower half position may even beckon.
I fear our days as a PL side are over.

Northern Prem in a few years?

[Elizabeth]

Funny how certain posters have trouble with opinions that don't fit with theirs. Am I right, bill?

[Quicknick]

The Championship has definitely got worse. Assuming VK is manager, I just hope he knows how to organise a defence. If so, three astute signings to supplement the strong by Championship squad we have, even taking account of Pope and Tarkowski leaving, and I'd suggest top should be a reasonable aim.

[SydneyClaret]

I don’t think it’s unrealistic to expect a top 2 position. There’s no amazing teams in that division.

[Vegas Claret]

Way to early to say, depends on things like if we have Mee and Collins or Long and Thomas !!

[mybloodisclaret]

Loving the optimism in general on here. I'm in the playoffs minimum camp. Although the target must be auto promotion. Let's get Kompany over the line, get the transfers both in and out done early and start as strong as we can. A good unbeaten run (first 10 perhaps) will lift sprits and belief no doubt.

[Oshkoshclaret]

I think relegation is more likely than promotion.

[RVclaret]

I think relegation is more likely than promotion.

I think the club folding is more likely than relegation.

[Spijed]

The aim should purely be to finish one point above 3rd place.

Nothing else really matters.

[Newcastleclaret93]

The target has got to be promotion. But at this moment in time promotion is not a realistic target.

Less than three weeks until pre season starts and we have first eleven squad of 12 fit players, no manager, no captain.

Kompany has got a hell of challenge to bring In X amount of players and bed them in.

I suspect we will finish in a similar position as West Brom especially if we don’t improve the CM position (currently knowhere near the top 6 teams in that position).

[RVclaret]

I suspect we will finish in a similar position as West Brom especially if we don’t improve the CM position (currently knowhere near the top 6 teams in that position).

You love the comparison to West Brom don’t you.

Thing is, I think the core of our squad is better than what theirs was, given we might lose a few.

And their hiring of a defensive minded coach with crap football didn’t give the ‘pick up’ that I think is required when clubs go down. Added to Bruce ball coming in, was more of the same.

That’s why I’m really behind Kompany joining, I feel the fans will really get behind it, certainly the ones I’ve spoken to away from this board are very excited. Fresh, positive brand of football. Some young, exciting players on loan from top academies. There should be a feel good factor brought back.

To answer the OP, I think right now promotion is clearly the aim and it be for the owners. Plenty of time yet to get new players in.

[Venkys4eva]

Champions with 102 points

[Newcastleclaret93]

You love the comparison to West Brom don’t you.

Thing is, I think the core of our squad is better than what theirs was, given we might lose a few.

And their hiring of a defensive minded coach with crap football didn’t give the ‘pick up’ that I think is required when clubs go down. Added to Bruce ball coming in, was more of the same.

That’s why I’m really behind Kompany joining, I feel the fans will really get behind it, certainly the ones I’ve spoken to away from this board are very excited. Fresh, positive brand of football. Some young, exciting players on loan from top academies. There should be a feel good factor brought back.

To answer the OP, I think right now promotion is clearly the aim and it be for the owners. Plenty of time yet to get new players in.

It’s definitely the aim but I just can’t see it. It’s going to take some serious recruitment to get us In the top two and that’s if Kompanys has the tactical nous to do it.

I think we will realistically finish around 9-12th

[Newcastleclaret93]

Very smart

Just ignore it Elizabeth usually the people that take the **** out of other posters are proven wrong in a few months time.

I think your post is realistic of the current squad

[RVclaret]

It’s definitely the aim but I just can’t see it. It’s going to take some serious recruitment to get us In the top two and that’s if Kompanys has the tactical nous to do it.

I think we will realistically finish around 9-12th

Fair enough. I think we will have a much better team and manager than 9-12th in the championship. For some perspective, Blackburn, QPR, Coventry, West Brom and Millwall are the teams that finished between 8th-12th last season. I saw all of them on TV several times and it was a really poor standard.

[Tread Warily]

Promotion and the FA CUP.

[Newcastleclaret93]

Fair enough. I think we will have a much better team and manager than 9-12th in the championship. For some perspective, Blackburn, QPR, Coventry, West Brom and Millwall are the teams that finished between 8th-12th last season. I saw all of them on TV several times and it was a really poor standard.

That’s fair enough, after the last two seasons of football I’ve watched us play. I’m pretty confident 9th - 12th is where we will finish.

This season is going to go very similar to Moyes at United and Emery at Arsenal, neither achieved there targets due to taking over from a legacy manager.

Cm is critical if we start with the same two we will be no where near the top.

[RVclaret]

Cm is critical if we start with the same two we will be no where near the top.

Brownhill was regarded as one of the leagues most promising midfielders at Bristol City. Hence West Ham were also in for him but he chose us at the time. Interestingly, there have been several links lately saying Moyes still wants him. I hope he stays.

Cork, I don’t think will manage 46 games, but has that PL class (he’s played most of his career at that level) and reads the game very well. That side of his game will stand out in the Championship.

Clearly we need additions though, with Stephens leaving and Westwood out until the new year, but you’ve also been quite big on pushing for 23s to be given a go - so why not promote Helm / Mancini Gomez?

Rumours of Cullen also make sense, given his know how of VK’s system, as well as being a decent international player. So overall, just the addition of Cullen should be sufficient in there. If not him, someone else of similar pedigree.

[Dark Cloud]

To not go bust.

[bobinho]

People harping about how good our defence is… jeez, it’s almost as if we’ve all been conditioned!

The last thing we need in the championship is more gutsy and determined defensive displays. Don’t get me wrong, I always liked it when we set up our two banks of four all working together to thwart the superior sides - what I don’t miss is setting up to not lose against Norwich et Al.
We need to bring players in who can be used effectively, not bypassed. Players who can make themselves available to receive the ball in positions where they can bring others into the game. I’m confident VK can change how we play, but to do that he’s going to have to work hard on the training pitch to change mindsets, and work hard in bringing in the type of players we need.
Looking forward to it.