| Optimism 20:13 - Aug 3 with 8891 views | CiderwithRsie |
What with a decent pre-season and transfers (both in and out) looking roughly what most of us want, there seems to be a fair bit of optimism washing around this place.
Now I tend to the Happy Clapper end of things but can I just ask that we dial it down a tad, or at least put an Optimism Trigger Warning in front of posts, until we've actually got our first win, because I've been here before and its the hope that kills you. |  | | |  |
| Optimism on 11:24 - Aug 5 with 2323 views | Toast_R |
Pretty confident we'll finish 16th or there abouts. |  | | |
| Optimism on 11:26 - Aug 5 with 2302 views | JohnBurkeQPR |
Before England played in the World Cup I had dreams of them winning it, and pictured the scenes of English streets celebrating. Did I expect them to win it? No.
It's the same with the Championship and QPR. Do I expect us to win the league? No. Do I expect us to go up? No. But have I thought about it after every signing and pre-season game? Absolutely.
No harm in getting excited before the start of any competitive matches. It's what football is all about. | | | |
| Optimism on 11:36 - Aug 5 with 2234 views | Wegerles_Stairs |
As has been pointed out by Clive, we have a relatively gentle start to the season. If we're not in the play-off reckoning by the first international break, then it's never going to happen.
Saturday is important. I want us to put out a strong team and win the game. We've had a decent pre-season and need to keep the momentum going. | | | |
| Optimism on 11:36 - Aug 5 with 2229 views | Stainrod |
| Optimism on 10:31 - Aug 5 by Tonto |
Saw a you tube thingy on the VALUE of the squad according to transfer market (not spend though). We were 14th in the championship
i appreciate transfer market isnt massivley accurate but those inaccuracies are probably equal across all 24 teams, so relative its probably right
Found it: https://youtube.com/shorts/PcE
[Post edited 5 Aug 10:35]
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My unscientific take tells me that sounds about right. And our spend probably a notch below that. As fans we focus on QPR but many clubs are spending serious money. Where I have cautious reason for optimism is we have a very young squad and we have several players whose value COULD increase quite dramatically this season, potentially giving us considerably higher stakes to play Moneyball next summer. | | | |
| Optimism on 11:43 - Aug 5 with 2205 views | Hunterhoop |
| Optimism on 10:31 - Aug 5 by Tonto |
Saw a you tube thingy on the VALUE of the squad according to transfer market (not spend though). We were 14th in the championship
i appreciate transfer market isnt massivley accurate but those inaccuracies are probably equal across all 24 teams, so relative its probably right
Found it: https://youtube.com/shorts/PcE
[Post edited 5 Aug 10:35]
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Interesting. It sounds plausible, even if we know it can be wildly inaccurate on individuals. I wonder whether we’d be higher or lower for the a first XI? You’d imagine our squad outside the first team may pull the squad value down relative to other sides just because of our budget, injury records, and a couple of punts who haven’t (yet) worked out.
I’m fascinated by all the EFL social media pundits sticking us 16th or 17th. We haven’t made some big moves in the market or splashed the cash this summer. But we did in the prior few windows, which means we have a more settled side moving into their 2nd or 3rd season. Surely that is better than having a new side that is still to gel or even demonstrate they are at the level? I think these pundits are getting swayed by who has spent money this summer not which club and squads are in decent shape. |  | | |
| Optimism on 11:45 - Aug 5 with 2193 views | terryb |
I'm feeling more optimistic than I have been for a few seasons, but I was after we'd appointed Michael Beale as manager!
We should definitely be aiming for the top eight & at times I think we can make that, but then I remember how many goals we conceded last year. Have we really addressed that problem? I'm far from sure that we have & so a top half finish is what I'm envisioning today. Hopefully I'll still feel this way (or upgraded to play offs here we come) after Saturday. | | | |
| Optimism on 11:45 - Aug 5 with 2194 views | Hunterhoop |
| Optimism on 11:36 - Aug 5 by Wegerles_Stairs |
As has been pointed out by Clive, we have a relatively gentle start to the season. If we're not in the play-off reckoning by the first international break, then it's never going to happen.
Saturday is important. I want us to put out a strong team and win the game. We've had a decent pre-season and need to keep the momentum going. |
Our first 8 league games is probably the easiest block of league fixtures of the entire season. Even more reason for us to be at 100% from the off and start fast. Get the confidence and believe up. | | | |
| Optimism on 11:55 - Aug 5 with 2150 views | Stainrod |
| Optimism on 11:43 - Aug 5 by Hunterhoop |
Interesting. It sounds plausible, even if we know it can be wildly inaccurate on individuals. I wonder whether we’d be higher or lower for the a first XI? You’d imagine our squad outside the first team may pull the squad value down relative to other sides just because of our budget, injury records, and a couple of punts who haven’t (yet) worked out.
I’m fascinated by all the EFL social media pundits sticking us 16th or 17th. We haven’t made some big moves in the market or splashed the cash this summer. But we did in the prior few windows, which means we have a more settled side moving into their 2nd or 3rd season. Surely that is better than having a new side that is still to gel or even demonstrate they are at the level? I think these pundits are getting swayed by who has spent money this summer not which club and squads are in decent shape. |
Agree with your 2nd para.
Suspect there is simply an element of “QPR always finish around 16th/17th”. We have become part of the furniture down there.
Re your first point, I actually think where we have improved most is in the squad outside the first 11. On Fantasy Island the other day someone posted the squad of 3 seasons ago. The first 11 certainly looks stronger now than then (notably Burrell and Kone instead of Dykes). But it’s not like our current 1st 11 blows it out of the water - eg is Boy Kember miles better than Ken Paal? Doubtful IMHO. But what is really striking about that squad of 3 years ago is that after about 13 players there was literally nothing. Just youth players. And in reality, what have most of them gone on to do?
There are always areas you could strengthen but we have WAY more options now. | | | |
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| Optimism on 11:58 - Aug 5 with 2134 views | daveB |
| Optimism on 08:41 - Aug 5 by loftboy |
Surely top 8 should be the aim otherwise what’s the point? |
of course aim for the top 8 but I think if we finish top 10 that is a good season |  | | |
| Optimism on 12:00 - Aug 5 with 2124 views | sprocket |
My hope is that we win more than we lose. We have the squad to hopefully achieve that. Not too fussed on going up other than the financial element but we have farked that up on multiple occasions already.
It's the hope... | | | |
| Optimism on 12:13 - Aug 5 with 2090 views | Hunterhoop |
| Optimism on 11:55 - Aug 5 by Stainrod |
Agree with your 2nd para.
Suspect there is simply an element of “QPR always finish around 16th/17th”. We have become part of the furniture down there.
Re your first point, I actually think where we have improved most is in the squad outside the first 11. On Fantasy Island the other day someone posted the squad of 3 seasons ago. The first 11 certainly looks stronger now than then (notably Burrell and Kone instead of Dykes). But it’s not like our current 1st 11 blows it out of the water - eg is Boy Kember miles better than Ken Paal? Doubtful IMHO. But what is really striking about that squad of 3 years ago is that after about 13 players there was literally nothing. Just youth players. And in reality, what have most of them gone on to do?
There are always areas you could strengthen but we have WAY more options now. |
Yes, that’s true.
But that squad from 3 years ago was probably in the bottom 3 for squad value. I’m pretty sure our wage bill was bottom 3 that season because we were in an FFP cycle where the first batch of Eze money had fallen out of the 3 year rolling period and the club needed to get the annual FFP loss down to something very low (<£7m or something, I believe) to avoid breaching FFP. There was no money that summer. We signed Begovic, Fox, and Cook and Colback came in late Aug on deals weighted heavily to the following season because we were so tight to FFP, which meant they played for very little. Same with Frey when he signed that Jan.
We have spent >£25m on transfer fees alone since then, along with a much bigger wage bill (we know from the accounts the season after that Ainsworth one saw a big increase - we’ll find out in March what happened with last season’s wage bill, which will give us a strong indication to this year’s), so the squad value should be much higher than that Ainsworth season.
I still think our first XI might be 10th-12th in value. It would make logical sense that that those with slightly lower wage budgets would have less strength in depth. | | | |
| Optimism on 12:29 - Aug 5 with 2059 views | kensalriser |
I'm optimistic and expect that to last until around 2:15pm Saturday. |  |
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| Optimism on 12:52 - Aug 5 with 2013 views | Ranger123 |
I think this is the best squad we have put together since the Warburton years and feel we have reason to be optimistic IF the medical department can hold it together.
Getting/Keeping Madsen, Kone, and Burrell fit will be decisive. It would be nice if we could finally see what Poku can do also, he looks like he could be a game-changer.
Feel we are still short in midfield and need another body in there with a much-needed loan for Morgan. He has been decent for us, but I think he has stagnated and needs to get 30-40 games under his belt.
Also think we need another full back through the door. Having to rely on Larkeche/esq or playing JCS for the 5 games he is fit at LB terrifies me. | | | |
| Optimism on 13:25 - Aug 5 with 1902 views | Beejnewark |
| Optimism on 11:58 - Aug 5 by daveB |
of course aim for the top 8 but I think if we finish top 10 that is a good season |
This is where I am too, so optimistic compared to many here | | | |
| Optimism on 13:29 - Aug 5 with 1875 views | Andybrat |
| Optimism on 13:25 - Aug 5 by Beejnewark |
This is where I am too, so optimistic compared to many here |
We are joint top at the momemt | | | |
| Optimism on 14:14 - Aug 5 with 1788 views | Superhoops2808 |
As I see things, every season there are a few teams that shock the other sides and perform above expectations. Why cannot that be us? We have been quietly going about our business, no one expects us to pull up trees, and we have had a solid pre-season
So lets see where we are after 10 matches and then I think that will give us a guide as to where we are for the season ahead. Personally I will be happy if we play entertaining football, score lots of goals, and remain in the mix for the whole season and not just some of it as we have previously, |  | | |
| Optimism on 14:44 - Aug 5 with 1717 views | kensalriser |
| Optimism on 12:52 - Aug 5 by Ranger123 |
I think this is the best squad we have put together since the Warburton years and feel we have reason to be optimistic IF the medical department can hold it together.
Getting/Keeping Madsen, Kone, and Burrell fit will be decisive. It would be nice if we could finally see what Poku can do also, he looks like he could be a game-changer.
Feel we are still short in midfield and need another body in there with a much-needed loan for Morgan. He has been decent for us, but I think he has stagnated and needs to get 30-40 games under his belt.
Also think we need another full back through the door. Having to rely on Larkeche/esq or playing JCS for the 5 games he is fit at LB terrifies me. |
I remain confused about the obsession with loaning out Morgan. He's made over 60 appearances for us. What use is a loan at this point? | |
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| Optimism on 20:13 - Aug 5 with 1510 views | CiderwithRsie |
| Optimism on 14:44 - Aug 5 by kensalriser |
I remain confused about the obsession with loaning out Morgan. He's made over 60 appearances for us. What use is a loan at this point? |
I think the idea is that on loan he'd start competitive matches week-in, week-out in and that would build not just his physique (he's still only 20 and quite skinny) but make him cannier, more instinctive. | | | |
| Optimism on 22:15 - Aug 5 with 1400 views | Lblock |
| Optimism on 14:44 - Aug 5 by kensalriser |
I remain confused about the obsession with loaning out Morgan. He's made over 60 appearances for us. What use is a loan at this point? |
Totally agree!
We’ve made a big song and a dance about the minutes he’s achieved. He’s surely the Pathway Poster Boy; why look to loan him out now???
I sort of get the “regular starts” angle but keep him in the squad now and see how we’re fairing in January. The lad is mobile, can pass, shoot and fairly robust - during times of our midfield injury crisis (numerous) he’s at least been a warm body.
He had a few dodgy games but kept his head up, love his attitude.
I think this fella will develop into a lad who is great in CM, a fill in at CB and also offers cover at RB…… last fella we had like that was successful here and sold to a rival this summer for a profit. |  |
| Cherish and enjoy life.... this ain't no dress rehearsal |
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| Optimism on 23:03 - Aug 5 with 1364 views | 7374Ranger |
Not too optimistic about a top 8 or even top 10 finish.
The squad lacks depth for me.
Keepers are better than last season.
Defence has seen some changes. Although Kemper and Lamptey, if fit, are an improvement i am concerned about cover at left back and CB if Dunne or Edwards are unavailable. JCS cannot be relied on to stay fit and Morrison didn't look too good last season and even worse in pre season. Mbenge is likely to be needed at RB if Lamptey is unfit. Smith lacks experience.
Midfield could be good if players remain fit.
Madsen needs to be fit. Varane has to rediscover his 1st season form, if not Kamara, Morgan and Alemayehu will need to step in. Chair getting back to his previous fitness and form could be key to a good season.
Wide players provides the team with a good chance of getting goals, but only if they are available. Poku has dodgy hamstrings, Saito regressed last season, Dembele is injured, Vale did well for his 1st season, but was often either very hot or freezing cold - more consistency is required. Smyth was the best of the wingers last season.
The forwards Kone and Burrell had good 1st seasons and hopefully we will see even better this season. However, after them there is very little else. Kolli is injured, or not wanted. Lloyd is full of effort, but is he going to be able to perform better than he did 2 seasons ago? As for Obikwu we know nothing about his injury issues as he hasn't featured since joining in January and no updates are given. This area is a major concern of mine and a big reason in my lack of optimism for a good season ahead. That and of course, Ben Williams is still in charge of the squad's fitness?? | | | |
| Optimism on 17:05 - Aug 15 with 793 views | CiderwithRsie |
Right, first win on the board, top of the table for tonight, let the optimism flow. | | | |
| Optimism on 17:53 - Aug 15 with 707 views | nix |
| Optimism on 11:43 - Aug 5 by Hunterhoop |
Interesting. It sounds plausible, even if we know it can be wildly inaccurate on individuals. I wonder whether we’d be higher or lower for the a first XI? You’d imagine our squad outside the first team may pull the squad value down relative to other sides just because of our budget, injury records, and a couple of punts who haven’t (yet) worked out.
I’m fascinated by all the EFL social media pundits sticking us 16th or 17th. We haven’t made some big moves in the market or splashed the cash this summer. But we did in the prior few windows, which means we have a more settled side moving into their 2nd or 3rd season. Surely that is better than having a new side that is still to gel or even demonstrate they are at the level? I think these pundits are getting swayed by who has spent money this summer not which club and squads are in decent shape. |
I’ve watched a few of the pundit shows and the main issue they have with us is not the squad but our lack of consistency. They don’t like the runs we go on where we don’t win. They also cast doubt on whether Stephan can turn it round quickly enough after a couple of losses. |  | | |
| Optimism on 18:05 - Aug 15 with 658 views | Hunterhoop |
| Optimism on 17:53 - Aug 15 by nix |
I’ve watched a few of the pundit shows and the main issue they have with us is not the squad but our lack of consistency. They don’t like the runs we go on where we don’t win. They also cast doubt on whether Stephan can turn it round quickly enough after a couple of losses. |
Yeah, I’m not worried about that. I didn’t think we were as streaky as in prior years last year. And also, Stephan is in his second year. He seems a smart guy. He’ll have learnt a lot. And so many of our players are in Y2 or Y3 at this level. They should have learnt too. | | | |
| Optimism on 18:14 - Aug 15 with 635 views | Stainrod |
| Optimism on 18:05 - Aug 15 by Hunterhoop |
Yeah, I’m not worried about that. I didn’t think we were as streaky as in prior years last year. And also, Stephan is in his second year. He seems a smart guy. He’ll have learnt a lot. And so many of our players are in Y2 or Y3 at this level. They should have learnt too. |
Plus we have much more competition for places so underperforming players can be dropped.
But for years we have looked like one of those teams where heads drop after a few bad results so you can see why pundits might have us down as a bit soft.
Stéphan clearly wants to select ball players this season but that can be punished in this division. Will be interesting to see how flexible he is this year with tactics. | | | |
| Optimism on 18:20 - Aug 15 with 623 views | kensalriser |
I'm not getting carried away, but what I will say with absolute certainty, if we do no worse than today's result we've got this. | |
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