Tuesday 29 July 2014

Brentford in town...

Those of you who might have missed out on the big tickets for the opener at Griffin Park, might just fancy seeing the Bees at Welling on Saturday. In fact, those of us with tickets for the opening league match might fancy a sneak preview of the opposition too.

Welling have managed to win at Maidstone United and have held Gillingham to a 1-1 draw at Park View Road. I have promised myself I will try and get to a couple of the Wings matches this year, especially if they are competitive in the Conference Premier. I note, too, that BT Sport are showing their away fixture at Kidderminster Harriers live on Wednesday 8th October.

Whether I do get over the hill may depend on our own fortunes. For once I find myself uncertain about how we are likely to fare. Whilst we all appear to be looking up, I can't bring myself to join the throng betting on promotion. A top six finish is offering c 10-1 and even that looks a tall order. I am inclined to like the look of a top half finish at 7-2 and am thinking about being bold and lumping on. A £222 wager could give a nice round return in the Spring which would cover the cost of me and the Missus' season tickets next year. 

What think ye?

7 comments:

  1. Never mind the football! I think Scotland should vote 'yes' It's the only way Westminster will recognise the existence of England.

    Daggs

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  2. Daggs - I wonder whether "pandering to the Scots" in the event of a yes or no vote might not produce a backlash in England of some description? A no vote will finish Alex Salmond's career and Sturgeon will be hobbled without him. The SNP will remain strong but the question of Independence should disappear for a generation. That would be the right time for some parliamentary redress to the West Lothian Question.

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  3. Anon - what about a top-half finish though?

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  4. I hope I'm wrong but I wouldn't be surprised if we had a slightly shaky start, principally because of the quality of the opposition we are facing in August - including 3 of last season's top 6 and a tough opener at Brentford. In that event, the bookies and the media will prematurely write us off and you'll get really good odds at the beginning of September.

    I'd be delighted with a top half finish, although I agree it's extremely difficult to call with a new team and manager, added to which, we have the inherent volatility of the Championship. I'm a bit concerned about where the goals will come from, although Vetokele, Moussa and Gudmundsson all look good acquisitions and we may get another striker in. It will certainly be interesting.

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  5. Dave, there is already a kind of mumbling backlash. It's not a backlash against the Scots (or Welsh/N.Irish) It's against the British parliament in Westminster that even after 17 years of devolution, still fails to consider or recognise England.
    Led by the EU, the only offer we have ever had was 'balkanisation' Thankfully that was knocked back by the Geordies, but it ain't gone away entirely.
    England deserves exactly the same as Scotland, recognition, fairness and democracy. That will only come about by the creation of an English parliament.
    Things are somewhat on hold right now, waiting for the outcome of the Scottish referendum.
    The Scots can't lose, they get either independance the gold medal, or 'Devo max' the silver.
    Secretly 'Devo max' is what Salmond has always wanted. He gains control of Scotland, but keeps the monarchy (why he wants too i don't understand) and the safety net of the pound Sterling.

    Daggs

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  6. I have done pretty much the same bet you are pondering (£200 for a £900 return).
    Personally i think it is a good price. Base it over a season, its a £25 a month bet (if that makes it simpler to swallow).
    may be worth looking at new accounts if you plan on doing it though. Bet 365 offer a max £200 free bet with a new account betting £200.

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  7. I can see this Charlton team struggling to score goals in the championship.

    Vetokele will need to find his shooting boots. Vetokele would benefit from the pressure taken off by and an addition of a goal scoring striker. An addition of a creative midfield and right midfield / wing would also help.

    Without additions to the Charlton team, a bet on a top half finish is very speculative. The real gamble is that Charlton will actually strengthen. If the bet is on the current team without additions, then IMO a top half finish is highly unlikely.

    Charlton supporter not swept away by the madness

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Go on, you know you want to....