Weekend Championship Review

It still hurts this morning. What is really noticeable is the venom contained in the reports from those Bloggers who were there in person; it was actually much worse than it sounded. Pards has at least been quick to say it "wasn't good enough" and has blamed the back four, but he has stopped short of further direct criticism. No doubt he's smarting and expecting a response from his players. Again, like Chicago Addick, I am reminded of his promotion season with West Ham via the play-offs. Inconsistency was the name of their season and the Upton Park faithful were in revolt over Pardew's management for it. They could barely bring themesleves to sing his name when they squeaked through the play-offs back to the big time.

Our problem is that we are not playing like play-off candidates at the moment. Three wins in 15 matches is relegation form and the much-talked about winning run just doesn't look like coming. We go to Bramall lane next to play a steadying Sheffield United who are due their first win under new manager Kevin Blackwell. After that we will need another good home performance if we are to quell high-flying Bristol City. I don't want to sound like Private Fraser but it isn't looking good.

Elsewhere the results didn't go well for us. Remarkable to see Watford and West Brom also struggling and now cast firmly as play-off contenders themselves. Stoke and Bristol City can't keep their runs going for too much longer but we can't catch them. The real scrap is going to come from below us where Plymouth, Hull and Ipswich are all squaring up.

Only four correct results (two correct scores and two more within a goal of correct scores) this week - it continues to be a tight division with only 30 points separating top and bottom. There will be more twists and turns in the remaining games but we desperately need back-to-back wins to steady the ship.