Some more thoughts

By rwakeley19/2/2018 18:17Mon Feb 19 18:17:24 2018

Views: 2975

Having re-gained our play-off status, I decided, having sobered up sometime on Sunday, to look at play-off history.
Home advantage, not surprisingly, is a big advantage. One thing did stand out.
On only 3 occasions out of 13 seasons has a side clinched promotion away from home in the final.
Even more remarkable over such a time-frame, no team has been promoted having finished 5th!
With this years feeder leagues now seeing promotion play-offs down to 7th - one does have to question the credibility of such a venture. No doubt different opinions prevail. Personally, I believe that is stretching it somewhat. Not at least in the credibility stakes.
I also looked into the Ryman North and South back to 2006/07 post re-structuring and only once, Canvey Island 2007-08, has a team been promoted having finished 5th! That's 35 separate divisions of football, over the period, with only one team gaining promotion having finished 5th.
Why it has proved so difficult - again opinions - Should we finish 5th, I would not unduly perceive it as such a huge obstacle - history suggests otherwise.
OK then lads - just finnish fourth - or do it the hard way - either way.
Good luck lads versus Barnet - I want a May final - the play-offs can wait.

Edited by rwakeley at 18:21:19 on 19th February 2018