Where do you think we'll finish?

[Only Me]

I'm optimistic, but then I always am (similar to 'Bang On Barry'). That's my default setting. I do think there are plenty of reasons to be optimistic though.

Yes, there are a lot of unknowns, in terms of both players and management (no one's actually seen our club captain play - that's a pretty unusual situation to say the least!). It's a totally new squad with 12 new signings (if McCormack and Easyjet sign) with still more to come.

That said, we have players who are proven at L2/Conference level (for me, there's little or no difference between the top half of the Conference and L2) such as Devera, Connell and Smith. We also have players who we know can play at a higher level such as Ritchie and Caddis. As for the others, we will have to wait and see but I believe that Di Canio will prove to be a good judge of a player. Only time will tell of course.

In addition, I believe that passion, commitment, discipline and work rate get you a hell of a long way in this division and whatever the limitations of the players might be, I think this team is not going to be lacking in any of those qualities. Di Canio will not allow any those things to slip. It has been said that Di Canio has talked a good game so far and that is certainly true. He clearly believes every word he says and will put it all into practice in the months ahead. I can see him being a breath of fresh air not just for STFC but for English football (hmmmm....just read that back and even I can see I'm getting a bit ahead of myself there with that last bit but who knows?)

I do agree that signing a 'big thug' centre forward will make a hell of a difference to how the season pans out. It appears that type of player is Paolo's next/last target so that will be an interesting one.

At the end of the day, no one knows what the fuck will happen but I don't see any reason (or any point) in being pessimistic at this point.

OST's prediction (write it down) Top 7 (comfortably).

Well put !

My opinion is that we will win the league. Although my only concern is trying to gell virtually a complete team.  I just want us to win the first few matches, even if we scrape through them, so the team can build on confidence then when we start to gel, we will dominate the league and secure promotion on 3rd March at Poxford then secure top spot on 31st Mark at home to Brizzle Rovers

[MichaelLandon]

Well put !

My opinion is that we will win the league. Although my only concern is trying to gell virtually a complete team.  I just want us to win the first few matches, even if we scrape through them, so the team can build on confidence then when we start to gel, we will dominate the league and secure promotion on 3rd March at Poxford then secure top spot on 31st Mark at home to Brizzle Rovers

This would be a dream come true. But people would still complain that we didn't win the league quick enough. Swindon supporters are a pessimistic bunch

[MichaelLandon]

The logical view is a train crash of a season ahead....let's hope logic is turned on its head.

Not being funny, but why would logic suggest this?

[Batch]

I don't care how we get promoted, as long as we do.

[MichaelLandon]

I don't care how we get promoted, as long as we do.

It's true i don't care how pretty it is.

[Processed Beats]

I don't care how we get promoted, as long as we do.

This. By any means necessary!

As for where I think we'll finish, I have absolutely no idea. Heart says top three, head says we'll have to settle for play-offs.

My tips for the season are Northampton (dark horses, good signings and Johnson is a very capable manager), Rotherham (always seem to fall at the last hurdle, but Scott is a good appointment for them, Scum (pains me to say it but Leven is signing of the Summer for League Two), Crawley (cunts have bought and invested well upon promotion) and Gillingham (very good signings in Kedwell, Whelpdale and Lee). Also expect Rovers, Shrewsbury, Aldershot and, of course, ourselves to be up there. League Two is very hard to judge this year.

[leefer]

Not being funny, but why would logic suggest this?

One mans logic is not another mans logic.
Logic is a very misunderstood word,my way of thinking logically is so much different to everyone else's so really logic is a very vague word to try and understand.

Something like Fuck it! is very easy to understand..........every human knows that you are pissed off or angry when shouting it.
As for our finish in the league i can see us winning the title fairly easily,some decent other teams but just got a feeling we will have a good season.

[herthab]

We'll win the League by Christmas.

Final of the League Cup, Semi Finalists of The FA Cup and get knocked out of the JPT in the first round.

That's my modest expectations.

[MichaelLandon]

One mans logic is not another mans logic.
Logic is a very misunderstood word,my way of thinking logically is so much different to everyone else's so really logic is a very vague word to try and understand.

Something like Fuck it! is very easy to understand..........every human knows that you are pissed off or angry when shouting it.
As for our finish in the league i can see us winning the title fairly easily,some decent other teams but just got a feeling we will have a good season.

That statement wasn't aimed at you so no offence intended. But yea i agree i can see us doing very well this year

[MichaelLandon]

We'll win the League by Christmas.

Final of the League Cup, Semi Finalists of The FA Cup and get knocked out of the JPT in the first round.

That's my modest expectations.

Hmmm bit pessimistic but suppose it would be realistic to expect that as the bare minimum.  

Just read that again "get knocked out of the JPT in the first round". Nice touch soapy tit wank

[Reg Smeeton]

Not being funny, but why would logic suggest this?

Success is usually obtained by steady building and strengthening, by a management structure which includes the chairman, making careful incremental steps.

We're starting from scratch with a squad of mostly unproved players at the level....with a management structure with no experience....if this model was instantly successful, it would be a major achievement.

We know that di Canio is a volatile character given to misjudgement....how will he react when the going gets tough?

[MichaelLandon]

Success is usually obtained by steady building and strengthening, by a management structure which includes the chairman, making careful incremental steps.

We're starting from scratch with a squad of mostly unproved players at the level....with a management structure with no experience....if this model was instantly successful, it would be a major achievement.

We know that di Canio is a volatile character given to misjudgement....how will he react when the going gets tough?

Hmmm very good point actually. As i said I wasn't being funny just wondering. The team has been torn apart from top to bottom and no doubt they will need to "gel" but hopefully the intensive preseason may of helped this along. As for players being proven in English football, there are still a few names here who have played in this country, but you're right, not all in L2.

Still doesn't stop me from being excited and a optimistic fool

[Spencer_White]

Its clear as mud really. Not like when we signed Greer (who we knew was quality) and Jonathon Douglas and we (well I) remmembered him battering our midfield for a 10 man Leeds side.

Like Reg said, it could depend on how Di Canio responds to defeat. I think our start is very tough, and Ive been panicking about the club getting some quality since the fixtures came out.

Losing to Brighton last season looked like a bad result at the time, but of course they went on to be runaway league winners. We could get something similar this season with Crewe who are unfancied but they are no mugs. Ignoring City, we then go to Cheltenham, a ground where we have never won and then straight into the Pox game, a game Di Canio is obviously hell bent on winning for the fans. We cant rely on the Pox being shite this time. Losing to the Pox would be a big problem, for the players and the fans, especially with the stupid matchday prices.

[Coca Fola]

First.

[OOH! SHAUN TAYLOR]

First.

Good point well made. This is much nicer than that horrible shouty Amy Winehouse thread