The Pompey Chimes Forum

Sam_Brown wrote: ↑Sun May 24, 2020 2:08 am To me any games that go ahead without the fans just don’t feel the same. I’m happy for them to wrap up this season but personally would rather they wait until the fans can go back before starting the next season. Same with the cup final. Much rather they wait until the fans can attend. I appreciate the chances of either happening is slim but just my preference.

Pompey Penguin wrote: ↑Sun May 24, 2020 9:45 am I wonder how much the outcomes will depend on the motivation levels of the players after so long off.

Weybridge wrote: ↑Sun May 24, 2020 8:27 pm I think its an opportunity, and playoffs should go ahead - fans or no fans. A lot of clubs are going to be financially under pressure next season, which means the transfer market will be depressed. There will be some bargains to be had and a lot of talent available. Agents are going to have their work cut out.

There is no perfect time to go up or down, but I think its more important now than ever. The gap between upper and lower tier football is about to expand. We should be doing everything possible to drag ourselves up right now. Its going to be a lot harder to compete in a year or two when the dust has settled. Worst case scenario, with so many clubs in trouble, I can feasibly see Leagues One and Two combining. A few bankruptcies, maybe a few reluctant mergers, I don't believe it would take much.

And just a reminder that the last time the league suffered financial woes (the ITV Digital collapse), we romped home with the Title. All because we had a little extra in the bank (thanks Crouchie). I'm not suggesting we're flush with cash, but it appears we are in control, with backers ready to supplement when needed.

I think we should be going guns blazing to get up as soon opportunity permits.

Selsey Bill wrote: ↑Tue May 26, 2020 11:12 am

Weybridge wrote: ↑Sun May 24, 2020 8:27 pm I think its an opportunity, and playoffs should go ahead - fans or no fans. A lot of clubs are going to be financially under pressure next season, which means the transfer market will be depressed. There will be some bargains to be had and a lot of talent available. Agents are going to have their work cut out.

There is no perfect time to go up or down, but I think its more important now than ever. The gap between upper and lower tier football is about to expand. We should be doing everything possible to drag ourselves up right now. Its going to be a lot harder to compete in a year or two when the dust has settled. Worst case scenario, with so many clubs in trouble, I can feasibly see Leagues One and Two combining. A few bankruptcies, maybe a few reluctant mergers, I don't believe it would take much.

And just a reminder that the last time the league suffered financial woes (the ITV Digital collapse), we romped home with the Title. All because we had a little extra in the bank (thanks Crouchie). I'm not suggesting we're flush with cash, but it appears we are in control, with backers ready to supplement when needed.

I think we should be going guns blazing to get up as soon opportunity permits.

I totally agree with you Weybridge. Added to your viewpoint, there is also the argument that League One will be a VERY competitive one next season and, therefore, even harder to get out of, with not only the likelihood of Charlton, Barnsley and Luton dropping in to it and Plymouth and Swindon coming up, but also the possibility/likelihood of Peterborough, Sunderland, Ipswich, Oxford, etc. all still in the league.