Driving Away From Home (Park) - Division Two / Championship 2023/24

[super furry dice]

Well after we completed the re-signing of Finn Azaz in the week, I set my optimism level to we might just stay up, but a message from a Wednesday fan I work with saying how they were battered by Southampton, is a reminder just how big a step-up its going to be this season and we'll do well to keep above the line.

My Mum's funeral was last week and my Dad died the day after, Argyle was a huge thing for us a family growing up and the last away day we attended together as a family, was Wembley 96 when Warnock was our manager, so its poignant for me today that we host his Huddersfield side. Its going to be really strange not talking about the scores with them this weekend and when I eventually get down to HP for a home game this season, It will be odd not to be popping into see them before the game.

[Mr Beast]

That’s terrible. Best wishes to you

[super furry dice]

That’s terrible. Best wishes to you

Thank-you.

[Patrick Thistle]

Very sorry to hear that SFD.

[ad hoc]

Really sorry to hear that SFD. Condolences

[MarkF]

Oh my, sincere condolences…

[Simon G]

Condolences SFD - I hope Argyle get a win for you and your parents today.

[Greenlander]

I'll give the Greens an extra cheer for you and them.

[elguapo4]

Condolences SFD

[Toby Gymshorts]

Adding my condolences, SFD.

[Snake Plissken]

Sorry to hear that SFD.

[Amor de Cosmos]

We managed to hold on to a 0–4 deficit for the entire second half. Baby steps I guess.

[Greenlander]

Your mum and dad would have loved that.

[Jon]

Your mum and dad would have loved that.

Yes they would. My sincere condolences, sfd.

[Janik]

Rest assured you won't be the worst team in the division

Hmm. I know ad hoc patented pessimism is mostly the driver of this, but I'm tending more towards AdC's camp in who ought to be most concerned currently.. 4-0 down by half-time of your opening game would wipe out all pre-season optimism... if there had been much of that Sheppard's Bush way.

[Sunderporinostesta]

So very sorry. Condolences from all in this house. Best of luck for the forthcoming season.

[Logan Mountstuart]

That must be so horrible, SFD. My absolute sympathy, as I am rapidly approaching a very similar situation and am already filled with dread and grief.

Chuffed Argyle won today for you.

And btw, THIS is the Division 2 thread. We're all Plymouth this year (except when you play City, of course).

[Amor de Cosmos]

Hmm. I know ad hoc patented pessimism is mostly the driver of this, but I'm tending more towards AdC's camp in who ought to be most concerned currently.. 4-0 down by half-time of your opening game would wipe out all pre-season optimism... if there had been much of that Sheppard's Bush way.

'Fraid so. It's been very a long time since our supporters turned on the team before half-time during the opening game of the season. But they did it in numbers today.

[jameswba]

Condolences to SFD from me too.

[jameswba]

I had a minor rant about WBA's performance at Blackburn on the matchgoing thread, but it might be fair to give Rovers some credit, as they were well worth their win, despite the pessimism surrounding the start to their season.

They seemed strong in areas where Albion were deficient, notably in central defence, with Dom Hyam and Hayden Carter very solid. Hyam was the sponsors' man of the match, though I thought Carter was equally good. They also had an effective link between midfield and attack with Sammie Szmodics combining well with Harry Leonard.

Jon Dahl Tomasson certainly won the contest of two good coaches, as his team were (mostly) able to do what he wanted of them. By contrast, Carlos Corberan probably picked the wrong XI, his substitutions didn't really have a positive effect, and he got himself sent-off. The 20 minutes or so after the red card support the view of some fans that Albion sometimes look over-coached. Certainly, without Corberan's animation on the touchline, there wasn't much direction on the pitch.

On this evidence, I don't think either of these sides are serious top-six contenders, but I could see Blackburn having a better season than some of their fans are predicting.

[Jon]

Just read your report, James. It's going to be a long old season by the looks of it.

Hope you enjoyed your day out in Blackburn nonetheless.

[super furry dice]

Thank-you all so much. I'm generally a private person on personal things but I'm finding being open about it is really helping.

So I was a little choked over our win yesterday but for all the write reasons. Having seen the goals it looks like the Whittaker/Hardie link play has picked up on where it left off last January, and despite Warnock's claims for offside, Hardie appeared to be on and timed his run to perfection.

Logan Mountstuart I hope the flag day went well yesterday, I'm expecting City to be among the play-off contenders this season.

[Mr Beast]

I hope you had a great day sfd. I will be looking out for the green army’s results more than usual. A couple of great goals though I’m not sure Neil Warnock would agree.

[Capybara]

I've only just seen your news, sfd. It must be devastating. Wishing you nothing but the best.

[jameswba]

Just read your report, James. It's going to be a long old season by the looks of it.

Hope you enjoyed your day out in Blackburn nonetheless.

Thanks Jon. Those posts have been about the football, and a bit impersonal, but I really did enjoy the day. My brother went too, and it was the first time for 14 years (Forest away in 2009) that we've been to an Albion game together. Several reasons for that, mostly me living abroad and his work and family commitments, but the novelty of it made it the more enjoyable.

Tip for anyone going to Blackburn by train and not drinking pre-game ; the Checks and Greys cafe, attached to the cathedral, does lovely lunches. It was busy yesterday and the food took a while to arrive, but it was truly worth it. On my previous visit (90/91), the police as good as invited us into the Fernhurst pub. Two decent away days across the span of time.