[valpayne]

I think personally top two is a bridge too far but that said i wouldn't say its impossible? There is a gap of 15 pts to 2nd which would take some doing whilst those teams would need a huge dip in form but the play offs there is a gap of only 8pts and all the teams around the play offs with the exception of preston have lesser form than us lately. I say the chase is on.

After all in the 18/19 season Villa were on a poor run of form with a familiar figure to us at the helm. One Steve Bruce after sacking him they came on very strong in the latter part of the season went on a record unbeaten run and of course as we're painfully aware put paid to our promotion hopes in the playoffs in the process.

I would also say with respect to you Sir Charles that its often the mark of a good team that can still find a way to win when not playing their best. All teams in this league will have poor halves or poor games and stutter at some point BUT the mentality has changed at WBA and it has to be down to Carlos, his philosophy, his will and determination and his ability to change things up tactically, or the personnel on the pitch.

I think another 5 games and we'll really have a solid idea of how good CC really is? 10 games is a good measure. At the moment his win ratio is 80% I also think this next game against Rotherham is important Their recent form is poor and we do have a habit of losing this type of game, its a 6 pointer.

all the best to you gents onwards and upward baggies and owls

Val, a great post, one with which I fully concur. I haven't watched us play since the Pulls debacles and the repeated mistakes made by the board in employing the entire footballing cast of Jurassic park. However, we appear to have a purpose, a focus, a manager/head coach/director of football whatever term you care to use who can bring a squad together, give them clear instructions, a direction if you like and, this is the important bit, if it is not working he has another plan, he can change it around and get results.

We are 18 points off of top spot with a game in hand, let's not aim for the playoffs, lets shout loud and proud "Burnley, we are The Albion and we're coming to get you".

I will stick my neck out and say we should be aiming for and securing automatic promotion, a top two finish.

Albion til I die ...COYB.    

Wow, love your optimism!!  I have watched you half a dozen times this season and you are definitely better now than you were earlier in the season, but that first half performance last night was abject and better teams than Sunderland would have had you 2 or 3 down at half time.  Carlos did a great job to change things and the second half was so much better for you but he now needs to get it right from the start if you want any chance of making the playoffs let alone the Autos!!