Positivity

[Smirker]

After tonight's disappointing loss, I thought I would look at the fixtures after reflecting and having something to eat.

Our next three are Bolton and Hull away and Reading at home.

We then have Norwich away before we play Cardiff at Villa Park.

Cardiff have Derby away up next, a tough game. Should they lose and we win, we will have the same points gap that we had at 7pm tonight. We didn't think it was over then.

They then have Burton at home and Sheffield United away, before playing Wolves at home. Burton should be a win for them but they can drop points in the others.

We just have to stay focused on our games and make sure the gap doesn't get any bigger. We can reduce it. The game at VP could be massive yet.

It's not over. I'm thinking of it as a 4 point lead for Cardiff with the other 3 points in our hands. We just need to better two of their results. It's not unthinkable.

Let's be positive and see what the team can do. It's not over.

[Pete3206]

It's not over.

As far as automatic promotion goes, it is. Sadly.

[Smirker]

I don't think it is just yet.

We have closed bigger points gaps in fewer games this season already.

Things can change quickly in this league.

Autos still possible.

[Nunkin1965]

Not over yet. Still games to play and still points to be won and lost by all teams involved.
 So why throw the towel in?

[PeterWithesShin]

I don't think anyone is throwing the towel in, they're just being realistic that automatic promotion has become unlikely.

[Smirker]

I think it has become more unlikely but we still have a decent chance.

[Axl Rose]

I'm with you Smirker mate. I like your taste in music and agree with you here.

I've been a massive critic of Bruce, and am delighted he's proved me wrong in a lot of respects recently. But, reading his post match comments, I wish the bloke would trust his instincts more and be a little braver-freshen it up, you've got the players/squad to do so. Just bloody do it. No regrets etc etc.

But anyway, we've got ourselves in a decent position, and have a good team who can win game after game. Second is possible, and we need a little luck, but I still think we'll get there.

[OzVilla]

If we didn't before we now have zero margin for error and have to hope that results go our way elsewhere, unlikely but still possible. 

They key is we MUST win at least 7 from 9 and one of these MUST be our game against Cardiff.  That at least gives us a chance, anything less and forget it.

[tony scott]

I hope to be proved wrong ,but if I was a Cardiff supporter I’d feel pretty confident at the moment. We can only hope this result puts us on an unbeaten run till the end of the season.

[Risso]

It is over.

[ChicagoLion]

Win the next 5 and it’s game on.
If Cardiff .......

[j66acd]

is there any set dates for the play offs or do they get sorted after the season has finished?

[QuintonVilla]

We'll finish 4th.

[john e]

worse case scenario is we will still have a crack at the playoffs
there is no way we will not be in those, absolutely nailed on to finish in the top 6

we can still hold hopes for second but can try and be  positive about the three cup finals if not

[Jon Crofts]

It is over.

That's the spirit.