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Can we realistically challenge for promotion next season
Posted: Thu Jun 04, 2026 10:22 pm
by Jonty
Hear all the right noises, “put things right, we know what we need to do, want to win another promotion” etc, BUT where do forum fans sit with this now the relegation dust has settled.
Some facts, only 8 of the 20 clubs relegated from League Two since 2015 have managed to win promotion back to the EFL at all and only one- Grimsby Town has gone straight back up after one season, via the play-offs after finishing 6th in 2021/22 season
Carlisle will be no doubt favourites, Southend will be amongst the favourites, there will be one or two surprises. I cant place us in terms of realistic expectations. Can Murray get a top end squad together…
Views? can we turn it around and challenge to make a quick EFL return ….
My own view- if we don't set out to challenge to go straight back up and succeed next season (and its a massive challenge) then we will soon find ourselves back as perpetual National League strugglers we were.
Re: Can we realistically challenge for promotion next season
Posted: Fri Jun 05, 2026 5:54 am
by BAFC1901
Top half should bet he first aim & if we can make the Play offs would be class.
Just wish it was 3/4 up ( 2/3 Auto , 1 play offs ).
Re: Can we realistically challenge for promotion next season
Posted: Fri Jun 05, 2026 7:50 am
by Wintergreen
Play to win every game and see what happens. One thing for sure we wouldn't be so ill-prepared for promotion this time in the rather unlikely event that we achieve it.
Re: Can we realistically challenge for promotion next season
Posted: Fri Jun 05, 2026 8:33 am
by McMark
The rocket is still in the design phase and barely under construction. Let’s see how the components are assembled and get off the launch pad successfully before we even think about aiming for the stars. But if infinity and beyond is not the main aim we certainly won’t reach the exosphere.
Re: Can we realistically challenge for promotion next season
Posted: Fri Jun 05, 2026 8:42 am
by blue nige
McMark wrote: ↑Fri Jun 05, 2026 8:33 am
The rocket is still in the design phase and barely under construction. Let’s see how the components are assembled and get off the launch pad successfully before we even think about aiming for the stars.
Brilliant you can just picture it ,Hornby to Adam we have a problem!

Re: Can we realistically challenge for promotion next season
Posted: Fri Jun 05, 2026 8:45 am
by McMark
blue nige wrote: ↑Fri Jun 05, 2026 8:42 am
McMark wrote: ↑Fri Jun 05, 2026 8:33 am
The rocket is still in the design phase and barely under construction. Let’s see how the components are assembled and get off the launch pad successfully before we even think about aiming for the stars. But if infinity and beyond is not the main aim we certainly won’t reach the exosphere.
Brilliant you can just picture it ,Hornby to Adam we have a problem!
AJ we have a Problem and Woody has gone!

Re: Can we realistically challenge for promotion next season
Posted: Fri Jun 05, 2026 9:27 am
by Valkyrie
They have the benefit of 2-years EFL parachute money so this period would represent the best opportunity to get back to L2.
Re: Can we realistically challenge for promotion next season
Posted: Fri Jun 05, 2026 9:56 am
by bluessupporter
In answer to the question a very firm and positive YES!
Re: Can we realistically challenge for promotion next season
Posted: Fri Jun 05, 2026 12:07 pm
by mall
Always one comes out the pack to challenge and nearly always one surprise package-who knows-all depends who they bring in now-simple as that really.
Re: Can we realistically challenge for promotion next season
Posted: Fri Jun 05, 2026 4:05 pm
by Olderbarrowfan79+
Im unsure depends on signings really Id like to hope we will be around the play off positions surley the parachute payment gives us abit of an advantage over majority of clubs in this league apart from the most wealthy sides id guess
Re: Can we realistically challenge for promotion next season
Posted: Fri Jun 05, 2026 4:41 pm
by bluessupporter
McMark wrote: ↑Fri Jun 05, 2026 8:45 am
blue nige wrote: ↑Fri Jun 05, 2026 8:42 am
Brilliant you can just picture it ,Hornby to Adam we have a problem!
AJ we have a Problem and Woody has gone!
We DON'T have a problem now Woody has gone!

Re: Can we realistically challenge for promotion next season
Posted: Fri Jun 05, 2026 8:32 pm
by WalneyOne
IMO not with the current squad.
Not enough fight
Re: Can we realistically challenge for promotion next season
Posted: Fri Jun 05, 2026 9:40 pm
by kenny lowe fan club
We need to try and make ourselves one on the big clubs in this league which we have never been before. We need a big club mentality throughout the club including board, management and the fans. If we can establish ourselves as a top 7 clubs season after season then we have every chance of being a League 2 club again but it needs everybody singing from the same hymn sheet
Re: Can we realistically challenge for promotion next season
Posted: Fri Jun 05, 2026 10:11 pm
by Jonty
kenny lowe fan club wrote: ↑Fri Jun 05, 2026 9:40 pm We need a big club mentality throughout the club including board, management and the fans.
This is as big a challenge as getting it right on the pitch.
Re: Can we realistically challenge for promotion next season
Posted: Fri Jun 05, 2026 11:37 pm
by McMark
Jonty wrote: ↑Fri Jun 05, 2026 10:11 pm
kenny lowe fan club wrote: ↑Fri Jun 05, 2026 9:40 pm We need a big club mentality throughout the club including board, management and the fans.
This is as big a challenge as getting it right on the pitch.
Gonna take as many of us as possible to back them through the good and bad when they can are you up for it Jonty, I know I am.