Editorial Inquisition - Post Match

Do you feel the result was a fair one?

I believe a point was a fair reflection on proceedings as things panned out, but it could have been so much more but for a pernickety official.

He infuriated both sides with some picky decision making and turned a potentially exciting spectacle into somewhat of a damp squib. Having gone down to ten men understandably were under a lot of pressure, but never looked like conceding before Cerny pulled off an excellent stop.

Both sides could have won the fixture in truth, but the stats will tell you the sending off changes the course of the game and it could have been a whole lot worse.

Ian Dowie described the result as a 'great point', would you agree?

To an extent I agree, any point on the road against last season's play-off finalists has got to be positive.

However I don't think City are as strong as they were last year and I believe second season syndrome may take its toll on a few of the players. So on heinseight, a point is a valuable result considering the circumstances, but on the day we could have got more.

What do you make of the sending off of Ledesma?

I don't think we have a leg to stand on personally, Ledesma was foolish on both counts to be petulant in the first instance, before putting in a poorly timed tackle.

I'm not saying I don't think the referee was poor, because he was but before you step out onto the field in the modern game, you should have the measure of the official in the middle. We knew that he would be looking to make a name for himself, and Ledesma was naive to think he wouldn't be booked on both counts.

Ledesma is a quality player, and that was seen in glimpses on Saturday he will be missed against Southampton with his one match ban.

How do you think City will get on this season?

As previously mentioned I believe mid table security is something that Gary Johnson and his men should be looking to achieve.

So many sides have fallen foul thinking they can push for promotion after narrowly missing out and subsequently falling through the trap door. A season of consolidation is required, to establish yourselves as an established top half Championship side rather than just a flash in the pan.

The useful addition of Nicky Maynard will go some way to securing that, but I feel the loss of Darren Byfield is a surprising one as he is a useful squad player at any second tier side.

Couple that with the inclusion of John Akinde from Ebbsfleet, whom having seen a few times I can honestly say I was stunned with the acquisition. Releasing Byfield and picking up Akinde was surprising for me, but Gary Johnson is experienced and should know the best for his side.

So I'd say top half is a real achievement for the Robins, as the Championship has vastly improved from last season.

How will QPR fair for the rest of the campaign?

QPR are too inconsistent to be able to perform at the top of the division, the gulf in class between us and Sheffield United was a real slap of reality that some fans and media outlets required.

Recent results and performances have picked up, but we lack punch upfront and really do need to bolster our strike force, which was made all the more surprising by the fact we didn't make a move for a striker before the window.

I would like to say we'd be playoff candidates, but with the players at our disposal top ten would be a relative success and something to build on for next season.

If you could sign one of our players who would it be?

I do like Marvin Elliot, I am a big fan of his work in the middle of the park and believe he is one of the most underrated players in this league.

Seeing him play for Millwall as a youngster I thought he has potential and a wise head that belied his years. He has come on leaps and bounds since then and will be a force to be reckoned with once he is back to full fitness.

When we meet at Loftus Road do you expect both clubs to be in similar positions?

I expect both sides to be in similar circumstances, but there may be a few surprises along the way. Usually the fixture at Loftus Road itself is played out in a fabulous atmosphere with the away end in good voice.

The fixture at Loftus Road will see the sides in competitive positions in the Championship, but I expect Rangers to be above City in the table at that juncture.

The only certainties is goals in a competitive fixture as always, and I thoroughly look forward to it.

Who do you think will be champions?

Birmingham City are by far and away the strongest side in the division and I fully expect them to be at the summit come May.

Backed by one of, if not the, best manager in the Division, and a plethora of experience at their disposal, it is my considered opinion they have actually improved since coming down from the Premier League. They will be formidable opposition at any stage of the season.

Who will be promoted with them?

It's hard to look further than the usual candidates, Sheffield United should be there and there abouts and Wolves will be fancying their chances after a good start.

I fully expect Derby to come good and challenge come the end of the season, Paul Jewell is an experienced manager who will turn it round - don't get me wrong I blame him for the majority of Derby's demise!

So that's why I think it will be Birmingham City accompanied by Derby County and Sheffield United through the playoffs.

Which teams will be playing League One football next season?

Despite a good start Doncaster Rovers are still favourites to go for my money, they play a superb brand of football and really have done League One proud since stepping up. However their style is far too open for this level, and the defence is not up to standard to cope with the better Championship forward lines.

With them I feel that Barnsley may not have enough this year and may well bite the bullet. Alongside them there could be a few surprises in Norwich or Plymouth, with Glenn Roeder's infamous second season syndrome inevitably may force them to seek other avenues if and when the occasion arises.

Blackpool have introduced a lot of new players as well and it will be a real test of their resilience as to whether they gel in time to save themselves.