Who Wins The Play-Offs?

[Scotimp]

In preparation for possibly making the play-offs, or definitely not making the play-offs if your name is Jeff, let's take a quick look at which club we might expect to win them.

Since the play-off system was introduced in 1986-87, the team finishing 4th has won more frequently than any other. But there are some surprises after that:

3rd: 1 (3.23%)
4th: 13 (41.94%)
5th: 4 (12.90%)
6th: 6 (19.35%)
7th: 7 (22.58%)
31 seasons.

The figures for 7th are interesting, as 5 of them have come in the last 8 years.

Strange that the teams finishing 5th have such a poor record.

Unfortunately, 31 seasons is insufficient a sample to be unequivocal regarding patterns, but it is interesting all the same. Perhaps we can use it for mind games against the side finishing fifth?

Incidentally, the third-place winner was Chesterfield in 1994-95, when only two went up automatically in anticipation of league restructuring for the following season. Being Chesterfield, they probably spent a huge amount of money to do it.

 

[Warrington Imp]

At present we are 9/4,favourites to get promoted via the play offs maybe that is due to our record over the last couple of seasons in big games?

 

[Skip155]

At present we are 9/4,favourites to get promoted via the play offs maybe that is due to our record over the last couple of seasons in big games?

It must be - especially as Exeter and Notts are the only sides guaranteed a PO spot at the moment.

 

[Luke Imp]

I think out of the 5 currently in or in with a shout, no-one will be fearing anyone.

Seems an inconsistent PO line-up with no out and out favourite IMO.

 

[The Imposter]

When it comes to current form, you could say there are question marks against all the play-off chasing sides so it really does look like the proverbial lottery. Funny this season in that there hasn’t been a side who has come with a late surge and booked a late berth, with all those from fourth to eighth having been pretty much in the mix all season.