Automatic or Play Off

Automatic. It gives Nigel more time to prepare for next season.

Play-offs easily the most emotional and exciting way to get promoted, but also the most devastating when you don't!

My greatest memory by far as a Leicester fan was when Claridge shinned in the winner. I've never hugged, kissed, jumped on or screamed at, so many complete strangers in my life.

I still watch Derby, Swindon and Palace with such joy.

Automatics are clearly the most efficient and relaxing way to go up. But if I'd much rather we went up via the play-offs having been 3-0 down with 15 to go, equalising in the 95th minute before winning 9-8 on penalties with Schmeichel scoring the winning kick.

Moments like that last far longer in the memory that automatic promotion.

Auto - as CHAMPIONS! Cardiff City can be caught!!

The play-offs were as brilliant as ever when we were last in them, it's Wembley that's lost its magic.

For that reason I'd be happy enough to get autos if I could attend whichever game it was.

wembleys lost it magic becuase we play bloody two bit play offs there.

^ and cup semi-finals <grr)

The automatic placing without a shadow of a doubt. It saves all that heartache of missed penalties, head-in-hands and deep despair.

Wembley chucks up its memories of course, none better for me than the five-man move against Manchester City in 1969 that should have been the equalising goal, but how we tore their defence to shreds was simply a joy to watch.

...'heartache', wanton damage to crockery, panes of glass and door panels.

Hmmm.... I’m not sure I’m fully understanding the question.

If I KNEW that we’d be successful in the play offs then all the drama of them would disappear. There would be no nervous excitement, anticipation or heart stopping moments. Even when we are 3-0 down to Nottingham Forest at Wembley I can sit back in the safe knowledge that we’ll score 4 in injury time to secure promotion. With this safe knowledge, why bother at all? I’ll just go up automatically and give the team extra time to prepare for the new season.

If I couldn’t guarantee the outcome of the play offs then I’d avoid them like the plague. They are a lottery and have nothing to do with league form over the season. So I’d choose to go up automatically.

The question can only be answered retrospectively. If we did beat Forest 4-3 in injury time then you might look back and think what an enjoyable memory it was and, in retrospect, missing out on auto promotion was the best thing to happen – but you’d never choose that option in the first place.

Downsuf,
I enjoyed your post as these days I rarely have the opportunity to say: “I wasn’t even born then!”

I dont think anybody on earth would ever chose entering the play-offs over automatic promotion...!