Originally Posted by
Badly Ironed Shirt
2011-12 84.75
2012-13 79.5
2013-14 90
2014-15 87.5
2015-16 88.5
2016-17 88.25
2017-18 88.5 (still games to be played)
These are the average points won by the top 4 in the Championship. 2013-14's table probably looks the closest to this season's table. That season, Birmingham stayed up on 44 points - this season, I reckon 42 points will see teams safe. The teams down the bottom have been poor, but they have thrown up the odd shock - Bolton beating Cardiff, Sunderland beating Fulham just two that spring to mind.
But, because the bottom teams have won so few points, it follows that the teams at the top are likely to win more points than usual.
In 2012-13, Cardiff were promoted with just 87 points. It's likely that the fourth placed side this season will have at least 87 points. That season Peterborough were relegated with 54 points. Many said that was a poor Championship, and Leicester finished in 6th with just 14 points more than relegated Posh.
Derby, currently 6th are 33 points ahead of relegation - which is exactly how many points separated Champions Cardiff from Peterborough in 2012-13.
It's probably the most exciting promotion race I think I've seen, but the difference between the top Championship clubs and the bottom has rarely been more pronounced. I'm not sure that makes the top teams better than, say, 2012-13. Palace finished 11th following promotion that season, Hull were 4 points clear of safety and Cardiff, well they were down by Easter.
Cardiff have also spent on this squad, despite the often repeated myth that they have been operating on a tight budget.
Morrison cost £4m, and Manga cost £5m. Tomlin was £3m and is now out on loan, Bogle cost £1m and is also on loan. Madine will cost a reported £6m. Danny Ward was £1.9m, Hardly scraped together are they?