How important is the opening day result?

[Eric the Half a Bee]

I'm sure most will be like me at this point and say "not important", which is why I thought I'd have a look.

Last weekend saw our 35th opening day defeat in our history. We've won 27 and drawn 36 on the opening day, so first day defeats have been slightly more common than opening day victories. We've only won 2 of the last 12 opening day games, having only lost 2 of the previous 18.

Of the 27 seasons when we've opened with a win, we've won promotion 7 times and been relegated once.

Of the previous 34 seasons when we've opened with a defeat, we've won promotion 3 times and been relegated 6 times.

Our average end of season league position when we've started with a win is 10.4.

Our average end of season league position when we've started with a defeat is 12.9. When it's been a draw it's been 12.8.

When we've opened with a loss, we've won 14, drawn 8 and lost 12 in the next league fixture. Of the 12 times we've lost our opening 2 games, we've been relegated 4 times. We also started the 1946/47 season with 2 defeats yet that was the best season in terms of results in the club's history as we won promotion.

We've lost the opening 3 games on only 5 occasions, being relegated twice.

We lost the opening 5 games in 1930/31 and were relegated. We lost the opening 6 fixtures in 1921/22 yet managed to finish 4th in the First Division.

So, does the first result matter? There's a trend to having a better season if we start with a win but it certainly isn't season defining.

[JamesWales]

Re: How important is the opening day result?

Very interesting. I did take the slightly negative time to look at when we last lost three at the start of the season - 84/85 I think.

That 1921/22 stat is amazing.

Fwiw, I don't think it matters much. But losing the opening home game followed by two tough away games does open us up to what could be a very bad start.

A point today would be fantastic

[The Lone Gunman]

Re: How important is the opening day result?

I remember 85/86, when City won 4-1 at Notts County on the opening day of the season in the old Third Division. That was followed a few days later by a 2-1 victory over Swansea in the League Cup. Things were looking promising.

We ended up finishing 22nd and were relegated to the Fourth Division. Notts County finished 8th.

[Hilts]

Re: How important is the opening day result?

I remember a game home v Bradford it may even have been our first year back in the Championship. We lost 2-1 I think but there was a feeling of positivity as we played well.

Last week the main problem other than the result was the dreadful football on display. In a very short period of time it was if the life was sucked out of the crowd and I'd be suprised if there was a more silent stadium as the game just seemed an extension of last season.

Of course a defeat at home against a side who will probably around mid table isnt good. Too many of them and we will prove the bookies right.

We really have to pick up points v Boro and Swansea. That will mean a dramatic improvement in performance.

[Hilts]

Re: How important is the opening day result?

I remember 85/86, when City won 4-1 at Notts County on the opening day of the season in the old Third Division. That was followed a few days later by a 2-1 victory over Swansea in the League Cup. Things were looking promising.

We ended up finishing 22nd and were relegated to the Fourth Division. Notts County finished 8th.

Didn't we have a free transfer player called Mark Farrington who looked a really exciting prospect. But ultimately went downhill after that.

That side was seriously shit.

[SLUDGE FACTORY]

Re: How important is the opening day result?

Not at all

After relegation with Alan Durban we stuffed Notts County away 4 -1 in the old third division

I remember me and my old man thinking we would be better off in this division and probably bounce right back

We were relegated to the old fourth division , for the first time in our history by Durban later that season

[Cyclops]

Re: How important is the opening day result?

The victory over Man City (the reigning champions) in the first home match of the Premiership season in 2013 under Malkie was colossally vital.
It gave us fans a fabulous boost and the team the basis for believing that they could survive in the top flight.

[Jimmy the Jock]

Re: How important is the opening day result?

The victory over Man City (the reigning champions) in the first home match of the Premiership season in 2013 under Malkie was colossally vital.
It gave us fans a fabulous boost and the team the basis for believing that they could survive in the top flight.

In Malkys first full season in the championship we won something like our first 10 games at home .
I bet us to win on each occasion and put the winnings on us winning the league or getting promoted
It was a good summer in my house

[the other bob wilson]

Re: How important is the opening day result?

I remember 85/86, when City won 4-1 at Notts County on the opening day of the season in the old Third Division. That was followed a few days later by a 2-1 victory over Swansea in the League Cup. Things were looking promising.

We ended up finishing 22nd and were relegated to the Fourth Division. Notts County finished 8th.

Notts County came to Ninian Park about six months later and won 4-1 in Phil Dwyer’s last game for the club.

Regarding losses on the opening day of the season, I wouldn’t be surprised at all if we lose our first four this season - ordinarily, I’d give us a decent chance of getting something from the Swansea game, but it’s been thirteen years and counting since we turned up in front of a crowd at that ground and looked like we weren’t intimidated by the occasion.

[SLUDGE FACTORY]

Re: How important is the opening day result?

Didn't we beat Man City 2 - 1 opening day , mid eighties , bodin scored the winner ?

Crowd about 9000 which seemed huge

Hot and sunny

Relgated that may ?

[SLUDGE FACTORY]

Re: How important is the opening day result?

Didn't we beat Man City 2 - 1 opening day , mid eighties , bodin scored the winner ?

Crowd about 9000 which seemed huge

Hot and sunny

Relgated that may ?

[Hilts]

Re: How important is the opening day result?

No that was my 1st full season supporting us. We'd gone up but lost Hemmerman , Hatton and Dave Bennett but made a good signing in Gordon Owen.

It was the 2nd game and our first home game. We stayed up but we're relegated the following year. I think Swansea may have been relegated. It was the season we won 3-2 at home with Toshack scoring a superb individual goal for them and us blowing a 2 goal lead to lose 3-2 up there in a game where off field was as entertaining as on field.

[The Lone Gunman]

Re: How important is the opening day result?

Who can forget the 1-0 home victory over promotion hopefuls Norwich on the first day of the 22/23 season under mighty Steve Morison?

Norwich ended up finishing 13th. We finished 21st.

[life on mars]

Re: How important is the opening day result?

For me it means nothing other that a huge feeling of personal disappointment after the anticipation of getting your crew together to meet up and enjoy the day after such a lull over the close season .

Thankfully the social aspect is as big or bigger than the event itself .

If Burnley lose 5 nil today and we smash 6 against Swansea we're off to greatness.

[North Cardiff Blue]

Re: How important is the opening day result?

Tough start, most of the new players are not ready, and we could easily lose the next two!

Fingers crossed we get a bit of luck and a point or more today!