Welcome back my friends, to the show that never ends
We’re so glad you could attend, come inside come inside …
( Thankyou Peter Sinfield and Greg Lake )
It’s that time of year again. The new football season is fast approaching and faithful fans across the land will be hoping for a season packed full of thrills and shocks with lots of goals from in and outside of the box. Last year was a big disappointment for this cohort of football fans sharing their thoughts and frustrations in the Diasboro blog, so how optimistic are we all feeling for this new season I wonder?
Well, perhaps we might get an idea of what our collective expectation is if enough of us take the plunge and commit our predictive football knowledge to paper (well to digital bits and bytes in Werdermouth’s Wonderful Wordpress venue if not to actual paper) and take part in the Diasboro COTS Challenge 2025/26. Here we can all cogitate a little and then commit our expectations about which teams will get promoted this time, or relegated; who will make it into the playoffs; is there going to be a team that was disappointing last season to surprise us all this time around; or perhaps which teams are going to disappoint the most this season; and most importantly of all, just where will Boro finish in the table this time?
Already in the COTS Hall of Fame we have:
- from 2022/23, Clive Hurren as the original leading soothsayer in the pre-COTS trial run;
- from 2023/24, KP in Spain who was the inaugural Clairvoyant of the Season; and then
- from 2024/25, MW in Darwin, the reigning COTS who achieved a remarkable 76% accuracy with his predictions for last season.
Will MW be able to repeat that performance again? If he does and while he is at it, I would like him to predict some lottery numbers for me to use! Or maybe it will be someone else that best assesses all the competition this year and steals his crown.
The challenge itself is quite straightforward in that all you have to do is to predict 7 things:
- which teams will finish in the Top 6;
- which teams will finish in the Bottom 3;
- which teams will win automatic promotion;
- which team will be champions;
- which team(s) will over achieve;
- which team(s) will under achieve; and finally
- what will be the Boro’s league position at the end of the season.
HOW TO ENTER
All you need to do to take part is to post your predictions in each of the 7 categories in here, with all entries to be posted by 8pm on Friday 8th August.
It would be helpful if you can use the following format, but don’t worry too much, so long as it is clear about which teams you are predicting to do what!
- TOP 6 = Team1, Team2, Team3, Team4, Team5, Team6, Optional1, Optional2, Optional3
- BOTTOM 3 = Team1, Team2, Team3, Optional1, Optional2, Optional3
- AUTOMATIC PROMOTION = Team1, Team2, Optional1, Optional2
- CHAMPIONS = Team1, Optional1
- OVER ACHIEVER = Team1, Optional1
- UNDER ACHIEVER = Team1, Optional1
- BORO = 1st
A team will be considered to have over-achieved if:
- it finishes the season 10 places higher than in the previous season, or
- it is a promoted team from last season and it finishes inside of the top 9
A team will be considered to have under-achieved if:
- it finishes the season 10 places lower than in the previous season, or
- it is a relegated team from last season and it finishes outside of the top 9
Remember that maximum points [200] can only be achieved if you avoid choosing the optional teams in your selection. (e.g. In other words someone who enters only 6 teams to finish in the top six will earn more points for getting the top six right than someone who has entered 7, 8 or 9 teams for a top six finish).
There is one caveat to that principle: by choosing two under achievers or two over achievers you could earn 10 points in each of those two categories, but if you only chose one under or over achiever the most you can get is 7.5 points in each category.
I have copied the point scoring scheme below for those that want to see how it all works.
If you don’t have access to be able to post in Diasboro yourself but you would like to join in, please feel free to send your entry in an through anyone you know in here.
HOW IT WILL WORK
You’ll have noticed the entry format allows for more than the absolute number of teams to be predicted in most of the categories.
For example in the TOP 6 category you can specify up to 9 teams in total and all of them are eligible to win you some points. However, you will only earn maximum points for each team you select in the category if you don’t hedge your bets by making “Optional” selections. If you include any “Optional” selection then the number of points you earn for each of your selections is reduced. Just how the points are reduced is explained in the “THE OPTION DETAILS” section just below.
Points are deducted for each of your Top 6 selections finishing below 9th or for each of your Bottom 3 predictions finishing higher than 19th . Take a look at “THE POINTS” section below to see how many points will be awarded or deducted in each category.
Because this is a Boro supporter’s site, there has to be a bonus for accurately predicting where the Boro will finish the season. So there are 15 bonus points up for grabs for getting that prediction right. However, there is always the jeopardy of Typical Boro to account for, so you could also get up to 15 points deducted if you are out by more than 18 places in your prediction! Take a look at “THE POINTS” section to see how points will be awarded or deducted depending on how close your prediction for the Boro will be.
The maximum number of points it is possible to be awarded is 200.
The season’s COTS honours will be awarded to the person who scores closest to 200 based on the final official League Table of the season.
If there is a tie, the person who was closest in their prediction for the Boro shall take the honours.
If there is still a tie the honours will be shared.
I will aim to publish interim standings at a few points during the season, probably after each round of 9 fixtures, but for now get out your crystal balls, polish up your prescient powers to presage the end of the season and then enter those predictions in here. Who knows, it could be you that is crowned Diasboro Clairvoyant of the Season come next May.
THE POINTS
Check “THE OPTION DETAILS” section to see how the number of points indicated here will be reduced for all selections in the category whenever you make any “Optional” selections. These reductions are to try and keep the competition fair. For example, someone who correctly predicts all 6 in the top 6 from only 6 selections deserves to get more points than someone who has predicted all 6 in the top 6 but from 7 selections; who deserves more than someone who made 8 selections and so on.
- Predict the top 6
15 points awarded for each team chosen that finishes in the top 6
12 points awarded for each team chosen that finishes 7th
6 points awarded for each team chosen that finishes 8th
0 points awarded for each team chosen that finishes 9th
5 points deducted for each team chosen that finishes 10th to 15th
10 points deducted for each team chosen that finishes 16th to 21st
15 points deducted for each team chosen that finishes in the bottom 3
- Predict the bottom 3
15 points awarded for each team chosen that finishes in the bottom 3
12 points awarded for each team chosen that finishes 21st
6 points awarded for each team chosen that finishes 20th
0 points awarded for each team chosen that finishes 19th
5 points deducted for each team chosen that finishes 13th to 18th
10 points deducted for each team chosen that finishes 7th to 12th
15 points deducted for each team chosen that finishes 3rd to 6th
25 points deducted for each team that is promoted automatically
- Automatic promotion bonus
10 bonus points will awarded for each team predicted that finishes 1st or 2nd
5 bonus points awarded if one of the predicted teams finishes 3rd
- Champion’s bonus
10 bonus points will be awarded if the predicted team finishes 1st
- Over-achiever’s bonus
7½ bonus points will be awarded if the predicted team over-achieves
If you choose 2 teams, 5 points per team that over-achieves is awarded
[ See “THE OPTION DETAILS” section for a definition of what is an over-achiever. ]
- Under-achiever’s bonus
7½ bonus points will be awarded if the predicted team under-achieves
If you choose 2 teams, 5 points per team that under-achieves is awarded
[ See “THE OPTION DETAILS” section for a definition of what is an under-achiever. ]
- Boro bonus
15 bonus points will be awarded f if you correctly predict Boro’s final position
12 bonus points will be awarded if you are within 1 place of Boro’s position
10 bonus points will be awarded if you are within 2 places of Boro’s position
5 bonus points will be awarded if you are within 3 places of Boro’s position
0 points awarded if you are within 4 places of Boro’s position
5 points will be deducted if you are between 5 and 8 places of Boro’s position
10 points will be deducted if you are between 9 and 12 places of Boro’s position
12 points will be deducted if you are between 13 and 18 places of Boro’s position
15 points will be deducted if you are 19 or more places away from Boro’s position
THE OPTION DETAILS
Wherever optional “selections” are possible, the points awarded for predicting correctly are reduced. This is because it is harder (for example) to predict exactly which 6 teams will finish in the top 6 from exactly 6 selections. You only have one chance to be right for each team. Statistically speaking you are more likely to predict the top six if you said 6 out of these 7 teams I’ve selected will finish top 6. More likely again if you predicted 6 out of 8 teams, and even more likely if you predicted 6 out of 9 teams. To make it fair, the number of points awarded wherever you make optional selections is amended as follows:
- Predict the top 6
Predict which Championship teams will finish the season in the top 6
You can choose up to 9 teams in total and all teams entered are eligible to win points.
If you choose up to 6 teams, then each team is eligible for maximum points.
If you choose 7 teams, the points awarded to each team will be reduced by 3 points.
If you choose 8 teams, the points awarded to each team will be reduced by 4 points.
If you choose 9 teams, the points awarded to each team will be reduced by 5 points
But beware, full points will be deducted for any team entered that finishes 10th or lower.
- Predict the bottom 3
Predict which Championship teams will finish the season in the bottom 3
You can choose up to 6 teams in total and all teams entered are eligible to win points.
If you choose up to 3 teams, then each team is eligible for maximum points.
If you choose 4 teams, the points awarded to each team will be reduced by 3 points.
If you choose 5 teams, the points awarded to each team will be reduced by 4 points.
If you choose 6 teams, the points awarded to each team will be reduced by 5 points.
But beware, full points will be deducted for any team entered finishing 18th or higher.
- Automatic promotion bonus
Predict which teams from your “Predict the top 6” selections will win automatic promotion.
You can choose up to 4 teams in total and all teams entered are eligible to win points.
If you choose 1 or 2 teams, then each team is eligible for maximum points.
If you choose 3 teams, the points awarded to each team will be reduced 3 points.
If you choose 4 teams, the points awarded to each team will be reduced by 4 points.
- Champion’s bonus
Predict which team from your “Automatic promotion” selection will be champions.
You can choose up to 2 teams in total and each team selected is eligible to win points.
If you choose 1 team, that team is eligible for the maximum points.
If you choose 2 teams the points awarded will be reduced by a half.
- Over-achiever’s bonus
Predict up to 2 teams you think will over-achieve in this season.
A team will be considered to have over-achieved if:
- it finishes the season 10 places higher than in the previous season, or
- it is a promoted team from last season and it finishes inside of the top 9
For this one, you may already have selected a team in one or more of the other categories. That is quite alright, but just make sure you are being consistent. I will do my best to check that any predictions you make do not contradict each other and get back to you if necessary.
For the Over-achiever category the points awarded if you have specified an optional team (i.e. two selections) are reduced by 2.5 points for each correct prediction. It is the same principle being applied that you are more likely to predict a team which does over-achieve if you have selected two teams, so it is only fair that you do not get the full 7.5 points. However, if you successfully predicted two teams to over-achieve, you would score 5 points for each giving a total of 10 points (which is more than someone getting 7.5 points for their only prediction.)
- Under-achiever’s bonus
Predict up to 2 teams you think will under-achieve in this season.
A team will be considered to have under-achieved if:
- it finishes the season 10 places lower than in the previous season, or
- it is a relegated team from last season and it finishes outside of the top 9
For this one, you may already have selected a team in one or more of the other categories. That is quite alright, but just make sure you are being consistent. I will do my best to check that any predictions you make do not contradict each other and get back to you if necessary.
For the Under-achiever category the points awarded if you have specified an optional team (i.e. two selections) are reduced by 2.5 points for each correct prediction. It is the same principle being applied that you are more likely to predict a team which does under-achieve if you have selected two teams, so it is only fair that you do not get the full 7.5 points. However, if you successfully predicted two teams to under-achieve, you would score 5 points for each giving a total of 10 points (which is more than someone getting 7.5 points for their only prediction.)
This is a phenomenal piece of work, Powmill! Thank you very much.
I anxiously anticipate finishing in or near the relegation places once again following my unexpected over-achievement in 2022-23!
Great work, P-N. We’re off to France tomorrow for two weeks with all the extended family, so may opt out this year as we’re not back until 10th. Good luck to everyone with their predictions.
Great stuff, Powmill. Many thanks for all of your hard work.
tbh Martin. I am sure no one is going to complain if you don't get your entry in till you get back from holiday. I don't think you will gain that much of an advantage if any) because you will have seen the first tranche or two of results. So as long as no one objects, I would be more than happy to receive the odd one or maybe two entries past the deadline.Great work, P-N. We’re off to France tomorrow for two weeks with all the extended family, so may opt out this year as we’re not back until 10th. Good luck to everyone with their predictions.
PS Bon vacances. Where abouts will you be staying over there?
Thanks for that Clive. Any phenomenal-ness, if there was any, was only there a couple of years ago when I coded up the spreadsheet that I use to do all the calculations for everyone's entry and to be honest with you, for a sad long-suffering IT professional like myself there was not really anything especially difficult for me in setting it up. (Actually I had a lot of fun thinking about it and pulling it all together.) There was the inevitable bug or two that I had to deal with in year one, but now it is no more than me making a new copy of the master template spreadsheet, copying everyone's entry into that as they come in, and then cutting and pasting whatever is the latest league table into the right column. It might look like a lot but really, it doesn't take that much effort.This is a phenomenal piece of work, Powmill! Thank you very much.
I anxiously anticipate finishing in or near the relegation places once again following my unexpected over-achievement in 2022-23!
BTW. You are up against me if you are thinking relegation form !
A man after my own IT heart. I'm sad to say that I get far more pleasure than is rational from finding an excuse to apply a spreadsheet to any of life's little problems.
Many thanks for organising another challenge powmill - with as comprehensive a guide and instructions anyone could wish for too!
I shall ponder the possibilities in the coming week but will leave it late as my Boro prediction at the moment may be much worse than it should be until we see some quality arrives.
I'm going away in a week and get back on 9th August but not sure if it will be before the Swansea game kicks off so might miss the first real game to assess the team.
Great work, Powmill!
Looks like you succeed the better the less you trust in the Boro. So I haven’t been very successful in the past. But I will be optimistic again, and will predict a top six finish for Boro, again.
I hope Wrexham and Birmingham are the under-achievers this season.
Up the Boro!
Just a wee reminder to everybody. Its just a week to go now, before the EFL Championship season kicks off on Friday 8th August, so time to start committing our predictions to paper about how the season is going to pan out, for the COTS Challenge 25/26.
There is the link to all the fine detail at the end of this post, but all you need to do to take part is to predict 7 things about this year's Championship:
- which teams will finish in the Top 6;
- which teams will finish in the Bottom 3;
- which teams will win automatic promotion;
- which team will be champions;
- which team(s) will over achieve;
- which team(s) will under achieve; and finally
- what will be the Boro’s league position at the end of the season.
Post your entries in here, if possible using the following format, but don’t worry too much, so long as it is clear about which teams you are predicting to do what!
- TOP 6 = Team1, Team2, Team3, Team4, Team5, Team6, Optional1, Optional2, Optional3
- BOTTOM 3 = Team1, Team2, Team3, Optional1, Optional2, Optional3
- AUTOMATIC PROMOTION = Team1, Team2, Optional1, Optional2
- CHAMPIONS = Team1, Optional1
- OVER ACHIEVER = Team1, Optional1
- UNDER ACHIEVER = Team1, Optional1
- BORO = 1st
Remember that points awarded vary. So, for example, you get more points for correctly predicting a team to finish in the top 6 if you only predicted 6 teams to do so, a few less if you predicted from 7 teams, a few more less if you predicted from 8 teams and even fewer if you predicted from 9 teams. The caveat on that rule for the over and under achiever categories is that you will get 7.5 points for correctly predicting one over/under achiever. If you do choose two teams to over/under achieve you will only get 5 points for each team predicted correctly, which does mean you could get 10 points if both teams over/under achieve. You will find the full details in this thread header by following the link below.
I'll put out another reminder next mid-week.
https://diasboro.club/forum/2025-26/the-diasboro-cots-challenge-2025-26/#post-37304
@powmillnaemore Thank you once again Pomill for all the hard work and effort of running with this seasons COTS.
I think there could be some surprises this season, and although the top three has been rather predictable in the past few years, there hopefully maybe a few surprises come May. I don’t expect the Boro to be one of them, unless (gulp), they got relegated.
So here is my selection.
TOP SIX IN ORDER. IPSWICH, SHEFFIELD UNITED, SOUTHAMPTON,
NORWICH, LEICESTER, BIRMINGHAM.
AUTO IN ORDER. IPSWICH, SHEFFIELD UNITED, SOUTHAMPTON.
CHAMPIONS. IPSWICH.
OVER ACHIEVERS. BIRMINGHAM.
UNDER ACHIEVERS NIL
BORO TO FINISH IN TWELFTH PLACE.
@powmillaemore - Here are my (usually catastrophic) predictions for the COTS Challenge 2025-26. From a farmer's field just outside Beadnell in the sunshine - but aware there is serious "weather" expected for Monday when we are on duty siting any new arrivals. Rain for most of the day and winds up to 57mph predicted. The awning may have to be taken down tomorrow or else we may see it flung into the air and lost into the North Sea.
In the hope I can do this on my new mobile phone, the predictions are:
TOP SIX - 1. Ipswich. 2. Birmingham. 3. Southampton 4. Wrexham. 5. Bristol C 6. Sheff Utd.
BOTTOM THREE - 1. Oxford. 2. Hull 3. Charlton
AUTO PROMOTION - 1. Ipswich. 2. Birmingham 3 OPTIONAL Southampton.
CHAMPIONS - 1. Ipswich 2. Birmingham
OVER ACHIEVERS - 2. Birmingham 2. Wrexham (optional)
UNDER ACHIEVERS - Sheff W (Optional Leicester).
BORO POSITION - 8TH.
I hope that makes sense!
We have had 22 days insuccession where it has been + 30 degrees or warmer here in Finland. Officially. Warmer than ever period in our history. Hot!
Up the Boro!
@jarkko - It is "supposed" to be about 17C at present on the North Northumberland Coast but that must be the temperature in the shadow and possibly in a hole 50ft deep shrouded by tall trees. Or a cave under The Cheviot. It seems very warm, often too warm, to sit in the sun, which is where the gentle breeze comes into play. (The weather may be more "robust" on Monday).
One advantage of being here is that there are no mosquitoes, not even any Midge which might have strayed south over the Scottish border which is fairly near. Mind you the Norsemen who rampaged around, robbing and killing monks at first at Lindisfarne (again only a short journey up the A1 from here) in 793AD, and a few times thereafter, have not been forgotten in these parts.
If there are to be claims in international courts seeking damages for harms done to the climate during earlier days of the Industrial Revolution, then no doubt claims will also be issued against the Romans and against invading seafarers from Denmark, Norway and Sweden.
"The monks were lawfully engaged in transcribing and illuminating The Gospels, and in giving prayer and praise to their Maker from their remote Priory on Lindisfarne, chosen partly because it was remote and only accessible at certain times, in order that they should be more distant from the Sins of the World. And whilst they were so occupied, there came across the seas a violent and bloodthirsty group seemingly intent on the destruction of the religious community and its residents, and the theft of any valuables it was possible to remove. Many were killed at this time, a highpoint of Anglo-Saxon culture and religious art..."
Thanks again for running the challenge, Powmill.
It’s devilishly difficult with so many unknowns but I’ll give it a go:
Top 6: Ipswich, Southampton, Birmingham, Sheff Utd, Leicester, Watford
Auto Promotion: Ipswich, Southampton
Champions: Ipswich
Bottom 3: Charlton, Oxford, Sheff Wed
Overachievers: Birmingham
Underachievers: None
Boro: 14th
@andy-r ..thanks Andy. You are the first to take the plunge this year. I agree with you it is indeed devilishly (loved that choice of word) difficult this time, much more this year than previously I think
However, dang you for choosing "none" as an underachiever. I thought I'd covered all bases in my points system, but you have come up with a perfectly valid prediction that I haven't accounted for!!
I shall amend the "rules" to treat "none" as if it was one of the teams. In other words 7.5 points if the prediction is correct, but no points if it is incorrect. I shall just have to dive back into my spreadsheet and modify the formulae for under and over achievers to account for this. At least I have all season to work that one out 😉
Powmill
Here are my guesses
Top 6 Birmingham, Ipswich, Sheff U Leicester, Southampton and Millwall (starring Coburn)
Auto Promo Birmingham, Ipswich
Champions Birmingham
Bottom 3 Sheff W Oxford, Charlton
Over achieving Birmingham, Wrexham
Under achieving None
Boro 16th
Powmill, I have realised I did not enter the relegation three.
Bottom. OXFORD, HULL, CHARLTON. Apologies
And of course Southampton will be in the playoffs
and I realised I missed both yours and FD's posts, si you were in fact the first to take the plunge, not Andy. Embarrassed look ☺️... and my apologies. With Len also having posted his predictions, we are up to 4 runners now.Powmill, I have realised I did not enter the relegation three.
Bottom. OXFORD, HULL, CHARLTON. Apologies
And of course Southampton will be in the playoffs
Here are my selections from a land down under.
- TOP 6 = IPSWICH, SOUTHAMPTON, SHEFF. UTD, LEICESTER CITY, BIRMINGHAM, NORWICH
- BOTTOM 3 = SHEFF WED, PRESTON, OXFORD
- AUTOMATIC PROMOTION = IPSWICH, SOUTHAMPTON,
- CHAMPIONS = IPSWICH
- OVER ACHIEVER = BIRMINGHAM
- UNDER ACHIEVER = BLACKBURN
- BORO = 12TH
UTB
Predictions from last seasons winner(somehow)
Top 6 : IPSWICH Birmingham Millwall Coventry Sheffield United Wrexham
Bottom 3 : Sheffield Wednesday, Charlton Hull
Auto: Ipswich Birmingham
Champions: Ipswich
Overachiever:Birmingham
Under achiever: Leicester City
Boro Position: 13th
Here are my selections from a land down under.
- TOP 6 = IPSWICH, SOUTHAMPTON, SHEFF. UTD, LEICESTER CITY, BIRMINGHAM, NORWICH
- BOTTOM 3 = SHEFF WED, PRESTON, OXFORD
- AUTOMATIC PROMOTION = IPSWICH, SOUTHAMPTON,
- CHAMPIONS = IPSWICH
- OVER ACHIEVER = BIRMINGHAM
- UNDER ACHIEVER = BLACKBURN
- BORO = 12TH
UTB
Dear Powmill
In a flurry of optimism, can you change my Boro prediction to 8th. I do also wonder whether it would be worth setting the closing date for entries at September 1 so that we can all adjust for the outcome of the transfer activity across the division.
UTB
Another wee reminder to everybody to consult the tea leaves for the COTS challenge. We have just 6 entries so far with only 3 days left untill the big kick off on Friday evening, so come on andctake the plunge.
Remember, all you need to do to take part is to predict 7 things about this year's Championship:
- which teams will finish in the Top 6;
- which teams will finish in the Bottom 3;
- which teams will win automatic promotion;
- which team will be champions;
- which team(s) will over achieve;
- which team(s) will under achieve; and finally
- what will be the Boro’s league position at the end of the season.
Post your entries in here, if possible using the following format, but don’t worry too much, so long as it is clear about which teams you are predicting to do what!
- TOP 6 = Team1, Team2, Team3, Team4, Team5, Team6, Optional1, Optional2, Optional3
- BOTTOM 3 = Team1, Team2, Team3, Optional1, Optional2, Optional3
- AUTOMATIC PROMOTION = Team1, Team2, Optional1, Optional2
- CHAMPIONS = Team1, Optional1
- OVER ACHIEVER = Team1, Optional1
- UNDER ACHIEVER = Team1, Optional1
- BORO = 1st
no problem, consider it done.Here are my selections from a land down under.
- TOP 6 = IPSWICH, SOUTHAMPTON, SHEFF. UTD, LEICESTER CITY, BIRMINGHAM, NORWICH
- BOTTOM 3 = SHEFF WED, PRESTON, OXFORD
- AUTOMATIC PROMOTION = IPSWICH, SOUTHAMPTON,
- CHAMPIONS = IPSWICH
- OVER ACHIEVER = BIRMINGHAM
- UNDER ACHIEVER = BLACKBURN
- BORO = 12TH
UTB
Dear Powmill
In a flurry of optimism, can you change my Boro prediction to 8th. I do also wonder whether it would be worth setting the closing date for entries at September 1 so that we can all adjust for the outcome of the transfer activity across the division.
UTB
Here are my selections from the land of thousand lakes and islands (and some raindeers):
- TOP 6 = Boro, Coventry, Southampton, Ipswich, Birmingham, WBA
(opt. Sheff Utd, Brissol City) - BOTTOM 3 = Sheff Wed, Charlton, Hull City
(opt. Stoke, PNE, Norwich) - AUTOMATIC PROMOTION = Southampton, Birmingham (opt. Ipswich, WBA)
- CHAMPIONS = Southampton opt. Birmingham)
- OVER ACHIEVER = Derby (opt. Porstsmouth)
- UNDER ACHIEVER = Wrexham (opt. Millwall)
- BORO = 5th
PS: Why they are called raindeers - snowdeers would be a better description 😉.
Up the Boro!
@jarkko - Nice play on words there, Jarkko!
Reindeer: I have just looked it up on Wikipedia and my original guess - that it is a type of deer people could work by attaching reins to - is discounted. "Rain" is the wet stuff that falls from clouds whilst "reins" are leather straps attached to horses to control their movement by riders or followers on foot (as you know!).
I will probably get this wrong now, trying to toggle between pages, but Reindeer is said to be an Anglicised version of two Old Norse words "hreinn" (reindeer) and "dyr" (animal). They are known as "hreindyr" and sometimes "dyr" in Icelandic and have other names used by some Arctic populations. They are known as Caribou in North America.
...and there used to be one called Elvis in the herd on the Cairngorms. It had a forward facing part of its antler than looked just like Elvis' quiff. I don't suppose it is still alive now. How long do they survive I wonder?@jarkko - Nice play on words there, Jarkko!
Reindeer: I have just looked it up on Wikipedia and my original guess - that it is a type of deer people could work by attaching reins to - is discounted. "Rain" is the wet stuff that falls from clouds whilst "reins" are leather straps attached to horses to control their movement by riders or followers on foot (as you know!).
I will probably get this wrong now, trying to toggle between pages, but Reindeer is said to be an Anglicised version of two Old Norse words "hreinn" (reindeer) and "dyr" (animal). They are known as "hreindyr" and sometimes "dyr" in Icelandic and have other names used by some Arctic populations. They are known as Caribou in North America.
Here are the votes for the North Wales jury:
- TOP 6 = Ipswich, Southampton, Coventry, Wrexham, WBA, Sheffield United (Optional 1 Millwall, Optional 2 Birmingham)
- BOTTOM 3 = Sheffield Wednesday, Charlton, Hull (Optional 1 Oxford)
- AUTOMATIC PROMOTION = Ipswich, Southampton, (Optional Coventry)
- CHAMPIONS = Ipswich
- OVER ACHIEVERS Millwall, ( Optional Stoke)
- UNDER ACHIEVERS = Boro, (Optional Leicester.)
- Boro : 14th ( Hope I’m wrong! )
@clive-hurren thanks Clive. Just a note. You have marked Boro down as underachievers, but also to finish in 14th.
To under achieve a team has to finish at least 10 places lower than last season (or lower than 9th if a relegated team), so Boro would have to be finishing 21st or lower.
Similarly, to overachieve, a team must finish 10 places higher than last season and Millwall finished in 8th, so they also couldn't be considered to overachieve this season.
Would you like to choose other teams, or stick with just your optional selections of Leicester and Stoke ?
@andy-r Hi Andy. You have marked down Sheffield Wednesday to be an underachiever, which means that would have to finish in 22nd place or lower. That means they would have to be in the bottom three, but you have not selected them in that category. Would you like to tweak your entry with this in mind ?