The View Below

It would appear that the Tigers could well be on the up. A confidence boosting victory over Luton last weekend, the ever strengthening partnership between new signings Jon Parkin and Daryl Duffy, and last but not least the re-discovery of Stuart Elliot?s best scoring boots means that the fate of the Tigers is very much in their own undeniably capable hands.

With a good win under our belts and new hope for the remainder of the season, it would seem and ideal opportunity and unquestionably the most appropriate period to analyse the relegation zone, determining which sides look set to be given the boot, and how worried the black and amber army should really be.

In reality any keen football follower would be shocked to see Derby, Leicester and Sheffield Wednesday relegated from the championship. It would be more realistic to believe these clubs with their hefty resources and ?big club’ status will be using the coming weeks to move further away from the danger zone.

It would seem that the favourites for the 24th position come the end of the season are it?s current occupiers Crewe Alexandra. The Railwaymen have had a disappointing season managing to conjure up just 22 points from the 32 games they?ve played up to date. Crewe have spent all season in a dangerous position and look set to face the relegation they narrowly missed in 2005. The Railwaymen still have some difficult fixtures coming their way including battles against 4 of the top 6 teams of the championship and it looks set that remaining in the 24th position is their fate for the season.

The 23rd position also seems to be secured. It is difficult to believe that it was just 2 years ago that Millwall were taking on Manchester Utd in the FA cup final. The club has spent numerous recent months in turmoil, ever changing managers and problems in the boardroom mean things at the New Den have been unstable for some time. It?s unlikely that Millwall?s lack of stability and unsettled state will provide the momentum the Lions require to boost their survival campaign for this season.

This just leaves the 22nd position, which in avoidance of any unforeseen dramatic circumstances is the only obvious position for city to be concerned about slipping into. This final relegation spot is currently homing Brighton, the team city fans should keep a close eye on over their next few fixtures. Personally I believe the Tigers have the ability to produce a string of victories over the coming weeks, however, I will still be keeping my fingers crossed for Brighton to stay in the 22nd spot providing somewhat of a safety blanket for City?s survival.