A tired and weary figure I cut at present. No doubt some of you feel the same. Its that time of year. On and off the pitch things aren't going well and a feeling of the inevitable falls silently like a leaf in Autumn bringing the silent death of winter.

A contrast to last season where hope and fight railed against the powers of nature.

Week 14 of the Millers Banter Prediction league arrives at a time when all seems lost. Some punters may feel the same, yet, the truth is that the league has never been closer. We have had 4 different leaders and many heading the weekly standings. However, there are some patterns that should be a worry to some. Keep doing the same thing and expect the same results is utter madness we are told.

Doing the scores each week I do notice styles, attitudes and behaviours. Of course, whether I can turn such a keen observing mind on myself is another story.  I have been contacted by a few Banterer's for tips and insights. One punter who shall we say is having a rather troubled season wrote me the following:

Why do I always seem to end up in the middle of the pack? Is there something you could point out to me? Of course, my advice is totally unbiased and open to all and so I thought id publish my response.

Dear Forlorn Banter regular, firstly dont despair. Many fears and exaggerations are born from loneliness. Being in the middle of the pack is actually a very cosy and community orientated place to be. Reach out either side and you will find comrades who understand. Those above you will feel a generosity towards  you and those below a kindred spirit will you be considered. 

As to your specific issue may I offer some suggestions. 

Firstly, you will remember you had a similar problem in your last relationship. Its about your judgement. You let your neediness compel your choice. Think about all the ladies you see when you are in a relationship compared to the perception you have when you are not in a relationship. Dont be so eager to go with your first reaction. This includes any ****sexual feelings you may have. Remember that in my study of last years banterer's 95% had experienced a deep attraction to a member of Millers Banter community members at one time or other. This does not mean you should propose to the next avatar you take a liking too.

Firstly, study how your thoughts and emotions change at a whim and often without reason. you simply cannot go on basing your predictions on the colours or patterns of your favourite away strip. Imagine, some teams have as many as 4 strips for away games. This would make you the equivalent of   'night worker' and manic and anxious to-boot ready to hop into bed with the highest bidder.

Lastly, do not copy anyone elses predictions. I have noted this trend you have and it simply does not work and will not do anything for your already fragile self esteem. You must stand tall, begin to relate to your sexuality as a proud individual and not copy or conform to what you think others will approve of.

Anyway. apart from that Im sure you can move up to  6th place shortly, if you apply my advice to every aspect of your life.

This weeks Bonus:

for a common-sense extra dose of 10 points simply predict which team in the fixtures below will finish the day in 6th place.

Here are this weeks fixtures.

 1. Birmingham 2 v Wolves 1

2, Bristol City 2 v Fulham 1

3. Burnley 2 V Huddersfield 1

4. Derby 2 V Rotherham 1

5. Ipswich 1 v Cardiff 1

6. MK Dons 1 V Hull 2

7. Middlesbrough 2 v Charlton 0

8. Reading 1 v Brighton 2

9. Sheffield Wednesday 2 v Forest 1

10. Preston 1 V Bolton 1

-- Edited by ian on Thursday 29th of October 2015 11:50:36 AM