Seasons ending in a 2 (no replies)

1971-1972
After 7 games we were 9th with 8 points (2 for a win - equivalent today is 11 points). Biggest defeat was 0-3 at Millwall. Unbeaten from Jan 1st. Finished 2nd (promoted)

1991-1992
After 7 games we were 1st with 17 points. Didn't drop below 6th all season. Biggest defeat was 0-3 (twice) to WBA and Wigan. Finished 2nd (promoted)

2001-2002
After 7 games we were 9th with 12 points. We then took 2 points from the next 9 to drop to 14th. Biggest defeat was 0-4 in November to Sheff Utd. Finished 5th (promoted through play-offs)

2021-2022
After 7 games we're 10th with 11 points. Biggest defeat so far is 1-4 to Fulham.

Looking at that lot, our record is exactly the same as in 1971-72, although it was a 22 team league then and our run after the new year was exceptional. In 2001-02 we weren't really pulling up any trees until Bruce joined us and signed Stern John.

Long way to go. I think the point I'm trying to make is that promoted teams rarely hit the top early on and just stay the course. Only examples I can think of in recent years were Newcastle in 2016-17 and Norwich last season. We weren't the best team in 2001-02, but we hit form at the right time.