by Victor Meldrew »
12 Feb 2017 18:08
Hampshire Royal marlowuk muirinho Just out of idle interest, was everybody at the same match?
You have to wonder sometimes. I saw no lack of passion from our players yesterday that some report (although I have seen a lack of passion in some previous matches!). I have not been that impressed with Blackett this season but he played very well yesterday and was solid in my view.
Well, I suppose we all have different views on what we see. As I saw it, Barnsley were so well organised that we couldn't find a way through. Nobody seemed willing or able to find a way through them. When they attacked, our defence looked as disorganised as they were at times earlier in the season. Gunter, who I rate, never seemed to be in the right position; Moore obviously missed having McShane alongside him, and if it wasn't for Blackett we may well have lost the game.
Meite came on and used his strength and speed to good effect. If he'd come on earlier, then I'm certain the game would have been different. As I said before, he seemed to be the only one who showed real passion.
I think the word "passion" is overused in sport but I agree with HR yesterday we showed very little passion or drive.
Danny Williams is a player who, at his best, drives the team on from midfield but yesterday he was not at his best.
On the issue of passing across the back I think Stam's idea is that our players should get used to retaining possession in this way for when we come up against the better teams even if so far this season it has led to some hairy moments.
Thinking ahead, it might prove useful in a play-off game when the tension is high although against the strongest opposition this season (Man Utd in the FA Cup)the players' heads went and ditched what they had been doing all season.
I don't think this team is anywhere near ready for the step up this season but you have to take that opportunity if it presents itself because it might not come around again quickly.