Woodcote Royal Today I took my seat for the first time in about 2 months. The sad fact is, I was struggling to remember the last game I attended
On the back of what I saw as an unexpected, not to mention relatively comfortable, victory up at Burton, I spurned the opportunity of modest gainful employment in the hope of witnessing further progress on the hallowed turf.
And, I have to say, as one of Stam's biggest critics in recent months, I feel inclined to add some perspective to most of the views above.
Firstly, any credit for Millwall's performance appears non existent. While we are belatedly, and quite rightly in my view, attempting to get back to basics, the fact Millwall are better at it than we are really isn't that surprising. We are recent converts, they play like that every week. To state the obvious, they are not Burton Albion and are doing very well with the resources at their disposal. Furthermore, we all but gave them Jake Cooper and have since spent millions searching for his replacement
Secondly, I don't think it's unfair to suggest we were a tad unfortunate. Despite Millwall having a definitive edge, until the first goal went in I was thoroughly enjoying my first game of the year. Also, I was right behind the wicked deflection from our left wing back's attempted clearance that left Mannone stranded. Bacuna was arguably our best summer signing and, yet again, was having a decent game but, sh*t happens
Thirdly, I agreed with those who felt Stam put out, more or less, his best available team. This included new loanee, the impressive and hugely experienced Tommy Elphick, who was promptly crocked on the half hour. Enter stage left the much maligned Tyler Blackett
Minutes after conceding an unfortunate first, Elphick's error prone replacement fcuks up and we find ourselves 2 goals down with little more than 15 minutes to go.
While I couldn't see us winning another game before Burton, and accept Millwall had more clear cut chances, we won't always be this unfortunate and will find easier nuts to crack than a side who recently returned from Elland Road with all 3pts.
Today's result was obviously disappointing but, if Stam is willing to continue with this new approach, I can't see us being caught by any of the bottom three.
However, all that being said, I agree with Adi Williams in that Stam's days should still be numbered. Sure, I no longer see us being relegated but neither do I see Stam taking us where we want to go.
This is a talented squad that should never have found itself staving off relegation. I don't blame the players and see none of the lethargy others insist is present. But I am happy to accept many of them have as little faith in their manager as most of us. Who can blame them?!!
Finally, Tyler Blackett has a huge capacity to drive the fanbase bananas but he was only on the pitch today to cover for injury. It's one thing to boo the team off the pitch but those who gave the abuse to one of our players whenever he touched the ball need to ask themselves if they really support this club. Who knows how long Elphick is out for and how many replacements do we have beyond Blackett? He'll need to be one tough cookie to recover anytime soon from the abuse he received from our resident idiots. Well done!!
