Good point about the subs changing the game Clocky, however had we taken out 1st half chances we'd have already been out of sight when they got their goal. A strong bench will see us through many a tight game, as it's already done, so we must just trust TM to make these changes at the optimum time.
Confidence is sky high. The atmosphere and team spirit appears buoyant. They look like they are loving their football as well. Would be a huge lift to have at least 2 defenders back for the squad for the next game from Baath, Aliese, Gooch, Huggins as there was no defensive cover on bench last night. Considering Mowbray can freshen up the squad by adding rested lads of the calibration of Roberts, Stewart, Evans and possibly a returnee from injury we’ve got to be confident going into Blackpool. Players sometimes look for excuses when things aren’t going well, like being tired after 3 games in 6 days etc - hopefully that’s the Blackpool players on Sunday. Good times to follow Safc at this moment.
Let’s not underestimate our part in this. You’ve seen it with us and the Mags. When we dropped from championship it was toxic. It was toxic under Tweedledum & Tweedletwat. As soon as ownership changed, so did the whole mood. There’s still knackers calling the owners frauds etc over LND but we all accept they will always be there, but we can all feel it in the stadium. No longer do the boos and whistles overaw the support of we start slow or go behind, no more is every misplaced pass groaned at. We support. The numbers are massive but it’s predominantly positive. The whole psyche and love for the club has changed and returned, nailed on that’s why Clarke and Roberts wanted to remain. We are some club to play for when the crowd and the mood is with us. Long May it continue. Both NE clubs are thriving in our own ways and it’s long overdue and well deserved. I won’t often be complimentary to the derby losers but we all know we are big clubs because of each other and as a region and for the crazy and undying loyalty and love we both deserve the turnarounds. Ours doesn’t involve murdering journos and sportswashing and turning a blind eye, so for me we still pull rank.
My worry is, is this going to make recruitment harder in the future as teams know why we are looking at their players now?
There will be challenges. We are on a similar path to Leicester a few years back. They have stalled a wee bit but that’s what we are looking at. The hope is we can keep a few because of the clubs size and the crowds etc. We’d all be proud to achieve what Leicester have over last 5-6 years. Southampton sell quicker than Leicester and that’s why they are in trouble now. Getting the balance is key. Leicester maybe dug in to keep a few too long and it’s made it hard to sustain. Likes of Mahrez & Kante don’t pop up often.
I didn't think anyone has picked up on Humes cross for the first goal. I heard a Wigan fan say he scuffed the cross and it was lucky. The lad had the the intelligence to know that if he tried to dink it over (stand it up) that it would have taken too long to get to Simms. So he hit it into the ground at pace...fantastic in my eyes.
Every time I’ve seen Ba I’ve been impressed. he’s very good on the ball and brave in possession. Looks a real find
In general, the recruitment since KLD came in 3 years ago has been excellent. Some amazing hidden gems and very few that haven’t worked out
Brave in possession struck me too mate. Best bit is though, we have him on a 5 year deal. Outstanding bit of business. The one going under the radar at the minute is Bennette. This could be the best squad of midfielders in my life time. I'm 54!
Lots of options and the fact we are doing well means there is no pressure to play them. I think Ba and Michut should keep their places on Sunday
Good points mate. Yes the subs changed the game after the twenty minute period when we lost a little momentum ... ... but the starting eleven had changed the game for the first fourty minutes. Mowbray was right to change the team, at that stage, but it doesn't mean there was anything wrong with the one that started the game.
Just watched the full 90 (couldn’t sleep so thought “why not?”) Didn’t see the game at the time as I was gigging. Really enjoyed it. Patto should’ve done better with their goal but he’ll know that too and, away from that, he controlled his box well. Hume and Ballard looked good. O’Nien is one if my favourite SAFC players ever!
Thanks for posting those RTB. Just watched the highlights and for the 3rd goal, those players basically took the piss with the little flicks and cut backs. Confidence was sky high and hopefully we can carry that confidence onto Blackpool and rack up another win playing the same way