At least we made a game of it. When I saw the team sheet I expected a hiding so to still be in it that late is a reasonable effort from such a young team. The game that matters is Saturday's...
If (a big if) we go and turn Watford over it’ll be forgotten but I think there could have been more of a balance. If it had been at home or closer to home I expect it wouldn’t have been such an insane squad selection. Still a bit of a slap to those 985 poor sods. But if we beat Watford everyone is ecstatic (we won’t, obviously, and they’re crap).
It certainly wasn't a good showing. Not having the ball for the majority of the match doesn't enable you to show much.
The commentator actually said at the beginning that Julien is here, like he didn't expect him to be!!!
Given that I didn’t see any of this, I’m assuming that for some of these kids it will be the peak of their career, they won’t get near a championship side first team again. Anybody names worth remembering, other than Harbottle-Totterington?
Vale and Burrell had decent games, but none of the kids showed anything really. Difficult when you never have the ball.
I'm sure some will play at a decent level but it was purely down to the amount of youngsters put in that was baffling. Mixed with a couple of more experienced players then the result could have been different and the experience for the kids, more positive. They could have then gone on to play another round at this level. The sad thing is that we went into this game expecting not to progress.
I’ve got high(ish) hopes for both of them, but I knew their names ready. I know Kolli’s name too, and I hope we sell him before this window closes.
We should have played Celar, Chair and Field if only to show them that they can’t play like they did on Saturday and expect to get a day off. But I don’t think that would have changed the result.
Exactly. It's not as if we have a well oiled first 11 anyway. Cook could have played with young Smith at the back also.
Dixon Bonner was in the shop window, not in the team to win the game but rather for someone to buy or loan him. I didn't actually think he was still at the club to be honest
The youngsters were way off the standard - especially considering this was a poor opposition. I do feel we could have put some minutes into other squad legs. I was genuinely surprised to see Kolli having cramp issues a couple of times at least. I thought a few of Saturdays bench could have had 60mins. I get Burrell coming off at half time - surely he gets a start on Saturday. I’m very meh about the result but feel for the travelling fans. You can forgive the first half when you go in 2 up, there’s a laugh about it, but that’s a long trip for that second half watch. Not too sure what we learn from that game other than there’s some loans needed to get some real competitive league games into some of those youngsters.
Think the club should reimburse those travelling fans for their support after watching that & seeing what team was put out
Strange post match interview with Stephan. He bangs on about the project, which I understand, but it's like he didn't pick that team to play and was just there to oversee it. Hes definitely a 'yes' man. It's very early days and it all may work out fine. He best be a fine coach cos I don't reckon he has much say in anything else.
Could someone, please, remind me before our third round exit in the other cup to find something else to do that day. I really need help, cheers!