Yes, honest it was and I think I know why, relief. Now I know there will be those who think I'm just trying to put on a brave face and yes I would have loved a trip to Wembley but my overriding feeling is relief. We are out of the cup but if we are honest, a few months ago we did not expect to be in the quarter finals. We wont be catching Newcastle so I no longer need to worry about it, is our season over, far from it. The remaining 8 games are massive, not for me but for the players and I'm sure that our future, next season, started in earnest last night. Our squad showed what we all really knew, lots of good honest pros but to many who just cant make that final step up, to many who crack at those vital times, to many who cant show the consistency to take us forward. I was very proud last Saturday and TBH I was not ashamed last night, disappointed at our performance and in some ways sorry for some of the players, try as they may to many were found out. I can now enjoy the remaining 8 games, hoping for a 7th place finish but looking at next season, who wants to be here. Mig showed why he will stay and its up to Gordon to show he shoud be kept, its down to him. Bardo should be safe but our CB's are a concern, I can see at least one being a priority for MON. Our best two are O'Shea and Brown but can we rely on them? Their injury record would suggest not. Do we keep the Greek and Bridge, a question for MON. Catts and Mclean will be safe but, is Larsson up to it, are Gardner and Vaughan consistent enough? I think a CM will be priority number 2. Will Sess stay but who stays with him, at least one striker is priority 3. We have a good squad but we all know, MON knows and the players know that surgery is needed, not major surgery but surgery all the same. For me its sit back, relax and enjoy watching who wants to fight to stay, how MON handles it and then who comes in and who leaves. Next season is a very big season, in the past we have had nice owners who tried hard but, in Short we have a owner who tries hard and can deliver, will he. In the past we have had nice men who managed us but,if it did not work out we could replace them with better, if it does not work out this time who do we replace MON with. MON and Short have shown me they are the real deal so far from the season being over its now time to enjoy watching the future begin.The good thing is I can enjoy it with a relaxed smile. Now then, about the team for Saturday, any ideas?
Very good, constructed article. I completely agree with you, we have to remember where we were 4 months ago, and that these are the same players that were in that position. I liked this journey,it was fun however I am more excited for the MON journey. I am looking forward to the last 8 matches, and your right in saying some of the lads are playing for their futures. However I think major surgery is needed.... My reasons are: As you say, Mig has shown that he is a worthy No1 and its up to Gordon to prove himself (which I think he will). Nothing needed in the GK dept. The problem is everywhere else. Bardo may be safe, however I feel he does not suit MON ethics. He is a hoof ball player, and I still think he is suspect at defending as well. There is no faulting is determination though. We need a new CB to cover Brown/OShea - as you say they are not that reliable with injuries. It is in midfield and upfront we will see the most changes. IMO we need a CM to play along side Colback (I think MON really rates this guy). I think Catts may see him self on the bench. It is also RM we need to look. Larsson doesn't do it for me, he can produce deadballs (though not lately) and thats it. Vaughan and Gardner are too inconsistant as you say. Upfront, we need major reconstruction - our strike force has literally been in a car crash and needs to be redone. Expect about 3 new strikers...and unfortunately I can see Sess leaving.
It was a very bad day at the office for all but the keeper (who stopped it being a rout) and maybe 1 or 2 others. The quarter final was a huge bonus in what we all thought in December was a relegation battle and our league form recently has been excellent. It all came 12 to 18 months too early for MoN and he was effectively operating with another mans team. I'm still partying with Marty big time and cant wait to see his team in the next couple of years. Moyes had 10 years on our man in the current climate and I don't think it will take him 10 years to get to a final/semi final. Roll on the season and as has been said, lots to play for other than pride now, starting at The Etihad on Saturday. FTM
The end of season games start now. So why not bring some of the kids back and give them game time here see if they have what it takes. Billy Knott is the one I would like to see given a few games. It does mean we can relax and just enjoy watching the game.
Well apart from Mig the rest of the team were very poor. Bendtner on Sat played ok, last night he was awful, Sess tried to no avail, why was he the one matched with Fellini for Migs hoofs upfield and why did we hoof it upfield. The young left winger had the beating of Bardo, Seb did not seem capable of defending, attacking, or centring. It is poss to go on and on. So we already knew we needed strikers, last night just confirmed it, personally as 'our season is now over' I would try players who are not automatic choices to work what what the clear out and buy in needed are for the last few games.
I feel that major surgery is needed but hope that Marty has other ways of sorting it out-the last thing we need is a load of new faces taking time to gel.The automatic selections IMO woud be:-Mignolet,Bardo,O'shea,Brown,Colback,Sess(if he stays),McClean,Ricco(if played in position)or Campbell.The jury is out on Catts as far a I'm concerned-I see what he brings to the team but I also see the hot headed side. We've got 8 matches for the likes of Wickham,Ji,Kilgallon to show what they can do;last night was very disappointing and I am going to enjoy the rest of the season-what has been achieved since December has been marvellous
MoN being the extremely articulate man that he obviously is, will be taking notes by the day. Come the next transfer season I’m sure we’ll see the critical changes made in personnel to allow SAFC to be a regular top 10 EPL club challenging for Europe in its better seasons without the fear of always looking over its shoulder at relegation. Ps: Well written Syd.
Disagree with the bold - Catts will be first pick next season - MON has transformed him into a captain and a very good player - I rate Colback but I don't think he's going to be in the side ahead of Cattermole - all about opinions eh? Have to agree about Sess unfortunately - would love him to stay but think he'll be away at the end of the season
Spot on Syd! Our squad lacks depth and that little bit of quality, particularly through the spine of the team. Goalkeeping we are fine. Defending, yes we need a new centre back to play with O'shea and/or Brown, depending on whether he goes three or four at the back. Turner is good, but not at the level we need of a top half premier team ...... I would like to see Kilgallon given another chance under MON's direction. Midfield, I agree with some of the comments above, Colback is the man for me but we need someone to anchor and orchestrate along side him. The Gardners and Vaughans are squad players who can, as they have shown, come in and do a job .. but not first choice. McLean will get better, Richardson I would keep because he has heart and versatility. Larsson may be a luxury we can't afford ... give me a Hoillet on the right and b****r the cost!!. Riveros? lets wait and see! Attack, please keep Sess!, but yes we need a quality presence to lead the line, someone that is strong, mobile, pacy and scores 15 goals a season ..... campbell, yes, keep him he will be even better next season, Ji and Whickham accept that they are young, give them time and maybe even loan out. Gyan ................ mmmmmmmmm, only if he really wants to come! Priority for me Centre Half, Centre Mid and Centre Forward
Looking on the bright side, the 600 quid that I had already saved towards the semi final and final for me and my two lads can now go towards replacing my garage roof and buying myself a new mountain bike..
That's the spurrut Reg. Every cloud has a silver lining. Pleased I never got a shift swap now, got 2 extra hours in & spent **** all, lol.
Posted an article then realised was almost identical to this, so have deleted! In summing up, we need a CM, or 2 strikers, we could move Sess back to midfield if we get the front 2 right. We need pace down te right, which put Seb under threat IMO, and we need a dominant CB, from corners Everton were winning everything. We are completely one dimensional, but we do have some very good players. We need 4 for me, RM, CB, ST, ST
MON will say all the right things until the summer but he must be starting to make 3 lists 1. Who is going 2. Who will be staying 3. Who can still win a place in next seasons squad
Can't believe people are Catts isn't good enough, he has been excellent this season under MON. The squad does need surgery, a top quality RB and CB along with 2 strikers would be my priority along with right midfield. We are not a million miles away from a good squad but do need a couple of 10 million pound quality players to really think about troubling 6-7th position consistently
