We lost today at 65 minutes, when Kevin Phillips entered the match. I knew he would score against us if he played. He always does.
Not difficult to understand really. In 2006 you denied us promotion, on the last day of the season we returned the favour.
Not really - we never denied you promotion, you simply were never good enough. Just like us this season.
Trying desparately to console myself by watching the German play off for promotion - the first leg of Kaiserslautern v Hoffenheim. 3rd from top of the 2 Bundesliga against 3rd from bottom of the first - over two legs - no semi finals - no gladiatorial final at the national stadium in Berlin - no dirge of a national anthem being played adding to the players nerves before the match. In a country where for sixth place to go into an open competition on equal terms with 3 other teams who were all better than them over the season would be considered unfair - and is unfair ! This play off in Germany also happening only a week after the end of the regular season - all so much more civilized, fairer and more humane ! Obviously though not bringing in the same dosh as the English equivalent.
It rewards teams depending on where they finish. 3rd in 2nd division weren't good enough for auto but get a chance to prove they are good enough to go up. 3rd from bottom in the 1st division weren't bad enough for auto so get another chance to prove they are good enough to stay up. Absolutely flawless in terms of fairness if you ask me.
It says it all when Manu and Lloyd were our best players on the day. Lastly has anyone seen those appalling texts from Bassini? The Wobbly have printed them.
There seems to be a lot of comment suggesting some players didn't turn up on the day but I think that's only half the story. I don't like Holloway or CP but I think they got their team tactics right on the day...just as they did against Brighton. Much of our threat this season has come from the speed of thought and good distribution of Abdi and Chalobah and the ability to link quickly with Deeney and Vydra. Today they got no time on the ball and were rushed into hurried passes. Too many went astray and the usual rhythm never developed. I agree Almunia and Doyley stood out on a poor day for the team and I'd add that Anya did all that could be asked of him...pace, keeping possession and getting the ball into the box. Cassetti has been class all season but today Zaha made him look his age. So, hugely disappointed but a few pints of Doom Bar, a glass of Ardbeg and Mrs H suggesting the plate she bought at the Victorian fair will look very nice next to the TV may slowly convince me there is life ahead...though I'd rather next season does not involve play offs on TV in a Cornish pub full of sheltering Oxford United fans!
I think many of our players are still on the coach on the way to the match...very poor and Palace were only just a little better. Oh well, **** happens, onwards and upwards and a trip to Yeovil!
Why why why did we choose today to be our worse game of the season (apart from Lloyd and Manu who played brill). Palace seemed so up for it whereas we seemed arrogantly nonchalant as if we would walk it. Zola didnt seem to have any tactics to hold Zaha, just whoever was closest to him to tackle The last 2 weeks since the Leicester match have been a total waste of time because that Watford team that came out today werent interested..........further more I sincerely hope that a couple of the "big time Charlies" in the Watford team move on before next season starts Unfortunately, we can now look forward to another swathe of young foreign footballers coming out of the Udinese ranks with the hope that they can establish themselves in the Watford team purely in the aim that they can earn a place in the Udinese starting line up...................Gawd help us!
Not sure you can rely on that. think that loophole may be closed. And when does your transfer ban end? There should still be a few half decent players available then.
Well that was a crock of sh*te wasn't it? It's all been said already, Almunia by far our best player which says it all, too many outfielders were not there today. Buggeration.
We were shocking. Says something if Doyley is up fpr MOM along with Almunia. Gave the ball away too much and nothing in the final third. No idea why Geijo was brought on instead of Foresteri. Then again we wouldn't be here if Bonham had not screwed up against leeds. So Yeovil on a Tuesday night anyone??
