I'd agree with much of that tbh. The positive is that his changes forced Rotherham back and we looked capable of scoring, even beating them ... ... and the cross into the box would've reached Stewart but for the diving header. I hope we play our own game on Friday though, we need a couple of goals to take there.
I love the fact we're away 2nd leg, we've got a good record when we do. Seems there is huge pressure on the home team in the 2nd leg.
Interesting to look back at our line up that night: 4-2-3-1 Hoffman Wright Flanagan Doyle Gooch Neil Evans Djaku Pritchard Embleton Stewart
Best performance of the season for me. We backed off at 5 and played keep ball. They tried to get in our face and play high but we just played through them and got in behind time and again. It was a perfect revenge mission from the lads that day, they were superb. Now that will be in their minds come Friday and I expect them to play much deeper as a result. They wont want Stewart running off the shoulder and I bet they play from the edge of their box. An early goal would be good but even then I think they will sit in. They will be looking for worst case a one goal defeat.
Its funny seeing that now. Doyle has become an observer despite being one of our best players before Xmas, Neil is now a 3rd choice CM despite also being one of our best players and Djaku has disappeared from the face of the earth??
The two lads from Germany most would have wanted signed permanent back then. I even mentioned a few times we should be looking to get them signed permanent before the end of the season as it would free up a couple of loans and get them secured rather than them going elsewhere in the summer!
He should be back at the AoL this week - according to Alex Neil: "Leon will probably be back at the start of the week, "He's been getting treatment in Germany, and when he gets back he will bring his stuff with him in terms of what the doctors have been doing. "We've tried to liaise with the doctors [in Germany] but naturally, because it is a different country, it is much more difficult and there are confidentiality issues and all that type of stuff. He'll be back at the start of the week and then we'll take a view in terms of where he is."
I was surprised to see Neil, Embleton and Pritchard all played as well, just shows all can play together.
I would still sign them both in the summer if the price is right. We shouldnt forget how good we were first 4 months of the season with a lot of young lads and these 2 played their part. Clarke and Roberts can both go for me and I would have Dujaku above both.
Not sure about that, with Broadhead out, he'd do a good job up front - if he's fit. - he's scored some canny goals and he's got pace.
Same mate. Where a few months ago, they were part of the reason for me this season was more important than ever before that we go up. As I saw in them 2, Stewart, Neil, Embelton, Pritchard and Broadhead. A group of players that more than we have had before could make the step up to the next league but if we didn't go up would be unlikely to sign on a permanent or would be asking for a move if permanent. I still think the same with the rest but not them two!
I wouldn't be bothered if they left but I also had a little thought that if the price is right they would be worth getting in (I think they will be too expensive for where they are in terms of development etc... as price is right would have to be pretty low for me)
Neil isn't going to get every team selection right so the I'm fine if the Rotherham game is perceived he didn't get it right. We still got a point against a good team. We need to forget about Bannan and Gregory and just focus on our game. If we play well over the two games then they will no know they have been in a hell of a game. It's what happens at the end of the game in Sheffield that counts so if we get an ugly goal at the death there to win I will be very happy. These games over two legs are like a marathon....it's not how you start....it's how you finish.....haway the lads!!!!!
Some chat amongst those who claim to be "in the know" that Dajaku has (viral) meningitis and is considering suing the club for mis-diagnosis I am claiming that as absolute bollocks. If he had VM there is no chance he's be back training a couple of weeks later. I speak from personal experience
