Derby days are special, even last years because form adversity comes great victory.
I think its a perfect way for Bruce to show his doubters (me included) that he can motivate and put out a team that cares because the 2 teams he put out in derby games last season **** their pants before kick off both times and was the beginning of the loss of my faith in the man. He was always going to be judged as a mag sympathising Manager of SAFC by the derbies. He failed totally twice.
If we have another no show on the 20th August then I'm sorry, conspiracy theory or not, he will have to go and go immedialtey, as it will be apparent that his heart isnt with us but with them. Its not the result that matters, its the manner of the result that counts for me. We deserved to lose both games last season and at Sid James we were about as abject as any team has been for decades. That was unacceptable for me.
Bruce be warned. Fail on that scale again and there will have to be a sacrifical lamb led to the slaughter.