Morning all, I am probably in the minority on here in that I hate derby week, hate the build up very rarely enjoy the game , really glad when it is all over and "normality" returns ( can't get into the hatred part of it all) However i think the importance of this game in terms of 3 points outstrips the importance of "bragging rites" after a brilliant run since the appointment of MON we have lost our last 2 league games, had our goal difference halfed which is almost as good as another point. Before we kick off on Sunday we could even find ourselves in 12 th place, when only 2 games ago we had a nice little cushion sitting in 8 th place and looking upwards. I just don't want the season to Peater out into pretty meaningless games. I think the fight to finish 8 th is far more important than a win over our neighbours, although obviously winning the bragging rites will also bring 3 very valuable 3 points. Since MON has been appointed we have gone toe to toe with united and city and up till the Arsenal league game we more than matched them (point wise) but even the most ardent fan knew we couldn't keep the pace up forever.I read a lot on here over the weekend that the defeat at WBA wasn't that important as long as we put it right this weekend, I don't buy into that camp, MON has instilled a one game at a time mentality into the squad and the players at the weekend let everyone down, some on here were saying that the players were saving themselves for this week , I can't buy that either. Players can not pick and choose when they want to turn it on and they should have been busting a gut at WBA and saying to the gaffer I am good enough for the first 11. I know we can not be too critical after the fantastic run we had but as much as winning becomes a habit so does loosing. If someone offered me today guaranteed 8th place at the end of the season but we had to loose on Sunday I really think I would take it. Because in the long term development of the team finishing 8th is much more important than bragging rites. I am begging to waffle now and am not really sure where I am going with it so I am going to pack in. Like I said at the begging of this waffle I HATE THIS WEEK
Yes but we did win the cup game inbetween and I think maybe the players took their eye off the ball for west brom. No excuse though, they should know better.
Hate the derby games - the dread, the fear, the stress and anxiety - the knot in the pit of your stomach as it gets closer ! Unless we win at which point relief, joy and ecstasy take over !! As I don't live in the North East these days I'll probably hide away and avoid the score and news until full time !
Agreed, I used to be a nervous wreck but I've got over the worst it'll ever get (5-1) even if it's 7 or 8 the numbers over 5 are just meaningless. I now feel immune to these games, do think it'll hit me on Sunday morning though.
If someone from the other side can post, I know exactly what you mean. I was jsut offered a ticket to the match. I took it of course, but there was a long second or two before I did. I was even thinking of visiting my son in Leeds just so that I would be among nuetrals if things went horribly wrong
Good post SM. Not really bothered about Sunday as I am expecting to win without to many problems. Re: the WBA game I'd like to put another slant on things. People were saying we had 1 eye on the mags game, the FA cup etc. Remember when we beat Chelsea 0-3 down there and they said it was a protest regarding the Ray Wilkins sacking, well was there summit in it from the players about SNQ going. Have we heard the truth? Just my little conspiracy theory
i hate knowing we are going to lose the derby rarely am i proven wrong and this sunday will be no different the crap the mags give u after a loss is also appalling i've given up wondering why they have such a hold over us. everything goes right for them in these fixtures they have us cursed or something!
