Okay, one game and one result does not warrant over reaction or silly predictions. We've had plenty of false dawns to last us all a lifetime and I'm not about to make statements that may come back and haunt me. Been there and got a wardrobe of t-shirts. However, I couldn't hide my delight and exuberance at my man's appointment last week if I tried and after yesterday, where the script could not have been better written by a sugar coated Hollywood author, can anyone still be sceptical or cynical about the new manager? Yes there is a huge amount of work to do still and our squad does require much improvement, yet the overwhelming feeling of relief and euphoria after yesterdays game could be felt in other galaxies let alone on Wearside. Is it better to have a good manager or a lucky manager? I think we have both and we also have a born winner. The whole feel of the club was better. The formation may have looked familiar but the players were better utilised. Richardson isn't a left back. It's taken MoN only 5 days to work that out and his best position is out left or in the hole. He could and should have scored twice but having been buggered about for months by Bruce, is it any wonder if looked goal rusty. We all knew Vaughan was worth his place, apart from Bruce and Black. I think I will wait a long time to see a better strike than his goal. There were other touches too. Bramble and Wickham were huge gambles but both gave their all for the cause. The substitutions were well made and different. Mon is a manager who can operate on instinct. Giving McClean a debut for instance. Bruce would have just stuck with a failed system and brought on Elmo and we would not have even drawn the game, let alone won it. His enthusiasm and passion filtered through to players and fans alike and the way we won the game was boys own stuff. Can there be anyone not convinced yet that we have a very special manager at the club now. Martin O Neill's red & white army indeed.
I don't think Ellis will be too pleased after yesterday effort. Vaughan's piledriver almost broke the bloody goal.
We have a real gem at the helm though now Mr Raw. It's been many a month since those scenes and that atmosphere could be felt at the SOL mate. Relegation was a real threat to our club 14 days ago. A strong positive finish to the season is possible today and we really do have something tangible to rally behind.
It was a fantastic finale yesterday, but the fact that some fans were willing to boo the team off at half time (I lost my rag big time with two people who sit near me over this), shows that things are not right at the moment...I think we still face a difficult time ahead, and I will be there to give my full backing to the team and manager through thick and thin...
Far from smug in the sense you may think, like 'I told you so', I'm just relieved that the club have acted quickly to stem the fall from grace and brought in a top manager to get us out of it. I think as fans, we can all be united behind that point mate.
I genuinely didn't hear that mate. Yes there were nerves and apprehension and unfortunately there will always be arseholes whatever regime is in place but I sensed a real desire from the crowd to erupt. Mon lit the blue touch paper and Vaughan and Larsson gave us just cause to go ****ing mental. It's been months since I enjoyed a home game this much and I suspect there is more to come. All is not well because we still need a lot of work to finish the job but the direction is right now and the feel is good.
I was never un-happy with MON appointment. Moyes was my 1st choice, O'Niel was close 2nd. The biggest difference for me yesterday were substitutions (or at least one of them) which made an impact, and the mentality of the players. However, we still conceded a soft goal and we still couldnt score for toffee throughout most of the game. I dont expect MON to change that after 1 week, but it will be nice once he has. Richardson, for me, can still be a LB. In fact, after Oshea's performance I would have him back there and Bardo at RB in the next game.
I had a heart attack on saturday. ended up watching motd in poole hospital. highlights were canny like...
There were a few boos at half-time I'm not sure what about or to whom they were directed, I clapped as I thought the lads were trying and making chances. I also thought that MoN would do a better half time talk than you know who (and I do not mean Voldemort). Vaughan strike was great and so was Larssons, and as we do not strikers that will score regularly we need midfield to chip in with goals. Catts and Jack are unlikely to score so we must have CMs who know where the goal is. The subs worked well Connor was tiring after his lay off through injury and brining on McClean not Elmo was just ace in my book. I am not an Elmo fan. O'Shea continus to disappoint although Brown and McBardo were edgy as well, a slightly overweight Titus looked rock solid mind. I like others do wonder about Noble? He must not show well in training is all I can come up with. It is the Spuds next not an easy game I think we will go more defensive/tactical to handle Bale and Lennon and we need some one to give Moderate a kicking without being sent off, in other words keep Catts off the pitch.
I would have taken Mark Hughes as my first choice, HOWEVER, I honestly thought he was a more realistic target. I was happy as a dog with two cocks when we got MON and tbh I'm getting happier by the day after hearing his enthusiasm for the club, its facilities and it playing staff. Of the next 2 games, I reckon we can get something from QPR.
