About to set off for Portman Road, I expect another frustrating afternoon but hopefully one that yields 3 points and me not back on here writing a scathing review
Well, where to begin.. Probably with the line up, little disappointed with the midfield selection but could understand the thought process (to an extent)
The match itself was a complete non event, the atmosphere was surreal, almost like a festival crowd not interested in who's performing & just waiting for the next band, lots of background chatter but no real football atmosphere. The game was possibly as dull & boring as anything I've seen & there have plenty. There was no tempo no desire and resembled more of a Sunday morning kick about in the park.
Credit to Rotherham, they were more like Ipswich than we were. They were solid, resilient, direct when necessary and determined to fight for everything, we played like the Ipswich of Roy Keane's tenure.
As for what went wrong, it feels like Groundhog Day as I think every review I've ever given says the same thing. There is no one in midfield competent & confident to try and get involved & dictate play. It's clear that regardless of who plays there, we will struggle as we are set up that way & the midfield role is to engage in the game when we haven't got possession, and show no interest when we do, this in turn makes our defence look awful as they have no one to pass too.. Then revert to long ball to Murphy. Berra & Smith aren't in the team for their passing ability, but the way we set up only magnifies their deficiencies rather than allow them to just do their job.
The side that finished the match at least looked like it could show some intent but whether we see that I don't know, personally I'd like to see Pringles play CM alongside Skuse as I'm not convinced he's a true winger that would have much impact the way we play. Feeney looked dangerous & only provided more egg on the Face of McCarthy for not starting with him. Hopefully we will see Feeney & Fraser on the wings before the end of the season.
As for the booing, I have never booed the players, particularly at Half Time! But what we saw was simply not good enough and I spent more time looking at my phone/around the ground as it was almost too easy to forget there was a match going on