I am trying to read between the lines from his post match interview. * He lamented his players losing their positive spirit during the 3-0 defeat.. * He insisted all three goals came against the run of play.. * Cited rising expectations as a factor behind his side struggling to convert possession into chances. * It’s probably the first time away from home we’ve had as much possession as the home team, but it’s the first time I think we’ve looked disappointed. * They’ve scored three goals when we’ve been on top, so I don’t really know where that disappointment comes from. * Is it from the expectation of being a better team now and expecting to do better? * In this division, you’re going to be disappointed 60 or 70 per cent of the time – I’ve told the players that – but it’s about how they handle that disappointment. * We’ve had a lot of possession and not done a lot with it. * If we can react positively to making a mistake it will stand you in good stead – not just for this season but as a club moving forward. That needs to be in our DNA. * We’ve had a little chat after the game and they can’t let the result affect how they go about things. http://www.bcfc.co.uk/news/article/20130329-sodderbyreaction-740925.aspx Ten Top Lines from his comments, article posted, I can't think the team are going to react too strongly against those comments, no mention of pride, spirit, feelings, guts, survival, effort, contracts, ability, just handling disappointment, being on top and losing, wasted possession conversions, losing against the run of play, making mistakes positively, don't let results affect their thinking, ah well I guess I'll have a cup of tea..
I actually though it was probably his best interview since he's been here. I didn't agree with some of what he said but, at least in some points, he was quite candid and fluid however there were other bits when I am coming round to easily understand the Forest board's decision. That's not to say I want SoD gone, I don't but, he has to realise that there is a higher degree of expectation (be it misplaced or not) at bigger clubs and he can't just expect to say go away and leave me alone to get on with it. I know he is not particularly press savvy and I don't want to hear platitudes but, his public demeanour definitely needs some work
Excuse me but I have always been under the impression, obviously incorrectly, that managers are hired to win games and influence people and not to come up with nonsensical phrases from the manager excuse book. Nice guys don't win but those who kick ass often do, so isn't it time that someone, anyone, at Ashton Gate got in the players faces rather than spout rubbish? Just in case no one has noticed we are up to our necks in messy brown stuff and our future is covered in excrement. Come on get real (message to the board).
