Taken from the post.... Ward has dismissed suggestions that a front pairing of Matt Harrold and Ryan Brunt will persuade the rest of his players to resort to 'long-ball' tactics. Ward has the option of playing the two players together in attack for the first time when Rovers make the trip to Roots Hall to face Southend United tonight, after Brunt recovered from an ankle complaint, which has limited his involvement over recent weeks. Brunt and Harrold share similarities in style of play and physical stature. When asked if playing the two together would lead to a 'long-ball' game, Ward replied: "There was a little sarcastic cheer when my goalkeeper rolled the ball out from the back against Hartlepool on Saturday, but I don't play that way â people might argue with me about that, and that's fine. We play to our strengths, but I don't want to be playing into areas where we don't pass and play the ball. Matt Harrold scored a fantastic goal last weekend and everybody saw how Ryan Brunt likes to bring people into play in the games he has been involved in since he has been here. If you look at some of the goals we have scored this season they have come from some very good play on our part. The goal John-Joe scored to equalise on Saturday was a very calm piece of football at a time when the game was getting quite hectic. For people to show calm heads over that period of time was very pleasing." When asked the same question, defender Michael Smith added: "Matt and Ryan are both very good in the air, but they are both brilliant with the ball at their feet. We have to play a bit more football and that starts from us at the back. There is a time and a place when you have to go long, but first and foremost we always look to try to play."
Hmm I think the crowd and pressure is getting to our man. I wonder if Ward and Higgs should have managed expectations early on,perhaps made a statement that this year was to be a rebuilding and forming a new team season, so be prepared for some good times and bad. Mr Ward need not worry its far to early in the season for heads to roll,if we continue to improve at the back and play even better football similar to the last match in the second half the fans will be happy.Will still need a decent striker though regardless. However if we continue to play football as we did in the first half the crowd and supporters will be very dissapointed also wonder if paying all that dosh for a seriously expensive season ticket was worth it.Mores to the point we will struggle to beat mediocre sides and gain the points we need to retain our league status. 100% BEHIND WARD COR View attachment 26564
