Let's hope the lads can get their heads up before Saturday.
COYD!
Sadly i did not get to witness the the two trophy games but from what you all say we played very well against a good team from a higher level.i reckon our players dont need to lift their heads,our players will have proved to themselves they are better than our league position suggests so now that their heads are held high they can climb the table a bit.
I think Duke said that Ryan Hayes proved to himself that he can play at this level from last nights performance.I have a different view and this is not a criticism of Tony.I wish i had seen the game but i reckon Ryan knows he can play at this level and to my mind he is still our best and most effective player.
Most managers seem not to be able to trust a flair player and especially a wide flair player.At all levels this type of player is the first dropped or subbed.You have to be brave and let this type of player get the freedom to play his game and give him support in team selection to play to his strengths.
I am sure if we gave Ryan a run of games and made sure the right back was strong and right mid covered the right flank when ryan is attacking, ryan would show us what a really good player he is.He could still be the envy of most teams at this level.
My feeling however is that Tony deals with team selection concerning the merits of ryan hayes in exactly the same way as most managers treat the flair player.
Just one example who is the first player subbed , rested or dropped by chelsea and at least three england managers, Joe Cole of course.