BFC_53
Well-known member
After two really poor defeats to Millwall and Rotherham (especially Rotherham), where I just started to have one or two doubts as to our ability to compete in this league, the following games have been encouraging to say the least.
If you'd told me after Rotherham that we'd play Norwich, Sunderland, Watford and Sheff Utd and only lose once, I'd think you were crazy. But not only did that happen, but we didn't even get what our performances deserved.
We haven't quite been able to move up the table, but we've kept well in touch with the top half and it wouldn't take many more decent results to get us up there.
I think Bridcutt might have a similar impact to what Dougall had when he came in two years ago. He's exactly what we needed - experience and leadership in the middle of the pitch to guide our young players.
I made no secret about not wanting Appleton, but I did say I'd judge on results and any manager needed at least a full season. I think I'm just starting to see a style and philosophy emerge now that we have some talented midfielders available for selection. I like the direction we're going in, and let's not forget that the current results have been after we sold our best player, and we haven't been able to call on Keshi all season either. It's clear that the players are playing for him and the team have a resilience about them (two 2-goal comebacks away to the top two teams) that tells me we won't be in any trouble at the end of the season. Actually, if we can for once have a bit of luck with injuries I think we could be comfortably top half.
The other thing about Appleton that I've liked so far is his recognition (by selection) that Yates is our best striker. He was criminally underused last season. Who would've thought that with a decent cross or decent final pass he could do damage in this division (well, many of us actually).
We had three players sent off yesterday, and some of it was stupid, but having thought about it I think it's a symptom of the fact that we go into these games in battle mode. We're well up for the fight and aren't going to roll over easily. I'd much prefer, for example, Marv attempting to make that challenge than just letting him run through (he normally makes them too tbf). Forgetting the ref for a second, yesterday we went two goals down and we played 17 minutes away to top of the league in front of 27k home fans with 9 men - and still claimed a point. When you look at it like that, tell me that's a team that will be anywhere near the bottom at the end of the season.
Fuming at the ref, but feeling much better about our prospects this morning. UTMP!
If you'd told me after Rotherham that we'd play Norwich, Sunderland, Watford and Sheff Utd and only lose once, I'd think you were crazy. But not only did that happen, but we didn't even get what our performances deserved.
We haven't quite been able to move up the table, but we've kept well in touch with the top half and it wouldn't take many more decent results to get us up there.
I think Bridcutt might have a similar impact to what Dougall had when he came in two years ago. He's exactly what we needed - experience and leadership in the middle of the pitch to guide our young players.
I made no secret about not wanting Appleton, but I did say I'd judge on results and any manager needed at least a full season. I think I'm just starting to see a style and philosophy emerge now that we have some talented midfielders available for selection. I like the direction we're going in, and let's not forget that the current results have been after we sold our best player, and we haven't been able to call on Keshi all season either. It's clear that the players are playing for him and the team have a resilience about them (two 2-goal comebacks away to the top two teams) that tells me we won't be in any trouble at the end of the season. Actually, if we can for once have a bit of luck with injuries I think we could be comfortably top half.
The other thing about Appleton that I've liked so far is his recognition (by selection) that Yates is our best striker. He was criminally underused last season. Who would've thought that with a decent cross or decent final pass he could do damage in this division (well, many of us actually).
We had three players sent off yesterday, and some of it was stupid, but having thought about it I think it's a symptom of the fact that we go into these games in battle mode. We're well up for the fight and aren't going to roll over easily. I'd much prefer, for example, Marv attempting to make that challenge than just letting him run through (he normally makes them too tbf). Forgetting the ref for a second, yesterday we went two goals down and we played 17 minutes away to top of the league in front of 27k home fans with 9 men - and still claimed a point. When you look at it like that, tell me that's a team that will be anywhere near the bottom at the end of the season.
Fuming at the ref, but feeling much better about our prospects this morning. UTMP!
