Saints 0 - 3 Man United Post Match Reaction

[LGTL]

the team we played against today was not even close to being one of the best teams ever...

 

jesus christ

 

Perhaps not, but they would still finish top 4 of the Premiership. I can't believe you are arguing with me about the quality of the Utd team.

 

Jesus Christ.

[Thedelldays]

Perhaps not, but they would still finish top 4 of the Premiership. I can't believe you are arguing with me about the quality of the Utd team.

 

Jesus Christ.

 

 

you serioulsy think so..

 

even so....top 4 prem to one of the "greatest teams ever" is a massive difference

 

chelsea probably had a stronger team out AT HOME and southend put up more of a fight

[saint_stevo]

you serioulsy think so..

 

even so....top 4 prem to one of the "greatest teams ever" is a massive difference

 

chelsea probably had a stronger team out AT HOME and southend put up more of a fight

 

A good point

 

Not sure Welbeck, Evans and O'Shea would be in any of the greatest teams ever...

[LGTL]

Yet I expect Vidic, Carrick, Giggs, Berbatov and Rooney would be pretty close by. JUst want people to get the game into perspective.

[Thedelldays]

Yet I expect Vidic, Carrick, Giggs, Berbatov and Rooney would be pretty close by. JUst want people to get the game into perspective.

 

 

what..get close on their own...ffs

 

SOUTHEND

[chi saint]

Just to be quite clear I didn't go today as I simply wasn't prepared to pay that much for a ticket and instead allowed my three boys to go instead, two of whom are Man U and the other staunch Saints.

 

Having watched in on Setanta which is a first for me, I thought we were at best poor and Man u played in second or third gear.

 

As usual we played in the first 15 mins some good possesion but yet again without any bite.

 

The foul was a sending off, the penalty I still can't decide about but your an idiot frankly if you raise your hand so I guess on that basis it was always likely to happen and as for the first goal?, marginally off side but still we as usual couldn't clear a table never mind our own lines.

 

All in all what a load of rubbish and i am sooooooooo glad I didn't go. Oh yeah, my boys left early due to boredom setting in.

[gordonToo]

Little more than an exhibition game for MU's second string. Embarassing really and if Rooney had played the full 90 minutes it could have been in double figures.

[L1Minus10]

Let's not let the referee obscure the problem.

 

It was another nonsensical selection by JP. Gobern plays well v Reading in the centre of midfield where he's suited so to accomodate Surman, he moves him to the left where he is rubbish. Surman IMO, is better suited to wide left anyway so why not just slot him in there. Ryan Smith is a left winger and he has no right foot at all so why play him on the right.

 

Also, What was the point of bring Schneiderlin on? He's been injured with a niggly hamstring injury and we are 2-0 down and the game is lost. Why bother. Bring Euell on FFS - he's experienced, he may even get forward occasionally.

 

Davis 9 - Na chance with anything, some blinding saves

James 8 - getting better all the time

Skacel 8 - Did well considering he had no support at all

Lancashire 3 - Fish up a tree

Perry 9 - Along with Davis, the difference between 3-0 and 8-0

Smith 5 - One decent run and horrible miss, nothing else, doesn't track back at all

Gillett 5 - Industrious but misplaced pass led eventually to first goal

Surman 4 - very poor, didn't track back

McGoldrick 5 - tried hard, got nothing

Paterson 4 (hard to mark really)

Gobern 4 - Not a left winger

-------------------

Schneiderlin 5 - Did nothing of note

McLaggon 6 - at least looked lively

Holmes - not on long enough to mark

[badgerx16]

I seem to recall an earlier FA Cup match between ManUre and Saints, with MU in the top flight and SFC in the second tier - can anybody remind me if we actually managed a shot on goal on that occasion ?

[Greenridge]

The lack of structure of the 'formation' that Jan continues to pursue really hit home today. Whatever the reason it is clearly not working and was highlighted by Paterson trying to perform some kind of midfielders role with dire consequences and the likes of DMG just wandering around.

 

Players just didn't seem to have a clue what their role and responsibilities were. The game passed several of our players by including Gobern, Smith and to a certain extent Surman. Van de Sar must have been freezing. It was just so disappointing.

 

It's difficult to find too many positives but maybe keeping the score down to 3 atleast avoided humiliation and the erosion of confidence. We need something to happen and very quickly.

[Legod Third Coming]

I seem to recall an earlier FA Cup match between ManUre and Saints, with MU in the top flight and SFC in the second tier - can anybody remind me if we actually managed a shot on goal on that occasion ?

 

One. One fewer than today.

[Saint Fan CaM]

McG and Paterson are useless twerps...one for a stupid illegal challenge and the other for raising his arm in the penalty area - a sure-fire way of giving the ref an excuse to award a handball and penalty. Couple those two totally unprofessional acts with a complete lack of any form of striking ability and frankly 50% of the blame for a poor performance lies with these two.

 

The other 50% lies with our completely inept coach - no idea what kind of tactics they coach them in, but it ain't working. That must have been the easiest game of football ManU have ever played - they looked very comfortable, however to their credit some of our lads ran their socks off for the team - Surman in particular looked good.

 

We desperately need (a) a new striker, (b) a new manager who knows how to win in this league and © to start playing 4-4-2 at home. McGoaldrought has no chance on his own up front. Otherwise we are well and truly fooked with a long L1 life (or worse) ahead.

[badgerx16]

It's difficult to find too many positives but maybe keeping the score down to 3 at least avoided humiliation and the erosion of confidence. We need something to happen and very quickly.

The fact that it was only 3-0, and therefore can be spun as 'acceptable' means that nothing will happen.

[J Bizzle]

until the red card was an even game. their first goal was ****ing offside. the seding off, was more of a booking imo, more contact 2 mins later when o shea barged davis. Thbe ref was a cu nt of the highest order. Should have sent evans off, but he was a gutless cu nt. Second goal wasnt even a ****ing free kick in the first place, he tripped over, then it wasn't a penalty as it hit his shoulder/back. WTF was smith doing with that shot??? their thrid goal, their only legit goal.

 

We had not fight, berbatov should have been hit, and hit hard so he couldnt stroll about the pitch. We should have played 3-3-3 when we went to 10 men and played more direct. we respected them too much when we shouldhave been getting into them. The dutch and lowe should **** off as they are clueless.

[Plumstead_Saint]

Second goal wasnt even a ****ing free kick in the first place, he tripped over, then it wasn't a penalty as it hit his shoulder/back. WTF was smith doing with that shot???

Fair points well made.

[Simon_UK]

2-0 to the referee, before the 3rd which is the only goal that should hav stood.

 

Having said that, we were not good enough, i don't recall van der sar having to make a save.

[sidthesquid]

I'm going to take a few positives from today

1 We kept trying & there was no disgrace in the performance or the result

2 It was at least half a contest until the sending-off and that crap penalty. I don't think we were ever capable of winning, but as a CCC team against Man U you really need the luck to go your way not theirs

3 None of our lads froze (except possibly Gobern, but perhaps he was worrying about school tomorrow)

4 My Man U mate I went with was impressed with our play, but thought our boys weren't quite ready, not surprising when you think half our team had never started a senior game before August, but that there was a lot of talent & potential on show

5 They send on Wayne Rooney, we send on MacLaggon. They don't even bring Ronaldo, we struggled to find 7 fit subs - what result do people really expect?

6 I nearly lost the faith after Nottm Forest, but after Reading & today I still think that we will stay up and next year we will be whole lot better. (As a for inst, I thought, and my Man U mate and the people behind us all thought that Lloyd James did well today. He has now had half a season in the first time & he looks like he believes that he belongs there, likewise McGoldrick. Give some of the others - Gobern, Patterson, Lancashire, MacLaggon the same & I think we will start to do better)

[krissyboy31]

We were so poor today it was unbelievable. Couldn't string 2 passes together and couldn't tackle toffee. No pace, no passion, no clue. None of our players could get into their 5th team. Only KD came out of that with any credit. It was an absolute stroll in the park for them and an embarrassment to watch. The only positive is that Man U could only be bothered to score 3.

[Whitey Grandad]

until the red card was an even game. their first goal was ****ing offside. the seding off, was more of a booking imo, more contact 2 mins later when o shea barged davis. Thbe ref was a cu nt of the highest order. Should have sent evans off, but he was a gutless cu nt. Second goal wasnt even a ****ing free kick in the first place, he tripped over, then it wasn't a penalty as it hit his shoulder/back. WTF was smith doing with that shot??? their thrid goal, their only legit goal.

 

We had not fight, berbatov should have been hit, and hit hard so he couldnt stroll about the pitch. We should have played 3-3-3 when we went to 10 men and played more direct. we respected them too much when we shouldhave been getting into them. The dutch and lowe should **** off as they are clueless.

That seems a fair summary to me. Poor team selection, we should have started with BWP and Euell. With two United centre backs cautioned we should have been in their faces all the second half. I was expecting 4-0 but I would have liked a goal. United could see that the game was won after the second goal and did no more than they had to.

[sidthesquid]

I would just like to add that there are a lot of unrealistic moaners on here. What did anyone expect. We are broke, reduced to playing youngsters (and if anyone who watched Jason Euell against Reading thinks he would have improved us should really find a new sport to follow as they don't understand this one) and played with 10 men against the best and richest club in England (or the world, perhaps). We didn't look like scoring and it could have been worse, but we fought hard & they all did the best they were capable of. That is our reality, a skint & struggling CCC team full of lads. But we will finish 2009 in a higher position than we start it

[SaintRobbie]

Let's not let the referee obscure the problem.

 

It was another nonsensical selection by JP. Gobern plays well v Reading in the centre of midfield where he's suited so to accomodate Surman, he moves him to the left where he is rubbish. Surman IMO, is better suited to wide left anyway so why not just slot him in there. Ryan Smith is a left winger and he has no right foot at all so why play him on the right.

 

Also, What was the point of bring Schneiderlin on? He's been injured with a niggly hamstring injury and we are 2-0 down and the game is lost. Why bother. Bring Euell on FFS - he's experienced, he may even get forward occasionally.

 

Davis 9 - Na chance with anything, some blinding saves

James 8 - getting better all the time

Skacel 8 - Did well considering he had no support at all

Lancashire 3 - Fish up a tree

Perry 9 - Along with Davis, the difference between 3-0 and 8-0

Smith 5 - One decent run and horrible miss, nothing else, doesn't track back at all

Gillett 5 - Industrious but misplaced pass led eventually to first goal

Surman 4 - very poor, didn't track back

McGoldrick 5 - tried hard, got nothing

Paterson 4 (hard to mark really)

Gobern 4 - Not a left winger

-------------------

Schneiderlin 5 - Did nothing of note

McLaggon 6 - at least looked lively

Holmes - not on long enough to mark

 

Good summary - although I would say minus 2 points for all scores as I am a slightly harder marker.

 

Perry, Davis and Skacel were our best players by a country mile.

[Whitey Grandad]

Perry, Davis and Skacel were our best players by a country mile.

I would agree with that. They were the only ones that didn't look completely out of place.

[Greenridge]

I would agree with that. They were the only ones that didn't look completely out of place.

 

Agreed, and the common denominator? Age and experience.

[krissyboy31]

I would just like to add that there are a lot of unrealistic moaners on here. What did anyone expect. We are broke, reduced to playing youngsters (and if anyone who watched Jason Euell against Reading thinks he would have improved us should really find a new sport to follow as they don't understand this one) and played with 10 men against the best and richest club in England (or the world, perhaps). We didn't look like scoring and it could have been worse,

 

This is all true but I expect any player we put out onto the pitch to be able to pass the ball, control the ball be able to tackle and put 100% effort into the game. I saw none of that today and if you can't get up for playing against the World Club Champions, then frankly they should find themselves another profession.

[saint lard]

The fact that the ref fecked it up on occasions,couple that with the referees assisstants also,really has no bearing on the Saints display.

We can bemoan the decisions that may/maynot have been correct.

You make your own chances and you make your own mistakes,we created next to no chances and we made copius mistakes.

I cannot believe that the coaching staff didn't attempt to drum into the players that one of the first things that should of been adhered today,of all days, was making sure you complete the pass.

Our pass completion was virtually non-exsistant,that is the basics up the creek straightaway.

We seemed so lethargic,they are supposed to be young,fit atheletes who,we were told,would play with freedom and a desire to express themselves without fear.

******.

Yes it was United,but that should of spurred the nippers on,Plenty of other sides managed to raise their game this weekend against higher league opposition and give a good account of themselves.

so i'm sorry i dont follow the "well it was United"or "that Riley is a ***"

We gave a **** poor account of ourselves,made stupid mistakes in all areas,and showed ourselves for what we are....a poorly managed group of players who lack stamina,tactical nous,ability,the toughness both physically and mentally to compete in the CCC which our position in the league table confirms,we are shyte in all aspects, on and off the field of play.

But of course this will all be forgiven because we are potless,well i'm not going to fall for that line that is being fed to us,i don't think we are as strapped for funds as we are being led to believe.

All IMO.

[Chez]

We started 4-4-2 but Gillett was so poor its not true, miscontrolled almost every single time. If you don't compete in in the middle you have no chance. Only when we flooded the midfield moving to 4-3-3 did we even look like being capable of competing.

 

Sadly that forced Patterson to play in a wide left position where he struggled to see the ball before being sent off.

 

The big fears about CB were realised as Lancashire wasn't far behind Gillett. All round we were second best, we will need to improve greatly to have any chance.

 

I have to praise James though. I have been his biggest critic and his was excellent today. Great first touch, poise and he gave it all against Nani.

 

David 7 - some poor kicking, some decent saves.

James 8 - best game in a Saints shirt

Lancashire 3 - ball watching clueless

Perry 6 - usual solid stuff

Skacel 6 - marking two at times.

Surman 6 - tried hard but not enough.

Gilett 0 - terrible game

Gobern 2 - did next to nothing

Smith 3 - one decent run, comes inside too much

Patterson 0 - did nothing and a poor tackle

McGoldrick 4 - worked hard but went nowhere

 

the subs did nothing much.

[Englesaint]

Agree with pretty much all of the last few posts. Perry, Davis & Skacel were by miles our best players. Perry did outstandingly well to prevent a landslide playing alongside a really terrible Lancashire (sorrt - hate myself in some ways for saying it, but it's true).

 

Saddest thing was seeing the lack of fight, passion, absence of tacking etc from some - today of all days! Once again, we looked poorly organised and with little usefully coming from the bench. The ref was shocking throughout but this shoudn't excuse some our shortcomings - especially ones to do with attitude.

[Legod Third Coming]

I don't like the keeper as Captain - hate it.

[Whitey Grandad]

I don't like the keeper as Captain - hate it.

Agreed, it's a ridiculous idea. How can he influence the play - or the referee - when he's stuck between the sticks?

[davetheturtle]

I think the main positive we can take from todays game was kelvin's performance, i thought he was superb in goal today and if we have to sell him then hopefully added to his value with that performance.

[Englesaint]

I don't like the keeper as Captain - hate it.

 

Agree - there are a relatively few exceptions (the great Mr Shilton on occasions for example) but generally all it tells you is something about the lack of real leaders in the team.

 

My preference would have been to give it to Perry but that only highlights the lack of real leadership in midfield.

[SamyCM]

I agree Kelvin was magnificent in goal to today. None of the goals were his fault. I thought Chris Perry had a brilliant game as well. It is a shame we don't seem to have any outlets on the wing or up front. McGoldrick doesn't seem fit enough. Skacel should be able to now bolster the midfield with Molyneux at the club. It was a surprise to me that Bradley Wright-Phillips was not played at all, strength, pace and surely a pedigree against Man Utd being an ex city player.

 

I would also agree with Jan on the first goal being offside and the penalty shocking decisions by the linesman and Riley. At the other end they would never have been given. In the build up to the penalty, the free kick shouldn't even have been given. However with the sending off Paterson was late and looked pretty nasty.

[L1Minus10]

I don't like the keeper as Captain - hate it.

 

Agreed. Should be Perry.

[Hatch]

Just seen the replay on Setanta now,

 

Looks more like a red every time I see it.

[Rory]

FAO Kelvin Davis;

 

Over the years, you have received some unjust stick from a lot of fans here but, can I just say, if it wasn't for you this season we would be down already.

 

Your commitment to this club's cause is commendable and it really is a breath of fresh air to see you care for the club. You're not even a Southampton lad but still you pull of save after save and commit your future to the club, even though you are blatantly being coveted by other teams, especially after your performance today.

 

You've been a fantastic servant to the club and, out of every player on the pitch today, you would be the only one I would really be annoyed at seeing go, but I wouldn't blame you. We are shockingly poor and you deserve to at least have one last stint in the Premiership.

 

Also, my younger brother was one of the reasons why he started liking football and supporting the Saints. When you first joined the club, he went down to the stadium with some friends on a schools day or something like that and you were the only player who had a laugh and enjoyed being with the kids. That Christmas, we got him a goalie shirt with Davis on the back and he didn't take it off for months.

 

You thoroughly deserved your MoM award today and I hope, for all our sakes, you stay on for a lot longer. However, I fear, along with all of us, that you will be gone February and that'll be that for this club.

[LGTL]

Amen to that Rory.

[SaintRobbie]

Just seen the replay on Setanta now,

 

Looks more like a red every time I see it.

 

I'll be honest - I thought it was a red card when he went in. Youthful inexperience once again.

 

I knew he was going to be sent off when Riley refused to take out a card until he had him alone, Riley always does that, fast with yellows, slow and considered with red.

 

It was a sending off. What made me laugh was Kelvin Davis saying it was a definate penalty for handling and JP saying it wasnt! See ltest Echo article!!

 

'Manager' and Captain disagreeing. Couldnt make this up could you!?

[Arizona]

After watching the red on BBC news highlights, there is no question it was a red IMO. Horrible tackle, lucky not to break his leg.

[Legod Third Coming]

Just seen the replay on Setanta now,

 

Looks more like a red every time I see it.

 

It's nasty slowed down true. But at full pelt he sees the ball and goes for it, nicks it and follows through.

 

Years ago it would have been fine, these days it is often a red.

 

But I still maintain, young lad, big stage - you can use your common sense as a ref. both feet were not off the ground and that's the only legislature for refs.

[gordonToo]

No question about it. That type of career theatening tackle has no place in the game. Straight RED every time.

[SamyCM]

It's nasty slowed down true. But at full pelt he sees the ball and goes for it, nicks it and follows through.

 

Years ago it would have been fine, these days it is often a red.

 

But I still maintain, young lad, big stage - you can use your common sense as a ref. both feet were not off the ground and that's the only legislature for refs.

 

It is true and Riley affectively kicked the game off with that decision. Also with Evans last man challange it may be argued he could been sent off.

[badgerx16]

Agreed, it's a ridiculous idea. How can he influence the play - or the referee - when he's stuck between the sticks?

Because most of the play is in his 18 yard box ?

 

Also, whilst acknowledging it was not a penalty, look at it from the ref's position, and that of the lino; it looked like the ball hits DMcG's elbow, as indicated by Mike Riley, ( mind you he's still a biased **** ).

[yellow&blue]

Having watched the Gillingham game where they showed tremendous spirit, fight, and effort and made a fantastic game of it, and then watched our lifeless effort (regardless of the fact that it was Man Utd), I have to say that I am embarrassed to be a Saints fan right now.

[krissyboy31]

Because most of the play is in his 18 yard box ?

 

Also, whilst acknowledging it was not a penalty, look at it from the ref's position, and that of the lino; it looked like the ball hits DMcG's elbow, as indicated by Mike Riley, ( mind you he's still a biased **** ).

 

The thing is, there were 4,200 Man U fans directly behind the goal and no cry of 'HAND BALL!!' when the ball deflected of the wall. I would have thought that would have told Riley all he needed to know about whether it was a penalty or not

[St Landrew]

I know I shouldn't be surprised, but how the hell are some of you, and the usual ones to be fair, using a defeat by Manchester United as further evidence of any problems??!!

 

It's ridiculous. They're much better than us. If that surprises anyone then I recommend another sport.

 

I think it's a measure of how far Saints have fallen. 3-0 was actually a flattering score line, as Man United coasted to victory. No one disputes their superiority, but to not actually be able to compete is the measure. Just a few seasons ago, even the relegation team would have competed. And make no mistake about this Saints being down to 10 men. I'm sure it would have made little difference. The gap is cavernous, and it needn't have been. And that is down to Boardroom decisions and policy, and many millions of pounds inappropriately invested or gone missing.

[Saint In Exile]

I think it's a measure of how far Saints have fallen. 3-0 was actually a flattering score line, as Man United coasted to victory. No one disputes their superiority, but to not actually be able to compete is the measure. Just a few seasons ago, even the relegation team would have competed. And make no mistake about this Saints being down to 10 men. I'm sure it would have made little difference. The gap is cavernous, and it needn't have been. And that is down to Boardroom decisions and policy, and many millions of pounds inappropriately invested or gone missing.

 

Think you'll find the "relegation" team lost 0-4 to Man United!!!

[offix]

This was the first time this season for me that I had a chance to see a game. Normally I have to make do with the commentary on SaintsTV, but now I had a chance to go to the local English Pub here in Las Vegas and see a game live. I even met a visiting Saints fan and his lovely wife, SaintBobby.

 

Now, I haven’t missed the commentary of a single match this season, so I knew that I should not expect too much, but I must say that this team, these players, this coach and these tactics were even worse than I expected.

 

I don’t really care if the goal was off-side, I don’t really care if the penalty was just or not, none of that matters, because we were complete no-hopers and NEVER EVER would stand a chance against any team with the slightest bit of talent, desire and halfway proper tactics. They could have put a blow-up doll in goal and we still would not have scored.

 

We created not a single chance, did not have one single decent run on the wings, had a man up front who doesn’t want to work for any ball and has absolutely no clue about football (McGoalless seems a very appropriate name for him), and worst of all, we showed no desire, no acceptable work rate and no belief.

 

Every time a ManU player had possession the closest Saints player was 6 feet away and backing off. The “pretty passing play” that some have so loudly touted on here was nowhere to be found, as a matter of fact just in the first half alone Manu had almost twice as many completed passes as we did.

 

I thought that supposedly these “kids” wanted to play for the shirt? They all had a chance to play themselves into the picture for various scouts and managers?

 

They should not need any more motivation than just being in this match, and they should not need any other motivation than the opportunity to enhance their careers. Shame on them!

 

And shame on Poortvliet for not even being able to get them fit enough to chase balls, or getting them motivated to do so, and especially for sticking with McGoalless, for not having even a basic understanding of tactics, for persisting with the idea that playing over the wings isn’t necessary, and finally for actually telling the world after this debacle that he was happy that the boys “kept fighting”?

 

I don’t mind losing to ManU, as a matter of fact it was expected, but I DO mind when my team goes down without even trying. That is an affront to all true Saints fans, to the club and to the shirt.

 

My respect to all of you who still persist in going to the matches.

[Kingsbridge Saint]

United rested Ferdinand, Ronaldo and Tevez so don't come the 'it was Man United' stuff. Nani and Anderson wouldn't trouble most pub sides. Even the players United had out there didn't have to break a sweat. We are a dreadful side, in my opinion currently one of the worst in English football. Administration please

[the wedge]

Just like to add my two cents to the posts that have preceded me, not often I post but I feel the need today.

 

First off, the journey I had down from NW London was nothing short of awesome today, after tubes mucking up my journey plans I managed to grab a X-Country train at Guildford to Southampton from Manchester Piccadilly.

 

At Guildford I met three great people, Habib and two American/Korean tourists visiting the UK. Habib was a seasoned ManU fan and lost on his way to the game but the tourists took me completely by surprise and restored my faith in my club and the spirit of the FA Cup.

 

Without tickets, this couple had decided as part of their holiday here to see Southampton play football. Not Man U, Arsenal, Chelski etc... They were here to see us play. And also Park Ji-Sung, but that was understandable.

 

I had no idea how much these guys knew about Saints on face value, but the train journey down was a constant discussion on how we were doing, how the young squad was coping, how they hoped Surman and Lallana would stay, and how excited they were about finally seeing the Saints play! I kept name dropping who we were playing but they did not care, it was all about Southampton for them. Which made me feel pretty good about my club.

 

Habib, my other new pal, and two other ****y young ManU fans on the train were very inquisitive about Lowe, and often said how he has ruined our club a second time.

 

What struck me was how honest and genuinely concerned these ordinary fans were about the plight of SFC. They were sure we could get ourselves out of the mess, and fully understood the fans' anger over Lowe. 'Couldn't happen to a nicer club'.

 

My point I guess, is that whilst Southampton Football Club exists, the fans of the clubs we played against week in week out still keep an eye out for us, at least recognising we're still here. And as for the Korean/Americans, we must be doing something right if people from thousands of miles away arrange their holiday plans around a Saints game. They said if they couldn't get a ticket for today then they'll be at Doncaster!

 

Anyway, the game.

 

We were heartless, soulless and didn't try to trouble Man U. Apart from the aforementioned Perry, Davis and Skacel we were out of our depth and like lost souls in the Valley of Darkness. I do like Lloyd James though, his tackling is quite often superb. And I'm pleased Olly Lancashire didn't get either sent off or have a penalty given against him

 

There's potential in these boys. But right now that is about it. I'll be at Doncaster, I thoroughly hope this team learns from today and after the Forest game and takes a huge kick up the arse to get us out of trouble. If we go down, I fear the club won't be here anymore.

[St Landrew]

Think you'll find the "relegation" team lost 0-4 to Man United!!!

 

You make a tiny point. The relegation team also drew against Arsenal at Highbury. There's another small point, but it illustrates that the relegation team were able to compete, just 4 seasons ago. Today, it was Men against Boys, and worse, everybody watching their TV screens saw it.

 

If someone had decided to impose a strategy of convincing outsiders that a downward spiral had not actually been planned, but came about through unfortunate circumstances, despite every effort to the contrary, then this is the one. It's faultless. It's how to practically wipe out a football club in the shortest possible time and do so in such a way that nobody makes a noise about it. That takes skill. And it has almost been achieved too.