After two sun-drenched weeks in Playa Blanca, we are heading home tomorrow. Unfortunately not in time for the Boro game but I will be back and desperate for news of the result and how we performed etc.
For thirty odd years I have made sure I was not on holiday for the opening fixtures and have usually planned my trips around away games to ensure I didn't miss any Valley action. However, I couldn't be bothered to wait for the fixtures last season and booked in advance, thereby missing the opening day. This year I took a chance on missing the first game that I thought would be away but didn't realise the FA were going to bring the season start forward a week, so it will be Leicester if not Barnsley for me first. I will be itching to see the Addicks in action next week and if they can collect three points tomorrow and put on a performance, then I may make the effort for Oakwell. Having smashed them for six only a matter of months ago, surely we will go looking very confidently for three points? The all important fledgling league table will be out on Sunday and we need three points to be sitting comfortably and eyeing the what-ifs at Barnsley.
First though, we need to see off the Smog Monsters. We are probably playing them at just the right time as they remain a club in turmoil with only three league wins in 2013. Their line-up always looks reasonably impressive and they have added thorn-in-our-side Albert Adomah for a cool million from Bristol City. I think the first goal tomorrow may be decisive and to that end I am again praying we be bold tomorrow and gamble. Chris Powell has the perfect opportunity to pressure his first team to be on the ball and perform from the off tomorrow. He has ten outfield players at his disposal who did the business on Tuesday night. I think at least two of those should start if not three or four. However, I suspect he will only tinker to cover Pritchard and possibly Jackson. The bench should be interesting though.
Tony Mowbray returns for what could be his last match in charge if Boro fail miserably. It would be particularly pleasing to add him to our list of managerial scalps who should be getting sacked for not beating clubs like ours every time they play us.
For thirty odd years I have made sure I was not on holiday for the opening fixtures and have usually planned my trips around away games to ensure I didn't miss any Valley action. However, I couldn't be bothered to wait for the fixtures last season and booked in advance, thereby missing the opening day. This year I took a chance on missing the first game that I thought would be away but didn't realise the FA were going to bring the season start forward a week, so it will be Leicester if not Barnsley for me first. I will be itching to see the Addicks in action next week and if they can collect three points tomorrow and put on a performance, then I may make the effort for Oakwell. Having smashed them for six only a matter of months ago, surely we will go looking very confidently for three points? The all important fledgling league table will be out on Sunday and we need three points to be sitting comfortably and eyeing the what-ifs at Barnsley.
First though, we need to see off the Smog Monsters. We are probably playing them at just the right time as they remain a club in turmoil with only three league wins in 2013. Their line-up always looks reasonably impressive and they have added thorn-in-our-side Albert Adomah for a cool million from Bristol City. I think the first goal tomorrow may be decisive and to that end I am again praying we be bold tomorrow and gamble. Chris Powell has the perfect opportunity to pressure his first team to be on the ball and perform from the off tomorrow. He has ten outfield players at his disposal who did the business on Tuesday night. I think at least two of those should start if not three or four. However, I suspect he will only tinker to cover Pritchard and possibly Jackson. The bench should be interesting though.
Tony Mowbray returns for what could be his last match in charge if Boro fail miserably. It would be particularly pleasing to add him to our list of managerial scalps who should be getting sacked for not beating clubs like ours every time they play us.
Don't bother with Oakwell.
ReplyDeleteWe were playing Middlesborough, not the 1970 Brazilian World Cup team, we made an ordinary team look extraordinarily good.
I was encouraged that we set up 4-4-2, but that was the extent of my excitement. It looked like the talent fairy had completely passed us by. Poor passing, poor skills, lack of thrust, susceptible once again to being pressured on the ball. Thought Harriot did OK but believe me, we're in for a long hard season.
Have a programme/yearbook and a VOTV for you, I'll drop them over with tickets in the week.