A half-hearted, end-of-season embarrassment of a performance that is completely unacceptable at a professional football club, but one we have become accustomed to in recent years. Just a reminder that Ipswich spanked us 4-0 in similar circumstances last season.
It was entirely predictable from the 14th minute when our defence gave up and Ipswich went two-up. Too many of these players simply don't care enough or are not prepared to fight for the club in every game. Macauley Bonne has been an abysmal re-signing and two scruffy goals don't excuse him. His one chance came from a back post header he should have buried but instead he steered it tamely at their keeper. The bloke is a self-confessed Town fan and was liking Town Tweets after the match. Completely unacceptable.
My step-sister was a friend of the ex-Spurs and Wales player, Simon Davies. So seriously did Simon take his responsibilities to Spurs, that he refused point blank to have his photo taken with Arsenal fans holidaying in Solva during the Summer. He wasn't stroppy about it but explained very clearly that Spurs fans wouldn't appreciate him with his arm around someone in a Gooners shirt.
The malaise ran deep on Saturday. Even Hector and Thomas couldn't be bothered and Ryan Innis managed a fourth red card late on for another poorly timed tackle. He can be a great player on his day at this level but we can't afford to have anyone in the side who risks us four results a season and is suspended for 20% of games, aside from his ability to drop massive clangers.
This has to be a screaming reminder for Dean Holden that he has to see this changed. Irrespective of who might be running the club in August, he needs to demand a budget to allow him to ditch the half-hearts and those who don't believe it's their job necessarily to battle for their fans for 95 minutes in every game. The mark will be how many go and how many winners we bring in. Simple as that. Flowing football can wait, we need to see commitment and heart first. Holden certainly talks about this but he clearly hasn't had any tangible influence on this squad based on Saturday's horror show. He has to see this through or be clear with us in August where we may be short.
I was in Scotland at the weekend and unable to attend the Women's game at The Valley but was disappointed nonetheless that their impressive run in recent months wasn't better supported (336). The Men's showing at Ipswich really wouldn't have helped. Nevertheless, another victory keeps them in fourth and they are within three points of the Runners-up spot. Putting the Men's first team to shame, as are the Academy teams.
Gates for the last two home games against poor opposition will be small but, frankly, this team deserves to be playing in front of 336 fans, not the Women's side who have shown fight and commitment.
Absolutely spot on, Dave...you've articulated the feelings of the vast majority of supporters just now.
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