Simon and I have exchanged similar questions after Saturday’s game. Here are Simon’s answers and mine are here.
1. Obviously you must be disappointed that you lost, how did you see the game? What was your general impression of the performances of both sides?
At the match itself, I was absolutely gutted. I then rather foolishly put myself through it again on Football First and saw what a lot of others saw – We actually did alright. Too bad we couldn’t convert it into any points.
The game was scrappy, which is just how we wanted it, unfortunately we were let down by errors from Simon Mignolet, which is a shame as he’s a very good keeper usually. Hopefully it’s given us a platform to build on after several weeks and months of flat-lining.
As for your lot, not particularly outstanding (not that we were either mind) At the end of the day you took your chances and we didn’t, and that was the only real difference between us.
2. Three valuable points in the bag for us, do you think we are staying up? Who do you think is going down?
I think you are, yes. I wouldn’t worry about that. Much like our luck, I think there are at least 3 teams worse.
I said even at their best this season Blackpool would drop, so I’m sticking by that. Wolves I can see going, which is unfortunate as I like Mick McCarthy as a bloke, and lastly I think it will be West Ham. I say ‘think’ I mean hope. Never liked them.
3. Who was your man of the match from both teams?
For us, I’d Phil Bardsley edged it from Jack Colback, who was very assured in his first ever league start. From your lot I’d say Craig Gardner. The goal capped a decent performance.
4. Assuming we do stay up, what do you think of our chances in the Europa League next season?
Well I won’t lie, I can’t exactly see you winning it! That said, it’s a huge achievement to even be in the competition, and it’s something I’m very envious of! I think there’s every chance you get out the first group stage, and anything else would be a bonus. Enjoy the ride!
5. So, is Brucie the man to take you on, or is it time for a change?
Urgh, I’ve been over this so many times in the last couple of days, and I flip-flop from side to side each and every day. The only thing I can say for sure at the moment is he is definitely the man until the end of the season, then we can judge progress. The same or lower league position, then he could be gone. 10th or above, keep him in.
It’s certainly worth keeping in mind we’ve only finished in the top 10 of the top division 3 times in 50 years, so it would be an achievement to finish there.
The pressure is definitely on, and if I were him I’d be feeling it. These last 5 games are essentially him proving why he should still be here next season.
I hope it goes well for the rest of the season mate, and hopefully we can do this again next year!
No problem, it’s been good. Also I’d like to say the Blues fans were not the coin-throwing savages I’d been lead to believe, but all rather friendly, well behaved and good craic in the bars and streets previous. They even helped me find my way when Google Maps sent me a mile in the wrong direction of St Andrews.
Good luck in Europe next season.
Simon
Good lad – very fair.
Great balanced answers and nice to hear positives about our fans. The mindless few let us down.
Kro