The Round Ball Game - II

[johncorrigan]

Thanks everybody who said nice things about us.
It was a really incredible afternoon at Wembley. The pressure could hardly be greater, but the teams produced a very decent game, which in the end just fell our way. We produced the best moment of the game, and the crossbar denied Leeds with their best effort. Fine margins, but the manager has really done the business during the playoffs, coping with injuries to at least three key players, and changing tactical approach.
Personally, having missed being at the final in ‘76, and having been at all of our losing finals, and and a losing semi final at Wembley, it was really special to finally be at a win in a huge game on a massive stage. I have made my peace with all those other defeats, notably the two league cup final games !
And Cloughie you are right, back to the south coast mini league for a season at least, leaving the Owls to take points off p*****y hopefully. Another big rebuild for us this summer, we are nowhere near ready for the PL, but we have the basis of a competitive side.
Lastly, Adam Armstrong should be an object lesson to youngsters in how to turn round a bad situation. From a struggling also ran in an unravelling team, to the star of a promotion side. He’ll be important for us next season.

So glad you had such a great day out, ts, and exorcised a few old demons on the way - now to get those Scots fit for Germany.

[gurnemanz]

Well done Saints and T Saint!

We also had one of our best football days out at Palace on the last day of the season. Our son's 40th birthday present was a hospitality package for four of us, with the full works. The Eagles came up with a rampant five-nil display against Villa.

[johncorrigan]

Well done Saints and T Saint!

We also had on of our best football days out at Palace on the last day of the season. Our son's 40th birthday present was a hospitality package for four of us, with the full works. The Eagles came up with a rampant five-nil display against Villa.

Eagles had an amazing finish to the season, gurney...hope you can carry on next season where you left off ; though I suspect the big-money clubs will be hovering with cheque books at the ready.

[johncorrigan]

Germany 5 Scotland 1...torture!

[Roger Webb]

Q....How could our British sporting teams increase their chances of success?

A.....Play Australia at football......and Germany at cricket.

[antongould]

Germany 5 Scotland 1...torture!

I feel your pain John …..

[eighthobstruction]

Yes Anton time to take the gloves off....and untie their boots....let loose their boots....let loose the clogs of war...

[teamsaint]

Scotland still alive which is nice.
England doing it the English way so far.

[DracoM]

Eng v Den.................OMG. What a lethargic MESS!

[eighthobstruction]

....as usual manager in game management so so poor....as regards what the team needs at any one moment (and after game reviewing of matches must be inferior too)....the TAA siuation/experiment is obviously not happening and is a defensive accident waiting to happen, and is relatively unproductive in attack....disaster....I'm not a Foden fan, in these games he is a hard working cul de sac....need a proper left footer on the left side (because Trippier cannot stretch and cross)....Gordon is the answer he at least passes people at the margins and is a good crosser....Foden drifts and stops attacks all the time (when he is affective it is because Saka and Wal;ker have made the decisions and running)....Harry Harry Harry your coming back to defend is just stupid mate, so many things wrong with it, and your speed in final third pedestrian.....It was Denmark getting all the second balls, and skill in distrubution....If TAA is on the field against Slovenia (ppwsheet) we will know the way the wind blows (downward)....mistakes, lost balls and really, lost boys. I'm not one for hyperbole (I'm not) that is the worst England display i have ever seen in a game that actually mattered.... Hey Gareth how about a first half substitution....

[DracoM]

[teamsaint]

....as usual manager in game management so so poor....as regards what the team needs at any one moment (and after game reviewing of matches must be inferior too)....the TAA siuation/experiment is obviously not happening and is a defensive accident waiting to happen, and is relatively unproductive in attack....disaster....I'm not a Foden fan, in these games he is a hard working cul de sac....need a proper left footer on the left side (because Trippier cannot stretch and cross)....Gordon is the answer he at least passes people at the margins and is a good crosser....Foden drifts and stops attacks all the time (when he is affective it is because Saka and Wal;ker have made the decisions and running)....Harry Harry Harry your coming back to defend is just stupid mate, so many things wrong with it, and your speed in final third pedestrian.....It was Denmark getting all the second balls, and skill in distrubution....If TAA is on the field against Slovenia (ppwsheet) we will know the way the wind blows (downward)....mistakes, lost balls and really, lost boys. I'm not one for hyperbole (I'm not) that is the worst England display i have ever seen in a game that actually mattered.... Hey Gareth how about a first half substitution....

Yep, can’t disagree with most of that. Central midfield is a problem of Southgate’s making. Honestly,even Flynn Downes would be fine alongside Rice, and there are doubtless several better candidates. Working out how to use Foden , if you are going to pick him, is basic stuff. He apparently can’t find room for Grealish, whose best position is very obvious, and would have instantly improved the left hand side.
Not irredeemable, but brave change needed.

in Championship news, I see that Yan Valery is headed for Hillsbrough. Very talented, a bit wayward, and underachieving.He could be an inspired signing, but he has plenty to prove. Not sure where the Owls will play him, but his obvious skills lie in attack. Hope he does well.

[eighthobstruction]

Harry, a word in your ear, if you are going to amble over to the wing and get in the way of the specialists - could you please take less than 30 seconds to get back in the middle....too late to tell you the school boy knowledge "a crossfield in your own half is a dangerous no no...."
Yes Team....Rice + An Other

Conor Coady ....says "What I will say is", seven times in 90 seconds....

[johncorrigan]

Scotland still alive which is nice.

Glad that Scotland turned up against the Swiss. A decent performance. On another night they could have won it; but then, on another night they might have lost it. Huge game against the Magyars. Tierney's loss is a big blow. We can ill afford to lose any of the top line - Gilmour was great, as was the marauding McTominay; and Gunn had a couple of great saves. Still a worry about where the goals will come from.

[cloughie]

in Championship news, I see that Yan Valery is headed for Hillsbrough. Very talented, a bit wayward, and underachieving.He could be an inspired signing, but he has plenty to prove. Not sure where the Owls will play him, but his obvious skills lie in attack. Hope he does well.

Danny clearly sees something in him! We’ll see!