It’s the result that counts, of course and quite simply we got it.
But while I’m elated that we’ve reached the final, it doesn’t necessarily mean I’m happy about the performance.
We started ok and then sat back deeper in the first half, which it seems many of us weren’t happy about.
The second half, we were also very cagey and I thought we were playing a risky game.
Johnstone had had a pretty good game and had hardly had to get his gloves warm, yet he somehow managed to handle outside his area and for me, should have been sent off.
This resulted in a free kick just outside the box, that Downing hit the bar with.
If that had gone in, lord knows what might have happened.
Don’t get me wrong. over the two legs, I think we were more the cleverer side.
And that’s down to experience.
Hutton was excellent again, as were Chester and Terry. How well do they combine?
But I’m listening to the after match chat and they’re saying Boro just didn’t do enough.
Given that they didn’t have a shot on target, I have to agree.
Boro just made too much running of the game for my liking, but I’d expect a different game against Fulham.
I didn’t mention Grealish yet, did I?
He’s really starting to look the part.
But what pleased me more than anything was that this team look like they’re fighting for each other.
And if that’s the case, we have every chance of anything.
i agree with adam that grealish should be involved with southgate’s england. its not like we are blessed with players of his ability. looking at the squad i seems to lacks experience. so i believe it was the right time to gamble on grealish. england,we look short of players who can unlock doors. we have plenty defenders and strikers enough midfield workers, but no real playmakers
Is it true that Delph has been named as one of England’s midfielders although he has mostly played full back for citeh. I know I’m biased but Grealish over Delph as a midfield player any day of the week.
Also agree with Bill that premier league is stifling English talent. Mostly because nearly all of them have foreign managers who tend to look abroad. Problem is English players even in championship cost too much money. I don’t know why this is the case but McCormack is a classic example. Pochettino is a manager who has given English players game time and that is refreshing. Also Klopp is giving young players opportunities so hopefully change will happen. Maybe after brexit we can change rules on number of foreign players allowed per team, although extremely unlikely.
them foreign players will always dominate the english game, simple reason english clubs pay the best wages. clubs want success today not tomorrow. nobody is really gonna invest the time to produce english players, plus attracting the big names from all over the world brings in revenue to the club too
clubs like ours won’t even play the youth in championship, because they are not a sure thing. most have the skills. but as talented as they are, they struggle to adapt to a long physical season. the english talent that does get through, are of a better quality, so while the pool of english players are small they are decent players i think so maybe its a good thing after all
Rowett appointed Stoke manager – does he not fancy Derby’s chances next season – or is it just about money?
Probably the money.
With the loyalty that clubs show to managers these days, I can’t say I blame him.
Play them at their own game.
But it would seem Blues fans are right about him, in that he seems mercenary, because he wanted to leave Blues after sniffing around other jobs.
He’s just warming himself up for the Villa job, no worries.
Are Stoke a bigger club than Derby?
I’d suggest not, myself.
More money to spend?
From what I’m hearing from Derby fans; maybe.
Cutbacks and all that.