Luton look excellent. Really hard working side, press like mad men. Not dissimilar to us under Big Val off the ball
They quoted MK Dons on talksport but l doubt they'll ground share there. They have 14 weeks to knock down one of the touchline stands and rebuild it to Premier League standards. New grounds been talked about and the hope to break ground on it next year but they said they've been at this stage for the last decade, didn't Blackpool even manage to knock up a stand in the summer. It could seriously be the first stadium not fit for the Premier League.
Apart from the Sheffdy Wendy game, all the Play offs are finely balanced, and could go either way. Sunderland are the first then to go out, and might have a few regrets at not properly turning up tonight. I wonder who if anybody, will be thinking that in 3 nights!.
We were never in it tonight, fair play to Luton, they were stronger all over the pitch and play to their strengths. Our injuries eventually caught up with us but we go again next season.
Can't complain too much for a first season back in the second division and after going up through the playoffs last time. Going in the right direction at least
I don’t like the fact you can kick a ball against someone’s arm from a few feet away, and “create” a penalty. I know it can be difficult to determine, but I’d like to see intent being a prerequisite.
This. Penalties should never be 'won' or played for. If someone wilfully prevents a player from getting to the ball, or getting a shot away, be that through a poor tackle, shirt-pulling, or an intentional handball, then yes it's a penalty. Smashing the ball into someone's hand from two yards away, or 'leaving a foot in' and going down, or hitting the deck from the lightest of hands touching your back is NOT a penalty. Attacking players should be doing everything they can to stay on their feet. The sooner they reverse this ridiculous tide, the better* *Obviously I'm a fu¢king hypocrite like everyone else and if Tedic wins a dubious pen in stoppage time to win it for us on Friday night, I'd take it.
Cheers, couldn't agree more, the main thing was staying up and to do it comfortably was pleasing, will be interesting to see how we build on it. Strong rumours that Mowbray might be replaced and the club have a foreign coach lined up. Not sure how I feel about it, he's done brilliant and it would be a gamble but time will tell. Despite the rivalry I'm hoping Boro win tonight and get through the play offs, from the remaining teams I prefer how they play. Goes without saying I will be cheering Barnsley through on Saturday.
I thought Mowbray was good as a player, and look what he did to us at Wembley in '00. I wouldn't have expected Sunderland to struggle this season, but to make the Play offs was impressive.
Wanting Coventry tonight but can’t get away from the fact that a Middlesbrough win will continue to give the home teams a physiological edge….