Last nights performance was very frustrating, I know that winning is EVERYTHING an ugly win beats an atractive footballing loss always. However listening to Radio Sheffield while watching the match, Paul Walker and Derrick Parker both commented that the atmosphere in Oakwell was very poor and I agree. But what comes first, a team playing with 100% commitment or fans cheering the team to encourage then to play with 100% commitment? There were many occasions last night when I found myself screaming at the team to 'track back', 'come out of defence quickly', 'support the man with the ball','move off the ball to create space', when this happens the crowd sense COMMITMENT and cheer. TOO OFTEN players stand around waiting for something to happen. If any of the team read this please convey to rest that we are behind you 100%, but you have got to give something to get excited about! Let's get back to the display you gave at Bradford (league match)this was your finest hour so far this season, MORE PLEASE.(Y)
The fans Anyone else frustrated and confused by what the fans expect of the team? For instance: We surely all want the ball to be played constructively out of defence, yet when any player dwells on the ball for more than a few seconds he's shouted at until he hoofs the ball anywhere.
Well.. In my opinion the one player that showed the enthusiasm, and commitment last night further forward on the pitch was Hayes, and it took a player playing out of position to show the others how it should be done. He turned the opinions of a lot of people around me yesterday with his response to the situation he was put in- they thought he'd hide and end up costing us but he did the opposite.