How refreshing - Andy Ritchies post-match comments

"Cardiff City had quality movement up front and the big man (Steve Thompson) caused us problems physically. He also scored with a great strike, a volley which was almost behind him."

"Michael Chopra was also outstanding and on another day might have had a couple of goals."

"But I was proud of my lads. We fought back strongly and I believe we might have earned a draw"

"Personally, I didn't feel it was a penalty for Cardiff. I thought Bobby (Hassell) got the ball but apparently I was wrong. Bobby told me later he caught the player and not the ball. The referee was spot on, although that's not what I said at the time!"

"We've learned that if we start like that at Championship level we will be punished. We came out with renewed vigour in the second half and might have come out with a draw. On the balance of play I thought we deserved it"

"There was no disgrace in defeat and we should take heart from it."

"The two players Cardiff have up front will cause problems for many a defence this season."


A welcome change with the admission that it was a penalty and the fact that he's big enough to hold up his hands and say so speaks volumes - moreso as he thought it wasn't originally. Well done Andy Ritchie!

 

on what you saw

what do you think our chances of staying up are?

what did you think of chops?

 

RE: on what you saw

what do you think our chances of staying up are?

Think it'll be down to a permutation including Colchester, QPR, Burnley, Southend, Plymouth and yourselves unfortunately. Think Stoke and Sheff Wed could also be dragged down there with Wolves not that far in front. I'm not convinced about Hull or Leicester either. Be realistic and target those games with any others treated as a bonus if you win - and you will win some of them.

I thoroughly enjoyed the game on saturday but have to say the quality on show was, in my opinion, poor. Both sides that is. We started brightly with some neat interchanges and finished those well. Barnsley looked an honest side who battled away but, wonder goal aside, didn't look as if you could hit a cow on the arse with a banjo. Can't remember a save our keeper had to make and the chances you created have to be put away - otherwise you will be punished in this division.

Doubtless if you had that many chances last year, some would have been taken and you know you will get more as well. You can go entire games in this division and not get an opening. A bit of composure in front of goal and you could be ok. Andy Ritchie will know that better than most.

Don't want to come across as cocky but I felt comfortable throughout - apart from when Richards? went through and hit the bar with that sitter. Then again, that may be connected to the pre-match refreshments. Mine, not his!

First game of the season is always difficult. Doubtless you were nervous and we need time for our vastly-changed squad to gel. However, you won't be able to rely on grit and enthusiasm to get you through games although, obviously, they will help.

Incidently, we wouldn't get into the top half on that performance either, not a chance, although 3 points away from home is always nice.

what did you think of chops?

First time I've been able to see him. Thought his movement and pace was good along with his link-up play. Combined well to set up the first goal and looks as if he may form a good partnership with Steve Thompson, there was enough there to suggest they could click. He appears to be a confident lad and is convinced by his ability to score. We'll see.

Good luck for the rest of the season anyway.

 

cheers

im not sure this league is as strong as you think it it though.

 

RE: on what you saw

Really? I saw 2 games on sky last year when you couldnt string 2 passes together.To say the quality was poor is also wrong.

 

RE: There's a few ...

...who subscribe to that view but I'm not one of them.

Birmingham and West Brom are far stronger than Reading and Watford. Sheffield United were ordinary at best last year and seem to have "strengthened" with the old guard from a "Care In The Community" program. Even Mr Burns from the Simpsons turned them down because they were a little old for him!

Southampton, Coventry and Norwich have strengthened significantly after finishing last season strongly whilst Leeds, Crystal Palace and Sunderland will be there or thereabouts.

Think we'll be in the next group - IF we play better than saturday - along with Preston (with Nugent staying that is), Derby, Ipswich and possibly Luton and Leicester.

Just my opinion for what it's worth.

 

I thought it was quite a good game,

relatively end to end.</p>

A vast improvement on the last few seasons.</p>

 

RE: on what you saw

We reserved our worst performances for Sky last year, particularly Watford. I was on a freebie that day - all afternoon and evening - and almost left at half-time!

Last season we had sold all our best players and had to replace them without a budget of note. Dave Jones opted for "experience" and made us difficult to beat. Dour, admittedly, but difficult to beat.

We were never (in any game come to think about it) going to set the world on fire with flair (Jason Koumas excepted) but still had a lot of quality in the side.

We battled our way to eventually finish 11th.