Gaffer at the Weekend

The boss delivers his usual Sunday round-up.

Q: Another strong performance on Saturday but we were forced to settle for a point. What was the mood like in the dressing room? Did you need to say much?

 
A1: The boys were devastated as, once again, we all knew it was a game we were by far the better team.
 
Frustrated is a word also as to how all of us felt, but we go again next Sunday. Yesterday just about summed up our season, in large parts brilliant and in a few aspects, mainly recently, so disappointing.
 
To turn up last pre-season with six players and no training facilities everyone has been incredible to take us so near to the play-offs.
 
 
Q: Burton, under Jimmy, are proving tough to beat. However, in the first half especially, we were impressive?
 
 
A2: Burton are a good team for sure, but they knew yesterday they got something not deserved.
 
Our play was impressive and we constantly attacked but we must do more in the final third.
 
 
 
Q: Olly Lee had a goal disallowed for offside. Have you had chance to review that?
 
 
A3: Yes, the video shows clearly it was a good goal and Olly timed his run perfectly.
 
The EFL Head of referees has been in touch this morning to confirm it’s a wrong call by the assistant referee, little consolation on a Sunday morning.
 
I look at the season and wonder why the standard of officials has dropped so low this season and that is coming from all the managers, and indeed supporters, we cannot all be wrong.
 
 
Q: Vadaine and Jordan linked up well for the goal. How pleased were you with our attacking play in general?
 
 
A4: Our attacking play was again very good and it’s just the chances we are not taking that gives us little room for error at the back.
 
Jordan and Vadaine have been excellent but they have been supported by a small group of lads who have also been brilliant over the season.
 
 
Q: Tommy O'Connor came in at centre back and didn't look out of place. However, as you said after the game, he knows that role well?
 
 
A5: Tommy actually plays that role at Southampton, and for his country at International level, so I never gave it a moments thought.
 
The kid was excellent yesterday against two physical strikers.
 
 
Q: Robbie McKenzie filled in at right back and did similarly well?
 
 
A6: Robbie is a brilliant lad and a caring professional. He can play in a number of positions and played really well yesterday.
 
As I said it’s another game we deserved to win, but you don’t always get what you deserve.
 
 
Q: One game to go, that being at home to Plymouth. What's the plan for the week ahead?
 
 
A7: The lads will have Monday off to share with the most important people in there lives, their families.
 
We will have them back on the training ground on Tuesday as we get ready for Plymouth at Priestfield next Sunday.
 
It has been the most extra ordinary season, hopefully never to be repeated as the lifeblood, the fans, has been missing!
 
 
Q: The youth team play their Final later this week. I'm sure you'll want to wish them luck?
 
 
A8: Yes of course. Final decisions on their futures will be made at the end of the week.
 
I am delighted that young Harvey Lintott and Gerald Sithole have signed their young professional contracts, both very deserving.
 
 
Q: Peterborough have been promoted. I'm sure you'll be pleased for them and still have close friends there?
 
 
A9: Yes of course, a club close to my heart.
 
I congratulate Chairman Darragh MacAnthony, Jason and Randy as owners, my friend Barry Fry, Manager Darren Ferguson and all the players and staff.
 

I look forward to watching Championship football there next season.