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What's the talk in the stands.
Whatever the Premier League do or say, don't resign Ollie please!
What's the talk in the stands.
As expected all the talk was about Ollie's team selection. Initially I thought 'Blimey it's a long way to travel to watch the reserves' but after the game I couldn't help but think that Ollie hadn't got it totally wrong after all !! On balance I reckon he was right to make some changes but there were probably a few too many. However in these days of named squads of 25 (+ youngsters) I would defend Ollie's right as manager to select whoever he likes from that squad - and their performance exceeded all my pre-match expectations.
Was it a fair result?
Probably - but only just. We could easily have ended up with a point and no-one would have thought it totally unjust. We started pretty well and had a decent first half although there was a spell in the 2nd half when we were all at sea defensively for about 15 minutes or so.
Best chant?
Comparing the atmosphere in the Villa areas as being like a library!
Funniest moment?
I'm not sure whether it was funny or just embarrassing when Keinan needed to go off injured just as 3 subs were ready to come on and it took forever to sort out who was staying, who was going and who was coming on!
Who were Blackpool's star players?
Phillips was a major threat throughout the game with his pace and skill, to which he has added an ability to look up and seek out the right pass.
Until he tired (not surprisingly) Sylvestre looked an accomplished and very skilled midfielder putting through some beautifully judged passes, particularly to Phillips, and seeming to be very comfortable on the ball.
Any regrets?
Perhaps if we had tempered the changes a little bit, maybe with Charlie or Vaughany starting instead of Euell, and one or two of the regular defenders to organise the rest, then we would have got the point we nearly earned or perhaps even more.
More importantly we still need to learn to defend immediately after scoring ourselves, as well as playing out the end of a game. This time both these weaknesses showed for their 3rd goal.
Opposition any good?
Pretty ordinary really although theIr wide men had a few good runs.
What next?
More away day fun at West Ham for whom the pressure is very much on! Ollie's team selection will be anxiously awaited but my thoughts are that he will be back to Plan A. there must be some concerns about our strength in depth at centre half if both Cathcart and Keinan are out as well as Baptiste. Rob Edwards did OK but got sucked in a bit for Villa's 2nd goal.
Final thoughts?
Whatever the Premier League do or say, don't resign Ollie please! To do that would only hurt the club, the players, the fans, and yourself. The Prem League 'Dons' would remain untouched and carry on regardless. Whether or not we agree with your selection, and whatever your reasons, you have the right to pick the team you think is best for the job - and that job is to get enough points to stay in the Premier League. Only by achieving that can you hope to continue to fight the cause of BFC and other clubs outside the big bucks elite. COME ON YOU PREMIER LEAGUE POOL!!