Thoughts on last night

Ok fair is fair - I will never again be a major fan of Worthington but last night was hugely encouraging in a vast number of ways and, although its only one game, offers some real hope that he has finally learnt the lessons of the last two seasons and has reacted and listened to the concerns expressed by the fans. If we can continue to play the game in that manner then we will have a good season and I for one am prepared to put my personal animosity towards the manager to one side for the greater good of the club. I must also say that I thoroughly enjoyed going to CR for the first time in a long time and the atmosphere was much better than at any time last season.

A few observations:

1. The passing was fantastic and the midfield looked very strong. Dickson looks a different player and I thought was excellent. Robinson is also a very underrated player and Saf is just class when he is in the mood. Keep them fit for most of the season and we will be in good shape.

2. Croft looked excellent to me and it was refreshing to see us play with some real shape and a threat from both flanks. All in all a very encouraging first couple of games from him.

3. JC also looks far more comfortable than at any time last season. I actually thought he looked promising at the start of last season before his confidence was totally eroded through being left terribly exposed by the lack of a midfielder playing in front of him. Again hopefully this will be the year he comes through.

4. Gallagher - looks very secure and a good shot stopper.

5. If i had to make one criticism, and it is hugely hypocritical of me given our complaints last season, it would be that at times we almost over passed the ball and could have done with being a bit more direct in the final third. I think though that is is vastly better than the hoofball we had last season. The absence of a targetman or second striker alongside Earnie was evident at times as often Croft got good balls into the box but there was noone there to meet them. The problem is its a bit of a chicken and egg situtaion. We need the big striker to get on the end of the crosses but if we had the big striker there would we just revert to hoofing it again?

All in all though very encouraging and the spririt seems to be returning to the club both amongst fans and the players.

Preston I think are in for a long season. Nugent looked to me just like Ashton did at times last year - frustrated by the crapness of his teammates and wondering what he was doing there!

Posted By: Jim, Aug 9, 13:21:04