Rockford's Love Child
Member
- Joined
- 15 Mar 2010
- Messages
- 13,905
- Player
- Jason Koumas / John Morrissey
- Manager
- John King
I am lost for words after that performance. I agree with Brightonian that, given the context, this was the worst display of the season.
I always doubted that we could magically produce a performance today, having been abysmal away from home pretty much all season. However, I am still completely baffled that the same group of players can show fight and character against Exeter, and then produce a limp, lifeless and frankly pathetic performance today when the incentives and the prize were exactly the same. I think there are massive issues with character in this squad, and we simply don't have the resolve and 'band of brothers' mentality you need to win promotion.
I still believe the inexperience of much of the squad is a major factor, and the game simply looked too big for several players today. It is also apparent that certain players simply are not good enough. Other senior players such as MacManaman, who did another disappearing act, are simply here for a pension. The enforced changes to the side did not help, with two key absentees at the back in addition to the suspended players; we have had constant disruption to the starting eleven in recent weeks. However, there have been problems away from home all season.
Individually, I thought Foley, Cogley and Merrie had decent games, and Maynard's movement caused problems when he came on. The incident when he worked an opening but lost his footing with the goal gaping summed up the afternoon. Again, Mellon's tactics are questioned, but the attacking substitutions in the second half did at least cause Stevenage some problems and result in a few chances. The issues are not tactical in my view, although I accept that Mellon has to take responsibility for the levels of motivation, or lack of them, in the players.
Watching Tranmere away from home this season has been an utterly joyless and pretty pointless endeavour, and I am glad the punishment is nearly over.
I suppose we just have to beat Oldham and hope for a miracle, although we will probably be put out of our misery on Tuesday night.
I always doubted that we could magically produce a performance today, having been abysmal away from home pretty much all season. However, I am still completely baffled that the same group of players can show fight and character against Exeter, and then produce a limp, lifeless and frankly pathetic performance today when the incentives and the prize were exactly the same. I think there are massive issues with character in this squad, and we simply don't have the resolve and 'band of brothers' mentality you need to win promotion.
I still believe the inexperience of much of the squad is a major factor, and the game simply looked too big for several players today. It is also apparent that certain players simply are not good enough. Other senior players such as MacManaman, who did another disappearing act, are simply here for a pension. The enforced changes to the side did not help, with two key absentees at the back in addition to the suspended players; we have had constant disruption to the starting eleven in recent weeks. However, there have been problems away from home all season.
Individually, I thought Foley, Cogley and Merrie had decent games, and Maynard's movement caused problems when he came on. The incident when he worked an opening but lost his footing with the goal gaping summed up the afternoon. Again, Mellon's tactics are questioned, but the attacking substitutions in the second half did at least cause Stevenage some problems and result in a few chances. The issues are not tactical in my view, although I accept that Mellon has to take responsibility for the levels of motivation, or lack of them, in the players.
Watching Tranmere away from home this season has been an utterly joyless and pretty pointless endeavour, and I am glad the punishment is nearly over.
I suppose we just have to beat Oldham and hope for a miracle, although we will probably be put out of our misery on Tuesday night.
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