Posted by: Richard Lee 11/05/2008
Down, but not out
We got the performance we demanded of ourselves but not the result.
We changed our formation and caused Hull many problems but unfortunately it was a case of missed chances and some great goalkeeping that means we’ll be going into the second leg two goals down. The feeling we all have is that if today is anything to go by, then we are far from dead and buried - if we can get the first goal that their place then this tie is still very much alive.
The week itself had been very good. We reported for training on the Tuesday after the end-of-season awards night. As a team, we had our own vote for Players Player of the Season and that award went to big Dan Shittu. He was obviously very touched to receive the award; he’s played a pivotal role in our season so far, also played his role in the African Cup of Nations and not to mention being voted in the Championship team of the season. A season he won’t forget I’m sure.
We trained at the training ground Tuesday and Wednesday, we were given Thursday off and then reported to Vicarage Road to train on Friday and Saturday. We trained at noon each day with the thought of getting us ready for the noon kick-off at the weekend. Training was of a very high standard; we tested the new 4-3-3 formation and worked on the new set-pieces.
On a personal note it was once again a very quiet week for me, with the end of the season close I feel it’s a case of keeping my head down and giving everything for the remainder, and whatever the outcome of this season I refuse to finish it having any regrets...going out for dinner on a couple of occasions with my girlfriend being the extent of my activities.
As it has been a week leading up to the play-offs I did find that I was asked to do a lot more media work than usual, including a couple of radio interviews and some stuff for a couple of newspapers.
So I guess the message this week is to keep believing, take heart like we players have from our performance. We’ll be going up to Hull with the dream of Wembley still very much in the forefront of our minds.
Until next week...