The Mick Thorne Column

Saturday 10 November, 2001

I'd love to but I don't want to

I have the unfortunate pleasure (NOT) of living East of Pudsey amongst the highly annoying L***S muppets, but keep the Claret & Amber flag flying high in these dark times. Even the TB's are in a play off position as we languish (at the time of writing) in 15th position.

I've been supporting City since the promotion season of 1976/77 and am currently a season ticket holder (of the 25 year variety) in the Carlsberg stand.

My reason for writing, having been unable to travel to the Crewe game due to work, I had to watch the game on the ITV digital channel. Dissapointment to say the least sprang to mind for the umpteenth time this season.

I read with interest the bfb match analysis and thought the slagging off of Aiden Davidson was a touch unjust. I'll hold my hands up and say that his flapping and grovelling for the 2nd equalise was comical however you failed to mention the inadequate way we defended as a whole.Gunner Halle was at fault in my eyes for both goals. Basic markinf forthe 1t and a schoolboy like misskick which led to the 2nd. Robert Molennar didnothing but huff and puff his way )slowly) round the pitch. (How many times I saw him so far behind the play ..Ilost count) Likewise, how many times we break to half wayand stop, turn around and go backwards !! Gary Locke and Gareth Whalley are prime examples.

All this sounds like I like to do nothingbut moan but that is by no mans true. henever we inject pace into our play we are very,very good. Matt Etherington has shown just what a little pace can do in the 4 games he has been involved in,and when Jamie's fit and plays, his runs at the heart of opposition defences cause problems galore. Where will we go when ME goes back to Spurs as I dont think Sharpe is the answer ? Hopefully Juanjo will be the answer. My only concern is that Rangers and Celtic apart, the standard of Scottish Pemier is akin to mid-table 1st division and although they try, Locke,Tod,Jess are simply that.

This leads me to the subject title of this. I'd love to get back to the Premiership @ the 1st time of asking but with a slow team,middle of the table players we would just be on a hiding to nothing!

I know this is solely my opinion,and whilst some perforances make me think we can cerrtainly push for a play-off spot we may benefit from a couple of sasons rebuilding. I would find it hard to find anyone who doesn't think we'd need 7/8 new. top quality players to stand any chance of avoiding a quick return to the 1st should we go up...

On a slightly lighter note, would the lads at the back of the Kop stop singing "Shall we sing a song for you" as soon asthe game has kicked off. this song is surely meant to be sung when we are comftably in the lead, not 2-0 down and struggling against Wimledon.. (think of Sunderland when they came to VP last year and you get my meaning)

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