I think some of the criticism on elements of yesterday's performance is harsh.
Unfortunatly we did not finish enough of our first half chances yesterday, partly down to wrong options being taken and partly due to some rank poor fiinishing. We then missed a couple of decent 2nd half chances including free headers from corners. I thought the effort and application was there. Joseph certainly was putting himself about, tracking back and finding space. Cam Bran was making himself available and screaming for the ball (on one occasion he screamed for it but it would have taken a 50 yard cross field pass!), he definitly was giving his all. Finally towards the end I thought Findlay had done himself an injury committing himself to a tackle, it looked like he'd over-stretched and the Accie player looked concerned. Anyway a minute later Findlay is throwing himself at a header, going over the top of the player and landing heavily. Findlay looks to have a great attitude, I think he may be moved on and replaced by a ball playing centre back but he seems like a proper pro to me.
As for a few of the players attracting comments:-
If Marcus Browne could finish more reliably and show slightly better decision making in the final third then he'd be a top championship player. He isn't and that is why he is in division 1. But he has great ball carrying ability and offers a lot. It's a big season next year for him; I think he has 1 year left on his contract (plus we have a 1 year option). I reckon Manning is delighted he is part of the squad and I think we'll have a big season from him next year; he's not a centre forward but a useful playing wide of the striker.
I like Kyle Joseph and think there is a real player there. From my North Stand seat yesterday you could really see how his off ball movement created things, his application is there, has pace and has scored 10 goals in a struggling team injury hit season. Maybe it's just that my EFL knowledge isn't what it used to be, but are there many other 21 year olds who've scored 10 for a Div 1 team in similar circumstances this year? From what I have heard he also seems to be a player willing to listen and improve, and I think someone like Manning could improve him further. We can debate all day long what a 'reasonable' transfer fee and wages would be, but if he was within our budget then I'd like to see him next year.
Perhaps the reason for Murphy contributing a bit more consistently is that he is now being properly managed? His stinging shot yesterday was a brilliantly hit strike, and then the awareness he showed when he beat a couple of players and then pulled the ball back to Joseph who blazed over was a sign he is a cut above. If he wants it he clearly has the ability to get back to the level that earnt him big moves, and big salaries previously. Some of his play yesterday and against Cheltenham show how he earnt a £25k ish week contract at Cardiff. It will be really interesting to see how he does next year.
It's been highlighted by most the squad churn that is needed to get us back on track, I think to be challenging for promotion we need 10 or 11 players capable of being 1st team regulars. That is a big ask to sort out in 1 transfer window, for starters I think our priorities should be:-
1) Goalkeeper - on the basis that Eastwood sees out his final year as number 2. Then Stevens is sold and McGinty is loaned out. Eastwood has done well this season, and better than many thought he would do but I don't think at this stage he is a top 8 Div 1 keeper (certainly not with the ball at his feet).
2) Right back - a genuine right back who can support the attack. In the George Baldock style, big ask I know! We need a left back as well, but I think Ciaran Brown looks more assured there than Long does at right back.
3) Holding midfielder - someone disciplined, who can read the game and cover. A little experience would not go amiss.
4) 2 centre forwards, we need to aim 'realsitically' high. Players of the calibre of Ryan Hardie, are any of the Ipswich forwards available (i.e. I'm sure they'll strenthen up top) etc. It's a big ask but could we afford 2 big new signings, re-sign Matty Taylor as 3rd choice which would then allow G'OD to get a 6 month loan in Div 2? How high is Matty's stock after a hit and miss loan at Vale? I think he'd have scored goals under Manning,
5 & 6) Two out and out widemen.
Then I'd like to see a ball playing centre back, possibly created by moving Findlay on. It's going to be a really interesting Summer.
After a shocking season 10000+ home fans was brilliant. I've just started taking my 6 year old daughter and it was great to see a packed family stand, although I do still find it funny seeing Dads who 20 years ago would have been on it from 8:30am (as I used to be!) on some random away trip now sitting their with their soft drinks and ruck sacks full of colouring pads etc if their children get bored. Guess that is the circle of life! Their certainly is no better feeling than sharing your passion with your child, hopefully the move will happen to allow this to continue.
Up The Ox, bring on 23/24!