Back from Forest; trying to see the wood for the trees...

Ultimately a fruitless and pointless return, much as many had predicted in here prior to the game. However I don't think the performance warranted some of the vitriol and hyperbole used in the immediate aftermath of defeat.

Sure, it was a poor game by both teams... and by the referee. Interesting to see a similar style to us being played against us and that was possibly why much of the game be became a bit neutralised.

Personally I thought we were pretty solid, especially without Tettey or Trybull. The work rate was generally ok and I'm trying to not jump on the Vrancic bandwagon as he is clearly a good footballer who is desperately trying to adapt to a league where football is about 3rd or 4th on the list of objectives (strength, pace, aggression).

We made a number of chances and their keeper made a great save low down by the post in the 2nd half. Wasteful finishing by Watkins, Nelson and others meant not much else when on goal.

Maddison was good value but again targeted for 'treatment' but we'd do the same, so he'd better get used to it.

I can't agree with Farke's comment about best away performance but I'll concede he gets paid to do the job and probably has some more insight than those of us who look on and postulate. I'd say we worked hard, huffed and puffed, but didn't have that quality where it was needed.

The real issue is that this is it. We're broke and we're trying to build something on a budget. A month ago it was working (sort of) and we were getting results. Now it's not going our way but clamouring to start again just sets us back again. Constantly focusing on short-term results over long term strategic aims will not change anything.

Rebuilding footballing capability takes time and effort and is fraught with pitfalls along the way. This will take time, mid table will be par this year, anything more an unexpected bonus. Will we keep our stars? Who knows but we can at least seek a generous return to support or recruit the next one.

Let's see what Saturday brings. Neil will want to come and prove something so it won't be easy.

OTBC Wrathers
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Posted By: Worthing Yellow, Nov 22, 03:41:42