I was genuinely impressed yesterday. Overall we should have won easily given the gilt edged chances we created. I loved the absence of the "hoofball" with everybody looking to pass the ball sensibly to a man in space. My quick player revies are as follows.
Henderson - Nothing to do really, but looked comfortable with what he did.
Gilbert - Good going forward and definately an athlete, possibly a bit shakey positionally but that could improve.
Morrison - Very impressed. I saw him at Luton and thought he looked a bit "green". Yesterday he looked very tidy and strong.
Tunchev - Didn't really impose himself as i thought he would but didn't do anything wrong. May need a few more games to get settled.
Mattock - Thought he looked very confident and talented for a lad of his age. Linked well with Dyer.
Gradel - Brilliant, has great feet and pace and will be a real handful this season. Needs to look up a little earlier, but that will come with time.
King - Looked really calm and composed and definately wasn't out of his depth. Could be a surprise start.
Oakley - Too deep in first half, but got much better in the 2nd when Kish allowed him to get further forward. Solid performance.
Dyer - He linked well with Mattock and put a few good crosses over. Was most impressed by his ball retention, never missed a pass.
Fryatt - He looked good at first but got a knock. Definately more mobile this season. When he's playing well i'd like to see him upfront with DJ not Howard.
Howard - Got better, and held the ball up well but i'm not convinced his hearts in it. Fryatt and DJ for me.
Can't be bothered to do the subs but they were all good (especially Adams and Kish) -Barry Hayle's looked terrible. This lad needs to retire ASAP as his legs have well gone.
I think if we play like yesterday, get a few early wins and the confidence grows this will be a good season for us. The average age yesterday was about 23/24 so this team has a lot of potential to get better over time.
