O'Driscolls Post-Match Comments

[RoversAlias]

So, just read SOD's post-match words on the BBC website. Now I appreciate that, as he says, this is our second year in the division and it is mental that we are even in the play-off hunt. I'm happy that we got a point today, a good result against a tough opponent, and to be 8th in March is brilliant.

But, I don't understand the negativity from SOD here. The quote I'm referring to is this:

\"This is only our second season in this division. For us to get in the play-offs we need to win nine out of nine. Get real.\"

Now, to me, that is a little extreme. I understand it's important to keep everyone's feet on the ground, and to not get carried away. And I don't think making the play-offs would be a bad thing at all. It'd bring in potentially vital revenue from the extra ticket sales & tv revenue, and of course it'd be exciting to see. To just outright dismiss the possibility, and for me fairly ludicrously state that we need to hit 79 points to make the play-offs. (74 was enough last year in a league that was a lot tighter at the top. That's even ignoring the fact that we're only 4 points off the play-offs at this point.)

I know it is unlikely that we'll make the play-offs, nor would I be disappointed if we didn't. The aim was survival, we've achieved that now it seems and I don't see why we can't push on for the play-offs, at least to give it a go and ensure we finish in our best ever position. If we finish 10th or up I'd be even more delighted than I am already with this seasons efforts. The comment just seems a little odd and extreme from Sean. Thoughts?

[Redandwhitewhizards]

I guess he has a job of managing expectations - I would rather him come out and say that we won't get into the play offs, than say they are in the bag.

[Jonathan]

I think he's only taking the pressure of over-analysing the league table away.

Don't forget that O'Driscoll hammers home the point about performances at every opportunity, and with valid reason. The intention is to go out and perform well and win every game. Recently he was quoted as saying with regard to winning the league that \"if the players feel they would do anything differently to win the league then I'd ask why aren't they doing it already?\"

The point is that we will strive to maintain our performance level in every game, that in turn will impact on results and then we'll see where we are. Not achieveing the play offs, if that's how it ends up, should not be seen as a failure, but failing to perform at all in our last 8 games probably would be.

Incidentally, if we are \"pushing for the play offs,\" I'm surprised that in the circumstances the club failed to sanction the extension of Elliot Ward's loan deal.

[Thinwhiteduke]

Of course, if you were being really cynical, you could suggest that we aimed for a draw in todays match as the Club dont really want the Play Offs/ Premiership Football at the current time.......


....atleast thats what some tool a couple of rows back from me reckoned at todays game, basically stating SOD must have asked the lads to let Sheff Utd back into the game in the second half!

[dickos1]

Its a comment purely to take the pressure off the players, similar to what gannon said about peterborough being relegated already. He doesnt want the players to be concerned about the playoffs and just to go out and play with no fear

[Bikka]

you still iin that box Rigo, or did someone let you out

[BillyStubbsTears]

How the f**k does he know how many wins we need to make the playoffs? I thought he  never looked at the table?

[Norfolk N Chance]

Take pressure immediately off ...Jim Gannon style !

[Bikka]

BillyStubbsTears wrote:

How the fcuk does he know how many wins we need to make the playoffs? I thought he  never looked at the table?

He doesn't as we've only got 8 games left to play not 9  

[The Red Baron]

I re-read the interview he did pre-season the other day. One of the things that used to upset him was the \"Destination Championship\" hoopla. He reckoned it set us up for a fall. No way is SO'D going to raise expectations. In fact, if we were sitting in 3rd or 4th I reckon he'd be talking about \"lots of hard games left etc.\"

What he says to the players in the dressing room and on the training pitch may well be somewhat different, although the focus will be on the performance and the next game- as it should be.

[edwingray]

As a neutral, I would say O'Driscoll's comments are simply realistic.

I posted on hare a couple of weeks ago that with a bit of consistency, you could be challenging for the play-offs. Now you seem to be putting a good run together, but the two teams above (in 5th and 6th spot) you both have 2 games in hand. Let's say they each even pick up a single win then you are five points adrift of 6th place - and you still have to play the top two, which even though they are home games are going to be bloody difficult games.

But don't get me wrong, as much as I'd like to be playing you again next year - I'd love Donny to reach the Prem - just don't see it realistically happening - happy to be proven wrong mind.

[Donnyboy]

The playoffs aren't realistic this season if we analyse it properly, i'd settle for 10th, a win over Barnsley and relegating Scunthorpe in our last home game! that would be some way to finish off the season.

[i_ateallthepies]

Donnyboy wrote:

The playoffs aren't realistic this season if we analyse it properly, i'd settle for 10th, a win over Barnsley and relegating Scunthorpe in our last home game! that would be some way to finish off the season.

I don't get this thing about wanting to see Scunny relegated.  I love the prospect of having a mini Yorkshire league...  mind you, can't deny getting a stiffy on at the prospect of seeing the Fowls get relegated.  Their 'big club' mentality really wazzes me off.

[steve@dcfd]

With Cardiff on 58pts and a game in hand, then the four clubs in the those postion are there to stay. We have 8 games left on 52 pts we will need to take 20 out of 24 pts to stand a chance of any play off position. They will have to lose four out of there last eight games for us to catch them. Lets hope we can collect most of 20pts, and that means beating eight teams we have not beat this season. Lets finish higher than other South Yorkshire clubs and hope Billy keeps on scoring and get to twenty goals.

[Thinwhiteduke]

i_ateallthepies wrote:

I don't get this thing about wanting to see Scunny relegated.

I do. Nasty little town (I lived there for 17 years!), nasty little Club. Hope and prey they go dwon - and then into free fall.

[newtownjoe1]

Very Bitter TWD, not a nice side to see.....