Cup Thread 2020/21

[Guernica]

Sunderland progress winning on pens - didn't watch the game so can't really comment.

Big news with Joe Walsh missing for 4-6 weeks - same timescales as Bridcutt and both massive losses. Walsh as we lose our only senior left footed centre back and we only had 3 senior CB's anyway! Harry Anderson also injured, awaiting scans etc.

Not great timing BUT if we can be there or thereabouts - Walsh, Bridcutt and Morton to come in for the final furlong will be massive additions. It's just whether we can hang on, from all accounts tiredness crept in today where up to now we've been the fitter side and able to finish games strongly. It's what we all expected as we just don't have the luxury of big squads like the others up there.

 

[Luke Imp]

Didn't catch the game either but both managers commented how tired and leggy both sets of players looked.

 

[Robshep]

Didn't catch the game either but both managers commented how tired and leggy both sets of players looked.

Tranmere Rovers selling virtual tickets but all proceeds going to the clubs community programmes that help underpriveleged and disabled people. Wouldn't be surprised if Sunderland do the same.

 

[Agombar stool]

Tranmere Rovers selling virtual tickets but all proceeds going to the clubs community programmes that help underpriveleged and disabled people. Wouldn't be surprised if Sunderland do the same.

That's a wonderful initiative. Chapeau to TRFC.

 

[Indian Dan]

Has last year’s final taken place yet?

 

[Tinnion's right foot]

Has last year’s final taken place yet?

No. It's the day before this year's.

 

[Indian Dan]

Tinpot

 

[Agombar stool]

It is an absolutely ridiculous tournament. Thankfully we are next to useless in cup competitions and always never get out of the groups apparently.

I'd love a cup run in one of the proper tournaments mind you. Getting to the final of this must be like when you get an amazon order that you have forgotten about and it comes in a big box and you think that it's something big and exciting only to open it up, move aside all the pointless packaging and disover there is nothing but a thimble in it.

 

[Indian Dan]

Like the Wiltshire County Cup, you mean?

 

[Agombar stool]

Like the Wiltshire County Cup, you mean?

I'd rather win that probably.

 

[Camborne Gills]

We have always been pretty hopeless in the tinpot cup, apart from an area final 6 years ago.

 

[Robshep]

Has last year’s final taken place yet?

Last years final is on the day before. Portsmouth could hold the record for longest time as FA Cup holders and shortest time as EFL Trophy holders. Something to boast about i suppose.

 

[K-Win]

I managed to endure our laboured efforts against Salford in the EFL Trophy Final (part 1) yesterday. Should have been at least two goals down at half-time, only saved by a wonder display by McGillivray in goal. HT stats of zero goal attempts and behind on possession says it all really.

All it takes these days is to string a few passes together to cut through our defence, and Salford were more than capable of that. We came into it in the second-half and extra time, but that was only really due to Salford having fewer resources than us to throw on rather than any clever tactical switch. Salford were hanging on a bit towards the end of extra-time but fully deserved to beat us on pens.

Finally, one of the players (Whatmough) has broken ranks and admitted that morale is at an all-time low. I reckon this is a combination of loss of belief in Jackett, plus the fact that we have many players out of contract in the summer who are quite probably not playing at 100%.

Ipswich (now under our old boss, Cook) have finally knocked us out of the play-off zone. Pretty sure we won't be getting back in there. Can't wait for this season to be over, frankly.

 

[Super_horns]

They must have agreed with you - Jackett gone this morning.

 

[K-Win]

Yes. It had to happen... Once a player comes out and says morale across the squad is rock-bottom it doesn't take long. Maybe not too late for some fresh ideas to get us into the play-off zone?

Jackett was in his fourth season. He's come close to getting us into the Championship, and may have done so with a bit more luck. Generally though, the recruitment hasn't been the best. He got good money for Jamal Lowe and Matt Clarke but the incoming players just aren't as good.

Most fans won't be sorry to see him go. Personally, I think he just hit that stage where the player / manager relationship gets jaded and fresh ideas are needed.