We knew it wouldn’t be Harry Redknapp whilst we have learned that Kevin Bond wasn’t around the place either, and so it was Harry2, Dave ‘Harry’ Bassett who took centre stage.
He thinks he should be getting the job as manager and was already speaking as if he was by suggesting that he thought his side should have won. “It was disappointing we did not win today because after taking the lead I felt we could have gone on to win it,” said Bassett who then rather strangely, and out of character, paused to take breath.
“We needed that second goal,” he added, “But that has been the problem all season. Most games we have got into a good position but failed to finish teams off. The stats tell their own story, we have one of the best defensive records but 24 goals in 21 games is not good enough.
“We played well in the first half and caused all sorts of problems but unfortunately we could not kill them off. They came here and played on the counter rather than attacking us. That is not a criticism because they do it well and we have to overcome that.
“They probably only had one effort on goal and they scored from it, but that happens sometimes and we ended up with a draw and I don’t think we deserved that. It was one of those ugly games, there was no free flowing football because
And finally, just like anyone would do when he’s trying to get the job, he wheeled out the excuses. “I cannot fault the lads for effort,” Bassett said. “A few of them had gastric flu at half time but they went out and battled on and I am more than satisfied with their enthusiasm and commitment.”
Steve Cotterill didn’t see it quite the same way but was certainly pleased with the point we won following the second half equaliser from Ade Akinbiyi.
“We’re pleased with the point because of our second half performance,” Steve said after the game. “We didn’t play with that belief and desire that we’ve had over the last couple of months during the first half but there was a lot more belief in ourselves during the second half and we were much better. We could have even gone on and won it but I certainly think we deserved a point out of it.
“If we lacked anything in the first half, it was not being first to the second balls, it was nothing tactical just that believe. There was also the whole
Speaking about the two potential penalty incidents in the first half he said, “Their penalty was one of those that you get at home but not away from home and I also thought we could have had a penalty in the first half when contact was made on Wade Elliott. It would have been a soft one but there was definitely contact.”
Commenting on the incredible situation at St. Mary’s he said, “With Dave Bassett and Dennis Wise coming in we knew they would have them up for it and if they end up taking over then good luck to them. They are good lads and they know their football inside out and they will do a good job. I was disappointed not to see my mate Harry but having said that, it has been a decent day for us.”
Commenting on the team changes, and particularly the inclusion of Graham Branch he added, “We knew we needed a header today because they were bigger than us, and we knew if Branchy did play it would be at centre half where he would have the least running to do.
“We could gamble a bit with it as the game went on and fortunately for us it worked out and it was a fantastic cross by Branchy and a terrific header by Ade for the goal. We are used to him scoring and I just hope nobody else has so he is still top of the charts.
“It was the best cross of the game, pin point, but you have still got work to do to get a ball past Niemi who is arguably the best goalkeeper in the league. So we were delighted with that one.”
And concluding he looked at the game overall. “
“We had three players missing from last week’s team, but we cannot spend too much time talking about last week’s players because we have to congratulate the players who played today.”