Fan Letters: "Plymouth was disappointing, but let's look forward to Middlesbrough!"
Yesterday at 03:39 PM
RR reader Ian Hughes is confident that the Lads can bounce back against Michael Carrick's team this weekend. Got something to say? Email us: RokerReport@yahoo.co.uk
Dear Roker Report,
In the words of good old Steve Bruce, 'we have to dust wasels down'.
Plymouth was a disappointing performance and result but we've got to move on quickly and harness that disappointment so that we put things right against Boro. Yes, they've had a decent start to the season but not as decent as we have, so let's keep that self belief.
I've never believed more in a group of players and manager more than I have in Régis Le Bris and his players in a very long time.
Let's get behind them and do our part!
Ian Hughes
Ed's Note [Phil]: Hi, Ian. Thank you for your letter.
I fully agree that as disappointing as the Plymouth performance and result was, we should have plenty of faith in the players and coaches to put it right against Middlesbrough this weekend.
We already owed them one after the absolute embarrassment of the corresponding fixture last season, and there should be an even greater degree of motivation following the end of our unbeaten run against Argyle.
There's a new standard being set at the club nowadays, and I'm expecting a much better performance on Saturday.
Dear Roker Report,
First, Dan Neil captain? I don't think so. You can't say Plymouth has 'always been a hard place to play', as most of the players have never been there.
We should've capitalised on Wayne Rooney's pathetic management record and crushed Plymouth early on. Instead, we thought the penalty was enough and the second half was shocking for a team that should be full of confidence.
Let's hope we at least give Boro a tough time. Haway the Lads!
Alan Davies
Ed's Note [Phil]: Hi, Alan. Thank you for getting in touch.
In fairness to Neil, I could see where he was coming from with that statement, as prior to Saturday, our two previous trips to Home Park didn't go as we would've hoped, so perhaps there was a slight lack of self-belief there.
Nevertheless, how we respond to losses will be vital if we're to enjoy a successful season, and given that we're back on home turf for the first time in a while, it's a great chance to put Saturday's loss behind us.
Dear Roker Report,
The late introduction of Wilson Isidor and Alan Browne had the hallmark of previous managers, so who's running the show — Kristjaan Speakman?
Season's over already.
T Young
Ed's Note [Phil]: Hi. Thank you for your letter.
I wouldn't go that far, personally! One loss won't define our season, and as long as we get back to the level we know we can reach against Middlesbrough on Saturday, all should be fine again.
On a side note, I'd be tempted to start Wilson Isidor up front this weekend, and to see what he can offer as a central striker.
It could be a good chance for some rotation, as he's obviously here to stake a claim to start games.
