Here are the players (I think), who did not feature last night at Middlesbrough. And what an important contribution some of them have made.


THB…for being arguably, the most consistent centre, half in the entire division

Ekdal…for fitting in seamlessly.

Charlie Taylor, ever reliable in his new central defensive position…always done a great job and still, for me, is a wonderful player.

Dara, for his run in the side at the start of the season, when we were still establishing any semblance of a healthy squad.

Jay Rod, for leading the line brilliantly before Christmas and for many key contributions that have led to victories.

Benson….no words. A game changer and a points winner.

BPF for stepping in for Muric when asked.

Twine…for West Brom

Dervişoğlu for Rotherham






Charlie Taylor
Taylor Harwood-Bellis
CJ Egan-Riley
Jay Rod
Scott Twine
Lyle Foster
Bailey Peacock-Farrell
Manuel Benson
Hjalmar Ekdal
Luke McNally
Dara Costelloe
Samuel Bastien
Darko Churlinov
Halil Dervişoğlu


…and of course, our brilliant manager and his coaching staff!







WHAT A TEAM!!!!

VK simples.

Lots of players have played their parts, but none of them would have achieved anything without the manager.

His game plan, his winning mentality, his refusal to change tack at the first minor set back, his attention to detail, his use of the squad........

Absolutely

spirit

Lots of it!

Alan Pace for bringing in Vincent kompany and backing him

The OP nails it our strength in depth and deep squad has proven invaluable, and when some players have been unavailable or suffered a dip in form others have stepped up.

Some have only made modest contributions, well others have been immense all season, however all have played their part in our remarkable campaign,

Josh Cullen

Pace and Kompany.

THB is the second best centre half in the league...after Beyer.

Being relegated last season.

Starting from scratch with a completely different script.

jordsclarets wrote: ↑

Sat Apr 08, 2023 2:12 pm

Josh Cullen

Yer Josh does the simple things , i hate to say this but kind of a Roy Keane roll .

You could pick them all out individually but it's VK for me, he shipped out and shipped in a completely new team both on and off the pitch whilst getting across a whole new method of playing, handling the press and moving house and doing all the things his family needs....a special man, thankyou...you are some bloke

Actually what has made this season so brilliant compared to the Premier League ones is that in every game we can compete and there is a real possibility of winning so each game is worth watching.

I looked at the Southampton - Man City game last night and wondered, after all the hype of Friday, if I'm looking forward to watching those sort of backs to the wall games. I'm not.

Hipper wrote: ↑

Sun Apr 09, 2023 9:27 am

Actually what has made this season so brilliant compared to the Premier League ones is that in every game we can compete and there is a real possibility of winning so each game is worth watching.

I looked at the Southampton - Man City game last night and wondered, after all the hype of Friday, if I'm looking forward to watching those sort of backs to the wall games. I'm not.

Realistically the only game we’ll be writing off as a ‘free shot’ is City next year. The Bournemouth game in the cup proved we can mix it with Prem teams. Given a full summer and VKs transfer targets, I’ve ever confidence in the squad doing well next year.

Basically, we have a wonderful manager who understands both what it takes to win in terms of mindset & preparation but also understands the tactical side of the game and knows how to setup the team with varying tweaks dependent on personnel available/the opposition.

Factor in VK's ability to unearth a few diamonds in the rough, both through a combination of familiarity & analytics to suits his preferred philosophy/style of play and to be able to coach that system into them in a relatively short period of time - basically all of these points has set us up this season for success.

Lesser managers after a few dodgy results and especially the Sheff United game may have reverted to type a little bit and maybe gone to Chaz at LB for example, but his resilience and belief has lead to where we are today.

Look at Watford for an example of what not to do - in less than 12 months they've had what, three or four different play styles being drilled into them? It's absurd

VK, a great squad, plus finding a way to win in a number of games which could have so easily been draws

The ability and charisma of Vincent Kompany. Was it about 6 weeks he had between arriving, assembling a 'new' team and winning favour with the dismayed, dejected and disillusioned fan base from only a few weeks earlier.
We.got the win at Huddersfield and people began buying tickets for the first home game of the season. The bandwagon was already gaining momentum. It continued with barely a 'blip'. I hold Vincent Kompany 100%.responsible for what has happened to us this season. It's his fault.

Along with Kompany....We have Craig Bellamy..Michael Jackson and others. This isn't a One Man Show.

'A tough league to get out of'

It really isn't.

VK, team spirit players actually enjoying playing, massive bond between players and fans.

Hipper wrote: ↑

Sun Apr 09, 2023 9:27 am

I looked at the Southampton - Man City game last night and wondered, after all the hype of Friday, if I'm looking forward to watching those sort of backs to the wall games. I'm not.

We only have to play City twice, you know. Most weeks we will be looking at a much more level playing field. Could easily be an upper mid table season for us.

Of course, we fans will still be nervous until we get the necessary points for survival - but I don't believe we will be casting nervous glances over our shoulder at the relegation battle even before that.

equinox wrote: ↑

Sun Apr 09, 2023 3:50 pm

'A tough league to get out of'

It really isn't.

Ask Watford, Norwich or Preston fans whether it is or not. Nobbers can't seem to get out in either direction!

bfcmik wrote: ↑

Sun Apr 09, 2023 4:04 pm

Ask Watford, Norwich or Preston fans whether it is or not. Nobbers can't seem to get out in either direction!

PNE Been in Limbo for Decades....Big Fan Base modern stadium. We got promoted there in 72 what a roller coaster ride weve had along the way.... while they've trodden water all these years!!!

bfcmik wrote: ↑

Sun Apr 09, 2023 4:04 pm

Ask Watford, Norwich or Preston fans whether it is or not. Nobbers can't seem to get out in either direction!

Maybe Preston are just about where they should be, as for Watford and Norwich, they don't seem to have much problem getting out the Championship.

What has made us so brilliant this season?

Goals from every part of the team !

Hard work, team ethic, never say die mentality, Vincent Kompany and his staff.

Ampth7 wrote: ↑

Sun Apr 09, 2023 8:06 pm

Hard work, team ethic, never say die mentality, Vincent Kompany and his staff.

Absolutely this. Hard work from everyone at the club.

The pre-match light show.

Predominately, money.

Boring I know. But Kompany will be on a HUGE salary by Championship standards. The parachute payments were critical. Without that, no chance. It’s a massively sloping pitch in that sense, and for once we are the ones who cannot grumble at it.

But yes, Kompany, Pace and others are big too.