Forget the scoreline, this was a good test for the boys and a reminder of the hard work ahead. Always hard to read too much into this type of match but there were some promising signs, particularly second half when we upped the tempo and played with far more intensity. Also gave players a chance to stake an early claim for a shirt, overall the new players did this, Mark Steadman, Reece De Souza and Ruel Sandiford all played a part in the second half revival, some established players not so effective and now the pressure's on them. Boss made it clear that past achievements and reputations count for nothing this year, anyone resting on their laurels needs to get the message and quick.
Early days but lessons to be learnt here, take them on board and apply them next match and we'll be heading in the right direction. Don't listen and keep making the same basic errors and players will be heading in another direction - the exit, there weren't enough players listening intently before the game for my liking and this led to an accumulation of errors which ultimately hurt us. Cue the first goal - not enough pressure on the cross, midfielders not tracking back and suddenly the ball's in the net, well executed effort by Redbridge but avoidable on two counts from our point of view.
Defensively, things weren't perfect, good news is there's plenty of time to put it right, didn't pressure and squeeze play as a unit to make things predictable - stood off Redbridge too much and they made us pay. Same story with the ball, particularly first half, gave it away far too easily, poor passing options all over the pitch and this always puts you on the back foot, will come in time so no mad panic at this stage.
It's alright, haven't turned into Victor Meldrew during the close season (although the hairs going that way), always been realistic about what needs to be done, no point papering over the cracks, What we have got is a good squad of players who are more than capable of challenging for honours this term, they need to listen, take things on board and be focused every time they pull on the shirt if they want to succeed- they’re all controllable qualities so interesting to see who shows the right attitude and wants it enough,
Last word and a compliment to the state of the ground, a credit to the small band of individuals who have worked so hard to get where we are, sort of supporters who deserve a team to be proud of - ultimately that's the aim in the season ahead.
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