New Wembley But Same Old Story

We have now lost to Burnley three times this season and they were comfortably the better side on each occasion. If they had not been involved in long cup runs, they would have probably gone up automatically. They were the better team on the day and seemed to relish the occasion and the opportunity. In contrast, we performed our usual party trick of not doing enough to win the must-win game and scratching around for excuses afterwards.

After the Sheffield derby earlier in the season, it was obvious Mike Dean was not going to give us anything that was not completely blatant. When asked about the penalty appeals Blackwell said you need those breaks to win games. Some officials would have given them but if you need the help of the referee to score goals then you do not deserve to win. For once, it would be refreshing to actually win one of these matches by what we do on the pitch rather than relying on other factors.

The atmosphere was very disappointing by our own high standards but when the manager puts out a side with only one striker up front it is hardly surprising. In such a big game that sends the wrong message to everyone. Using the 4-5-1 formation away cost us our place in the Premiership. It is quite simple if you do not score goals you will not win many matches.

At the start of the season we had James Beattie, Rob Hulse and Jon Stead and we could have done with any one of those three yesterday. Leaving out Ward was a mistake unless he was not 100% fit but once again Lupoli was criminally underused. Craig Beattie has been a disappointing loan signing and does not look like scoring goals.

Prices at the new Wembley are still a complete rip-off starting with £25 to park in the official stadium car park. When you are inside the ground you are not going to get much change from a tenner for a pie and a pint. The stadium itself is an improvement on the old Wembley but it should be with the time and money it cost to build. The roads in the surrounding area are still a nightmare to negotiate after the match regardless of what time you leave.

We can look forward to yet another season in the Championship. The parachute payments have stopped so it will be interesting to hear from McCabe and Blackwell regarding the plans for next season. As things stand the defence is sound but midfield still needs attention and a striker who can score goals would not go amiss either.

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