3rd October 2002: I'd like to
think they didn't try at Wigan, because no less than ten of the thirteen
players who took part at the JJB Stadium have played some part in
the first team this season. And the only player who apparently came
out of the Wigan game with any credit was Lloyd Dyer, not one of the
ten.
This can be taken a few ways. Either they all had an off-night, the
squad is seriously lacking in depth, or they just weren't trying.
I can't believe the first one, I fear that the second may be true
and I'm hoping that the third is.
But let's put this in perspective - does anyone really care about
the Worthington Cup? I'm sure that Megson didn't deliberately try
and lose the game, but the fact that we will have at least one less
game to worry about is a small mecry for which he can be thankful.
A good cup run can build confidence as we saw last season, but it
also brings additional risks of tiredness, injuries and suspensions.
And if we had won our Quarter Final against Fulham last season and
being playing a Semi-Final against Chelsea rather than Bradford City
on that magic weekend, we may not be in the Premiership this season.
But it does worry me that if we were to lose one or more of Hoult,
Moore, Gilchrist, Gregan and Roberts for any length of time, do we
have the players to fill their boots even partly? On the performance
at Wigan, the answer is a resounding NO.
But it was one game in a competition we're not all that bothered about,
and Megson was right to rest players. But it can't have exactly given
the likes of Clement, Koumas, Marshall, Sigurdsson, Dobie, Dichio
and Wallwork (all with first team starts this season) a great deal
of confidence. And they do need it!!!
Another point of interest - this is the first time that the Baggies
have bowed out of a major cup competition to lower league opposition
since Megson took charge. Now that makes a change. |
