Another eventful week at The Vic: two points gained and a new man in charge.
Brendan Rodgers took charge as of Wednesday and I think I can speak for all the lads when I say that he’s made an instant impact and a very positive one at that.
His philosophy on the game is one that deserves success, he wants us to get the ball down and enjoy playing football. He’s got a vision of a team that keep the majority of possession and, when needed, be incisive and carve teams open and I truly believe we have got players of the quality to do that.
He has worked with the top players in the world and been at a club that has had huge success. It may take a little bit of time to perfect the style of football he’s looking for but once he does there’s no doubt success will come our way.
As for the game this week, we had a very pleasing performance against Bristol midweek and probably deserved more than the single point we gained from the game. It did signal the end of Malky’s short rein and a very successful one it was. He was in charge of five tough games, winning two and drawing one. I have no doubt that this is only the beginning for him as he seemingly slid into the manager's role with little problem and certainly helped lift the mood after Aidy’s departure.
As for yesterday's game, as I mentioned before it will take a little bit of time to adapt to the new style of play and I do believe there were some positive signs to take but we were disappointed not to take all three points.
Doncaster are a much better team than the league table gives them credit for but we know that we need to be winning the majority of our home games if we want to climb the table so this was a missed opportunity. It was an chance to see the new lad we have in on loan Liam Bridcutt who I thought was very impressive on his debut, fantastic technically and worked very hard - I'm sure he’ll be a good addition.
This week also signalled the departure of our fitness coach Martyn Pert and first-team coach Martin Hunter. Both joined under Aidy and did great jobs for Watford, it was very sad to see them go but was a scene that you eventually get very used to when involved in football. It really can be a ruthless business at times.
Another big week ahead and the game that everyone is talking about on Wednesday evening, I read a few interesting bits in yesterday's programme in terms of good omens for this game; one being that in recent times we have made a semi-final every two years and another being that Harry Redknapp is due to be named 'Manager of the Month' and I think we all know what curse that brings with it!
I hope to be writing next week with a semi-final to look forward to. Until then...