My thoughts after today's game:
1) Another toothless performance, the only positives being that Banton actually had a better game and Conor's goal was a sublime strike. All of the fancy triangular passing that the players do during the warm up is hilarious though, as they seldom implement it during the match. What's more, it irritated the hell out of me (as it always does after a defeat) when the players strolled around the pitch at the end of the game to 'applaud' the fans. What was the applause for? The fact that I've travelled two hours to watch them fail to play for the shirt, and now need to dash back across Central Park for the return leg of my journey? (Note to the players: if you're going to play so poorly then please don't patronise me with applause; hanging your heads in shame would be much more appropriate.)
2) Frustrated with Sheridan for two reasons: firstly, he showed no passion whatsoever, leaning on the side of the dugout with his hands in his pockets and looking thoroughly disinterested. He could at least act like he cares by getting a bit more animated and attempting to shout instructions to players. After all, he is paid a salary; his position is not voluntary. Secondly, if the last few games of the season now provide an opportunity to look at some young/alternative prospects for next season, why on earth did he bring on our short-term loanee Enoch? Don't get me wrong, I'm not in the 'Sheridan Out' camp (yet), as I'm unconvinced that we could attract anyone better to Plymouth whilst we're still in League 2.
3) When reflecting on our season as a whole, a few things spring to mind. Yes, it's lovely that we're not in a relegation scrap, but our performances have more often than not been horrendous to watch, particularly at home. I enjoyed the Port Vale, Morecambe, and Chesterfield games, but is just a few decent performances enough? Worryingly, what we have demonstrated is that we are poor at getting motivated when it matters. Our lacklustre attitude meant that we were humiliated against a fiery and 'up-for-it' Exeter. It seems pathetic that the lads couldn't get motivated for our biggest derby game of the season. Furthermore, our greatest potential motivator to finish the season well was the opportunity to make the play-offs, but not even that could motivate our gormless lot!
4) Finally, as much as I'm disappointed with the attitude and actions of both our players and manager, I will still be there for the final home game on Saturday. Not because the players or manager deserve it, but because the club, MY club, Plymouth Argyle, will always be bigger than any personnel. The players and manager are merely passing through time like a fart in the wind, but Argyle is something that we must ensure will always endure. After all, Argyle is in my blood.
