Keeping things in perspective
Sorry if I repeat this from the match thread... but you've probably moved on from that thread now.
I call this: Perspective:
I can understand the disappointment of a blip in such a good run, but it still shouldn't cloud the amazing turnaround in Coventry's fortune since MR arrived, and the pride that has been restored.
I was at the earlier fixture between the two sides when Shrewsbury ran Coventry ragged, which ironically was the catalyst in setting into motion the events that have have restored Coventry's fortunes.
And BrightonSkyBlue, I think the defeat is colouring your view of Shrewsbury, as "one of the worst sides they have ever played". From the commentary it sounded as though they played their part in an entertaining game that produced almost 40 shots at goal and one that was played in a good spirit. Even you said that they could have had 5 goals! Not what you would expect from "a poor side."
Shrewbury's manager Graham Turner has had to combat the difficulties of playing in a higher league, having lost four of the stars of their promotion team: Sharps, Collins, Wroe and Cansdell-sheriff, but whose results have not been a fair reflection of their performances. On Boxing day, the Brentford Manager, Uwe Rosler, praised Shrewsbury for having fought out two evenly matched draws at home and away, claiming that they were the equal of his side in both games. And they are now on a run of just one defeat in eight games.
Now just as that 4-1 defeat at Shrewsbury galvanised the good run that has seen the SkyBlues rise from relegation candidates to promotion hopefuls, so maybe this setback against the same side will set them off on another good run, starting with the luxury of being big underdogs at White Hart lane, through into two mid table supremacy games against Preston and Carlisle... and then taking on clear leaders Tranmere at the Ricoh in a fortnight: a match that could show exactly what your aspirations should be.
A side that has gone almost two months unbeaten does not turn into a bad side because of one unexpected defeat. In fact it may be a blessing by keeping Coventry's feet on the ground and make them work harder. The next two months will be key. Losing to Shrewsbury is better than losing to Tranmere, Brentford, Swindon and the other promotion contenders, as those games will be six pointers, whereas although I expect Shrewbury to rise to mid table, they are unlikely to trouble the leaders.
As it seems, David McG will be leaving, it creates a big void that his prolific scoring feats have filled, but Stephen Elliot will be hungry to do just that, as his performance at MK showed. The midfield today may not have been as robust as in recent weeks... but there was enough creativity to conjure up 20 goal efforts, which was twice as many as in the home match against Preston. ten days ago.
Doubtless MR will be noting his options in the transfer window, but I think that the squad you have is good enough to mount a serious promotion charge. You had a great two month run before today's loss to Shrewsbury; another two months undefeated will have you all singing again.
So then perhaps all of you will be toasting Shrewsbury again for giving you a boot up the backside... even you, BrightonSkyBlue!
