The Inquest and Coroners Report!

By: Bill Osborne
Date: 24/01/2005

RUSSELL Slade had his say after Saturday's game and some of his statement might leave a few people wondering what he means. One thing is for sure. The fans knew what they meant and made no bones about it.

Slade told the Grimsby Telegraph; "It was the fourth opportunity we've had this season to get into the top 10 and we haven't taken it. It's difficult to put your finger on why. In the first half we weren't at the races."

"Lincoln knew what they were about and we had too many players out of form. It didn't seem like the same team that won at Orient."

"They hurt us with two set-pieces. But to be fair to Simon Yeo he was on fire and scored three great goals. "

"They left me with no option but to change things at half time and the second period was more like it. Our early goal in the second half that pulled us back to 2-1 down gave us the lift we needed and at 2-2 we were on top. But the killer was their third goal." END

No option? Does that mean he will only play Pinault if he is forced to? If one was to listen to the fans, who are no mugs, their option was to play Pinault from the start, the other players in their right positions and field an attacking line-up at home!

Mr Slade keeps saying we were not at the races. Maybe not but Town supporters have had their stewards enquiry and it seems they are not pleased either by the line-up or the tactics.

AdamHaddock did not agree with Slade's selection committee.

Slade's decision to drop Pinault and replace him with two players who simply don't understand the concept of passing to a teammate (instead of the opposition) has backfired. These two hoofers have to be dropped in favour of a midfield pairing of Hockless and Pinault.

Maringer commented on the change that Pinault's arrival made.

"First half we were so dreadful that it was fortunate for us to come in only two down. I can't think of anyone who was playing even decently for us in the first half." "The addition of Pinault in the second half and the change to 4-4-2, made a big difference, as we weren't overrun as much in midfield."

The usually very non committal Denby added;

"Slade got it wrong yesterday, and I think that's the first time I've said that this season. The first half was absolutely dreadful, with both our chances falling to Greg Young (tackled first time, shot saved second time). Man of the first half by a country mile for us was Fleming. I can't believe he has been picked out by others as the worst"

"Second half, Pinault obviously made a huge difference but Ramsden at left back? It was horrible watching a great centre back having to cut in on his right foot every time he got the ball."

So it seems that the fans wanted Pinault on from the kick off and where they right about that?

Tony Butcher in his report of the game answered that question.

"The message to the world is Thomas Pinault. He proved his, and our, point. One mis-placed pass, in the 87th minute, but even then he got the ball back. He was, by far, the best footballer on the pitch. The truth is out there."

Keith Alexander said;

"In the first half we were excellent. Simon Yeo had three chances and scored three goals. If he took his chances regularly he would get 30 goals a season."

"I was a bit disappointed to concede two sloppy goals after half time but we came back again. We were so much better than Grimsby in the first half and I knew they would send Thomas Pinault on at half time and try to get something back."

On Lincoln's long ball tactics he said; "When you play three men up front you don't need to take an extra pass, you want to get the ball into those areas as soon as possible."

"This is a difficult division to get out of. There are some good sides but we can make the play-offs. People seem to forget we've been in the play-offs two seasons running."

Impslass with the final words said;

"I expected a tough one at Cleethorpes today. I was disappointed. It was just too easy."

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