Tommy looks back at the game before insisting his troops will be doing all they can to beat Barnet on Saturday.
Hi everyone.
Our slim hopes of promotion died on Saturday when we lost to MK Dons, but I think we can be pleased with how we played.
Realistically, our hopes of winning went when Jermaine Easter was sent off after half an hour. From where I was I could not see it. The referee was adamant. The MK Dons players did not appeal, it was the referee’s opinion and we just had to get on with it. I have not seen the replay.
It meant I had to play upfront on my own for an hour. Sergio Torres played just behind me, so we were playing a 4-3-1-1 formation. We were trying to be positive as we needed the three points. It was the first time Sergio has played for a while as he’s been injured, so it was a real test for him.
It was easily the hottest day of the season, to play in that heat against MK Dons, who are one of the strongest sides in the league, with ten men was going to be hard work.
They are a strong side and probably deserved to win, but we were probably worth something for all the effort we put in. But we had to win, a draw was irrelevant.
You could argue we did ourselves proud because of how hard we worked. It was a local derby so to speak and the crowd were appreciative of our efforts when the final whistle went. The majority of them stayed at the end to clap us. That was nice. As a footballer you can’t ask for more than being appreciated by the supporters.
Before the game, Jermaine was presented with the Supporters Player of the Season award.
He’s done so well this season, particularly as last year did not go as planned. He got in the side and did brilliantly at the start of the season. Without his goals we would not have gone so far in the cup.
He’s worked so hard on his game, but his season must be his base now. In many ways he’s wasted the last four years, so this season is his spring board. He will have to work just as hard next season.
He does not want to be one of those strikers who is a one-season wonder. Scouts came to watch him this season, and more will do next year if he continues to play well. That can only be good for him but the club too.
Anthony Grant won the Supporters Young Player of the Year award. We call him ‘Tigger’ because he turned up to a pre-season game against Aldershot wearing slippers and underwear with Tigger on them! I started calling him Tigger and it stuck. He’s done fantastically well for us, as has Scott Golbourne who was on loan from Reading. Coming to us on loan could be the making of them, a bit like when David Beckham went to Preston – not that I am trying to make comparisons! The two of them will be Premier League players in the future.
It’s been a mixed season. Promotion was the aim, which we failed to achieve, but I’m sure some of the supporters would not have swapped the cup run for anything. I just hope they have seen enough this year to be confident about next season.
We trained on the pitch on Monday before going off to a sponsors’ dinner in the evening. The atmosphere between the players was quite upbeat, even though we can’t get promoted. You can’t change anything that’s happened in the past.
We were pleased with how we played on Saturday. We will focus on Barnet for the rest of the week. Being a professional, you want to finish the season on a high. You still have pride to play for. I’m sure there will be a few supporters who travel to watch us – we want to put in a performance for them too.
I watched the Chelsea-Liverpool game on Tuesday and I thought it was fantastic. I thought it was an extremely good game.
For neutrals, you want it to go to penalties. I was delighted when Kuyt’s goal was ruled out. People might find that odd as I used to support Liverpool when I was younger. My boy supports Chelsea and I have to say I am swayed by him.
Also, having played against Chelsea this season and seen how professional they were with us, that only enhanced my opinion of them as a club.
At the end of our game with them, Jose Mourinho came up to me at the end and said some really nice things which I will never forget. My son, who was watching, was just as pleased with that as when I gave him Lampard’s shirt after the game. When that happens, you have a certain affection for the club.
I was disappointed at the end when they lost. Reina seems to have this thing with penalties. Looking at the eyes of the Liverpool players who took the penalties, they looked so confident. It’s fantastic for the players. You could see the excitement in Kuyt’s eyes when he was interviewed at the end. That’s how it should be. Success is what drives a footballer.
Although Liverpool were the only English club who got through to the Final, having three of the four Semi-Finalists settles the argument for me that the Premier League is the best in the world. Technically, the Spanish players might be better, but I’d rather watch a Premier League game than La Liga. In fact, I’d rather watch a Championship game.
Who do you think is the best club side in the world?
Graeme Lloyd
Going back to what I said about the English League being the best, even though Chelsea are the champions, I would have to say Manchester United are by far and away the best team. They seem to have the ability to from one end to the other and score within five seconds!
Please can you do your utmost to keep Tommy Doherty at the club. He’s a great player with so much fire in his belly.
Vicky Hale
He’s one of the most influential members of the team and to lose him at the end of the season was tough. I know how disappointed he was. I know the club will be doing everything they can to get Doc here next season. It’s difficult getting someone from a higher division though - he plays for QPR. But I know he enjoyed his time here.
What are your plans for next season? I hope you are staying at Wycombe.
John McNeill
I should know more next week. I have a great relationship with the manager and he’s sold me on the plans he has for the season. If he gets the chance to do what he wants to do, then I can see no reason why I would not sign. I’ll let you know more in my next column.