What a start to the season we've enjoyed. The passion displayed by the players has been fantastic Apart from a minor glich of two matches the blues have shown they mean business this season. The 5 - 1 thrashing that was dealt out to the Cosmos was just what we needed after the two losses and hopefully we're back on track.
There has been some outstanding commitment shown to the shirt by the players, both old and new, this season. However following our first defeat of the season the support of some of our fans has to be called into question. Let's be clear what we're here for, and the key word here is support. It's easy to sing when we're winning, the job gets harder when we're on the receiving end. However when the team isn't doing so well it's our job to get behind them, let our boys know that we care. We're definitely not here to abuse our own players on and off the pitch when things aren't going so well. If our players behaved the way some of our fans do, then half the team would walk off after conceding a couple of goals.
Our job is to lift a player, rather than slag them off (the opposition do that for us). Michael Conroy is a case in point. He's had trouble getting the ball in the back of the net, but has been contributing greatly in other ways. His work off the ball is excellent, his thoughtful passes and flick ons have created great opportunities for his team mates. Everyone knows that being a striker is very much a confidence game, and Conroy needs to stick one in and the goals will start flowing for him. As fans we can help him by singing up for him, not moaning about every miss and ignoring his overall contribution. He's a great lad and always puts in his all and as such deserves all our support.
The crowds once again have failed to turn up for matches but at least the atmosphere at Olympic Park is improving. Against the Cosmos the atmosphere was absolutely dynamite. The blues choir in the Eastern Stand is growing and the noise coming out of there is definitely reaching the players on the pitch. The players appreciate it when we sing up especially as the crowd overall is quite small. So if you feel like singing and being heard, see you in the Eastern stand.
Our start of the season is particularly impressive considering the injury crisis we've had to endure. The latest long-term injury being suffered by Jo Tricarico. It seems a cruel blow to the lad, he's had an outstanding season so far and had made the right wing position his own. We'll miss you Tricky, good luck with the difficult months ahead and best wishes for a full recovery.
In this issue of mbh we have interviews with our 3 British players. They've had time to settle into the club and country and have a good look at the League, so we thought it would be a good time to catch up with them. Hope you enjoy this issue.
Sal